#beth thomas

[manie-sans-delire-x]

[morgangalaxy43]

I love the idea of Bruce, TJ, Kate and Beth bonding over how they are loved by their parents but they understand that they will never quite be exactly what their parents wanted

Bruce and Thomas Jr. were loved by Thomas and Martha but they were never sure they could live up to their legacy and Beth and Kate are loved by Jacob but they are the daughters he has and not the sons he wants

[forasecondtherewedwon]

Ok, SOME OF YOU have been putting The Artful Dodger on my dash and now I'm watching a show where Lady Love Interest is experiencing Medical Symptoms™, so Dr. Main Character—in episode one—goes, "Take off your dress" and gets straight to running ye olde stethoscope up under her chemise like it's 1997, her skin is a mousepad, and he's surfing the world wide web, and just when one might feel that the Situation is pretty well reaching critical mass, she fuckin reverse unos the power dynamic and threatens to have him LITERALLY KILLED if he doesn't make her a surgeon. Btw, it's her stethoscope.

[elderberries-and-honey]

Despite having fallen on hard times, Winifred took it upon herself to host a party on Christmas Eve with all their loved ones. Back in the workhouse, they were lucky to afford anything better than porridge for dinner. But now that she had a family of her own she was determined to make it special.

Millie, Beth and Louise could not allow her to do all the cooking alone so they each put on their aprons and happily got to work beside her. They spent most of the afternoon in the kitchen preparing for the dinner, sounds of laughter heard above whisks mixing doughs and icing frantically inside porcelain bowls.

Valerie began helping herself to the wine intended for cooking early on in the day, already causing her to become a little tipsy before they'd even put the ham in the oven. Beth of course was the first one to scold her, but with Ozzy nearby, she wouldn't raise her voice. Instead, she put her hands on her hips with disproving eyes and a scowl of disappointment. It was moments like these where Winifred couldn't help thinking that Beth truly was meant to be someone's mother.

Ozzy remained close while the women worked. He wasn't a shy child by any means and soaked up all the attention he got from everyone telling him how adorable his Christmas outfit was.

At last, nearing the hour of 7 o'clock, with everyone gathered round the table wearing their finest silks, all of their hard work would be enjoyed by all.

They set up the dining table with everything they had prepared - cranberry sauce, a charcuterie board with aged cheese and sausage, potatoes grown right on the Baudelaire's farm, delicious cookies and pies for dessert, warm spiced rum and hot cocoa to drink, and best of all, a perfectly cooked ham that was from a frequent patron of the pub that had been gifted to the McAdam's.

Everyone treasured the food, knowing full well that their meal wouldn't be anywhere near as extravagant without Millie's expertise, which they all took turns admiring. Between the spiced rum, and the thrill of Christmas only hours away, they chatted excitedly between bites throughout the entirety of dinner.

Everyone went back for seconds, some even going for thirds until all of them, even the picky eaters, left the table with their bellies full.

No one could afford to give that many presents this year but not a soul amongst them seemed to mind. They each were completely content to simply enjoy each others company. Even the children, who were eager all the same to receive their new mittens and perfectly ripe oranges. Besides, they both were still too small to actually understand that they hadn't gotten much compared to others.

Lawrence had received new cotton fabric to sew himself up new work shirts and Winifred a plethora of new ink wells and paper from the McAdams. All of them received something hand-knitted from Beth, and from Millie, beautiful cross-stich embroideries to hang in their homes.

It was a terrific haul, and certainly more than anyone could ask for all things considered. However, the most surprising of all was Lawrence's gift to Winifred - two tickets to the theater come Spring - which had, of course, been suggested by Marmee.

After all the gifts had been opened, the night carried on late into the evening. Lawrence even brought out the old music box he had been gifted for Christmas nearly two decades prior and Jackson and Louise began dancing around the living room elegantly. However, drunk on rum and holiday cheer, Lawrence insisted that he and Valerie could do better.

He and Valerie were clumsy, tromping all over the others feet and losing their place in the steps to the dance. All in good fun, Millie and Winifred began cackling as they watched them, unable to contain how humorous it was to watch, while Beth dramatically hung her head in shame.

The children began to grow rather fussy, both Ozzy and Nellie awake far past their bedtimes, and the festivities had to come to an end eventually.

Winifred and Lawrence stood in the doorway, thanking their guests for coming and helping in the kitchen, as well as all their delightful new gifts. Winifred and Lawrence watched them go until they could no longer see their silhouettes in the dark, both ignoring the cold until they could no longer stand it.

The night had been exactly what they needed to forget their worries even if it couldn't last forever. While drifting off to sleep that night, everyone would reflect on what a wonderful Christmas it was, contented to have spent it together.

next / previous / first

[miajoanart]

I finally watched The Queens Gambit.

It was a masterpiece. ♟️🏆

[theculturesclever]

[duckysamlake]

I'd like to shoutout to my best friend who suffers through my delusions, silly little theories and fixations on Alan Wake and the Remedy-verse despite knowing fuck all about the existence of Remedy until several months ago.

[mltcentral]

maya in her gk era

via @muwfcs on twitter

[toweringclam]

Doppelgangers are the "not blood siblings" of selfcest.

[mrs-ssa-hotch]

I lightened up these awesome screen caps from @milla984 🫶🏻

[the-fiction-witch]

Red Head

Media The Queens Gambit

Character Benny Watts

Couple Benny X Reader (Red Head) & Benny X Beth

Rating Flirty (Mild Smut Implications)

I sat at my table in my apartment hoping my wicked little plan was going to work as I intended. Across my apartment Beth sat sorting her suitcase for the four days she'd be here between the Ohio tournament and Paris, she had intended to get a hotel but I offered my living room to her. It wasn't the case I was feeling nice I did have a point to doing so, I was trying to Coax Y/n over as I know she can be a little... jealous. So as soon as she finds out I have a lady here she'll be over which is really what I want. I miss Y/n so so much, I knew I missed her the moment I got back through the basement door, as all I wanted was to see her sweet Y/E/C eyes and cute red curls. To wrap my arms around her waist and give her a billion kisses. I miss her so badly, but I knew why we were apart. We were young and in love so happy and excited and then... things happened, and I knocked her up. It made our relationship very strained even if we both still loved each other so deeply that we needed time apart she moved out about six months into her pregnancy and I had been visiting her as much as I could. Once our little angel was born we agreed to spend as much time as could to see our sweet girl as much as possible. I had to work still so I'd been off on tournaments and championships so I hadn't seen Y/n or our daughter for almost two months! That's like half her little life I've missed! But now I'm home... the only thing I want is Y/n and my daughter back in my arms where they belong, forever this time. But... if it doesn't work... I have Beth. which will do I guess I know I should think better about Beth, she is nice I guess but honestly... I'd trade the world to have Y/n and Ila back. 

Maybe if Y/n sees me with another lady she might get jealous and realize how much she misses me too. I can hope! 

I sat not paying much attention to Beth and her business, and I perked up as the phone rang. So I cleared my throat and picked up the phone,

"Hello?"

"Hi Watts," her sweet voice comes through the phone, 

I knew her call was coming it's like she has a sixth sense, for this type of stuff. So I smiled and replied, "Hello Y/n,"

"I need a favour,"

"Oh? enlighten me?" 

"Sitter cancelled and I have a double shift today so can I-"

"Don't even sweat it, ohh actually give me a sec," I told her playfully, I moved the phone but made sure it was close enough Y/n would still hear me, "Beth?" I asked,

"Yes?" she asked looking up to me,

"you alright with my daughter coming to stay for the night?"

"Ohh... uhh yeah sure," she shrugged, 

"Good," I nodded before I returned to the phone, "Yeah no problem bring her by and I'll look after her,"

"You sure if you have a visitor?"

"I'm sure, bring her over. I'll see you soon," 

"Alright see you soon," 

I hung up the phone,

"How old is your daughter?" Beth asked,

"She's four months," I smiled,

"ohh, still a baby," she said a little nervous, "Never been around babies,"

"Awww Ila is a beautiful well behaved little angel," I smiled, 

"Ila?"

"Ila. Ila Watts. She's perfect,"

"I never imagined you... as a dad?"

"Well, it happens," I shrug, "And... I don't know, I think I'm kinda... made to be a dad," 

It wasn't long until the door knocked so I fixed my hair and ran to the door opening it up to let her in. Y/n stood beyond my door, in her little white sneakers, her flesh-tone stockings, her little white dress with her cardigan and bag over her shoulder, her sweet red hair in little curls around her shoulders, her sweet Y/E/C eyes and freckles across her face. And in her arms! the sweetest little baby ever! her cute little pale skin and freckles and Y/E/C eyes just like her mother but she had my hair and my nose Y/n had dressed her in a cute little purple dress with little pink butterflies and put her blonde hair in a braid,

"Awwww hello, my sweet little love! My beautiful little Ila," I cooed taking her to pull her to my chest and give her all the cuddles and kisses I'd be saving for her since I saw her last, 

"Hello Benny," Y/n playfully rolled her eyes,

"Hello Y/n," I blushed giving her cheek a kiss praying she would return it and she did which turned my cheeks red, 

We both came in Y/n put Ila's bag on the table as I carried Ila on my hip giving her lots of kisses which made her giggle, 

"You saw her three weeks ago," Y/n laughed,

"Yeah that's three weeks," I chuckled, "You are getting so big now," I cooed, 

"I take it this is the Beth Harmon I have read about," Y/n turned her attention to Beth the two coming almost squaring each other up, 

"You must be Y/n Watts," Beth offered her hand,

Y/n chuckled, "Just Y/n," she said shaking her hand, 

"Ohh... sorry I-"

"It's fine," 

"You two aren't then..."

"No, no... we took time apart just before Ila was born,"

"Yeah, but we share looking after this little lady," I cooed, 

"Her milk's in her bag, her little bear is in the bag, of course, I'll be back at six," Y/n explained, 

"I know, have a good shift, Y/n," I smiled,

"I will have fun Ila sweetheart," she kissed Ila, "Nice to meet you, Beth," She said giving her a wave before she headed out of the apartment and off to work, 

"She's nice," Beth nodded,

"Yeah she's lovely," I nodded trying not to blush, 

"Can I hold her?" Beth asked looking at Ila,

"Aww of course," I cooed, "Ila Watts, this is Beth Harmon." I smiled, "Beth this is Ila," 

"Hello," Beth did her best to smile but Ila wasn't overly bothered about her, 

"Just put your hand under her butt, and under her head there you go," I smiled as I handed Ila over to Beth, she seemed unsure but smiled at little Ila,

"Awww she's so cute,"

"She is isn't she, the most beautiful girl in the world," I cooed, 

But Ila began to squirm and cry, 

"Ohh what did I do?"

"Awww come here little lovely lady, come to daddy," I took Ila back and she happily calmed down, 

"Sorry..."

"It's alright she just probably wanted a cuddle with Daddy," I smiled, 

I finished feeding Ila her bottle and began to bounce her on my shoulder to burp her, 

"You're really good with her," Beth smiled as she sat on the airbed, 

"Thanks," I smiled as I finally burped Ila so I laid her in the crib, 

"You look... really handsome with a baby," 

"I do?" I raised an eyebrow as I sat down with her and we each had a drink,

"Yeah," she smiled, "it's really cute how good you are with her,"

"Thanks," I blushed a little, 

"So..." she smiled moving a little closer and brushing her fingers through my hair, "I notice, Y/n and I do have something in common?"

"Ohh?"

"You got a thing for redheads Benny?"

"...Maybe," 

"Well your little angel's sleeping soundly and she's not getting picked up till tomorrow right?"

"...Yeah, true," I smirked a little, 

"Shall we?" She encouraged, 

I thought about it for a while, I couldn't not think about Y/n but admittedly... Y/n has been gone for a while now, and maybe it would be better for me to just try someone else. "Alright," I smirked back taking her hand and giving it a small kiss before heading her to my room, 

I lay gasping, sweat across my body as Beth turned over and went to sleep. It was fun, and Intense but... I felt sick. 

I felt like a dick, I know Y/n and I aren't together but... I felt so strange, I felt like I was cheating on her. And it didn't help, even if I had been on my own a while this didn't help it just made me miss Y/n even more. I wanted her body in my hands, her lips on my own, I wanted her! Not beth... Nothing wrong with Beth she's great but... I want Y/n. I Barely slept at all just tossing and turning trying not to think about what I did. I suppose it had a small silver lining, I know now... I am not going to be able to get over Y/n. 

Ila began to cry so I got up and slipped some clothes on going out and soothing her back to sleep, I kissed her little blonde head as she drifted away again.

"I'm sorry Ila, Daddy did a bad thing." I whispered, "And Mummy is not going to be happy with Daddy." 

I stayed up watching over Ila until the door knocked so I went and got it opening it wide to see Y/n tired from her double shift.

"Hey," she smiled kissing my cheek,

"Hey," I sighed letting her in, 

"You okay?"

"Yeah... tired."

"Ohh she kept you up?"

"No, no she was an angel as always,"

"Good, Awww sleeping like a little log," she chuckled as she went to the crib, 

"Y/n-"

"Yeah?" She asked giving Ila a little stoke in her crib not wanting to wake her, "Such a beautiful little baby, you were good for daddy?"

"Y/n Please. I need to tell you something?" I sighed crossing my arms over my chest,

"What is it?" She stood noticing how serious I was, 

I went to open my mouth but the bedroom door opened to Beth in my shirt from last night with messy hair, Y/ns eyes met her, and then she flicked them to me, without a word. She knew. 

"Morning," Beth yawned,

I could see the rage building in Y/n so I very quickly grabbed my wallet, 

"Beth. Ughhh run down to the corner store and ughh grab some cigarettes," I told her as I know she smokes handing her some money, 

"I have half a -" she began,

"Beth. Please." I pleaded with her, she looked between me and Y/n and took the money, she went into the bedroom and got some different clothes on all while we waited without a word, She came out and kissed my cheek but I didn't give her a reaction. 

"Back in a sec," she says,"

"Take your time." I told her, The moment the door closed, "I can explain."

"I don't want to hear it," she said packing up Ila's things, 

"No, no no." I stopped her, "Please... please just listen to me I swear I can explain,"

"I don't want to hear it benny," she said our voices hushed so as to not wake Ila but still angry, 

"Please just hear me out,"

"You had sex with her?"

"yes I did But-"

"No, but there is not but-"

"Yes, there is! Please I did it I admit that but I feel so bad about it it's destroying me I should never have done it I was being so stupid!"

"Yes, you were!"

"I know! I know! Please will you ever forgive me!"

"No!"

"No! please, Y/n!"

"You had sex with some girl while our infant daughter slept in her crib, less than two feet away, I don't know what would be worse the door was open she could have seen, heard, god knows what. Closed! she is four months something could have happened to her,"

"The door was open but only a crack! and I listened for her crying the whole time we were super quiet so as to not wake her. But that's not important right now-"

"It's very important Benny!" she complained "You had sex with a woman five feet from our infant!"

"This! This is what you're concerned about! She was safe she was fine, aren't you infatuated I cheated on you!"

"Not really,"

"what do you mean not really!"

"We are split up Benny!"

"So!"

"So it's not cheating if we're not together!"

"But I feel terrible, I betrayed you, I regret everything I did, please"

"This is what you are concerned over! benny we're not together you can fuck who you want I don't care I care when our daughter is in earshot!"

"Why!"

"So you don't traumatize our infant daughter!"

"No! why don't you care? I cheated on you! I had felt sick to my stomach the moment I did it! I still love you, you know I do, and I know you still love me, it was a huge huge mistake and I would do anything to undo it..." I explained tears flooding down my face, "Please... please... I- I can't be without you, the woman I love the mother of my child, I felt like throwing up to think about what I've done. I want you. I only want you. Please forgive me... Please... forgive me, let me do whatever it takes to make it up to you and please.... please Y/n... give me back my family." 

"You're family?"

"You and me and Ila."

"you slept with-

"I know. I know. Please... I'll walk barefoot through glass for you. I'll climb the Empire State Building naked. I'll swim from New Jersey to Dover. Please! She's my daughter... and you're my girl. I am so so sorry, I should have thrown away every invitation that came while you were pregnant, I should have never left your side, I should have helped you work through all your feelings, I have missed half of her life... and I don't want to miss another second of it. And I want to share every single moment of her life with you." 

"That doesn't excuse what you've done..."

"I know." I told her stroking her cheek, "But I swear to you, I would do the impossible for Ila. And I would do the impossible for you." 

"That's just it... it's impossible," she said going to the crib,

"No! NOOOO! No, you can't please!" I begged, "Reject me if you must if you really can't face what I have done. But please... please Y/n I beg of you. Don't take her. She's my daughter, my angel, my baby girl, please! you can't take her, you can't just take her, please! Please... even if you reject me even if you hate me please just let me see her..." I begged, "Please just let me see my daughter,"

"I don't think she should be anywhere near her sex pervert of a father for a while,"

"NOOO! Please!" I broke down, "You have no right! you can't just take her! she's my daughter!"

"And she's mine too!"

"You are not just taking her!"

"What makes you think you should keep her! you've been gone half her life and as soon as you come back you spent your time with someone else so clearly you don't want her around!"

"I said I'm sorry! The only person I want around is you, BUT you -"

"Don't you dare blame me for this! You ran off and left me while I was pregnant!"

"To make money! To afford our baby!"

"and when you get back the first thing you do is shack up with her!"

"I'd have shacked up with you if you were here!"

"Ohh so it's purely whoever is close enough?"

"No! that's not what I-" I sighed, "Y/n... I love you. I am sorry for what I did. I regret it completely. I will never even think of doing something like this again. I want to be with you. I want to be with Ila. I will literally have sex with you every day to make you trust me. and I would becuase your fucking gorgeous! nothing on her. You know why I slept with her! really! the real answer! cause she's a redhead. and it went through my mind in the short seconds she flirted with me that if I turned her over and just looked at her from the back with her red hair for a brief moment I could think it's YOU! Happy! You are happy you made me admit I am a fucking degenerate! That I love my ex that fucking much that I could have slept with any woman from her to Ohio in the last week but no I slept with Beth.  the one Other redhead I know! Becuase I am that down bad about you! I brought her hear literally to make you jealous! to try and get over you and I can't! I did it! it doesn't work! I still love you, I still want you and I would rather DIE than not have you!" 

She grabbed my face and kissed me, I was shocked given how much of a rant I just went on, but I am not complaining I grabbed her body and savoured every single thing. Her skin, her lips, her smell, her taste. I never wanted to let her go, I grabbed her thighs and picked her up wrapping her legs around me as I carried her to bed our lips never even separating until I dropped her on the bed. I went to pull open my draw to grab surprisingly my second condom of the last twenty-four hours but she slapped my hand,

"Don't you dare?" She smirked, "You know that's not how I like you,"

"Alright... just how you love me," I smirked pulling her back into the kiss.

I smiled holding Y/n close and peppering her with all the kisses I could manage, 

"I wonder where Beth is?" She spoke up,

"...Hu..." I sighed, "I hadn't even thought about that... She'll be fine," I shrug, 

"Alright," She chuckled trying to go but I pulled her closer,

"No. My Y/n."

"I'm getting Ila,"

"Ohhh... yes! fetch the angel!" I cooed,

She climbed out and fetched little Ila climbing back into bed I wrapped my arms around the two of them, and... for the first time in months, I felt happy again. I felt complete. I felt like everything was right. The three of us snuggled together in my bed, the world could end in this moment and I would welcome it with a smile, as I have my world in my arms. 

"I love you both so much,"

"I love you too Benny,"

"Does this mean... it's happening?"

"What's happening?" she chuckled,

"We're getting back together?" 

"... I don't know Benny,"

"Y/n, please. you know I'll do anything to make you forgive me. I am a dick for everything I've done. But I want you girls in my life. I need you."

"How about this... a couple of months, visiting. while I think it over?"

"...Okay," I nodded, 

I sat with my book trying to keep my mind awake this late when the phone rang, I rolled my eyes assuming it was Beth. 

I had been... distant with her. We hadn't done anything since that night nothing had happened the rest of her days with me in New York and I had no intention of doing anything with her at all ever again all while I waited for Y/n... she wanted time so I gave her it, Ila had been visiting all month and I felt more in love every second I was with them. I wanted to bolt over and just take them in my arms but I gave her time. 

I went and grabbed the phone expecting her flirty tone but,

"Hello?"

"Hi, Watts."

"Y/n! Hi sweetie."

"Hi, is it a good time to talk?"

"Yeah of course what's up?"

"I uhh... I made a decision,"

"You did," I became nervous given her tone, "what is it?"

"Well... I have, now you need to-"

"Y/n. You know I love you. And I want you back as my girlfriend you know I -"

"Benny please listen,"

"Okay... sorry..."

"I went to the doctor today," 

"You did! is Ila okay!"

"Ila is fine it was for me."

"Oh... are you okay?"

"Yeah just a blood test and stuff but uhh they found something out,"

"What did they find out?"

"... Benny I'm pregnant."

"wha- what!"

"I'm pregnant."

"H-h-h-ho-ho-how- how is that-" I stuttered, "Oh my god we didn't use a condom..."

"Yeah,"

"Please don't take this the wrong-"

"yes, it's yours."

"Ohh thank god. sorry, I-"

"It's okay, natural for you to ask, So I'm pregnant again..." she sighed, "So  I know my answer"

"Which is?"

"I want to come home..."

"You do?" I got teary,

"Is that okay with you?"

"It's more than okay with me," I smiled, "Come home Y/n, and I promise I will be here for you, and Ila, and for our little one."

"Are you sure?"

"Y/n. I love you. I want you home. Our home. I want us to be together again."

"Okay, see you in an hour,"

"See you soon," I smiled blowing her a kiss and she blew me one too before I hung up the phone, but almost immediately I picked it back up and dialled the number it took a while but it soon answered,

"Hello?"

"Hey Beth,"

"ohh Hi, Benny,"

"So uhh... I need a word,"

"About what?"

"This... this isn't going to work, it's been fun, but you're so far away in Kentucky and I have Ila to think about it's just... it's not going to work you can find someone else to go to Moscow with you,"

"Ohh... yeah I understand, thanks for telling me I guess rather than just leaving me hanging,"

"Yeah I didn't want to be a dick about it, but your a really great girl I'm sure you'll find someone better than me,"

"Thanks, Benny,"

"you're welcome, Bye Beth."

"Bye, Benny,"

I hung up and I couldn't hold back my smile I went to the bedroom and dug through my drawer grabbing the little box I had bought when we first found out about Ila... but Y/n never gave me a chance to give it to her. I changed my shirt and did my hair and soon enough I heard the door so I rushed over with the box in my pocket and opened the door to see Y/n with Ila in her arms.

"Hi Benny,"

"Hi," I smiled giving her lips a soft kiss and she happily returned it, I kissed Ila and took her from Y/n taking her to her high chair while Y/n threw her bag on the bed and Ila's bag by the crib, "How are you for stuff?"

"Good for two weeks, we can start the move-in from there,"

"Perfect," I smiled, "Y/n..."

"Yes, Benny?"

"I uhh I have a little gift for you,"

"Ohh? Pizza? cause I am starving?"

"No" I laughed, "But we can get pizza," I smiled, "Y/n." I took her hand and gave it a soft kiss, "I love you beyond measure, when you left it broke me, all I wanted was you back in my arms, we have a beautiful little girl together and she's everything I ever wanted. I made mistakes I admit that and I am happy to spend the rest of my life making it up to you. I've told Beth it's never happening again and it's over even if it never really began... and now... we get another little one. I have Ila. and soon we'll have another sweet baby. I have everything I need to be happy,"

"And now you have me too,"

"I do... but I need you to be one more thing, My wife."

"Benny you-"

"Please Y/n, will you marry me?" I asked offering her the little box she took it and opened it to see the sweet white diamond I got for her what felt like so long ago now, "I understand if you need time to-"

"Yes."

"wh- what?"

"yes! Yes, I'll marry you!"

"Ohh Y/n! I love you so much!" I hugged her as tight as I could,

"I love you too Benny!" she began to cry so I pulled back kissed her tears and slipped the ring on her finger, we both blushed hard and shared our first sweet kiss as an engaged couple only to be interrupted by Ila crying we chuckled and shared a small kiss before I picked Ila up in my arms and I held Ila, Y/n and my hand on Y/n's stomach and our slowly growing baby, 

"I have all that matters to me, in my arms right now. and I am never letting any of it go again." 

[reppyy]

[jungle-angel]

It Takes A Village To Catch A Menace (Rhett Abbott x Reader)

 Summary: You and Rhett adore your kids, but once they’re turned loose with their cousins, they give everybody a run for their money

Tagging: @rhettabbotts​​ Shelby, I hope you’re doing ok. I know things have been kinda rough but I thought this might give you a good laugh and cheer you up a bit

 No one could have asked for a better day than this, the threat of a long, hot summer approaching from around the corner and the Dutton Land near to bursting with the new life of spring. So many animals had been born as soon as spring hit, mostly from the cattle, but to everyone’s surprise, even the bison hadn’t slacked in the procreation department. Everyone was reeling with excitement when it was discovered that a white calf had been born to a female in Felix Long’s herd, a highly auspicious sign in everyone’s eyes.

Rhett, Rip and Kayce leaned against the wood rails of the paddock fence, watching the little calf graze with its mother, the cow clipping the grass and the little one sneaking in to nurse every so often.

“It’s gonna be a good year, that’s for sure,” Rip remarked, pushing his aviators back up onto his nose. 

“Herds are doing great, land’s nice and green,” Rhett added. “Couldn’t ask for better.”

“Yeah and in two weeks, you and I are gonna be uncles again,” Rip chuckled. 

“Because THAT horn dog over there couldn’t keep it in his pants!” Rhett laughed, pointing to Kayce.

“Fuck all o’ ya’ll and the horses you rode in on,” Kayce retorted. 

Rhett laughed but deep down, he knew Kayce and Monica deserved it. Sure, they had Tate, but after one rough ride, Monica had given birth to Jake, their precious little rainbow baby and Felicity after that. Now, another little girl would be entering the family in just a few weeks. There wasn’t a day that went by where you and Rhett hadn’t kept the family in your prayers, grateful for the lifelong bond you all shared with one another. 

The three men kept talking away, hardly noticing the smaller footsteps traipsing through the grass behind them. Rhett, Rip and Kayce turned to find Tatum and Tanner, yours and Rhett’s twin boys, Rip’s son Joey and Kayce and Monica’s little boy, Jake, running through the grass with something in their hands. 

“Whatcha got there boys?” Rhett asked them. 

“Nothin,” the four little boys chirped. 

Rhett, Rip and Kayce all looked at each other, knowing that nothing usually meant something. 

“I’m gonna ask ya’ll one more time,” Rhett warned them. “What’ve ya’ll got in your hands?” 

“There’s a wasp nest in the tree daddy,” Tatum chirped. 

“Yeah, a big one,” Tanner added. 

“And we’re gonna burn it off the branch,” Joey proudly declared, holding up one of John’s cigar lighters. 

Rhett, Kayce and Rip were suddenly overcome with a look of fear on their faces, almost as though each one had just shit themselves. 

“Uh oh,” Tatum said meekly, noticing the look on his father’s face. 

“HAND THAT SHIT OVER!!!!” 

“NO!!!!!” 

The four little boys took off into the grass, their fathers all hot at their heels as they leapt over the pasture fences and chased them around one tree after another. 

You and Beth had just come out onto the front porch of the main house, coffee mugs in hand, ready to relax and enjoy the morning before helping Monica with whatever she needed. All of a sudden, you heard the shouts of small children and three grown men coming up behind them. 

“Oh my God, what did they get into now?” Beth chuckled. 

“Well, I noticed at least three cans of hairspray and your dad’s cigar lighter was missing,” you answered. 

Beth almost choked and spat out her coffee. “Why the fuck do they even have that?!” 

“One of life’s great mysteries I guess.” 

You and Beth fought the urge to chase your sons through the yard, letting their fathers try and catch them for once. John’s heavy footsteps came up beside you, his gaze fixed on the sight before him. “Anybody have any idea where my good cigar lighter went?” he asked. 

“Why don’t you ask your devil grandchildren Dad,” Beth answered. 

John laughed and shook his head when a loud curse from Rip reached his ears. “I’m gettin way too old for this shit,” he chuckled before pulling his phone from his pocket and hitting the record-video button on his camera.

*******************

“C’MERE YA LITTLE SHITHEADS!!!!” Rhett bellowed as he, Rip and Kayce charged across the grass towards the barns. 

“No we need it!!!” Tatum yelled back. 

“BULLSHIT!!!” 

Teeter and Avery leaned out the window of the loft where they had been stacking haybales all morning. ”What the fuck are them lil goat turds doin now?” Teeter questioned, adjusting the Astros cap on her head. 

“No idea but by the looks on their faces, I’d say it’s not good,” Avery answered. 

“SOMEBODY HELP US CATCH THESE DAMN KIDS!!!” echoed Rhett’s voice. 

“Ight, let’s go git’em,” Teeter sighed climbing through the trapdoor and down the ladder. “Them idjits have suffered enough.” 

Teeter and Avery headed down into the main stables where three of the other ranch hands were busy feeding the horses. “The fuck’s all that yellin about?” Lloyd asked. 

“Them lil skunk-herd motherfuckers are at it again,” Teeter answered. “Ya’ll got the oversized feedin sacks?” 

Colby tossed her one and Jimmy took another before giving one to Avery. “What’re ya’ll doin with those?” Lloyd questioned.  

“Gonna go and catch’em,” Teeter answered before sticking her gum behind her ear. 

“Well, if ya’ll are goin, I’m goin too,” Lloyd chuckled. “I ain’t missin this shitshow.” 

Teeter led the way and the ranch hands all hurried to the other end of the pasture, blocking off the only escape route the boys had a hope of taking to outrun their fathers. 

“Keep’em steady boys!” Teeter ordered. 

The kids came charging over the hill with Rhett, Kayce and Rip still on their heels, clutching the cans of hairspray and the lighter as if their lives depended on it. In a split second, each one of them tumbled right into the feed sacks, the hands closing them right up as they wriggled and squirmed inside. 

“Thanks guys,” Rhett blurted out, completely out of breath as he took one of the sacks that had a twin inside of it. “We owe ya’ll one.” 

“You don’t owe us shit,” Lloyd told him. “Here, c’mon, bring’em back to the bunkhouse, I’ll make damn sure they’ve got the fear of God in’em for this one.” 

Rhett, Rip and Kayce followed them all back to the bunkhouse, hoping that this time the boys would learn their lesson. 

****************

“Are you shitting me?” Thomas Rainwater laughed as he watched the video John had pulled up on his phone. 

“No, wait, it gets better,” John told him. 

Thomas laughed and shook his head as he heard the loud curses and Beth’s remark. Mo tried to hide his laughter too, but it was no use. Neither of them cared who in that office saw them or heard them. It was just too funny to look away from. 

“I take it they went down to the fire station?” Thomas asked him. 

“Nope,” John replied. “Didn’t have to do that. Lloyd took’em aside and showed’em what’ll happen if they do it again.” 

Thomas and Mo each made a face knowing that Lloyd’s tactics, as unorthodox as they were, would at least stick with the boys for a long time. 

“Well,” Mo sighed, scratching the back of his head. “Maybe there’s an advantage to all this.” 

“You’re damn right Mo,” John said. “There’s definitely an advantage.” 

“And what might that be?” Thomas asked him. 

“If that bitch, Caroline Warner, ever comes onto the property again and tries to pry the land out of our hands, we’ll just sick the grandkids on her,” John explained. “Odds are no land developers will ever come back.” 

“Truth be told, I like those odds,” Thomas grinned. 

[milliondollarbaby87]

The Fall Guy (2024) Review

Colt Seavers is a down and out stuntman who after suffering a life changing injury shutdown from the film world, but when being told his ex-girlfriend Jody Moreno requested him for her first director role of a film he makes a comeback. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Continue reading The Fall Guy (2024) Review

[elderberries-and-honey]

Meanwhile, inside of the house, Louise and Millie were working in the kitchen. Louise had always struggled with cooking but with Millie's patience and guidance, she was trying to get better.

"Oh, it's awful isn't it?" Louise sighed, trying to get a read on Millie's face. Louise stood in wait, her eyes shifting between hopeful to disappointed while she took note of Millie's silence.

Not wanting to hurt the poor woman's feelings, Millie turned away and suppressed a cough. "No, no, I wouldn't say awful," She offered, "It's just a bit bland. Not to worry, honey, we'll find something to add a little flavor and we can still save it."

Louise sighed, shrugging her shoulders. "Maybe I'm just not meant to be a cook. You, though, you're a real natural in the kitchen." Before Millie could try to reassure her it just took time, both of them heard the warm sound of a child's laughter, followed by the echoing of adults laughing afterwards. But it seemed there were more voices now.

Hurrying over to the window above the door, they gazed outside, spotting everyone gathered around the picnic table enjoying the luncheon Millie, and partially Louise, had prepared for them all to enjoy.

"Oh my, they're here!" Louise said, wiping her hands off on her apron before removing the garment completely before heading outdoors to welcome the Baudelaire's home and join them for luncheon.

Everyone was digging into the food already, talking between bites about what had happened while they were away, which was hardly anything of note but it was still pleasant to catch up anyway. None of them dared mention Winifred's mother to her, afraid to "rock the boat" when she'd only just started feeling better after her daughter's untimely demise.

That was until Millie eventually made her way outside. At first, it felt almost like a dream to Winifred seeing Millie there at her farm. They both approached each other silently, uncertain how they should greet one another now that it had been so long. Were they to act as strangers? But how could they, after all they had endured together at the workhouse? Surely, a few years of silence wouldn't break a bond as deep as theirs.

While they continued to gaze at each other, they took in the features that stayed the same, the ones that whispered 'here I am, just as you left me!' but noticing where they'd changed too. Like the fact that Winifred was wearing her hair up despite her always hating to before or Millie having pierced her ears now.

Most notably though, Millie was trying her hardest not to stare at Winifred's pregnant belly. She had met Ozzy, and of course knew he was her son, but it was difficult to picture Winifred as a mother.

"Thank you for writing." Winifred said, finally breaking the ice, and that was all it took. Millie threw herself into Winifred's arms, nearly collapsing into them, mumbling apologies about not writing her back sooner and ignoring her letters all together.

"I wrote as soon as I found her," Millie explained. "Winifred, I'm so sorry. I know what she meant to you. I still can't believe it."

Winifred was still trying to take it all in. Being reunited with her son and her childhood best friend, the loss of her mother, the persistent townsfolk from earlier, Lawrence's angry outburst...she could hardly process what Millie had just said.

Had Millie truly been the one to discover her mother's body in Whitechapel or was she confused? What was she even doing there in the first place? But it was nothing she wanted to discuss here in front of everyone so instead, she simply returned the hug silently and put it out of her mind like everything else.

The remainder of the afternoon passed without anymore emotional hiccups, all of them relishing their time together in the sun, stuffing their bellies full with delicious food and laughing harder than any of them had in awhile.

Winifred and Lawrence could have never predicted such a comforting welcome home party and they appreciated their friends for such a sweet gesture. Both of them were filled with warmth at the love surrounding them, serving as a reminder yet again that there was goodness still in the world right there in their own backyard.

But as autumn does, when the sun went down, the little warmth there was left in the air began to disappear right along with it and the evening had to come to an end eventually. Everyone slowly began to dismiss themselves for the night but one of the last to do so was Beth who had feared this moment all day long.

She leaned down to kiss Ozzy's cheek, promising to return tomorrow to see him, but when she turned to leave and Ozzy realized he wasn't going with her, the meltdown she was dreading earlier began to erupt.

"No! Down! Down!" Ozzy cried, his little face turning bright red when his pleas were ignored. Echoing throughout the vicinity, the little boy shrieked at the top of his lungs, calling after his Auntie while Lawrence struggled to keep his grip on him as his small body thrashed around in his arms.

Beth tried to keep putting one foot in front of the other but his tearful voice repeating 'Auntie Bef, Auntie Bef!' after her became too much.

Despite being hesitant to put her nose where it wasn't wanted, she suggested keeping Ozzy for a few more days while the Baudelaire's settled in at home and the little one could get used to not being with her as often.

But even after they all agreed it was for the best, she didn't know which one of them needed a few more nights together more. Herself or Ozzy. Prior to them coming home, she had been utterly exhausted and wanted them to return so badly. Yet, now that they were here...she didn't know how to handle the thought of her home being empty again as it was before.

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[50shadesofpattinson]

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.