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tessa-liam · 6 months

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Turning the Page

Because I Love You - 7 -

Choices, The Royal Romance, AU

Series Premise: As Riley Brooks journeys through life as a single parent in New York City, an epiphany strikes as she contemplates the future for herself and her two-year-old son.

Turning the Page Series Masterlist

Main Pairing: Liam Rys x F!OC Riley Brooks

All characters belong to Pixelberry Studios, except William Brooks (Rys) and Matteo Magro, who belongs to this series.

Category: On-going series, contains angst/fluff/depression. Cross-over fic with Choices, Perfect Match.

Rating: M🔞Warnings - Series will contain crude language, NSFW material – not Beta’d - please excuse all errors.

Words : 2450

Because I Love You – 7

Chapter Summary: Liam and Riley spend their first day as a family with William. A threat is revealed in Cordonia, while security is tightened in New York. Liam is called back to Cordonia.

Music Inspiration: When You Say Nothing at All, Alison Kraus & Union Station

A/N1: In this alternate universe, after King Constantine orchestrates two individual scandals to humiliate and entrap Riley Brooks and Olivia Nevrakis in shame, Madeleine Amaranth secures her position as the Queen of Cordonia. Riley, as the King’s mistress and Olivia, in self-imposed exile. Tariq is never found.

A/N2: My submission for @choicesflashfics, Week#62, prompt #1 - “Forever means nothing to me if I don’t get to spend it with you.”

A/N3: My submission for @choicesflashfics, Holiday Prompt #18 - “If you throw that snowball, you’re declaring war.”

A/N4: My submission for @choicesdecember2023, prompt, Food and Feasts - ‘National cocoa day.’ #choices monthly challenge

A/N5: My submission for Choices Holidays Prompt Event, @angelasscribbles @choicesholidays, Week 3, “This is definitely going to land me on your naughty list.”

A/N6: My submission for Holiday Prompts 2023, prompt – Snowball Fight – Building a snowman.

Brooklyn Heights, New York City

The snow had drifted up against the patio door throughout the evening and continued to pile up as the new day began.

William looked up and gasped. "It's snowing! Look, Mama, ... loooooooook!"

Riley sauntered over to the glass door and gazed out at the beautiful sight. "It is snowing, LiLi. You are so right!"

"Can we go outside and play, Mama? ...Pweeeeeze?"

"Not yet sweetheart, it's still too early. But, maybe later today, the snow should still be falling."

William grinned, his eyes lighting up. "Yay!"

"You can show me all your favorite places outside in the snow." Liam chimed in, walking up to stand beside Riley with his coffee.

"Daddy, can you make a snowman with me?"

"Yes, I can. In fact, I'm a snowman-making expert." Riley's eyebrow shot up quickly turning to see a smirking Liam beside her.

"Really? Wow." William excitedly clapped his hands. Riley smiled warmly at William's reaction, which mirrored closely with Liam's expression of delight.

"Yes, I have a special way of making them. Do you want me to show you how?"

"Yes, Daddy, please!"

Riley giggled, shaking her head. “Snow in the Capital?”

“Not the Capital, but it was always snowing in Lythikos.” Liam quipped back with a grin.

Liam whispered, “... and Mama can help too.” Liam smiled affectionately at Riley, softly stroking her cheek with his thumb.

“But first, I would like to show you a train set at the toy store in the city! Would you like that, William?"

"Yes, yes, yes! I want to go see the train." William excitedly bounced in his chair. Liam grinned, captivated by the joy in his son's expression.

"Alright, let's finish our breakfast, and then we can get ready to go. We can also pick up some hot cocoa and marshmallows along the way."

William squealed in delight. “Oh yes, Daddy.”

Riley’s shoulders shook uncontrollably, with her laughter barely held.

“You are having way too much fun, Li.”

Liam bashfully looked at Riley and winked. “I will have Bastien prepare the car. We can go as soon as it gets here.”

“Okay, little man. Let’s get you ready to go.” Riley walked to pick up William from his toddler chair as Liam made the arrangements.

***

After visiting F.A.O. Schwarz in Rockerfeller center, as promised, Liam took Riley and William for a hot cocoa treat while admiring the huge Christmas tree in the center court.

As they walked along the bustling streets of New York, Liam could not help but smile at how much fun his son was having, and truth be told, so was he. They had visited the toy store, where Liam had bought him a set of toy trains, and stealthily selected more toys for Christmas morning for William.

William was in awe of the trains, and he had insisted on carrying the bag personally all the way to the café by himself.

As they entered, the waitress smiled warmly at them, and Riley was grateful for the privacy that being with the King afforded. She did not need any extra attention from onlookers.

"Good afternoon, folks. What can I get for you?"

Liam turned to Riley, "we will all have hot cocoa, with whipped cream and marshmallows."

“That sounds delicious …yes, please.” Riley agreed.

The waitress nodded, "you got it."

As she walked away, Liam turned to Riley, "thank you, Riley."

"For what?"

"For letting me be part of William's life. I now know that I can't imagine not having him in my life."

"I'm glad, Li. He's a very special little person."

"He is. Just like... his mother."

Riley blushed, "you're sweet."

"Not as sweet as you."

"Stop, Li," Riley laughed, shaking her head.

"Hey, I have an idea. Why don't we go to the park after this? We can build a snowman."

"That sounds wonderful. LiLi will love it."

"… and later, I was thinking just the two of us," Liam suggested, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "We have a lot of catching up to do."

"Oh...that sounds nice too." Riley smiled coyly.

The waitress returned with their drinks, and they spent the next hour talking and laughing, enjoying each other's company. When they were done, Liam paid the bill, and they headed out into the crisp, winter air.

"It's a date then?!" Liam continued to watch William.

"It's a date." Riley confirmed. “Oh, yeah?” Liam beamed.

“Yeah,” Riley confirmed, squeezing his hand.

"I meant what I said earlier, Riley. I want to be a part of your lives, both yours and William's.

As they continued to stroll, Liam reached out and took Riley's hand in his, a feeling of contentment washing over him.

"I know, Li. And we want you in our lives too."

"Good. Because now that I have you back in my life.... I want us to be a family."

"I love you too, Liam."

"Forever means nothing to me if I don't get to spend it with you."

Central park was beautiful, covered in a blanket of fresh, white snow, and Riley could not help but smile as she watched Liam playing with William. The two were building a snowman, and William was giggling and squealing with delight.

"Do you like it, William?" Liam asked, grinning.

"I love it, Daddy."

Liam's heart warmed at the sound of the word, and he scooped up his son, twirling him around. "I love it, too, LiLi."

"Daddy, look, the snowman needs arms."

"It does. What should we do?" William picked up two twigs and poked them in to its sides.

"Can we throw snowballs at the snowman nowe, Daddy?" Liam laughed.

"Of course, we can. Whatever you would like."

Liam put William down and helped him scoop up a handful of snow, showing him how to shape it into a ball. Then, they began to throw the snowballs at the snowman, laughing and enjoying each other's company.

As they played, Riley couldn't help but feel her heart swell with love and happiness. It was a sight she would never forget, and she knew that their lives together were just beginning.

"Riley, watch out!"

Riley turned to see a snowball hurtling towards her, and she ducked just in time, laughing. "Hey, that's not fair, you two!"

Liam and William looked at each other, trying to hide their giggles, and Riley picked up a handful of snow, forming a snowball.

"If you throw that snowball, you're declaring war."

Liam ducked as her snowball flew past him.

They shrieked with laughter, running around and chasing each other. As the sun began to set, Liam picked up his son and kissed his forehead and pulled Riley close.

“This is definitely going to land me on your naughty list.”

"Would that be a bad thing, Li?"

"God, no!"

Liam put William down and held his hand out for Riley, pulling her in close to his side.

"And I love you, my love," he whispered, leaning in to kiss her.

Riley melted into his kiss, savoring the moment, knowing that this was only the start.

Liam stood up and turned away from the fireplace after starting a warm glow, heading into the kitchen. Riley had prepared a feast of pasta, meatballs, and salad.

"Dinner's ready," she called out.

"Smells delicious."

"Hopefully, it tastes as good."

"William is fast asleep on the sofa. Let me get him into his bed."

"Okay, Liam, thank you."

They sat down and dug into their meal, both enjoying the warmth of the fire and the comfort of being together. Liam couldn't help but marvel at how normal things seemed.

As they ate, Liam cleared his throat, "I spoke to Leo earlier."

"Oh?" Riley's heart started to race, knowing that Liam will eventually have to go back home to Cordonia.

"We need to get back to the Capital."

Liam looked at Riley, his heart filled with love and sadness. "I wish I didn't have to leave you and William."

As Liam looked st Riley, his heart tightened.

"Liam, is something wrong?"

"No, everything 's fine. Just a lot on my mind."

"Me too, Li. But we'll be waiting for you here."

"I'll be back as soon as I can, I promise."

"I know."

"Wait!" Riley untangled her arms from Liam and ran to the kitchen.

When his guard appeared at the door, Liam leaned in to kiss Riley goodbye, he could not help but think about all the moments they had shared together over the past few days. It was a bittersweet moment, and he couldn't help but feel a tug at his heart.

"Ri, what are you doing?"

"Just wait, you’ll see, Li."

A few moments later, Riley returned, carrying a twig of mistletoe.

“Ahhhh, I see.” Liam watched Riley with amusement as Riley was trying to figure out a place to attach it.

"There. Now we can have our Christmas kiss."

Liam laughed, "You' dont have to bribe me, love." ...as the mistletoe twig fell to the floor.

"I know. You've mentioned it a few times."

"Well, it's true."

Liam picked up the mistletoe and held it over their heads, grinning. "My future queen."

"My king."

Liam gently wrapped his hand around her cheek as he tugged her close. They shared a passionate kiss, both of their hearts aching with the thought of separation.

"I love you, Riley. With everything that I am."

"And I love you, Liam. ....so much."

As they pulled away, Liam tucked the mistletoe in his pocket, determined to bring a piece of their love story back with him to Cordonia.

"Take care of yourself, Riley. I will be back as soon as I can."

"Stay safe, Liam."

With one final look, Liam left the brownstone, his heart heavy.

Moroccan Royal Palace

The heat from the Moroccan sun was stifling, as Madeleine sat on the outdoor terrace reading the latest news from Cordonia. Looking up, she saw a familiar face walking towards her.

"Father ..." Duke Godfrey had a grim look on his face.

"The council has just received word that King Liam has been spotted in America with a woman and a child. He has a son."

Madeleine's eyes widened, "with her? That cannot be true."

"Apparently, it is. You know what this means, Madeleine."

"Yes. Our plan has failed. We must change course.

"How do you propose we do that?"

"Liam has made his choice, and now we must make ours. There is only one way forward."

"And what is the next step in our plan, father?"

Madeleine smirked, "I couldn't agree more."

"We must ensure that no one stands in the way of the succession of the true heir, your son."

"How do you suggest we do that?"

"It seems we will have to remove them from the equation. Permanently."

Madeleine smiled coldly, "I've been waiting a long time for this. Let's get started."

As the sun set over the Moroccan desert, Madeleine stood on the terrace, surveying the landscape, thinking.

Brooklyn Heights, New York City

Riley was startled when Bastien showed up at her door, but she couldn't say she was surprised. After everything that had happened, she had expected Liam to take extra precautions.

"Your Majesty has sent a team of security personnel to protect you and young William."

"Oh. I see.

"I apologize if it's an intrusion, but the King wants to ensure your safety and that of the Crown Prince.."

"It's not an intrusion, and I appreciate the gesture. Thank you, Bas."

What Riley wasn't expecting was the added security of Interpol.

Leo had also arranged for his Interpol contact, Damien Nazario, to oversee Riley and William's security when Liam has to return to Cordonia as an added precaution.

When Riley opened the door, she was greeted by a tall, muscular man with dark hair and a serious expression.

"You must be Riley. I'm Damien Nazario. Your security detail."

Cordonian Royal Palace

He shook his head, trying to focus on the task at hand. He had a lot to discuss with Olivia, and he didn't have time to get lost in his thoughts.

As Liam stepped off the plane, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He had missed Cordonia, but there was a big part of him that wished he could have brought back Riley and William with him.

But it was too early for that.

Something felt off.

As he entered the palace, he was greeted by a familiar face.

"Your Majesty, it's good to see you," Olivia said, smiling.

"Likewise, Olivia. Shall we head to my office?"

"Of course."

As they entered his office, Liam's eyes landed on a letter that had been placed on his desk.

As they walked through the halls of the palace, Liam could not shake the feeling that something was wrong. It was a strange sensation, and he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

"What's this?"

Olivia's eyes widened, "I have no idea. I didn't see anyone leave anything."

Liam picked up the letter, and as he read its contents, his blood ran cold.

"What is it, Liam?"

Thanks for reading!

📌All fics & edits: @ao719 @txemrn @queenmiarys @sfb123 @twinkleallnight @alj4890 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @harleybeaumont @busywoman @karahalloway @kingliam2019 @imjusthereforliam @lovingchoices14 @kyra75 @tinkie1973 @emkay512 @malblk21 @kristinamae0093 @charlotteg234

📌Liam x Riley, MC /OTP @jared2612 @irisk12 @thesvnsins @walkerdrakewalker

📌Liam x Riley, OC @emersyn-in-cordonia @mainstreetreader @belencha77 @walkerdrakewalker @iluaaa @mysticalfangirl @queenwalton @bascmve01 @umccall71 @choicesfrog @amandablink

📌Liam x Sophie @charlotteg234

📌Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @choicesflashfics @choicesdecember2023 @choicesholidays

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battyaboutbooksreviews · 2 months

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🌈 Queer Books Coming Out in April 2024 🌈

🌈 Good morning, my bookish bats! Struggling to keep up with all the amazing queer books coming out this month? Here are a FEW of the stunning, diverse queer books you can add to your TBR before the year is over. Remember to #readqueerallyear! Happy reading!

[ Release dates may have changed. ]

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❤️ Girls Night - I.S. Belle 🧡 Late Bloomer - Mazey Eddings 💛 Withered - A.G.A. Wilmot 💚 A Wolf Steps in Blood - Tamara Jerée 💙 It Always Finds Me - Anthology 💜 Dulhaniyaa - Talia Bhatt ❤️ Moon Dust in My Hairnet - JR Creaden 🧡 Blood Justice - Terry J. Benton-Walker 💛 Relinquishing Control - J.J. Arias

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