Thinking about how Tommy probably thought he’d never find a long-lasting loving relationship. Sure, he had boyfriends, but none of them were close to serious. And he was okay spending his life alone, he’d gotten used to it. Besides, he had hobbies and work. Life didn’t seem too empty.
Sure, he was yearning for a family but his fear of ending up like his father was too great, impossible to overcome. What if he fucks it up the way his father did? And this fear kept him from going out there and searching for it.
And then his old friend and coworker called who once saved his life. And Tommy vowed to himself back then that he’d always answer his calls. So, he answered that one. His friend brought two coworkers with him. With Hen joining them later. They went on a mission, saved everyone, and it was thrilling. And Chimney’s friends welcomed him into their world.
Sure, Eddie was great. They had so much in common, and they clicked and friendship was instantaneous. Evan was adorable, like a puppy, except a little weird. And it hit him later that Eddie and Evan had this dynamic, this friendship, forged in the countless fires they put out, that no one could get in between them. That’s why Evan was acting weird. Because he ended up getting in between them.
So he came over to Evan’s to clear the air. To tell his truth. Letting go of his friendship with Eddie wasn’t something he planned on doing, no matter what Evan thought. But he’d step aside if that was needed.
Except Evan didn’t even worry about his friendship with Eddie, because they were solid. No, he wanted him. HIM. And if Tommy’s heart skipped a beat or two, it wasn’t because of Evan. Probably just arrhythmia.
He put everything on the line by kissing Evan. Everything. These new friendships he formed with the 118, with Eddie, it could all be gone if Buck didn’t accept his advances. He would have to go back to his old life, suddenly very dull and empty. Yet he risked it all.
Everything inside Tommy lit up because this guy made him feel things he hadn’t felt for a long time (maybe ever). Their first date wasn’t perfect, and he was on the verge of losing everything once again. Yet Evan came back, stronger, wiser and more determined to see where this relationship could go.
His fears came back to the surface, every single one of them. But with Evan by his side it wasn’t as scary working through them. Tommy didn’t let his fears drown him. With his mind getting clear, a vision of a family started to take shape. A family, maybe kids, maybe pets, and a house filled with love. And Evan by his side.
He’d gotten used to the idea of never having that, of being alone forever. His life was fulfilling but something was always missing. Turns out there was an Evan Buckley shaped hole in his heart. And once Evan showed up in his life, his heart began to heal. And having a family wasn’t such a faraway thought anymore. And he wasn’t going to end up like his dad, because he had Evan by his side now. And with Evan everything seemed possible.
195 notes
·
View notes
Violet walked through the lush expanse of her garden, her hands clasped lightly before her as she surveyed the preparations for Colin and Penelope’s engagement party. The sun had just begun its descent, casting a golden hue across the carefully arranged flowers and elegant tents. Everything had to be perfect.
As she approached the first tent, Violet could hear the low murmur of voices. She paused just outside, her curiosity piqued. The Featherington servants, who had been generously lent by Portia, were clearly deep in conversation.
"Did you hear about the proposal?" one of the Featherington maids whispered excitedly. "Mr. Bridgerton chased after Miss Featherington's carriage and called it to a halt."
Another servant replied, "And then he got into the carriage with her! The coachman said he could hear sounds from inside."
"Do you think Miss Featherington was fully compromised?" a third voice chimed in, filled with curiosity.
Violet’s heart skipped a beat. She knew better than anyone how quickly gossip could spread, especially when it involved her family. She cleared her throat and stepped into the tent, causing the servants to fall silent and quickly busy themselves with their tasks.
"Is everything proceeding as planned?" Violet asked, her voice calm but firm.
"Yes, Lady Bridgerton," the head servant responded promptly. "The arrangements are almost complete."
"Very good," Violet replied, giving them a reassuring smile before moving on.
As she continued her rounds, Violet couldn’t help but overhear snippets of conversation from the next tent, where the Bridgerton and Featherington servants were working together.
"They say the coachman heard sounds from within," a Bridgerton servant was saying. "But did anyone actually see anything?"
"Not that I know of," a Featherington maid answered. "But they say Lord Debling didn't propose because he thought Mr. Bridgerton was in love with Miss Penelope."
Once again, Violet's presence silenced the chatter. She offered a polite nod to the workers, who bowed respectfully before resuming their duties with renewed focus.
Violet’s thoughts were a whirlwind. She had always known that Colin and Penelope shared a special bond, but to hear the details of their proposal from the servants was disconcerting. She made a mental note to have a discreet word with Colin about ensuring their privacy in the future.
Finally, Violet approached the last tent, where the more senior staff were organizing the final touches. She moved quietly, catching the tail end of a conversation between Mrs. Fairfax, the housekeeper, and Mr. Miller, the butler.
“It seems the Featherington staff are all abuzz with gossip about Miss Penelope and Mr. Bridgerton,” Mrs. Fairfax said, her voice barely above a whisper. “The coachman claims to have heard compromising noises from the carriage. If word spreads beyond the Featheringtons, it could cause quite the scandal.”
“Indeed,” Mr. Miller replied. “It’s said that Mr. Bridgerton asked her if she was going to marry him right then and there. Quite a bold move.”
“Hush now, we mustn’t let Lady Bridgerton hear us,” Mrs. Fairfax admonished as she noticed Violet standing just outside the tent.
With a serene yet gentle demeanor, Violet entered the tent fully. The servants instantly fell silent, their previous conversation hanging in the air like an unspoken truth. Violet’s warm smile and kind eyes put them at ease.
“Mrs. Fairfax, Mr. Miller,” she began, her voice soft yet authoritative, “I trust everything is proceeding smoothly for this evening’s festivities?”
“Of course, my lady,” Mrs. Fairfax replied, her tone respectful and deferential.
“Excellent,” Violet responded with a warm smile. “You all have done such a wonderful job. Thank you for your hard work.”
As she walked away, Violet's mind was racing. The details of the proposal were certainly more scandalous than she had imagined.
Her thoughts wandered back to the preparations for the evening's engagement party, and she decided to check on the arrangements inside. As she approached the house, she heard the soft murmur of voices coming from the drawing room.
Curiosity piqued, Violet stepped lightly across the threshold and paused just outside the doorway. The familiar voices of Colin and Penelope reached her ears, and she found herself unable to resist listening to their conversation.
Inside, Colin and Penelope stood near the grand piano, close to each other. As they drew apart from a lingering kiss, Penelope placed her hand gently on Colin's chest. "Colin, we must stop," she whispered, her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue. "I have only just managed to make myself presentable."
Colin's eyes sparkled with mischief as he leaned in closer, his voice a soft murmur. "Presentable, you say? Pen, you are always the picture of perfection to me."
Penelope shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips. "Flatterer," she replied, her tone a mix of affection and admonishment. "I truly must go home to prepare for the engagement party. There are a thousand things to be done."
Colin chuckled, his hand finding hers. "And here I thought the only preparation needed was to ensure my heart remains steadfastly yours."
She swatted his arm playfully. "If you continue to distract me, I shall never be ready in time. You, sir, are incorrigible."
"Ah, but you love me for it," Colin teased, his grin widening as he watched her eyes dance with amusement.
Penelope sighed dramatically, though her smile betrayed her. "Yes, I suppose I do. But that does not mean you are allowed to keep me here any longer. I must go."
Clearing her throat gently, Violet announced her presence. "I do hope I am not interrupting anything too important."
Startled, Penelope and Colin turned towards her, their expressions a mix of surprise and embarrassment. Penelope quickly withdrew her hand from Colin's, her cheeks flushed a deep pink.
"Mother," Colin greeted, a smile spreading across his face. "You are never an interruption."
Violet walked towards them, her eyes shining with happiness, and her voice warm and filled with genuine affection. "I simply had to see the two of you together. I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to see you both so in love."
Penelope blushed, curtsying slightly as she met Violet's kind gaze. "Thank you, Lady Bridgerton. Your words mean the world to me."
Colin squeezed Penelope's hand, his own smile broad and sincere. "Thank you, mother."
Violet stepped forward, enveloping Penelope in a gentle embrace. "Now, my dear, I will not keep you any longer. I know you have much to do before the festivities. But know that you are always welcome here, in every sense."
Penelope returned the embrace, her eyes glistening with unshed tears of joy. "Thank you, Lady Bridgerton. I shall take my leave now, but I will see you all very soon."
With a final smile, Penelope exited the drawing room, leaving Colin and Violet standing together.
Violet placed a hand on her son's arm, her eyes twinkling. "You have chosen well, Colin. She is a remarkable young woman."
Colin nodded, his gaze still fixed on the doorway through which Penelope had just disappeared. "I know, mother. She is everything I could ever wish for."
A shadow of concern crossed Violet's face as the servants' words echoed in her mind.
"Colin," Violet began, her tone turning serious, "there is something I must ask you."
Colin turned to his mother, noticing the shift in her demeanor. "Of course, mother. What is it?"
Violet hesitated for a moment, searching her son's eyes. "There have been rumors, Colin. Rumors that you have... compromised Penelope. Are they true?"
Colin's cheeks flushed, and he looked down, momentarily at a loss for words. He took a deep breath, his voice steady but tinged with guilt. "Yes, mother. But I assure you, that is not the reason we are getting married."
Violet's eyes softened, a mixture of understanding and sadness in her gaze. She stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on Colin's arm. "I see. I can see how much you love her, Colin. It is clear in the way you look at her, speak to her. But I must know that this marriage is born out of love and not obligation."
Colin met his mother's gaze, his eyes sincere and unwavering. "I love Penelope with all my heart, mother. I would marry her regardless of any scandal. She is everything I have ever wished for and more."
Violet studied her son for a moment longer, then nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I believe you, Colin. And I believe in the love you and Penelope share. It is rare and precious."
Colin's expression softened, and for a moment, the tension seemed to dissipate. But then, a thought struck Violet, and her eyes narrowed in contemplation. "Is this the real reason Lady Featherington has been trying to push up the wedding date?"
Colin chuckled, the sound breaking the somber mood. "Lady Featherington does have a flair for the dramatic," he admitted. "But perhaps moving up the wedding date isn't such a bad idea, especially considering the afternoon Penelope and I just had."
Violet raised an eyebrow, a mixture of curiosity and amusement on her face. "What do you mean?"
With a sheepish grin, Colin replied, "Let's just say that there might be another Bridgerton baby on the way."
Violet gasped, her hands flying to her mouth in surprise. Then, she burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the room. "Well, in that case," she said between giggles, "we had better start planning the wedding sooner rather than later."
And as a mix of Violet's and Colin's laughter filled the room, she couldn't help but feel that everything was going to be just fine.
(@nightshadedawn violet's pov! hope you like it :))
168 notes
·
View notes