#rcdaw

[meindraws]

RCDAW Day 5 Victoria + Tradition (Bouquet Toss)

@rcd-appreciation

[alj4890]

RCD Appreciation Week Day 2 Prompt

(Thomas Hunt x oc*Amanda) with the prompt of a favorite movie.

(Thomas x Amanda) A Red Carpet Diaries Fan Fiction taken from my storyline And Then I Met You

Movie: When Harry Met Sally (movie clip about this very subject Thomas and Amanda discuss)

@lxaah11​ @alleksa16 @penguininapinktuxedo @blackcoffee85 @stopforamoment @darley1101 @hopefulmoonobject   @krsnlove   @annekebbphotography @gibbles82  @cora-nova @bella-ca  @hopelessromantic1352 . @sunflowergirl05 @desiree-0816 @greywitchyshots @lilyofchoices @moodyvalentinestories @emceesynonymroll @dr-nancy-house @aworldoffandoms @ab1901 @pixieferry @lolablackwrites @flyawayboo @i-bloody-love-drake-walker @trappedinfandoms @rcd-appreciation

Masterlist

Something More

It was late one December evening when Thomas and Amanda continued with their month long marathon of holidays in film. They had finished many favorites from the thirties and forties and were now starting to watch those considered more modern day classics.

It was Amanda's turn to pick one. When Harry Met Sally was the next on her list. When Thomas had a look of disbelief on his face at how the romcom connected with their theme, she was more than ready to point out the pivotal New Year's Eve scene and the few Christmas tree shopping ones.

Thomas loved debating film with his wife. He nodded in acceptance to her argument, softly smiling when she kissed him for his agreement.

He cuddled her close beside him on the couch, making certain the fuzzy red Christmas blanket she had brought was snug around them while she handed him a plate of iced sugar and gingerbread cookies. The mulled wine he had surprised her with topped off their date night in.

As usually happened between the two who loved to see stories brought to life, they began to debate the argument the movie presented.

"He's right." Amanda remarked, standing up to take the empty dishes to the kitchen.

Thomas pushed pause and got up to assist her. "Who's right?"

She gestured toward the screen. "Harry. Men and women can't be friends without sex somehow coming into the picture."

Thomas followed after her and leaned against the kitchen counter. "I have been friends with women and sex did not come into play. Look at my relationships with Addison and Holly."

Amanda held up her finger. "Ah, but that is because you have a strict rule of never dating those you work with. Since you keep them as permanent members of your film crew, it was inevitable that you would snuff out any possible notion of romance with them."

Thomas quirked an eyebrow. "Are we discussing romance or sex?"

Amanda paused. "I think you can't have one without the other if between friends."

"And why is that?" He asked, thoroughly enjoying their discussion.

"Well, friends typically care about one another. A form of love develops, thus a sexual attraction would involve some level of romance." She reached for the wine and refilled both their glasses.

Thomas accepted his goblet with a slight frown. "I will concede that particular point but I disagree with you about sex always coming between men and women that are friends."

"Really?" Amanda leaned next to him as a teasing smile formed. "What about us?"

"What about us?" He reiterated.

"We were friends at first." She pointed out.

"Yes, I suppose we were." He chuckled when she playfully smacked his arm. Thomas slipped it around her waist. "And?"

"And I believe we had sex between us." She persisted.

"Had? I believe that is still the case." He pressed his lips against her neck.

"You are only proving my point." A surprised gasp slipped from her parted lips when he lifted her onto the counter. Thomas took advantage and captured her lips in a steamy kiss.

"I'm not." He muttered against her skin.

She leaned back and quirked an eyebrow. "How can you possibly not be proving it?"

His lips curved in that smile of his that made her heart race with the promises it held. "Because sexual attraction did not come in the midst of our friendship. Our growing closeness was what came between my initial desire for you."

She gripped his collar, pulling him agonizingly close while her smile grew. "I see. So that pesky friendship of ours put a damper on your lust?"

His hands started at her legs and leisurely moved up her body to tangle in her hair. "It failed in dousing it. If anything, it only enhanced it."

Thomas slowly kissed a line from her lips down. Amanda closed her eyes and tried to focus her thoughts. "This explains your willingness to marry me so quickly."

He paused and returned to her lips. "Exactly." He slid her off the counter, pressing his body to hers. "Shall we finish the movie or take this discussion somewhere more appropriate to the topic?"

Her fingers tangled with his as she guided him to the stairs. "What kind of friends would we be if we didn't further discuss this until a satisfying conclusion is reached?"

[theartoflovingthomashunt]

Let’s Have Dinner

[Red Carpet Diaries Masterlist]  ||  [Hollywood U Masterlist]

– – – Characters: Alex, Thomas Hunt

Rating: PG

Notes: @choicesnovemberchallenge​ Day 1: Kiss; @rcd-appreciation​ Day 1: Holiday; & @choicesjanuarychallenge2020​ Random Prompt 3: “Be careful”

(How many things can I cover in one short fic?!) – – –

“Be careful!” Thomas warned as Alex scooped a sauteeing shrimp out of the sizzling skillet.

“Hot, hot, hot!!” Alex stammered her tongue burning as she placed the shrimp in her mouth. She hurried quickly to the fridge to get a cold drink. 

“You literally took it out of a pan that was sizzling,” Thomas stated not sure what she expected.

“Yeah, but I blew on it first,” Alex offered with a reluctant shrug. “And in my defense, it smells really amazing in here. How could anyone possibly resist it?”

“That’s not much of a defense,” Thomas interjected. 

“Model, actor, director, writer, now chef and attorney?” Alex teased. “What is all this anyway?”

“Apparently November 1st is ‘National Men Make Dinner Day’,” Thomas explained as he turned his attention back to the numerous pots and pans on the stove and in the oven, checking each dish carefully. “I know how you enjoy your random holidays’ calendar. I couldn’t miss the opportunity to help you properly celebrate such a special day.”

Alex hopped up on the counter near the stove. “How did I get so lucky?”

“Luck had nothing to do with it.” Thomas stirred a pot of sauce on the stove, taking a spoonful out and waiting an appropriate amount of time for it to cool before sampling it. “It was chance that my potential lead chose that club, stood me up, and then on my way out we ran into each other. There are a number of different scenarios that could have transpired. That was just one eventuality.” 

“Luck and chance are kind of two sides of the same coin. It’s how we view them that makes the difference,” Alex smiled thinking back to that first night they went out for drinks. “Luck, chance, fate, fortune, whatever you want to call it… they all brought us here.”

“And there is nowhere else I would rather be than here,” Thomas offered, his lips turning up in the corners, as he added a pinch more seasoning to one of the pots.

“Me too,” Alex smiled momentarily before turning to a pout. “My tongue still hurts… kiss it?”

“You are impossible,” Thomas complained despite already moving in her direction. 

“In the words of the great Audrey Hepburn, ‘nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’,” Alex wrapped her arms around Thomas’s neck. “Thank you for doing all of this for me. I love you!”

“And, I love you, my beautiful Alex,” Thomas pressed his lips against hers, kissing her tenderly. Alex parted her lips, allowing his tongue in her mouth. She returned the favor kissing him deeply. Her tongue felt much better suddenly. 

Reluctantly, Thomas pulled away after a few minutes. He placed one more quick kiss on Alex’s soft lips before returning to tending to his dinner prep.

--- Thomas Tags: @alleksa16​  ; @the-soot-sprite​  ;  @lilyofchoices​ ; @hopelessromantic1352​  ; @flyawayboo​   ; @twin-skltns​  ; @mfackenthal​   ; @alj4890​ ; @riseandshinelittleblossom​  ; @thearianam​  ; @rcd-appreciation​ ;  @choicesnovemberchallenge​;  @choicesjanuarychallenge2020​; 

[moodyvalentinestories]

The Exception (Thomas Hunt x Rachel Fields)

“I think you should know by now that you, my dear, are the exception.”

Her grin widened. “Just wanted to hear you say that.”

Summary: Rachel and Hunt are going to a Halloween party? Together?!

Day 1 of @rcd-appreciation: Holiday. | Day 1 of @choicesnovemberchallenge: Kiss.

Pairing: Thomas Hunt x Rachel Fields

Word Count: ~ 890 words

Notes: I’m so mad I didn’t have a whole lot of time to work on this so it’s not exactly perfect but at least it’s something. And Halloween is kind of a holiday, right? Right?!

❥ Moodyvalentine’s Full Masterlist

“This was a terrible idea,” Rachel said when Thomas opened the door of the cab for her and she saw the large number of costumed people heading into the building behind him.

“Oh, absolutely,” he agreed and took her hand, helping her out of the car. “All your ideas are.”

She sighed. She had hoped he’d tell her that they would be fine. After all, she’d really been looking forward to tonight. “Maybe we should go back.”

“No.” He looped his arm around her waist to keep her in place. He thought back to when Ryan had invited them to his annual Halloween party and how excited Rachel had been at the prospect of getting to go. “We’ll have to be careful, but we’re staying.”

Her face lit up, though he probably couldn’t see that behind her mask. “Really?”

“Really,” he said and pulled her closer, pressing a quick kiss to her lips. He was reasonably certain that nobody would be able to tell who they were, at least not out here in the dark, but he didn’t intend to test their luck too much so he let go of her and took a step back sooner than either of them wanted him to. “We should get going.”

They walked towards the gates and Rachel cursed herself for her choice of shoes when she saw the path to the building was paved with cobblestone. She should have listened to Thomas and worn the flat boots instead of the ones with stiletto heels, but she was wearing a Catwoman costume, for heaven’s sake! The entire point of that was to look hot. And to mask her face, of course. The latter was, according to Thomas, the more important one. She knew, though, that he most certainly didn’t mind looking at her in her skin-tight catsuit. Not if his expression when she’d shown him her costume earlier that day was anything to go by.

“Is everything all right?” Thomas asked when he noticed her look at the pavement with dread.

She bit her lip. No, she was not going to admit that he’d been right. “Sure, yeah. I’m fine.”

But she wasn’t fine, and he quickly picked up on what the issue was as she struggled to walk, nearly tripping every few feet. He narrowed his eyes, wondering whether she’d planned this. He contemplated ignoring her, but he really didn’t want her to get injured, so he offered her his arm.

She frowned. “No. I said I’m fine. It’s not that far, anyway.”

“Rachel,” he warned, then quickly looked around to see if anyone had heard him say her name. No one had. Or, at least, no one cared. He relaxed a little when he realised that no one had even attempted to speak to him yet even though they’d passed a multitude of people already. They hadn’t recognised him. No wonder! Nobody could have expected Thomas Hunt to be the one hiding behind a Batman costume, not even he himself. It had taken quite a bit of convincing on Rachel’s part to get him to wear it – he looked utterly ridiculous! – but it was the perfect disguise.

She continued walking without his help but not for long. Because soon enough, she did trip. Luckily for her, Thomas had seen it coming and steadied her before she could hurt herself.

“Yes, you’re just fine, aren’t you?” he said, a small smile playing at his lips.

She huffed. “Shut up.”

“If I recall correctly, I did tell you not to wear these torture devices.”

“I said shut up,” she repeated and looked around. They were dangerously close to the entrance now, surrounded by a large crowd, but Thomas still had his arm wrapped around her waist, pressing her tightly to his body. Her eyes darted to his face, or rather what was visible of it. Which wasn’t a whole lot more than his lips, really, but those were very inviting and so she leaned up to kiss them.

Surprisingly enough, he didn’t protest but kissed her back instead. Until he heard an awfully familiar squeal. Rachel chuckled a little when she felt him frown.

“She’s not going to out us, I promise,” she said before pulling back and turning to the source of the squeal. “Hi Addi.”

“You two are so cute,” her friend said and pulled Rachel into a hug. “And, don’t worry, I’ve got a change of costume for both of you with me in case you guys are found out. Which is highly unlikely, might I add, because your costumes are perfect.”

Thomas cleared his throat. “Ahem. If you’re done praising your own work, Miss Sinclair, I believe we should head inside.”

“Right. I have more guests to greet, anyway,” Addison said. “I’ll see you later.”

Once Addison was gone, Rachel nudged Thomas. “You know you don’t have to be mean all the time, right?”

“I have a reputation to uphold,” he said as they continued on into the building, a safe distance apart from each other. “I can’t have my students thinking I’m going soft.”

Rachel grinned. “Oh yeah? Well, I happen to know that you are soft. Why else would you be here with me?”

“I think you should know by now that you, my dear, are the exception.”

Her grin widened. “Just wanted to hear you say that.”

Tags: @lilyofchoices​ @trappedinfandoms​ @flyawayboo​ @alleksa16​ @silversparrow02​ @hopelessromantic1352​

[rcd-appreciation]

RCDAW Masterlist

Hello friends! We apologize for the delay, life has taken all of us hosts captive. But, we finally have the week’s masterlist put together, so if all the creators who participated would please review the list and make certain we didn’t miss anyone or anything, we can go ahead and start drawing prizes!

Day 1 - Holiday

Fanfiction

Thomas Hunt x MC

All I Want For Christmas - @hopelessromantic1352

Table For One - @alj4890

Let’s Have Dinner - @theartoflovingthomashunt

The Exception - @moodyvalentinestories

Chadley Fortnum x MC

Pumpkin Carving - @lilyofchoices

Fanart

Seth and Chadley Pumpkin Carving - @meindraws

Day 2 - Favorite Movie

Fanfiction

Thomas Hunt x MC

Something More - @alj4890

Rosebud - @theartoflovingthomashunt

How To Kiss - @lilyofchoices

Hallmark Man - @hopelessromantic1352

Fanart

Teja and Chadley (Men In Black) - @meindraws

Day 3 - Family

Fanfiction

Thomas Hunt x MC

Just Perfect - @theartoflovingthomashunt

Family Time - @hopelessromantic1352

Rachel, Meet Rachel - @moodyvalentinestories

It’s Time - @alj4890

Seth Levine x MC

Daducation - @lilyofchoices

An Early Welcome - @argylemnwrites

Fanart

Hunt and Family + Chadley - @meindraws

Day 4 - Lights

Fanfiction

Thomas Hunt x MC

Cribs: A Baby Hunt Drabble - @theartoflovingthomashunt

Is This Seat Taken? - @alj4890

Snowball(?) Fight - @hopelessromantic1352

Something Spectacular - @moodyvalentinestories

Victoria Fontaine x MC

Lights - @lilyofchoices

Fanart

Lights (Camera, Action) - Matt + Chadley - @meindraws

Day 5 - Tradition

Fanfiction

Thomas Hunt x MC

Baking Cookies - @theartoflovingthomashunt

The Debut - @alj4890 

Under The Mistletoe - @hopelessromantic1352

Fanart

Victoria + Tradition - @meindraws

Day 6 - Side Characters (Love)

Fanfiction

Thomas Hunt x MC

All This Time? No, But Maybe Now - @theartoflovingthomashunt

It’s Time - @hopelessromantic1352

Crushing It - @alj4890

Fanart

Caught The Bouquet - Chadley - @meindraws

Day 7 - Free Day

Fanfiction

Thomas Hunt x MC

Fangs! - @theartoflovingthomashunt

Rumor Has It - @alj4890

Change? - @moodyvalentinestories

Merry Christmas - @hopelessromantic1352

Seth Levine x MC

Racing - @argylemnwrites

Fanart

Doctors Without Limits - Chadley - @meindraws

[argylemnwrites]

An Early Welcome

Pairing: Seth Levine x MC (Jessica Parker)

Book: Red Carpet Diaries (Book 3, between Chapter 16 and 17)

Word Count: ~1700

Rating: G

Summary: Jessica has a heart-to-heart with Seth’s mother prior to the wedding, aka ArgyleMN attempts to add any sort of emotion or heart to RCD3.

Author’s Note: Written for RCD appreciation week, Day 3 (family). I can’t believe I almost missed that this was happening, but I’m glad I saw and was able to participate! Even though I pretty well hated book 3, I will always have a soft spot for one Seth Levine! So consider this part of my ongoing mission to add depth where PB gives us none.

Jessica strolled out of her bedroom, tying her robe at her waist. She might be tired from the Ninradell press junket, but since Seth’s parents were staying with her while in town for the fan premiere event, she wanted to get up earlier than usual. Her parents had ingrained in her the importance of being a good host, so as nice as it would be to sleep in, she knew she needed to get up, get the coffee brewing, and breakfast cooking. However, as she wandered towards the kitchen, she was surprised to hear the sink running. She rounded the corner, and sure enough, there was Rachel Levine, already showered, dressed, and filling up the coffee pot.

“Good morning, dear,” said Rachel, glancing up and smiling as Jessica entered the kitchen, “I hope you don’t mind that I’m getting a pot of coffee going. I’m an absolutely useless lump until I get my morning caffeine hit.”

Rachel spun away at that, pouring the water into the coffee maker’s basin and opening the closest cupboard, clearly looking for the coffee. Jessica walked to a cabinet two over from where Rachel was looking and grabbed the coffee, moving to finish prepping the pot, but Rachel took the coffee from her hands before she could object.

“Let me; I insist,” said Rachel, adding the coffee to the built-in filter. 

Jessica shook her head, wrapping her robe around herself tighter. It was a little embarrassing to be caught by Seth’s mother in her pyjamas. She’d only met his parents twice prior to this trip, once when they came out to visit Seth in LA not long after they had officially become boyfriend and girlfriend, and the other time when she joined Seth in Ohio for Yom Kippur last year. And while his parents had been kind and attentive, she’d stayed in a hotel for that visit, the Levine household full to the brim with Rachel’s extended family. 

“I was just about to get one brewing before I got cleaned up, but I guess 6:30 wasn’t early enough.”

Rachel just shook her head, “You have to realize that this is 9:30 am on my internal clock, and I normally get up for work at 6 am.”

“But you’re my guests. I should-”

“Exactly, you are being very generous and hosting us. You are doing plenty already.”

“I told you, I have the space. It’s no big deal.”

“My dear, instead of getting into a ‘who-is-more-Midwestern’ contest with me, why don’t you just take a seat and let me make you a cup of coffee?”

Jessica smiled tightly at that. “I was actually going to go hop in the shower,” she mumbled, not wanting to draw anymore attention to her state of dress.

“Nonsense, this is your home. Don’t feel like you need to get all glamorous at this hour just for us.”

“But Rachel-”

“Family can eat breakfast in their PJs together, dear. Now, take a seat.”

Jessica felt like this could go on indefinitely, so she relented, climbing onto one of the stools at her island, watching as Rachel bustled around the kitchen, clearly making herself at home as she pulled out two mugs, sugar, and the creamer. She placed them all in front of Jessica as she found them. The aroma of coffee soon filled the air, the gurgle of the coffee maker the only sound. As soon as the carafe held enough for two cups, Rachel pulled it out and poured some into the mugs, returning it to the maker before she leaned across the island and looked at Jessica.

“Seth doesn’t need to stay at a hotel, you know.”

“Excuse me?”

“While Tony and I are in town. He can stay here as well; he doesn’t need to pretend you aren’t living together.”

Jessica blinked, taking in Rachel’s words. “He honestly doesn’t live here.”

“Really?” Rachel asked, eyebrows flying up her forehead as she gave her head a little shake. “Why not?”

“Your parents, actually.”

“Seriously?” Rachel’s disbelief was evident in her voice as she stirred a splash of creamer into her coffee.

Jessica laughed, “Seriously. I asked him if he wanted to move in after he proposed. He told me he could never do that to his Bubbie.”

It was Rachel’s turn to laugh, shaking her head as she added some sugar to her coffee. “My son, I tell you. Scandalizing them by moving to LA and telling them he had not gone to synagogue once? Sure. Going out with gentiles, men, and gentile men? Oh, he’d tell them stories of his dates without shame. But living with his fiancée before marriage, something my parents would have no way of knowing? That’s where he draws the line!”

Jessica shrugged as she sipped her coffee. It had thrown her when Seth had told her he couldn’t live with someone until he was married, but it wasn’t a big deal. They had their entire lives to live together, and with how busy they’d both been over the past few months, adding a move on top of everything was just an extra stress they hadn’t needed. Now that the press junket for Ninradell was winding down, she and Seth were going to start moving some of his things over in earnest. It was why his parents couldn’t stay in his spare room - half-filled boxes covered the bed and floor there.

“Yeah, it’s what he wanted. To be honest, I kind of figured it was partially for your benefit as well.”

Rachel scoffed at that, shaking her head. “I am not my mother, thank you very much.”

“I didn’t mean to-”

“Relax, dear. I get it. My parents and my sister certainly made their old-fashioned views known at Yom Kippur.”

“I’m kind of surprised they’re coming to the wedding, to be honest.” The statement slipped out of Jessica’s mouth before she fully thought it through. She did not know Seth’s mother well enough to be that blunt about her family, but hearing Rachel talk so dismissively about them had unlocked something inside of Jessica, something she’d shoved down and buried deep in her soul. This fear that to Seth’s family, she would never really be accepted, simply because of her religion. And while she knew none of that mattered to Seth, she didn’t like the thought of being the black sheep daughter-in-law.

But if Rachel found Jessica’s statement insulting, she didn’t let it on, instead reaching over and placing her hand on top of Jessica’s. “You have been very accommodating to my family, even though they haven’t been exactly warm or welcoming. Seth told me you made sure there was going to be a clearly marked kosher buffet, that you arranged for there to be a chuppah, that you will break a glass. I know this is for the benefit of my family, so thank you.”

“Oh, it’s nothing-”

“My dear, we both know it’s not nothing. Stop being Midwestern and just accept my gratitude, okay?”

Jessica smiled at Rachel and nodded, glad that even if Seth’s extended family didn’t fully approve of their relationship, at least his mother seemed to be on board. She moved to grab her coffee and take another sip, but Rachel wasn’t finished just yet, clasping her hand more tightly.

“I’m not just thankful for what you’ve done for this wedding. When Seth told us he was moving to Hollywood all those years ago, I was worried. Worried that no one was going to protect my sensitive, anxious, insecure little boy. Worried that this harsh industry would chew him up and eat him alive. Every year he stayed out here, I wasn’t sure whether it was good that he was surviving and making his way, or if this place was just breaking him so slowly, he didn’t even realize it.

“But you have been such a steady part of his life the past couple of years. The stories he’s told me... well, I finally felt that there was someone out here who was looking out for him. So thank you, thank you so much for taking care of my baby boy.”

Jessica didn’t know how to respond, so she just gave Rachel’s hand a little squeeze. Rachel coughed at shook her head slightly, “Sorry dear, for going full sentimental at this hour! I promised Tony I would hold it together until the wedding.”

“And yet, I knew you wouldn’t,” said Seth’s father, surprising Jessica as he entered the kitchen, carrying a white bag, Seth trailing behind him. Jessica cocked her head, surprised to see her fiancé this early, but he just smiled and kissed her cheek, dropping onto the stool next to her.

“I got drafted into a pastry run,” he said, answering her unasked question, “He claimed he wanted to spend a little time together, but I think he just wanted easy access to your building.”

Tony rolled his eyes at his son’s joke, but one part of his statement stood out to Jessica.

“Wait, you got pastries? I had food to cook breakfast for you two,” Jessica said, glancing between Seth’s parents as his father set the bag from the bakery down on the counter. 

“Don’t even try,” said Seth, shaking his head as he grabbed a bear claw out of the bag, “She’s never gonna let you cook.”

Rachel sighed at that, but didn’t contradict Seth as she handed him a mug full of coffee before she grabbed a croissant for herself and a hard roll for her husband. And so as the sun crept up into the sky, filling the penthouse with a bright glow, the four of them sat around the counter, enjoying a simple breakfast. The modern furnishings and high rise views were the only thing that kept this from feeling like an average Midwest morning. There was no pressure, no pretense, instead just a family clearly making an effort to welcome their newest member, even if it was a few weeks away from being official. And that was enough ease Jessica’s mind and let her feel like a normal girl from Iowa once again, if only for a moment.

Tags: @lilyofchoices @hopelessromantic1352​ @mfackenthal @octobereighth @rcd-appreciation

[hopelessromantic1352-masterlist]

Red Carpet Diaries Appreciation Week

Day 1 - Holiday - All I Want For Christmas

Day 2 - Favorite Movie - Hallmark Man

Day 3 - Family - Family Time

Day 4 - Lights - Snowball(?) Fight

Day 5 - Tradition - Under The Mistletoe

Day 6 - Side Characters (Love) - It’s Time

Day 7 - Free Day - Merry Christmas

[hopelessromantic1352]

Please help share the word y’all! We’re looking forward to hosting this event ❤️

[meindraws]

RCDAW Day 4 Matt + Lights (Camera, Action)

Double Agent reshoots. @rcd-appreciation

[alj4890]

RCD Appreciation Week Day 7 Prompt

(Thomas Hunt x oc*Amanda) with the day's prompt of anything goes and with the prompt of a marriage proposal as requested by @krsnlove

(Thomas Hunt x oc*Amanda) A Choices: Red Carpet Diaries Fan Fiction

A/N My bff requested another type of proposal between these two. Not a part of my AU's but seemed appropriate to end this week of co-hosting RCD prompts with the lovely @hopelessromantic1352 @lilyofchoices and @moodyvalentinestories

@lxaah11​ @alleksa16​ @penguininapinktuxedo​ @blackcoffee85​ @stopforamoment​ @hopefulmoonobject​   @krsnlove​   @annekebbphotography  @cora-nova @hopelessromantic1352 . @sunflowergirl05 @desiree-0816 @greywitchyshots @lilyofchoices @moodyvalentinestories @emceesynonymroll @dr-nancy-house @aworldoffandoms @ab1901 @pixieferry @lolablackwrites @flyawayboo @i-bloody-love-drake-walker @trappedinfandoms @rcd-appreciation

Masterlist

Rumor Has It

In other entertainment news, look who was caught leaving a very well known jeweler's in Los Angeles! Could it be that the famous director has finally decided to take the marital plunge? Sources close to Thomas Hunt claim that the duchess from Cordonia that is more often than not by his side has somehow caused that cold heart of his to melt. Will we soon see something special on her left hand?

Amanda stared at the screen with jaw dropped. Could it be true? Was Thomas planning on proposing? She fumbled with the remote control and quickly turned the channel when she heard his shower shut off. She finished applying her makeup then tried to zip her dress.

Warm hands brushed hers aside and took over the task. She smiled at Thomas over her shoulder.

"Thank you." She leaned back against him when he placed a kiss along the curve of her neck. Tingling sensations shot through her veins from his touch and imagining him proposing. Good thing sources close to her had not shared how crazy in love she was with him.

"My pleasure." He murmured, lifting his eyes to the mirror. He smiled softly at their reflection.

She kissed his cheek then wiped the lipstick mark off. She couldn't stop the slight blush nor her laughter when he teased her about marking him for her own.

She turned in his arms to kiss his lips tenderly. "I do love you being mine." Amanda admitted.

Thomas gripped her to him and continued the kiss. "Not nearly as much as I do." He stepped back to admire her in her cocktail dress. The green satin had turned her hazel eyes a deep forest green with flecks of gold. He glanced down at her hand. "I believe this is missing something."

Her eyes widened as he held up her left hand. "You do?"

He walked over to his nightstand and picked up a box out of top drawer.

She wondered if he could hear her pounding heartbeat from over there. It looked a little bigger than a ring box but perhaps--

He pulled out her watch. "I found this shortly after you left the last time you visited. The clasp was broken and I took it in to be repaired." He placed it on her wrist and snapped it closed. "There. I know how much you hate not knowing what time it is."

She swallowed down her disappointment. This was what she got for watching all that gossip news show. "Thank you. That was very sweet of you to take it in. How much do I owe you?"

Thomas placed his arms around her once more. "I think I can afford to have your watch fixed." He pressed a kiss to her palm. "Ready to go?"

"Hmm? Yes. Of course." She walked out of his arms and grabbed her purse. Amanda looked at her watch and felt her heart plummet that it seemed to not be the time for Thomas to admit his feelings for her. She decided to not dwell on the rumor being untrue and to enjoy their time together.

He followed her downstairs while putting his blazer on. His eyes remained on her and held a bit of heat as they traveled her curves. "I appreciate you agreeing to attend this dinner with me that the university is hosting."

"Well, I am hungry." Amanda teased.

"So that's the reason you agreed, is it?" He asked, lips curving as he pulled her flush to him. "And here I thought it might have something to do with me."

"It might." She replied, trying her hardest to breathe normally. After all these months dating, his touch combined with the way he looked at her still managed to her heart race.

"I hope so." He softly kissed her.

_____________

A short time later...

Amanda listened with a pleasant expression on her face to the conversation Thomas was having with a few other professors. As the trio debated Ingmar Bergman's films and their influence on today’s cinema, she started daydreaming of this being her possible future. Could I be happy being the wife of a Hollywood director?

She did share his love of movies. She found this particular art of storytelling fascinating. She loved listening to him talk with such passion about it. His dedication to this art form made her excited to see more of the creative process. Thomas might possibly be the most interesting person she knew.

His personality intrigued her. He was a somewhat quiet, serious minded person; yet with her a sweet tenderness and dry sense of humor appeared. He never ceased to amaze her with his thoughtfulness nor his ability to make her smile.

He was completely different from the other men she had dated in the past. Being a member of Cordonia's nobility had put her in the path of a number powerful, confident men in the diplomatic and business professions. A chance encounter with Thomas had been a breath of fresh air. His confidence had come from his accomplishments rather than those of his ancestors or in some form of nepotism.

His deep voice drew her attention back to the conversation. Her eyes traced his handsome features, causing her senses to ruffle with thoughts of past intimate conversations. His eyes met hers, as if reading her thoughts, and he slipped his arm around her waist.

The other two professors walked off to mingle, leaving the couple to a moment of privacy.

"I hope you aren't too bored." Thomas set his empty glass down and gently caressed her cheek.

"Not at all." Amanda quickly assured him.

Thomas lifted an eyebrow in disbelief. "You've been very quiet this evening. Is something wrong?"

"No. Nothing's wrong." She softly kissed his cheek.

He slipped his other arm around her. "Do you think you will enjoy your visit? It will be fairly uneventful while I finish up these next few weeks of lectures."

"Thomas, I prefer the non event days." She linked her arms around him. "I love it when we can just relax and be together, just the two of us."

His concerned frown eased with her reassurance. He pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead and then addressed the next person to call his name.

_____________

Middle of the night...

"There you are." He came up behind her and leaned against the railing of his balcony. "Can't sleep?"

Amanda shook her head while looking out over his backyard. "I didn't mean to disturb you. I usually stand out on my balcony at night when I can't sleep back home."

Thomas settled his hand over hers. "What's on your mind?"

She looked down while a rueful grin formed. "Life in general I suppose."

"Much too complicated to figure out at four in the morning." He pressed a kiss to her cheek. "Come back inside." He tugged her back into his room.

She climbed back into bed and let out a deep, contented sigh when he scooted closer behind her. His hands caressed her back and shoulders while his lips touched the back of her neck. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the moment. His hands moved around to her front and pulled her back against his chest.

She turned over and smiled sleepily. "I thought you wanted me to go back to sleep."

"I don't recall saying that." He replied. The way he looked at her made body tingle.

"I see." Humor lurked in her eyes as she met his steady gaze. "So your concern for my being outside had an ulterior motive."

"Not completely ulterior." He argued, while kissing up to her lips. "I believe I have never hid this from you."

She laughed while kissing him. "You are very lucky I adore you."

He paused before giving her a thought stealing kiss. "Yes, I am."

______________

A few days later...

While Thomas lectured, Amanda quietly slipped into one of the empty chairs. She looked around at the class hurriedly writing notes to what he was saying. She propped her chin on her hand and observed him for the first time in professor mode.

She had been curious after hearing Addison's description of his teaching methods. Since he planned on taking her to an early dinner and movie, they had decided to meet at the university. It had been her idea to come a little earlier than planned to sneak into the auditorium and watch him in action.

As he spoke of Leo McCarey's method of mostly improvisation instead of script for the 1937 movie, The Awful Truth; Amanda felt herself fall for this side of his persona. His fierce frown at some of the more asinine questions posed by his students made her lips tremble with suppressed laughter. Though he was harsh in his impatience, he still made the effort to answer each student's query.

His dark eyes swept the class, checking to make certain there were no other misconceptions when he doublebacked on Amanda. Her smile brought his own out. His students stared at him in shock before searching for the source of this strange phenomenon. Thomas realized what he had done and quickly dismissed the class early.

Amanda gathered her jacket and purse.

"A word, Ms. Bridgerton." He called out in a stern tone.

She coughed on a laugh as she approached. "Yes, professor?"

He stepped down with his satchel and stopped before her. He cupped her face and kissed her tenderly. "If I had known you would be observing the class, I would have attempted to make it more interesting."

She smiled and straightened his tie. "I found it very interesting. Most of what you discussed has some of my favorite moments with Cary Grant." Her eyes met his. "Plus it helped that the professor is so handsome. Very difficult to ignore."

He smiled before urging her out of the classroom.

_______________

Amanda's eyes widened at the table set with candles and roses. "I thought this was supposed to be a more casual dinner." She tugged at her short black knit dress with whimsical stars on it.

Thomas's warm hand moved up and down her back in a soothing caress. "Just because it's casual doesn't mean it can't be romantic." He pulled her chair out for her.

She sat down and thanked the waiter once their wine was poured. "Are we celebrating something?"

"No." He took her left hand in between his hands. "Can I not occassionaly try and make you feel special?"

Amanda gently squeezed his hand. "I think I could live with that."

His expression remained serious. "Could you live happily with that?"

She chuckled. "I can't think of anyone who doesn't enjoy being made to feel special."

He looked down at her hand. "Do you ever think of the future?"

She picked up her glass and nodded. "Of course. Doesn't everyone?"

He frowned for a moment. "Have you thought about a future with me?"

She coughed in her wine glass. She set it down while she strangled on the sip and tears came to her eyes. Oh Lord. Why did I have to have something like this happen at such a moment? She avoided all the curious looks cast her way from the other patrons.

Thomas rubbed her back while she tried to breathe. She wiped her tears and spoke in a raspy voice. "In case that was misunderstood, I have thought of a future with you."

His lips curved briefly. "And what do you see?"

Her cheeks flared with color. "I...I see us having a life together, one with a home and a family." She squirmed under his unwavering stare. "It is difficult not thinking of the possibility when you make each time we are together so lovely."

"And here I thought it was your fault for such thoughts." He teased.

Her entire face was red. She looked out the window their table was near and tried to get her thoughts together. "I can't see that I have done much of anything."

"Only made me fall for you more and more each and every time we are together." Thomas looked down at her hand. "I did not expect nor look for it to happen. Then meeting you threw out my eternal bachelor plans."

Amanda's lips parted in surprise. She sat there silently while he raised her hand to his lips. "I do not admit to such lightly. I am not one to succumb to love as easily as others. I'm also certain I'm not expressing this as one would typically...but I do love you with all my heart."

Amanda gripped his hand. "I love you too."

He studied her eyes as if to make certain it was true before pulling out a ring box. "Then perhaps you would be willing to marry me." He opened it and lifted a diamond ring from the velvet interior. He gently slid it over her finger.

He waited for her to respond. She seemed incapable of both words and looking at the ring. Right when he was about to take back his proposal, she leaned forward and kissed him. Her hands gripped his blue dress shirt while her lips moved over his again and again. He held her close and ignored the surprised gasps and whispers of the restaurant's patrons.

She slowly ended the kiss. "I would love to marry you." She whispered against his lips. "I can't think of a single thing on this earth that would make me happier than spending my life with you."

He slammed his lips down on hers. Their waiter cleared his throat and nervously asked if they were ready to order

"Can we go home?" Amanda whispered in Thomas's ear.

He stood up so quickly the waiter jumped. "Here. Keep whatever is left over for a tip." Thomas quickly handed the waiter a couple of hundred dollar bills while yanking Amanda along with him out the door.

He gently pushed her into the car and followed in after her the moment paparazzi appeared. As the driver pulled away, Amanda rested her head against his shoulder and looked down at her hand. Her engagement ring sparkled in the passing streetlights.

"When did you know?" She asked.

Thomas looked down at her. "Knew what?"

"That you loved me?" She swallowed nervously. "I knew I was falling in love with you shortly after we started spending time together."

Thomas's expression softened. "I believe I knew fairly early on that I was losing my heart to you."

"Why didn't you ever say something?"

He smoothed her hair behind her ear. "You were not exactly as forthcoming with how you felt about me."

He could see her blush in the darkness.

"I wasn't certain you would want me to admitting to being in love with you." She confessed. "You do have a reputation for ending relationships quickly."

He softly groaned before cuddling her closer to his side. "I supppse I do." Thomas nuzzled her neck. "And yet you came along and changed all that. I actually wanted to prolong every visit. Planning for the next time I could see you was the only aspect that made saying goodbye each time easier."

Amamda turned her head and met his lips in a kiss. "I believe this ring is a promise that one day we won't have to say goodbye."

Thomas looked into her eyes. Her hand softly caressed his cheek. He pressed his lips there and held still for an extra beat. "I am going to need that day to be soon."

"Good." She replied. Her lips curved with all the happiness she was feeling. "I was hoping I wasn't the only one who needed that too."

_______________

Three weeks later....

Breaking entertainment news tonight: Thomas Hunt ended his dating relationship with Lady Amanda Bridgerton this past weekend. In what was believed to be an invite to a Christmas party, ended up being a secret wedding ceremony for the couple. Those nearest to the couple were surprised not only to find out the two were engaged but that they were marrying right then.

Our own Ana de Luca was one of the guests invited. She reports that the touching ceremony was held in front of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree in Hunt's living room. Friends and loved ones from both Cordonia and Hollywood celebrated late into the night with the bride and groom. The newlyweds are rumored to be postponing their honeymoon until after the holidays. When asked by Ana what their plans are until then, they are reported to have smiled at one another and said, "Nothing, except spend time together."

[theartoflovingthomashunt]

Extra Credit (AU)

Characters: Alex, Professor Hunt

Rating: PG-13

Notes: Alternate Universe drabble where Alex is a student at Hollywood U and is dating the hottest professor. They’ve been together a while.

@prompt-nonny ; @the-choices-fanart-giver for @rcd-appreciation #5-- Character A: “Yes?”; Character B: “No.” Character A: “Okay, thanks!”

--- Alex ran her hands through Hunt's hair, her lips brushing against his neck. "There must be something I can do to improve my grade, yes?"

"No," Hunt stated exasperatedly. 

"Okay, thanks," Alex responded. She pressed a long, lingering kiss on his cheek. Slowly, she stepped away from him.

Before she could move out of his reach Hunt's hand grasped hers pulling her back to him. "Where do you think you're going?"

Alex turned into him, trying to suppress her growing smile. 

"I did not dismiss you, Miss Spencer," Hunt disciplined. 

"My apologies, Professor," Alex professed coyly. 

"Pleasure is its own reward," Hunt stated, his hands tracing her figure with determination. "Is that not enough?"

"I was just going to check that the door was locked," Alex smirked. 

---

Tags:  @lilyofchoices  ; @alj4890  ;  @hopelessromantic1352  ; @rcd-appreciation   ;  @prompt-nonny ;  @the-soot-sprite  ; @flyawayboo   ;  @twin-skltns  ; @alleksa16   ; @riseandshinelittleblossom   ;  @thearianam  ;  @mfackenthal; 

[moodyvalentinestories]

Wedding Bells, Part 1: Rachel, Meet Rachel | Rachel x Hunt

A blush crept upon my cheeks. “I… um… I’m Rachel.” “Rachel?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. “And here I thought I was Rachel.”

Summary: Rachel meets... Rachel. As in, Thomas’ girlfriend meets Thomas’ sister. Yes, it’s confusing. I still regret choosing that name but I just completely forgot about his sister because RCD obviously forgot about her, too!

Day 3 of @rcd-appreciation​​: Family.

Pairing: Thomas Hunt x Rachel Fields

Word Count: ~550 words

Notes: I haven’t written in 1st person in a while and I don’t enjoy it as much anymore but I felt I had to for this one because... well, there’s two people with the same name here and that’s a little complicated and confusing. So. Eh. Yeah. Hope this works 😅

Also, this is Part 1 of my HWU Hunt Date #9 rewrite. Aka, this is just after their relationship has officially become public and all that. Which means it’ll be a while until I write the next few parts of this because I still haven’t figured out how I want them to go public since I’m not doing that ridiculous Bianca storyline. Um. Yeah. This note’s almost longer than the story itself.

❥ Moodyvalentine’s Full Masterlist

We sat on his couch, my head on his shoulder as he was answering the emails he’d ignored all day, when I realised that we were finally free. That there was nothing in the way of our happiness anymore.

“I think this might be it,” I said as I scooted even closer to him.

He stopped typing, his fingers hovering over the keyboard. “Hmm?”

“I think this might be my favourite moment with you. The first time we don’t have anything hanging over us. We don’t have to sneak around anymore.”

He furrowed his eyebrows, then closed his laptop and put it on the coffee table. “I should take you out to dinner, then. No hiding this time.”

It was a wonderful idea, of course, but not what I’d meant at all. We had all the time in the world for dinner dates. Tonight, I just wanted to enjoy his company… among other things.

“No,” I said and moved onto his lap, straddling him. “We should just… enjoy this moment.”

He smiled up at me, his arms moving around my waist to pull me closer. “I won’t object to that.”

And in an instant, our lips met, and we each poured every emotion we felt into the kiss. The relief and the joy we felt about finally being able to stop hiding this relationship, the passion that had always been there, the—

We jumped apart when we heard the doorbell ring – a habit we had yet to break. Thomas let out a low growl at the interruption before he got up from the couch. I wondered if I should follow him for a moment. He noticed my hesitation and took my hand.

“There’s no reason to hide anymore, remember?” he said with a soft smile and placed a quick kiss on my lips. “Now, let us see who had the audacity to disturb us.”

He led me to the foyer and opened the front door to reveal a beautiful woman. For a moment, I wondered if it was one of his ex-girlfriends. I knew most of them – Marianne, Priya, even Yvonne I’d seen in photos before – but it wasn’t entirely impossible that there wasn’t another one that I hadn’t known of yet.

But I quickly realised that wasn’t who she was. No, after looking at her face for a couple of seconds, I found she looked almost familiar. Because she looked quite a bit like Thomas. It must have been a relative of his. Not his mother – far too young – but maybe… his sister? He’d never told me he had a sister.

“Rachel,” he said, making me look up at him. He was scowling. Was he about to tell me to leave? But he wasn’t looking at me…

“Thomas,” the woman said, her expression matching his. And then I realised he hadn’t been talking to me. I gasped, attracting the woman’s stare. She narrowed her eyes. “And who are you?”

A blush crept upon my cheeks. “I… um… I’m Rachel.”

“Rachel?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. “And here I thought I was Rachel.”

We both turned to Thomas, who let out a sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “Right. Well.” He looked at me. “Rachel, meet my sister, Rachel.” He turned back to the other woman. “And, Rachel, meet my girlfriend, Rachel.”

Tags: @lilyofchoices​ @trappedinfandoms​ @flyawayboo​ @alleksa16​ @silversparrow02​ @hopelessromantic1352​

[rcd-appreciation]

So, pay attention ya’ll, your amazing hosts @hopelessromantic1352 @moodyvalentinestories @alj4890 and @lilyofchoices are here to tell ya how this lovely little appreciation week will work...

Days: Days 1-5 will be devoted to the LI’s. You can pick any LI you desire. Want to write Teja all five days? Do it! Want to draw only Seth for the first five days? Do it! Just be sure to match the theme (Holiday, Favorite Movie, Family, Lights, Tradition).

Day 6 is for showing us your interpretation of the theme of love for any and all side characters. Maybe it is time someone wrote that Chadley x Gloria fic ya’ll have been wanting. Maybe it is time that we discovered Viktor’s undying love for himself and all the self-portraits he has lining the walls of his bedroom. Whatever it may be, we want to see it.

Day 7 is an anything goes day. Have fun. Get creative and wow us with your talent.

Entries: You get one entry for each submission. If you are a bit late in your submission, that’s alright, it will still count as long as it is in by the last day. Want to write HWU (we’ve gotten that question already), go for it. As long as it follows the theme and is in the same universe you are good and it will count as an entry. Include an edit/art in your fic or a fic in your edit/art that would be two entries. Include the prompt for the @choicesnovemberchallenge and you get an additional entry. 

Prizes: 1. A $25USD gift card (Google Play/iTunes/Amazon)  2. A commissioned fanart piece of your choosing from an artist of our choosing 3. A fanfic by the talented @hopelessromantic1352 

Tags: Use the tags #rcdaw and #rcd appreciation week and be sure to tag @rcd-appreciation, @lilyofchoices, and @hopelessromantic1352

[choicesficwriterscreations]

Treat

Book: Red Carpet Diaries Pairing: Thomas Hunt x F!MC Rating: Teen Author: @hopelessromantic1352

[meindraws]

RCDAW Day 6 Side Character (Chadley Fortnum) + Love

He caught the bouquet. @rcd-appreciation

[alj4890]

RCD Appreciation Week Day 5 Prompt

(Thomas Hunt x oc*Amanda) with the day's given prompt of tradition.

(Thomas x Amanda) taken from the storyline And Then I Met You

@lxaah11 @alleksa16 @penguininapinktuxedo @blackcoffee85 @stopforamoment @hopefulmoonobject   @krsnlove​  @annekebbphotography  @cora-nova @hopelessromantic1352. @sunflowergirl05 @desiree-0816 @greywitchyshots @lilyofchoices​ @moodyvalentinestories @emceesynonymroll @dr-nancy-house @aworldoffandoms @ab1901 @pixieferry @lolablackwrites @flyawayboo @i-bloody-love-drake-walker @trappedinfandoms @rcd-appreciation

Masterlist

The Debut

Thomas walked down the corridor of St Orella that led to the rooms the family tended to use more than the other wings. He grimaced at hearing gasps from a tour group that was currently on their way to the portrait gallery. Nearly six years as the Duke of St Orella had yet to make him comfortable with strangers coming by every Saturday afternoon.

He nodded briefly to the people without breaking his stride. Cameras flashed as excited murmurs grew in volume at having caught the famous director at what was considered his second home. The closer he got to the sitting room Amanda preferred made the tense muscles in his shoulders relax. 

His lips curved when he heard the squeal followed by laughter. He opened one of the doors and paused. Amanda was chasing a giggling Kathleen around the room. Their recently turned one year old was laughing while trying to playfully evade her mother that was laughing along with her.

Thomas swooped down and captured the toddler when she came within reach. Kathleen squealed again as he held her above his head. Her little dimpled hands grabbed his cheeks. Her smile was wide when he lowered her down for a quick kiss on her cheek.

"Your grace, this was delievered by royal courier." Hudson bowed and handed Amanda the mail. "Would you care for me to bring your tea tray?"

"Yes, thank you Hudson." She replied. "And please add Kathleen's sippy cup with milk." She looked up at Thomas. "Would you care for some coffee?"

He nodded while setting Kathleen down on the blanket in the center of the room covered with toys and books.

Hudson bowed with a smile at Kathleen waving and saying bye to him. "I'll be back, Lady Kathleen." He promised.

Thomas chuckled at the stoic butler’s inability to keep from smiling at Kathleen’s sweetness. He sat down beside Amanda. His curiosity piqued at the elegant envelope in her hand.

"Who's that from?" He asked.

"The Queen Mother." Amanda opened it and smiled. "It's an invitation for Kathleen to be officially introduced to the Royal family." Her voice became a touch reminiscent. "I had completely forgotten about that."

"Introduction? Liam and Riley were at the hospital when she was born." He pointed out. "I can't imagine introducing them to her any sooner than having them be the ones to deliver her."

Amanda laughed softly causing Kathleen to look over at them with a big smile. "This is a formal debut of sorts." She explained.

"Formal?" Thomas repeated. "How formal?"

"Tuxeudo formal for you, Lord Thomas. Ballgown for me and a formal white dress for our little lady." Amanda placed the gilded invitation in the desk drawer with the few other items she planned to add to Kathleen's memory book.

"Isn't she a little young to be attending a ball at the palace?" Thomas asked. "We rarely stay until the end."

Amanda sat back beside him, settling against him when he wrapped his arms around her. "It isn't much of a ball and is held early in the evening due to the age of those making their first official appearances."

He rested his cheek against the top of her head as they watched their daughter babble to the stuffed corgi that had been one of her birthday gifts from the little princes. She got up and toddled over to them, giving the stuffed animal to Amanda.

"Thank you so much." Amanda said and then dropped a quick kiss to Kathleen's nose. She scrunched her face with a giggle before going back to the blanket. She picked up a book and brought it to Thomas.

He smiled and thanked her. She bent her head forward for him to drop a kiss on her forehead. She then tried to climb between them. Amanda picked her up and cuddled her close.

Hudson returned with a tray and chuckled when Kathleen tried to say his name. He presented her with her sippy cup with a bow.

"Say thank you, Hudson." Amanda encouraged her to try.

Kathleen scrunched her shoulders while trying. Her smile grew when Hudson told her she was very welcome.

"Ring if you need anything else, my lord and ladies." He told them as he left.

Kathleen crawled into Thomas's lap with her cup. She took the book she had brought over and handed it to him again.

He chuckled. "Is that a hint?" He opened the book and started reading Good Night Mr. Darcy.

Kathleen fell asleep to his rhythmic, deep voice. He placed her in the playpen set on the other side of the room and covered her up.

He accepted the coffee Amanda had prepared. "This debut...what does it entail? It isn't a miniature marriage mart type event for the two little princes is it?"

Amanda stirred her tea and bit back a smile. "No, it isn't a marriage mart." Her eyes twinkled with mirth. "No more Mr. Darcy books for you."

He rolled his eyes. "What is the purpose of this then?"

"It's a tradition for each new generation of nobles. The debut is meant to plant the seeds of responsibility and loyalty to their king and country." She explained. "Plus it gives us a chance to show off how wonderful our girl is."

He softly kissed his wife. "We do have a lot to be proud of." Thomas glanced over at the playpen before meeting Amanda's eyes. He knew what was going to happen. "When will we be traveling to the palace?"

_____________

Thomas stepped out of the bathroom while trying to place his cufflinks in his sleeves. "Will you help me with these?"

Amanda took the simple gold cufflinks and slipped them in. He looked down at her and lifted an eyebrow.

"I thought you were wearing the St Orella colors tonight."

She sighed softly. "I was. While you were in the shower, I went to check on Kathleen. Along the way, I somehow stepped on the hem and ripped the skirt. Riley sent up the only dress they had in my size." She gestured to the purple gown she had on. "I should have brought a backup dress to the palace."

Thomas wrapped the arm she wasn't working on around her. "You look beautiful."

She smiled as his lips ghosted over her bare shoulder. "As long as you think so." They both turned to the open doorway when they heard Kathleen. "Wait until you see her." Amanda told him to remain where he was as she went to retrieve their daughter.

Thomas slipped his jacket on and buttoned it. He lifted his eyes when Amanda cleared her throat. Kathleen stood beside her, gripping her mother's fingers. Her expression was serious as she looked at him.

He crouched down, grinning when she walked to him.

"What do you think?" Amanda asked.

"I think she looks like you." He picked up the little lady in white. "Which is the highest compliment I can give her."

Kathleen pulled at his bowtie. Her dark eyes met his and she rested her head on his shoulder.

"We have one more stop before the ball." Amanda told him.

_______________

"Pictures?" Thomas asked. Nobles with their latest offspring were posing outside in the courtyard for photographers.

"Of course." Amanda slipped her arm around his waist. "Her first formal event must be captured for posterity."

Kathleen looked around and seemed to turn suddenly shy at seeing the number of strangers around them. She gripped Thomas's jacket when he tried to set her down.

Amanda helped untangle her from him. She pressed her face against her mother's neck and held tight.

Amanda pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "We aren't leaving you, sweetheart. Would you smile at least once for me?" She whispered.

Kathleen lifted her head when they neared the camera. She reached out for it as a smile formed.

"I wonder where she got that particular interest from." Amanda teased.

Thomas chuckled as they sat Kathleen down on a stone bench. They watched her charm the photographer with her sweet shyness. Once a few pictures were taken of just her, he then took some poses of Amanda with her daughter.

The once labeled unfeeling director felt his heart nearly hurt at seeing the two that had completely changed his life. His typical frown never remained long whenever they were near and seeing the joy on their faces as they looked at one another did much to improve his mood.

Amanda switched places with Thomas, watching the poses for the father/daughter shots. Her heart nearly burst from the sweetness of seeing the two she loved more than anything smiling. Kathleen looked up at him with a degree of adoration that was surpassed by the one Thomas settled on her.

"Now for all of you, please." The photographer positioned the family of three together.

Thomas slid his arms around Amanda from behind as she held Kathleen. Their little lady laughed at the the two as they encouraged her to look at the camera. Once all was completed, they took their place to be announced before the court.

Kathleen rubbed her eyes as she rested her head on Amanda's shoulder.

"I don't think she is going to last much longer." Amanda whispered.

"Should we still take her in?" He asked.

"We can and then leave after formally greeting Liam and the rest of the royal family." She reached over and slipped her hand in his. "Thank you."

He tightened his fingers around hers. "For what?"

Her eyes fell to the one in her arms. "For our girl. For coming and supporting this ancient tradition." She looked up at him, her heart shining in her eyes. "For giving me all I ever dreamed of."

He ignored the slight gasps from the nobles milling about while pressing a tender kiss to her lips. "I'm the one who should be thanking you." He whispered in her ear. He placed his hand under her elbow and proudly escorted his two loves into the ballroom