#tobias carrick x f!mc

[jerzwriter]

The Big ONE

Happy Birthday to little Samantha, who turned one on April 20th!

I asked @/artbyainna (IG) to help create artwork to commemorate the special occasion, and I'm simply squealing at the results! While Tobias and Casey are captivated with their little angel, Pietro is all too happy to jump in and get a bit of that cake he's been eyeing all afternoon! I'm just blown away by this!

I wrote a fic highlighting a few moments during Sammy's big day below. I hope you enjoy the sugary sweetness as much as I do!

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Tobias Carrick x Casey Carrick (F!MC) Characters: Vivian Carrick (F!OC), Jordan Carrick (M!OC), Rose and David MacTavish (OCs), the OH gang, and of course, Pietro - the original cat. Rating: Teen Words: 1,700 A/N: @choicesaprilchallenge24 / Kitchen Table

Standing at her kitchen sink didn't typically usher in so much joy, but then, today wasn't any ordinary day. Casey's heart was full as she peered out the kitchen window into her backyard. It was tiny by suburban standards, but in Boston, it may as well have been an acre. The storms that had been forecasted earlier in the week held off, and the bright sun and azure blue skies provided the perfect canopy for their guests who came to celebrate.

The telltale rattle of the backdoor handle interrupted the silence, and Casey turned to find her husband coming inside. He looked so gorgeous in the fitted pink shirt he bought just for this occasion that she didn't initially catch his expression. Was it bewilderment? Vexation? She couldn't quite make it out.

He reached into the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of Sam Adams. Popping the cap off, he leaned against the counter and shook his head.

"I can't believe there's a freaking petting zoo in my yard."

Casey chuckled as she closed the distance between them, her head coming to rest on his shoulder as her arms encircled his waist.

"It’s not like you weren’t warned... albeit inadvertently.”

“Still...” he sighed.

“You know, from what I’ve heard, this place was a perpetual petting zoo in the past. Of course, it wasn’t the G-rated type, but even so... this shouldn't be so foreign to you.”

She closed her eyes and pressed closer against him, relishing the way his chest reverberated against her as he laughed.

“While the stories of my past can be a bit on the wild side, they tend to be overexaggerated, my dear.”  

Casey squeezed him tighter. “I can’t believe our baby girl is a year old already.”

“I know,” Tobias replied with amazement. “It all went by in a flash.”

“It did,” Casey agreed. “Although, some of the nights felt like they lasted an eternity. Especially in the beginning. God, sometimes I didn’t think I’d survive.”

“You?” Tobias marveled. “No way! You had the whole motherhood thing down pat from the start. You're a natural, babe.”

“A natural?” She laughed. “Are you kidding me? From the moment I found out I was pregnant, I was a hyperventilating mess!" Her hands rubbed along the silky fabric covering his chest, and her voice filled with emotion. “If not for your bright outlook and constant support, I wouldn’t have been able to do it. You’re my rock, T.”

The tender moment was interrupted when the door handle rattled again, and several of their friends stepped inside.

“Jesus!” Jackie groaned. “Do you two ever stop with that lovey-dovey shit?”

“Aw! Leave them alone!” Sienna smiled. “I think they’re adorable.”

“I might be more accepting of that adorable title if it was any random day,” Bryce interjected. “But what the hell are you doing inside with this kissy face crap when you have a freaking petting zoo and bouncy house in your yard?”

“Yeah,” Tobias chuckled. “Ma didn’t read the memo when we said we wanted a simple party with our friends."

“She also didn’t get that none of our friends have children, and Sammy’s too young for friends of her own... I don’t know that we needed all this.”

“Are you kidding?” Bryce gasped in horror. Vivian is a goddess! I’ve been in the bouncy house for the past hour, and that little wallaby out there is now my best friend. You two really need to come out.”

“Oh, I will so be in the bouncy house before this day is over!” Casey enthused.

“And I’ll be there to gleefully record every second,” Tobias winked. “But we’re going to set up to have the cake in here now.”

A peal of laughter wafted in through the open window, and everyone looked outside to see Sammy flying through the air—her face aglow as she giggled with abandon.

“Give her back to me!” Tobias’s brother, Jordan, insisted as Ethan swung the little one around again.

“Sorry,” Ethan responded. “She’s made her position clear. I’m her favorite uncle. You’ll just have to acclimate to being number two, Jordan.”

“Number two,” Bryce blurted as he was about to stick his hand into the nacho dip. “He’s not number two! And Ethan’s not number one! Sorry guys, I have to get out there and reclaim my ground!”

Jackie heaved out a sigh. “I suppose I should go supervise the children.”

“And I’ll make sure she doesn’t hurt anyone,” Sienna said, quick on her friend's heels.

Tobias slid behind Casey, wrapping his strong arms around her as they watched the joyful scene unfolding outside.

“Oh, no! Our parents are getting in on this now,” Casey observed as Tobias kissed her shoulder. “We better go retrieve Sammy before she's more spoiled than she is already."

"Nah," Tobias declined. "She's in very good hands, and I want just one more moment alone with my beautiful wife."

Casey turned around in Tobias's arms and gently kissed him, but he turned that little kiss into one with decidedly more passion.

"Keep that up, and we'll end up with baby number two," she giggled.

"Damn, she's on to my plan," he winked.

~~~~

A short time later, the circus had moved inside as the guests crowded into the family's living room to open gifts.

“I was told we were coming inside for cake,” Bryce pouted. 

Vivian, seated next to him, promptly slapped his knee.

“OW!”

“It’s presents before cake, Lahela. Everyone knows that.”

“I don’t think Sammy would mind either way,” he replied but acquiesced when he saw how happy the little girl was ripping into the gift wrap on her presents.

“Look!” Sienna said, tapping Casey’s Mom, Rose, on the shoulder. “She loves the stuffed pony you got her!”

“She does,” Rose beamed. “Although Grandma Vivian supplied the real pony in the yard!”

“Yeah,” Casey’s father, David, laughed. “We’ll have to up our game next year, hon. Vivian here is stealing our thunder.”

“NO!” Tobias and Casey yelled in unison.

“Don’t worry,” Tobias insisted. “My mother is going to be banished from next year’s celebration! We can have some normalcy.”

“Like hell I will be!” she spat as Jordan roared with laughter.

“Please, you have a better chance of Derek Jeter being elected mayor of Boston than you do of Ma missing any of Sammy’s birthdays.”

“That’s right! This fool made me wait almost four decades to be a grandma, I'm not missing any of it now!"

Tobias wrapped his arm around his mother’s shoulders and squeezed her close. “I know you wouldn’t, Ma. And we wouldn't want you to, but... can we celebrate without so many animals next year?”

“I don’t know,” Vivian smirked. “I think it would be wrong not to include your friends.”

~~~~~

A pile of opened gifts sat stacked neatly in the corner as little Pietro played happily with the bits of colorful gift wrap that remained taped to the boxes. But the cat wasn’t the only one excited; after all, it was finally time for CAKE!

“Casey, you look great!” Jordan stated. “But, Tobias, I need you to move a bit to the right.”

“For God's sake,” Tobias groused. “Can you just take the picture already?"

“Can we start singing?” Vivian asked. "I want to sing to my grandbaby."

“As soon as I get this picture,” Jordan replied. “All right! Casey, Tobias... perfect! Now, everyone, help me get Sammy to look this way.”

Everyone gathered behind Jordan, making faces, clapping their hands, and doing all they could to get the precious little girl to look their way. But Sammy only had eyes for one thing... the fluffy pink birthday cake that was just outside of her reach. That is until her feline best friend hopped on the table, stealing her attention and leaving her squealing with delight.

Casey lifted him, placing him gently back on the floor. “Not on the table, Pietro.”

“Yeah!” Jackie replied smugly. “No cake for you.”

The cat hissed at his nemesis as the clamoring to get Sammy to look at the camera continued.

“Oh, for the love of God,” Tobias bewailed. “Can you just take the picture!”

“I sure can,” Jordan nodded. “On the count of three! One... two... three!”

But just as her uncle snapped the photo, Sammy lurched forward and grabbed a fistful of the cotton candy colored icing, and when Tobias attempted to intervene, he ended up with a tiny fistful of sticky, sugary goodness splattered onto his face. A family photo that would be celebrated for generations to come was born.

Beaming, Tobias lifted Sammy off Casey’s lap as her chubby little hands mashed the icing deeper into her father’s beard.

Laughing, Casey pulled her phone out of her pocket to snap some shots of her own. “Our little girl has you wrapped around her finger, T!”

Tobias reached over and pulled Casey close; the sticky icing became a family affair when he kissed her cheek. “She sure does. Just like her, Momma!”

Amidst all the chaos, Pietro saw an opportunity, and he took it! Leaping onto the table, he stuck his paws into the cake and delighted in his sugary bonanza until Casey spotted him out of the corner of her eye.

“Pietro! No!” she hollered as Jackie, the only one who had seen the cat on the table, broke out laughing.

“You saw him and didn’t rat him out?” Casey teased. "What's happened to you?"

Jackie merely shrugged. “You have to admire him. He wanted something, saw an opening, and took it. I’m not about to turn him in for that.”

"Are you and that cat... bonding?" Casey asked.

"I guess Sammy's birthday is capable of miracles."

~~~~~ 

Hours later, after the final guest had gone home, Casey and Tobias snuggled together on the couch. Sammy slept in her playpen just feet away while Pierto kept a protective watch over her. Despite being exhausted, the proud parents couldn’t wipe the grins off their faces.

“This was such a great day,” Casey smiled. “I knew it would be, but it exceeded all expectations.”

“It was a really great day,” Tobias agreed. “And I think Ma only violated three town ordinances by insisting a wallaby was included in the petting zoo."

“She didn’t break any ordinances,” Casey laughed, her eyes suddenly going wide. “At least, not any that we know of.”

“Well, if she did, we successfully evaded charges, and that's all I can ask for."

“Mmmm,” Casey hummed, snuggling closer to him. “So, do you still want to add another Carrick to all this craziness?”

Tobias sat up, his interest piqued. “Damn straight, I do. Honestly, I want our girls to be close together. Jordan and I had a big age difference, and I’d like Sammy to grow up with her sister, you know?”

“Tobias,” Casey chuckled. “You know we have no way of knowing if we'd have another girl!”

His eyes lit up, and that little dimple Casey found so irresistible took center stage. “Oh, yes, I do. Now the big question... are you ready to have bambina number two?”

Casey sunk back into the fluffy couch cushions with a smile. “Soon? Maybe we can start trying around the end of summer. You know, it might not happen right away, but if we start then, maybe Sammy can have a little sister... or brother... by the end of next year. What do you say?"

“First, sister,” Tobias grinned. “And it will happen right away. Look at how fast it happened with Sammy.”

“Babe, we weren’t planning on Sammy.”

“Exactly,” Tobias grinned, holding Casey close. "I work that damn well when we weren't even trying... you just wait until we are."

Sammy made a funny little noise, and when Mom and Dad realized she was just having a happy dream, they returned to holding each other close.

"Well, I feel a lot better right now than I did a year ago at this time," Casey stated. "I mean, a day of family and friends is a cakewalk next to labor and delivery."

"Yet, you're willing to do it again," Tobias chuckled.

"Yeah, I think I'll make it through," she smiled. "I love our little family, T."

"So do I," he said with a kiss on her forehead. "And I love you."

~~~~~

That's some serious sweetness here, my friends! I hope you enjoyed it... Pietro sure did!

@choicesficwriterscreations @choicesaprilchallenge24 @openheartfanfics

Tagging others separately.

[alj4890]

Hii 🥰

I saw this picture and thought it might inspire a fic or an edit (no pressure 🥰)

I'm so sorry this took so long to answer @peonierose 🤦🏻‍♀️ I had a lot of Choices couples in mind for this picture 😂 It has taken me a while to think of just the right story for this one and I think I finally have. After seeing Ethan tortured in some of my fics recently, I decided to do a drabble of him and an OC I mentioned in A Glimpse. For this story, we see how these two got together.

(Ethan Ramsey x OC*Sophie Triano) with some urging from (Tobias Carrick x Chris Valentine) in a Choices Open Heart drabble

@hopelessromantic1352 @twinkleallnight @tessa-liam @choicesficwriterscreations @jerzwriter

Rating G for fluff

Masterlist

Something Sweet

"How was Bora Bora?" Ethan asked.

"Perfection itself." Tobias replied. "Chris and I had the best time there."

Ethan studied him. "You don't look very tan for a man who has been on an island for two weeks."

Tobias smirked. "But I do look tan enough for a man who was on a honeymoon with his wife."

Ethan rolled his eyes.

"Where's Chris?"

"Studying with Sienna." Tobias replied.

He eyed Ethan for a moment. Since they were alone, he decided to find out what happened after he and Chris left their wedding reception.

"By the way, how did you get back to the hotel?"

"How do you think?" Ethan replied.

"Who gave you a ride?" Tobias asked.

"Your brother did."

"Which one?"

Ethan stopped trying to complete some paperwork. He leaned back in his chair, set his hands behind his head, and focused silently on Tobias.

"It was Hugh." He finally said. "Why?"

"No reason." Tobias grumbled.

Ethan went back to work.

"If you rode with Hugh, then you must have ridden with Veronica."

"That would be a logical assumption since she is married to your brother." Ethan drily remarked.

Tobias refused to comment on that. "And if you were with Veronica, then you must have met her cousin, Sophie."

Ethan glanced up, eyes narrowed.

"So?" Tobias moved Ethan's laptop to the side. "What did you think of her?"

"She seems nice."

"Nice?" Tobias groaned. "Come on, Ethan."

"Can we get back to work or do you feel the need to bother me a little longer?"

Tobias shook his head. "Sophie is just your type."

"You haven't known my type since college." Ethan pointed out.

Tobias quirked an eyebrow and waited.

Ethan glared at him for the reminder he had fallen for Chris too.

"Sophie looks nothing like her." He bit out.

"I know that, but she has some similar personality traits that I think you'll like."

Tobias decided to drop that brief comparison when Ethan glared bordered on murderous.

"Hugh told me Sophie moved to Boston."

"She moved back to Boston." Ethan corrected, grateful to not be talking anymore about finding a woman like Chris. "Veronica and Sophie are expanding their business. She opened a bakery here a couple of months ago."

"Have you been by yet?"

Ethan rubbed a hand down his face. "I haven't."

He held his hand up to silence Tobias the moment he saw his mouth open.

"If I say I'll go by later this week, will you drop the subject and let me finish what I was typing?"

"I'll drop it for now, but we are discussing it again and again until you go see her." Tobias smirked at him.

"You are a colossal pain in my ass, you know that?" Ethan grumbled. "Go find someone else to bother."

"And leave you alone?" Tobias clucked his tongue in disapproval. "That wouldn't be very-- where are you going?"

"To see Sophie." Ethan snapped. "Right now, I'll do anything to get you to shut up!"

Tobias watched him storm out of the diagnostic office. He then sent a quick text to Chris, letting her know she could come inside.

So far, their plan to help Ethan find someone was off to a great start.

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

"Don't breathe." Sophie whispered to those watching.

She carefully placed the last delicate sugar flower at an angle that defied gravity upon the five tier cake and carefully climbed off her step stool.

"Well?" She beamed at her staff. "What do you think?"

"I think we need to take them off now and store them before one breaks." Her store manager, Terry, declared. "You've got three more cakes to work on this week and the last thing we need is--"

"Ms. Triano!" One of the employees called out. "You have a visitor at the front."

Terry's voice went a higher octave when she began to leave.

"Sophie!" He cried. "The flowers!"

"They'll be fine." She winked at him. "You worry too much."

She chuckled over his look of disbelief.

Sophie couldn't help but be optimistic that all was working like she and Veronica planned. Ever since they were little girls with their Easy Bake ovens, they knew they wanted to open their own bakery one day. With their family's support, the two cousins graduated from the French Culinary Institute and opened up a bakery in New York.

It wasn't long before their cakes were featured in bridal magazines across the globe. Veronica and Sophie entered competitions on Food Network to gain even more exposure. Soon, they had orders years in advance for their baked treats.

They knew they should expand, but what made their cakes so popular, was that they each made every part of it themselves. They had staff to help with the mixing and all, but they were the true cake artists. Everything they designed from sugar blew everyone's mind.

For the first time in ten years, the cousins worked apart. Veronica needed to stay in New York with Hugh's work being there and their children were happy in their current schools. Since Sophie was single with no children of her own, she was the one to volunteer to open another bakery.

She'd wanted to come back to Boston for a while now. Though she thoroughly enjoyed working in New York, there was nothing like being back in her hometown. She needed that sense of comfort as she made all the decisions on her own. She still called Veronica multiple times a day, but this venture rested mostly upon her shoulders.

Sophie straightened her chef's jacket as she crossed into the main bakery. Cases gleamed under Edison bulbs revealing a variety of desserts. Cookies, tarts, pies, scones, cakes, etc. were all on display to tempt everyone who walked through her door. She did a quick visual sweep to make sure everything was up to her high standards before looking for her visitor.

Her eyes widened at the sight of the doctor she'd met at Tobias and Chris's wedding. Of all the people she thought she would see again, Ethan Ramsey seemed the least likely.

It wasn't that he ignored her at the wedding. He even talked to her about her bakery. He simply seemed to be preoccupied with something else.

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

Ethan watched as she made her way over to him. He'd thought she was pretty the night he met her, but seeing her in chef's mode brought a smile to his face. She was in her element and the confidence rolled off of her adding even more to her beauty.

"Hey." She smiled at him. "What are you doing here?"

"You said I could come anytime I wanted something sweet." He spread his arms. "Here I am."

"And just what do you crave, Ethan?" She teased. "Are you a sugary puff kind of man or do you want something bitter?"

"No sugary puffs" He walked over to look at her offerings. "Though I will admit that most of this makes me think a diabetic coma might be worth it."

She laughed. "Follow me, Dr. Ramsey."

His eyebrow raised as he followed her off to a smaller room. There was a table and a set of chairs along with a cooler filled with various drinks.

"Have a seat." Sophie insisted.

She sat down across from him, pulled out a small notebook from her pocket and clicked a pen open.

"Now then." She raised her eyes to his. "Would you mind answering a few questions?"

"For?" He countered.

"To learn all your secrets." She replied.

His eyes widened.

Sophie laughed, shaking her head. "Easy there. I was teasing you. I'm wanting to understand your palette."

Ethan actually flushed.

"Then, yes, go ahead."

"Just say the first word that comes to mind." Sophie told him. "Fruit?"

"Apple."

Sophie wrinkled her nose.

"What's wrong with apples?"

"Nothing. I'm not a big fan of them. I'm more of a berry girl."

Her gaze dropped down to his white doctor's coat. "Though I guess I shouldn't be surprised with you saying apple."

Ethan relaxed in his chair. "They are good for you."

"I'll stick with raspberries."

"I like those too." Ethan added.

"You do?" She set her pen down. "Do you like dark chocolate?

"I do." He replied.

Sophie got to her feet. "Wait here."

She went through a set of double doors and returned with a slice of chocolate cake covered in a dark chocolate ganache.

"Try this." She handed him a fork.

Ethan's eyes widened with the first bite. A medley of the tart raspberry compote with slightly sweet chocolate left him wanting more.

"Good?" She prodded.

"It's incredible." He took another bite. "Best cake I've had in a long time."

She beamed at him. "Talk like that will make you my favorite customer."

He chuckled. "I'm tempted to buy the rest of the cake."

"No need."

She went back through the double doors and before they could shut, she was back with a black box tied with a white bow in her hands.

"You boxed the cake up before I even tried it?"

Sophie nodded a touch proudly. "I knew you would love it."

"How much do I owe you?" He got to his feet, reaching for his wallet.

"It's on the house." She replied.

"Oh." Ethan took the box from her. "Thank you."

Terry stuck his head through the double doors.

"Sophie!" He hissed without looking at Ethan. "The flowers! Carlton bumped the table and gave me a mild heat attack. Get them back into storage!"

Sophie pinched the bridge of her nose. "I'll be right there."

"You have flowers too?" Ethan asked.

"No. I make them." She waved goodbye. "Drop by anytime Dr. Ramsey."

Sophie paused at the door and winked at him. "I might even give you something else you'll love."

Ethan blinked in surprise once she disappeared. He wasn't quite certain how to take her parting words.

He frowned in thought during the drive back to the hospital.

"She meant more desserts." He told himself. "That's all she could have meant."

Once at Edenbrook, he sat in his car a few extra minutes. He eyed the black box and knew why he couldn't stop trying to see hidden meanings in her words and actions. He'd allowed Tobias to get in his head about there possibly being something more with Sophie.

He refused to give it another thought. He was too busy and too intelligent to ponder what women meant when talking to him. Of course, if Sophie did mean it in a flirtatious manner, then he would naturally respond in either a flirty fashion of his own or cold disinterest.

He picked up the box, a hint of a smile on his lips as he thought of her knowing he would love her cake.

If she was interested in him, he might be interested in her to.

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

A couple of days later...

"Any plans for your days off?" Chris asked.

Ethan kept pace with her as they walked towards their patient's room. "I'm going to the ballet Thursday night. They are performing The Sleeping Beauty."

"Oh?" Chris couldn't help but smile. "That sounds awfully romantic."

Ethan softly groaned. He knew what was coming next.

"Do you have anyone in particular you're taking with you?" Chris prodded, trying her best to look innocent.

"Chris." Ethan grumbled.

"Yes?" She was completely unfazed by the way he said her name.

"Tobias is rubbing off on you."

"I do more than rubbing." Tobias remarked from behind them.

Chris swatted him playfully with the file folder in her hand.

"What are we talking about?" Tobias asked, once he was walking along her other side.

"Ethan has a romantic night planned." Chris explained before Ethan could get a word out.

"Really?" Tobias looked over her head at him. "About time."

"I was just about to find out who Ethan invited to share this romantic night at the ballet."

"The ballet." Tobias slipped his arm around Chris when he noticed Ethan's face contort into irritated anger. "Can't set the mood much better than that."

"Enough!" Ethan snapped. "I'm not taking anyone to the ballet!"

"Why not?" Chris stopped him from walking on.

She placed her hands on her hips and backed him into the wall with her narrowed eyes and clipped tone.

"Are you honestly going to stand there and tell me that you are going to spend an evening of dinner and ballet without a date?!"

"I," Ethan hesitated. "Um..."

There was something about Chris's temper that made everyone take a step back. Even he got caught off guard from time to time.

But he wasn't in any mood for it today.

He glared down at her. He decided he wasn't going to be cowed by his former protege.

"I am planning an evening of enjoyment for myself."

Chris threw her hands up in exasperation, almost hitting both Ethan and Tobias in their faces.

"Men!" She grumbled. "Such a waste of bloody oxygen half the time."

Tobias groaned. "Welp, you set her off for the day. No man will be safe."

Ethan winced when Tobias smacked him on the back of the head.

"Don't tell her about your evenings for a party of one." He began to follow his wife. "She won't like it, then I'm the one left to deal with the fallout."

"She shouldn't be interested in what I do." Ethan grumbled.

Tobias shot a frustrated glance filled with pity towards him.

"What?" Ethan demanded.

"Chris cares about you." Tobias reminded him. "Once she calls you her friend, there is no escaping her concern. You know this about her."

Ethan stopped in his tracks. It was strange that it didn't hurt as much anymore thinking about Chris caring about him as nothing more than a friend. After their tumultuous year when she first arrived at Edenbrook, then having to go through seeing her fall in love with Tobias; Ethan was surprised they had survived it all to end up friends.

Maybe he was ready to move on and see what could happen next.

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

He decided he was ready to have a significant other as he ate dinner alone. Going to the ballet without someone there to talk to had lost the allure it once held. He still enjoyed his solitude, especially with the friends he had somehow become stuck with. This evening though would have been perfect for someone special.

As he walked into the Boston Opera House's lobby, he bumped into Sophie.

"Excuse me--Ethan!" She smiled at him. "Hello."

"Sophie," he glanced around to see if she was with a date, "it's good to see you again."

"You too." She too tried to see if he was with someone. "Are you a fan of the theatre arts?"

"I am." He cleared his throat. "Are you here alone?"

"Yes," she rolled her eyes, "I was given the Mcculler's box in thanks for doing a rush job on a cake for one of their parties. I've been looking forward to this night for weeks but couldn't find anyone who wanted to see The Sleeping Beauty with me."

Ethan's lips curved some. "I've rarely found anyone who enjoys coming here as much as I do."

"Where are your seats?" She asked.

"The Mezzanine, center." He replied.

"I don't suppose you'd like to join me instead?" She held up the two tickets she'd been given. "If you're alone, that is."

"I'd love to."

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

Ethan spent most of the ballet studying Sophie. There was something about her that seemed to give a sense of peace that he'd never experienced with anyone else. She was completely still, yet relaxed in her seat. Her eyes followed the movements on the stage while a slight smile graced her lips.

He then took in the rest of her. Sophie's dark chestnut hair cascaded down her shoulders. The white dress she wore was flattering to her figure. His eyes drifted down to her hands loosely clasped in her lap.

She was, he noted, the exact opposite of Chris. He wondered if Tobias had done this on purpose. Unlike the very tall, pale skin, green eyed, red headed Scottish doctor he'd first fallen for, Sophie was of a more average height, caramel colored skin, topped off with a pair of dark brown eyes and hair.

She was striking in her beauty. He realized he hadn't really appreciated that fact the last couple of times he'd seen her. He suspected that getting over his former love had clouded his mind from taking in the lady beside him.

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

Sophie could practically feel Ethan's eyes on her. It took all her strength to remain relaxed in her seat. She couldn't recall the last time a man had studied her so intently. Men hit on her, but no one actually looked at her the way he was doing right now.

She didn't know if it was those piercing blue eyes of his or the type of man he was, but her nerves were notched so high that if he remotely made a move toward her, she'd probably tackle him where he sat.

She thought he was handsome the night she met him. She found him almost cute dressed as a doctor. But something about him in his suit, sitting beside her in the dark, made him almost irresistible.

Veronica told her she needed to get out and date more. Maybe she was right. Sophie had not been with anyone for nearly a year in preparing for the move back to Boston. Most of the men who came into her bakery were already in a relationship. It was rare anyone single came in, much less asked to speak to her.

Since she spent most of her time in the back decorating and supervising, she never had a chance to flirt with any of the few male customers who came in for treats to take to their offices.

Maybe that was why Ethan's attention affected her so strongly. She'd been longing for a relationship and hadn't even known it.

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

The lobby of the Boston Opera House...

"I was thinking about going to get something to eat." Sophie looked up at him. "Any chance you'd care to have a late dinner with me?"

Ethan hesitated.

Sophie immediately regretted asking him.

"I actually ate earlier." He glanced at his watch. "How--"

"No problem." She nervously tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. "Thanks for sitting with me."

Sophie began to walk away, waving goodbye to him.

"Wait!" He caught up to her. "I was about to ask if you'd rather come to my place for dinner. It's late and most of the restaurants that your dress is meant for will be closing."

"Oh." She couldn't help but smile. "I don't want to put you to any trouble."

"No trouble at all. I enjoy cooking on my nights off." He offered his arm to her. "How did you get here?"

"Taxi." She placed her hand within the bend of his arm.

"Good. Then I can drive you home later."

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

When Ethan pulled up to his apartment building, Sophie's jaw dropped.

"You live here?"

"Yes, why?" He asked.

"Because I live here!" She pointed at the building. "Twelfth floor. Apartment B."

"I'm on the seventeenth." He told her.

Ethan couldn't believe he'd been living in the same building as Sophie all this time yet had never crossed paths with her.

Or had he and he simply hadn't noticed?

"You won't have to worry about driving me home now." She teased.

He smiled at her. "I can still walk you to your door."

Sophie laughed while getting out. "I'd like that."

Once in the elevator, she turned towards him. "Would you mind if I stopped at my place first and changed clothes?"

"No."

"These shoes have to go." She told him.

Sophie grasped his arm to balance as she slipped the painful high heels off.

Ethan watched her with a touch of amusement as she scooped up the pair with a soft curse.

"I won't be long." She told him while stepping out on her floor, casting a warm smile at him over her shoulder.

"Seventeen B." He reminded her.

"I'll be there." She promised.

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

Ethan quickly undressed the moment he shut his door. Tossing the finely made suit jacket and pants into his closet, he next tackled his shirt and tie. He settled on a light blue t-shirt to wear along with a pair of blue jeans. While pulling his pants on, he stumbled cursing into his kitchen to see what ingredients he had on hand for Sophie.

Her knock a couple of minutes later made him steady himself. He paused a moment realizing that he was actually excited about the prospect of getting to know her a little better.

He opened the door to find her casually leaning against the door frame. She'd put on a t-shirt like he had along with a pair of jeans. Sophie held up a bottle of wine with a hesitant smile.

"I wasn't certain what we were going to have, but I can say this is an excellent pinot grigio."

Ethan took the bottle from her, his brow furrowing with what to cook.

"Uh oh." She teased. "Is my choice of wine that bad?"

He looked up at her. "Not at all. I was thinking of what I could pair with it."

"Honestly Ethan," Sophie set her keys on his side table, "I'm up for anything. A simple ham sandwich would be great right now."

He snorted as he led her into his kitchen.

"I think I can do a little better than a ham sandwich."

"Really?" She settled comfortably on one of his bar stools. "Well now I am curious to see your cooking skills in action."

"I doubt they compare to yours." He remarked over his shoulder.

He began to gather the ingredients to make Tuscan chicken.

"Anything's better than mine."

Ethan' eyebrows raised in disbelief. "Sophie, you own a bakery and develop recipes for it on a daily basis."

She waved that off as if it was no big deal.

"The thing is," she confessed, "I can make desserts in my sleep, but savory dishes are where I mess up."

"Are you saying that you--"

"Can't cook." She admitted with a grin. "It baffles everyone I meet. Give me sugar and flour and I'm good, great even. Hand me that chicken and tomatoes and spinach and I'm going to destroy them as soon as I put them into a pan."

Ethan shook his head with a laugh. "I'm the opposite."

"You can't make desserts?"

"Not even pancakes." He explained about the meals he used to cook for him and his father. "Dad would just bring home ice cream or a box of cookies for us to have with our meals. He insisted I never pick up a bag of sugar "

Sophie laughed, feeling more at ease around him.

As the two talked, Ethan went through the prep work with ease. He uncorked the bottle of wine then led her into his living room. The pair sat down somewhat close, angling their bodies toward each other as they continued to talk about their lives.

He discovered that the thirty-three year old was highly intelligent, not just in the culinary world but in other aspects such as business and even history. Her ability to use humor here and there with her stories only added even more to her ability to hold his attention.

After spending so much time at Edenbrook, Ethan had forgotten that people outside of medicine could be a nice change of pace. He also found that she could easily grasp what he was talking about as he described what he did on the diagnostic team. Her questions were well thought out and actually made him pause a time or two to consider the answers.

When dinner was ready, they sat at his table, lights dimmed as they continued learning about the other.

It was, he decided, one of the best meals he'd had in a long time.

"Ethan, that was amazing." Sophie declared.

"Thank you." He got up to take their empty plates.

"I insist on doing the dishes." She took them out of his grasp. "And to make you dessert in thanks for cooking for me."

"There's no need." He followed her to his sink. "Like I told you, it was nice to cook for someone other than myself."

"If you ever need to do so again," she winked at him, "I won't be opposed to you calling me."

"Don't be surprised to hear from me often." He smiled at her, reaching over to finish up the dishes. "Go relax. I know you've been on your feet all day."

Sophie shook her head. "I feel reenergized. I haven't had a home cooked meal since I moved back to Boston. I sponged off Hugh and Veronica's meals once a week in New York along with having a set of restaurants around town to deliver my favorite comfort foods."

Sophie went into his pantry. Her eyes darted here and there as she went through the ingredients he had on hand. After another peek into his fridge, she set out everything to make a quick batch of sugar cookies.

"I see you found the raspberries I picked up earlier today." He teased.

Sophie blinked then remembered their conversation in her bakery.

"I hope I inspired such a wise decision." She quipped.

"You did." He picked up one of the cartons she'd set out. "Want me to clean these for you?"

She nodded while measuring her dry ingredients.

Ethan watched fascinated as she went through everything without having to check a recipe. She moved with a precision he'd only seen in the operating theater at Edenbrook.

"These won't be as pretty as my cookies at work." She explained while dropping spoonfuls on a cookie sheet. "But they'll still taste just as good.

"And what are the raspberries for?" He asked.

"Frosting of course." She smiled at him. "And I'm going to teach you how to make it."

"I believe I told you that sugar and I don't get along in the kitchen." He got up and came around the counter.

"And yet you have powdered sugar in your pantry." She teased.

"That was a mistake." Ethan explained. "The grocery store was out of granulated sugar and for some reason the delivery person assumed powdered could be substituted in its place."

Sophie laughed over the disgruntled expression on his face.

"I bet your coffee hasn't been the same since."

"It hasn't." He grumbled, smiling as he looked at her. "You can take that powdered sugar with you. After tonight, I never want to see it again."

"You'll want it after this lesson." She nudged him with her elbow. "Just imagine the look on your father's face when you present him with a cake or cookie with your homemade frosting."

"That's assuming I can make it or even the pretend cake and cookie you added to this scenario."

"Shh!" She playfully scolded. "You're ruining my future triumph."

"If I learn this," Ethan countered, "then you'll have to let me teach you something next time."

Sophie lowered her head, fighting a huge smile. "Next time, hmm?"

"You'll be learning how to make one of the dishes that you consider your comfort food." He told her.

"And when would this lesson happen?" She prodded, pretending to direct her attention to his food processor.

"I'm off tomorrow." Ethan stepped a little closer to her. "Or if next week at this same time would be better for you..."

"Either works for me." She added some more raspberries to the food processor. "I have tomorrow off too since I'll be working Saturday."

Ethan's voice held a touch of heat when he moved even closer to her.

"Then tomorrow it is."

Sophie could feel her heart race as she looked up at him. Her eyes fluttered closed the moment his lips brushed hers in a soft, tender kiss.

She sank into him the moment the kiss deepened. Her arms wound around his neck, fingers drifting into his hair as he molded her to his body.

The oven's buzzer broke them apart.

"That was a devious way to get out of your cooking lesson." She teased once she removed the cookies from the oven. "I'll have to remember to use it tomorrow night."

Ethan chuckled, moving behind her. He slipped his arms around her waist, placing slow unhurried kisses along her neck.

"We should work on the frosting." She bit back a moan when his hands began to wander.

"Doesn't the butter need to be room temperature?" He muttered against her ear.

"You're right." She turned in his arms, capturing his lips in a passionate kiss that left him moaning.

She ran her hands down the hard planes of his chest, a slight smile curving her lips.

"We have anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour to allow the butter time to reach room temperature."

"I think an hour would be best." He tugged her toward his couch. "Don't you?"

"I do." She gasped when he yanked her into his lap. "Maybe even longer."

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

Two days later...

"What's this?" Tobias gestured to the plate of cookies.

"I did some cooking while off." Ethan told him.

Chris reached over to try one. She made a humming sound of delight.

"These are so good! I love raspberries."

Tobias reached for one. "I didn't know you baked, Ethan."

"I'm learning." He replied with a smirk.

Chris and Tobias shared a loaded glance.

"Is there someone giving you lessons?" Chris asked.

She couldn't help but be hopeful that a certain pastry chef was becoming a part of his life.

"There is." Ethan picked up the case files and smiled at the couple. "Expect a lot more treats like those these next few weeks."

[lucy-268]

Karma

Series/Pairing: Open Heart - Tobias Carrick x f!MC (Samantha Carlson)

Disclaimer: Most characters belong to PB, Samantha is sort of mine

Other Characters: Bryce Lahela, Sienna Trinh

Rating / Warnings: PG / none

Summary: After Samantha and Tobias break up, Tobias has regrets.

Comments/Notes: This is an AU. Tobias and Sami are (probably) very happy right now. @openheartappreciationweek Day 5 - Alternate Universe

Word count: ~375 

Sienna and Bryce stood in front of Samantha’s desk. “You’re coming to Donahue’s with us.”

Sami shook her head. “I’m not. I’m staying here and finishing up paperwork.”

Bryce moved around and sat himself on her desk, effectively blocking her view of her computer screen. “You spend more time here anymore than…”

“Than I used to when you started your internship,” Ethan’s voice drifted from the door of her office. “I am telling you that you need to get out of the hospital for a while.”

“If your boss is telling you that, you really need a break.”

“I’m not going to Donahue’s.”

Bryce and Sienna glanced at each other before he spoke. “Actually, you can. Tobias is going… somewhere else tonight.”

Samantha looked at Sienna. “Does he have a date?”

“I don’t know.”

“He doesn’t. He has a poker game that I am late for,” Ethan answered, checking his watch.

Sami logged off her computer, and stood up. “To Donahue’s, I guess.”

Two hours later, Tobias pushed opened the door to the bar. He looked throughout the room trying to find her. He spotted Bryce with some of the surgeons shooting darts.

Jackie and Aurora were talking to a couple of guys at the bar.

Sienna was at a table by herself.

Tobias frowned. Surely her friends wouldn’t bring her here to desert her. Maybe Ethan was wrong and she had decided not to come. He shook his head, that was unlikely. Tobias headed to Sienna, hopefully she would be willing to let him know where Sami had gone.

“Sienna, the next round is on me.” Sienna’s phone dropped to the table at the sound of Tobias’ voice. Her eyes moved to the dance floor before refocusing on Tobias, but he had caught the movement of her head.

“That’s that new orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Elliott.”

Sienna sipped her wine. “Dan went to Stanford with Bryce.”

Dan leaned down to Samantha. “He’s heading this way. Do you want to talk to him?”

“Can I cut in?” Both men looked at Samantha waiting for her answer to Tobias’ question.

“Not tonight. I have an early meeting and Dan said he’d drive me home. See you tomorrow, Dr. Carrick.” Tobias was left standing alone in the dance floor as his girlfriend, his ex-girlfriend, walked off with someone else.

to be continued…

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @openheartappreciationweek

[choices-february2023]

Masterlist Week 2

Immortal Desires

Indigo Night | Cassius Harlow x NB!MC; NB!OC - @aallotarenunelma

Open Heart

Abundance | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @jerzwriter

After Dark Part Two: Satisfaction Guaranteed | Bryce Lahela x F!OC - @storyofmychoices

Death Stare | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @headoverheelsforramsey

No One Else... Part 1 of 2 | Tobias Carrick x F!MC; Ethan Ramsey; Sienna Trinh - @jerzwriter

Not the Right Person | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC; Sienna Trinh; Aurora Emery - @lucy-268

Sadie's Self Care Sunday #22 | F!MC; Sienna Trinh; Jackie Varma; Aurora Emery; Kyra Santana; Esme Ortega - @peonyblossom

Simple Pleasures | Tobias Carrick x F!MC - @jerzwriter

The Unexpected Valentine | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC; Sienna Trinh; Bryce Lahela; Jackie Varma; Elijah Greene - @liaromancewriter

Unhealthy Snack | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @potionsprefect

Valentine Memories | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC; Alan Ramsey - @liaromancewriter

Perfect Match

Noot Noot | Sloane Washington; F!Hayden Young; F!MC - @lizzybeth1986

Crossover: The Royal Romance x Open Heart

The Galentine’s Day Queens | TRR F!MC; OH F!MC; TRR F!OC; TRR M!OC - @bebepac

[choicesficwriterscreations]

Comfort & Care

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Tobias Carrick x F!MC Rating: General Author: @storyofmychoices

[openheartfanfics]

Tobias x F!MC: Domestic Bliss

One Shots of Family Dynamics

🎭 Angst  |  🦚 Angsty Fluff  |  🛸 AU  |  ☁ Fluff  |  ♥ NSFW  |  📚 Series  |  📷 Edit  |  📱 TextFic  |  Ⓜ Mature

A Carrick Family Easter - @jerzwriter ☁🐣 A little peek at four scenes from the Carrick Family's Easter Day.

A Quite Carrick Halloween - @jerzwriter ☁👻 It’s their first Halloween with baby Samantha, and they’re wrapped in sugary sweet domestic bliss - but with these two, there’s always a side of something extra.

All is Merry & Bright - @jerzwriter ☁🎄 It’s their second Christmas with little Samantha, and the Carricks are getting ready to take their Christmas card photo.

Baby Talk - @jerzwriter ☁   On a holiday trip to grandma’s, Tobias tries to convince Samantha to crawl.

Bejeweled - @jerzwriter ☁ When Samantha & Brooke make their Daddy a special necklace, he's eager to show it off at work the next day. Feat. Bryce Lahela x M!MC

First Father's Day - @jerzwriter ☁👔 It's Tobias's first Father's Day, but as happy as he is, Casey senses something is amiss and helps him deal with emotions that arise.

For His Girls - @jerzwriter ☁🎄 The girls want to have a nice holiday party, just like those Mommy & Daddy have been attending. So they ask Daddy to make it happen.

Full of Surprises - @jerzwriter ☁🌸 Tobias and his daughters plan a lovely day full of surprises for Casey, but in the end, she has the biggest surprise of all.

Heading Home - @jerzwriter 📷 The Carricks are bringing Baby Samantha home, and of course, the usual craziness ensues!

Learning Curve - @jerzwriter ☁ It's "Bring Your Child to Work Day," and Sammy has some preconceived ideas about how it will go, but at the end of the day, she's in for some sweet surprises.

On the Spot - @jerzwriter ☁👻 It's their first Halloween as parents of two, and things are a little crazy at the Carrick's, but it's nothing they can't handle.

Sweet Chaos - @jerzwriter ☁💘 With the help of Tobias, Casey recreates a Valentine’s Day family tradition from her childhood for her three little girls.

The Babysitter - @alj4890 ☁ Tobias accidentally says "He needs to babysit" their kids and Chris overhears this.

The Big ONE - @jerzwriter ☁ While Tobias and Casey are captivated with their little angel, Pietro is all too happy to jump in and get a bit of that cake he's been eyeing all afternoon.

The Perfect Gift - @jerzwriter ☁ Tobias and Casey welcome their first child into the world and set some ground rules along the way.

_

SUBMIT OPEN HEART FICS & WRITERS HERE

[boneandfur]

Choices Flash Fic! DarkFic; Tobias x F!MC

Angels in Hell

@choicesflashfics #36. Uses prompt #2, "You’re allowed to fall apart a little."

A/N: I started writing this before I thought to grab a prompt, and it went to dark places. It was supplied to be a Harper x Ethan, but F!MC started talking... That's it. This fic is dark and I'm not sure why it came out, since it seems like the first chapter rather than a one shot. // Words: 1150 // Pairing: light f!mc x Tobias, acor MC x Antony (implied) // implied age gap relationship.

I always knew I'd end up working for the Outfit, from the time Uncle Tony caught me with a plastic stethoscope in my hands, to the day that Uncle Sam signed my soul over to the combat medical corps.

We need good people... like you, Chiara. You're the brains and Sy is the brawn. There will always be a place for the both of youse in the Outfit.

Is that because of Mama? I asked as I stood in front of Uncle Tony's desk and watched him swallow his grief along with his Campari, gold rings glittering. The shadow of two days beard was heavy on his jaw, and I yearned to reach out, to touch him, but instead crumpled the acceptance letter to Edenbrook in my pocket into a smaller and smaller ball, trying to keep my breathing steady as I watched him, the hero of my girlhood, the master of us all.

He set the glass down on his desk, the sound of it like the funeral bells that had gonged as the hearse pulled away from the cathedral steps in Little Italy, and I felt my throat tighten too. I swallowed my grief with my wine, clinking his glass in a toast. To her, then. I would always live in her shadow, until I could prove my worth.

Uncle Tony's eyes glistened wetly. Arin was a good woman. Bellissima... my tiger. You remind me of her, Princess. That blonde hair, and those eyes... Dio in paradiso, but she was a hurricane. And you are her very image...

Even though he'd married Octavia, I knew Mama had been the love of his life. Uncle Tony would have died for her, and nearly did. That was why I gave him my pledge of loyalty, right there in that room. A pledge for love, the kind that lasts beyond the grave.

And when I returned, I was no longer Chiara Valentine, Arin Valentine's little princess, but Chiara Valentine, combat medic and fast tracked through medical school due to all the strings pulled by Uncle Tony. It wasn't that I couldn't have done it on my own recognizance, but time was a luxury we didn't have after Doc Claudius had gotten his brains blown out by the Family, out in Drakovia. And Sy was in the clink. Again. For stealing cars from some gang in LA, connected to the Yakuza.

The Campari on the desk turned into the Negroni at the bar, and I was staring up into the golden eyes of my boss's and biggest mistake's biggest rival, the one and only Dr Tobias Carrick.

"Valentine." His upper lip curled, and I itched to smack the smugness right off his face, but I'd probably break a nail. After all, I was the Brains. I'd never fought anyone closer than fifty paces in my life, and we'd been in a tank. "Am I really that ugly, little princess, or do you scowl like that at all the plebs?"

If it were up to me, men like him would be six feet under, but I'd promised to hold my peace on mob soil, and the last thing Uncle Tony needed was a war with the Irish. Not that he'd do it for my sake -- it had been Mama who held his heart, and always would. So when I opened my mouth, what came out next surprised me. "I lost ... I lost someone. Today... it's the anniversary of her death."

"Bartender!" Tobias waved down the hipster serving white claw spritzers to the masses. "Get us a bottle of -- what's your poison, princess?"

"Limoncello." I didn't have to hesitate when the bartender slid the bottle down, and poured us two, on the rocks.

He prepared to knock back the entire glass when I caught him on the sleeve, for a moment looking thrown off his game, like he'd never seen a woman before. "Whoa there, Princess."

"Do you know what they say, Dr Carrick? They say that only the dead have seen the end of war. That's Plato. And don't call me princess." That's Antony's name for me.

"You’re allowed to fall apart a little." He touched my cheek gently, and it was only then that I realized I was crying. "Was it... a patient?"

What could I tell him? Of Afghanistan, and the starless desert skies that seemed to reach into the abyss, or of that single moment when my life changed forever? Or of how my life now seemed laid out before me in a single straight line with only a few stops along the way, Chicago to Afghanistan, to Boston and soon, soon, sooner than anyone could ever know, back again.

A pledge for love, the kind that lasts beyond the grave.

"She's been dead a long time." I wiped my cheek angrily with my sleeve, streaks of mascara coming away on it. "My mother. She died, and no one ever figured out what it was that killed her. That's why I'm here, really." I had never admitted the truth out loud before, to anyone.

Antony had come to find me at the barracks. I'd been barely eighteen, and one year in the army already. We'd drunk Limoncello til midnight, Arin Valentine's favorite drink, and we'd held one another and wept. In the morning, he'd left me with blood still drying on the sheets and an ache in my heart that no amount of Limoncello would ever ease.

A pledge for loyalty, until I stepped out of her shadow and proved my worth.

"Do you want to get out of here?" Tobias rubbed a hand over his stubbled jaw and held out a hand. "We can just walk, Chiara. You look like you need some air. I won't talk about old business tonight, and it's not a trick, I... I promise."

I took his hand, Dio in paradiso, heaven and hell. Eyes as gold as the sunless desert sands. "You can talk about it all you want, Tobias." I don't care if we win, after all, a snap of the fingers, a pouch filled with thirty pieces of silver, a handshake in a back room, that grant will end up lining the pockets of Edenbrook instead of Mass Kenmore, whether Tobias Carrick likes it or not.

I'll be going back to the Outfit, my mother's daughter, back to Antony. For I owe so much more to him than blood. Life and loyalty, and a love that never dies.

"Valentine?" Tobias waited by the door, jacket thrown over one shoulder, looking at me with a troubled question in his eyes. If I slid off the stool now, I'd have to make that choice. I'd have to face the truth about what drove me to this place, to Boston, to Edenbrook, and to stare at my own reflection in a glass of Limoncello as I counted the stars like the drops of blood in a vein, all the way down the bloody years.

Blood on my hands, blood on the sheets, washed clean by my tears.

Demoni in paradiso, angeli all'inferno.

Only the dead have seen the end of war.

[peonyblossom]

Mood Music Monday Fall Preview

@moodmusicmonday

[jamespotterthefirst]

You & I (1/3)

Book: Open Heart, beyond Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Lilac Allende-Ramsey) Word count: 950 Rating/ Warning: Teen

Premise: Her husband’s colleague seems a bit too interested in him. Dread sets in when they have to go on a work trip together.  

Note: This is based on a really old anon who asked: “has anyone every come between Ethan and Lilac?”

The busy airport moved past them at an unrelenting pace. The clamorous mix of rushing passengers and unintelligible overhead announcements only made his nerves coil tightly. He hated people who were always tardy. Even more, he hated being made late by said people. For the countless time in twenty minutes, Ethan craned his neck over the crowd, his foot tapping impatiently against the linoleum floor.

Beside him, a soft laugh brought him back to the present.

“You don’t have to lift your neck to see over all these people, babe. You’re more than tall enough.” Gentle hands on his bicep beckoned him to look down at his wife’s glowing face. “They’ll be here any minute. Just relax.”

“I am relaxed,” he returned, convincing exactly no one.

Lilac gave him a knowing little smile, patting his arm. “There’s a Dunkin over there. I’ll go get you some tea. That’ll help.”

Ethan reeled back slightly in mock offense. In turn, it made her laugh heartily, the sound feeling like home to him.

“Fine. I’ll get you coffee if you promise to stop fidgeting.”

After a half-hearted promise to try, Lilac disappeared into the crowd. Ten minutes later, he spotted the familiar figure of Tobias Carrick. Even from a distance, Ethan could tell he was grinning broadly, as though being nearly late for a flight was the funniest thing in the world. Beside him was Doctor Heather Finnegan, a prestigious Oncologist at Mass Kenmore. Her ruby lips stretched into a smile at seeing Ethan and her pace quickened.

“Sorry we're late,” she said as a form of greeting. “We hit really bad traffic.

“I'm surprised you haven't pulled your hair out,” Tobias laughed, looking around for an available check-in kiosk. He was fortunate he found one a few feet away and missed the death glare Ethan threw his way.

“And what a shame that would be,” Doctor Finnegan muttered, moving her gaze up to Ethan's hair.

Frowning, he opened his mouth to express his confusion, but a pair of familiar hands fell on his forearm. Lilac had returned, to-go coffee cup in hand. She held it out to Ethan, along with a small paper bag.

“Coffee just how you like it. And since the TSA line looks like hell, I got you an apple fritter.”

Ethan smiled down at his wife. “You should've gotten one for yourself.”

“I did,” she grinned, holding up a second paper bag to show him.

Her excitement was so endearing that he leaned down to kiss the top of her forehead.

“Ah, shoot. I was going to treat everyone for breakfast once we got through security,” Dr. Finnegan said.

“You and Tobias can go ahead. I'll be okay with this.”

“Gotta be careful.  You know what calories can do to a person.” Dr. Finnegan admonished in a lilting tone. A small smile remained as she looked from Lilac back to Ethan. “Plus, all that sugar is horrible for you.”

“The coffee's black. I'll live.”

She laughed, interrupted only by Tobias's distant shout. The young doctor excused herself and joined Tobias at the check-in kiosk. When they were finally alone, Ethan turned to face his wife, ready to tell her just how much he'd miss her.

The frown on Lilac's face, however, gave him pause.

“What's wrong?”

Lilac hesitated.

“Have you ever noticed Heather acts weird around me?”

“Weird how?”

She shrugged.

“I don't know,” Lilac sighed. “She rarely ever says hello to me directly and whenever I'm in the room, she gets serious.”

Ethan frowned but his wife barreled on before he could say anything.

“Normally, that'd be fine. I don't have to be friends with everyone, but there's other things.”

He scrunched his brows, urging any recollection of these instances.

“Take right now, for example,” Lilac pressed on, determined now. “She stiffened when I came back with your coffee. And when she said that thing about calories, her eyes moved to me. I could've sworn she looked down at my stomach.”

“You're pregnant.”

“Yes, but she doesn't know that. No one does yet. And even if she did know, that's completely inappropriate.”

Ethan nodded slowly, agreeing on that point.

“You think she dislikes you.”

Lilac nodded quite solemnly.

“What reason would she have for that? As far as I know, you two haven't interacted prior to my move to Mass Kenmore.”

“Oh, I don't know. Maybe because I'm sleeping with the man she's attracted to?”

Ethan blinked.

“You, Ethan. I mean you.”

“I gathered that.”

Simultaneously, their eyes moved to the blonde doctor currently laughing with Tobias. Ethan looked back at his wife, struggling to read the seemingly neutral expression on her face. He chose his words carefully.

“You might be reading too much into this.”

As he expected, Lilac tensed, taking a step back. Those alluring green eyes he loved so much rippled with surprise and betrayal.

“I’m not imagining things, if that’s what you mean.”

“That’s not what I meant but—”

“You know how saying ‘but’ contradicts everything that came before it.”

“Lilac.”

“Fine. I’m seeing things,” she returned, pressing her mouth into a thin line. “Forget I said anything.”

“Lilac, can we please—”

But his plea was cut short by Tobias’s enigmatic shout, informing him it was time to go. Ethan glanced up in time to see Tobias gesturing toward the TSA line. Heather stood quietly beside him, observing Ethan and Lilac with what appeared to be curiosity.

“I have to go.”

Ethan was reluctant to move, not wanting to leave her side. Lilac’s irritation had dwindled down to silent sadness and somehow, that was worse. Very gently, he leaned in to give her a quick kiss.

“I love you,” he reminded her.

“I love you,” she returned. “Have a safe trip.”

The three words that usually brought him so much comfort did little to appease the uneasy feeling in his gut.

Note: Part 2 is done and will be posted soon! Thank you so much for reading! 

[liaromancewriter]

Control What You Can Control

Premise: Ethan has second thoughts about a new phase in his life.

Book: Open Heart (post series) Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine) Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff Words: 1,100

A/N: Late submission for @choicesflashfics week 58, prompt 2. I'm also using week 59, prompt 3.

The summer sun was high in the sky, its sharp rays shining through the treated glass ceiling. Where the city streets battled sweltering temperatures, the hospital atrium was a cool and bright hub of activity. Patients, visitors, nurses and doctors glided around each other like actors on a stage.

From his vantage point on the seventh-floor gallery, Ethan Ramsey watched the familiar scene unfold below. There was a time when he’d stand at the windows of his old office and gaze down at the emergency drop-off area. Sometimes, it was the only time he had to himself in the day to just think.

There was a simplicity to his life he missed now that he was chief of medicine. He missed working with patients most of all, solving the puzzle of what brought them to the hospital, that moment when a diagnosis just clicked.

Now, it was all over, he sighed morosely, tightly gripping the edge of the steel handrail. And he wished he could go back and do it all over again.

“You look like you’ve got the weight of the world on your shoulders, Chief. Having second thoughts about the wedding?”

Ethan rolled his eyes at the glib comment from Tobias Carrick, his former nemesis slash colleague slash occasional friend slash permanent pain in the ass.

“No, just contemplating how much lighter life would be without your unsolicited commentary,” Ethan shot back sarcastically.

He scowled at the other man over his shoulder. “It's like mental weightlifting, really, and more intense than any wedding jitters.”

“Who’s having wedding jitters?” Cassie Valentine asked absently, eyes on her phone as she joined them.

“Your fiancé,” Tobias smirked. “His sigh was ponderous enough to sink the Titanic. Might want to check if you can get your deposits back.”

Cassie’s gaze zigzagged between them before her green eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Tobias, are you riling Ethan up for no reason?”

“How could you ask me that?” Tobias feigned offense.

Ethan grinned when Cassie stared Tobias down, using her haughtiest and most severe expression. It was one he’d seen her use only when someone or something truly vexed her and reminded him of why people called the Valentines American royalty.

For once, Ethan was glad not to be on the receiving end of it.

Tobias held his palms up in a universal gesture for peace, but Ethan could see him sweating bullets. Served him right, he thought. Ethan grinned wickedly as the other man made some excuse and rushed off.

“Are you having second thoughts about the wedding?”

Ethan silently groaned at Cassie’s question. He looked away from his perusal of Carrick’s retreating back to find her watching him. She was more curious than concerned, and he figured that was a good sign.

“Not about the wedding, no,” he said, taking her hand in his. “I was just reflecting on this past year, everything that’s happened.”

Cassie peered into his eyes, and he knew she could read him like an open book. “You’re having second thoughts about your job.”

“Maybe.” Ethan shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m enjoying the challenge, finally having the power to change things from within. And god knows the residency program needs an upgrade. But…”

“You miss seeing patients, doing research,” she finished astutely.

“Yes,” Ethan admitted, leaning against the railing. “Oh, what the hell.” He crossed his arms defiantly. “I sometimes, very rarely, mind you,” he warned, “miss teaching interns too.”

Cassie burst into laughter, her eyes twinkling as she threw her head back in an uninhibited display of amusement. Her laugh was loud and contagious, making everyone’s head turn in curiosity.

“You miss interns,” Cassie gasped out the words, still chuckling. “That’s like the funniest thing I’ve ever heard!”

Her shoulders shook, and tears leaked from the corner of her eyes.

“It’s not that funny,” Ethan grumbled, somewhat annoyed by her reaction.

He shook his head and turned to walk away, but Cassie held up a hand to stop him.

“I’m sorry,” she said sincerely, lips upturned in a smile. “I shouldn’t have laughed. But, I’m trying to reconcile the man I met in intern year with the one standing before me.”

“That was then. This is now. People change,” Ethan muttered.

When Cassie threw him a disbelieving look, he unfolded his arms and rolled his eyes. “Okay, fine. I don’t actually miss interns.”

“Thank god.” Cassie leaned into him. “You had me going there for a second.” She slipped one arm around his back. “Seriously, though. My grandfather always taught us if we don’t like how something is, change it.”

“This is the same grandfather that threatened to cut you off when you applied to med school instead of joining the family business?” Ethan asked skeptically.

“Yes, but,” she said, waving her hand dismissively, “he’s right more often than he’s wrong. My point is, Ethan, it’s up to you to find a way to make the job your own.”

“What does that even mean?” he said, confused. The job was the job. He knew that going in.

“Take shifts in the community clinic, take over the care of your former patients, undertake a research study.” Cassie listed things off on her fingers. “You can be the chief of medicine and a doctor. Balance your workload by hiring a medical director to do the things you don’t enjoy or won’t have time for.”

Cassie pressed on when he remained silent. “Naveen chose you because you’re what Edenbrook needs, not because you’ll do the job like anyone else would.”

Ethan turned over her words in his head, thinking through the ramifications of changing things. It could be done, of course. There was at least one hospital that he knew of that did what Cassie was proposing. Maybe there were more?

“I need to think about this,” he said eventually. “That’s good advice, though.”

“Don’t sound so shocked,” Cassie laughed. “I’m the head of Edenbrook’s famed diagnostics team, after all, and pretty remarkable at diagnosing what’s wrong.”

“And so modest, too,” Ethan quipped, placing a swift kiss across her lips. “Thank you.”

“Someone brilliant once told me, ‘Control what you can control.’ Well, this is something you can control,” Cassie added when he smiled at hearing the familiar words.

He folded her in his embrace. “Brilliant, you said?”

“Handsome, too,” Cassie smirked. “Alas, his tongue can be acerbic, and he refuses to do dance challenges with me on TikTok.” She snickered. “But, I love him anyway.”

He lowered his head, lips hovering above hers, tantalizingly close. “Then it’s a good thing he loves you too.”

And then he kissed her.

-------------

All Fics & Edits: @bluebelle08 @coffeeheartaddict2 @crazy-loca-blog @headoverheelsforramsey @lucy-268 @jerzwriter @lady-calypso @mainstreetreader @peonierose @potionsprefect @queencarb @quixoticdreamer16 @rookiemartin @socalwriterbee @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction

Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Ethan & Cassie only: @cariantha @custaroonie @youlookappropriate @zealouscanonindeer

[jerzwriter]

The way I screamed when I saw this commission! The artwork is by the simply lovely, delightful & talented @rosefuckinggenius. If you have never commissioned her, you should! Rose, you're the absolute best, my dear! Thank you for bringing my babies to life this holiday season!

All is Merry & Bright

Book: Open Heart (Post Series) Pairing: Tobias Carrick x F!MC (Casey Carrick) Other Characters: Bryce Lahela, @mydemonsdrivealimo's Jensen Valentine, Vivian Carrick (F!OC), Jordan Carrick (M!OC) Words/Rating: 1,200 / Teen Summary: It's their second Christmas with little Samantha, and the Carricks are getting ready to take their Christmas card photo. As Uncle Jordan sets up the perfect shot, Grandma Vivian, Bryce, and Jensen provide the commentary. A/N: In my timeline, this would be taking place in Christmas of 2024.

With their coffee orders securely in hand, Tobias stepped into the vestibule of his townhome, careful to make sure ‘Hurricane Samantha’ wasn’t underfoot. A year ago, he and Casey wondered what it would be like when she began to walk and talk; now they knew, it only added to the joyful chaos they had come to know and love. It was as familiar as the warm vanilla cinnamon scent that had filled the air ever since Casey moved in and as welcoming as his wife’s loving embrace or his daughter’s smile at the end of the day.

He smiled as he placed the snowflake bedecked cups on their dining room table. The last four years of his life bore no resemblance to the thirty-six that had preceded it, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

He was broken from his thoughts when he heard his brother's desperate pleas from the adjacent room. He was doing his best to keep Samantha occupied, but she was quicker than he thought, and the bowl of red, silver, and green-wrapped Hershey kisses was too tempting. As the toddler's tiny hand reached up and attempted to grab the bowl, Jordan was beginning to unravel.

“No, Sammy! No! I know Mommy and Daddy don't want you on a sugar high while before taking your Christmas pictures!”

But Samantha was undeterred.  “Yum-YUMS!” She yelled, the bowl about to topple when her eyes lit up as Tobias lifted her from behind, placing her high atop his shoulders in one swoop.

“Uncle Jordan’s right, pumpkin. Let’s save the sugaring up for after, OK?”

“Wow!” Jordan was astonished. “You said I was right!”

Tobias shot his brother a wiseass smirk. “Yeah, well, even a broken clock is right twice a day! Where is Casey, anyway.”

“Upstairs, finishing her makeup.”

“Still?”

“She was all done,” Jordan shrugged. “But then Ma and Jensen had... opinions... so they’re upstairs giving her a makeover.”

“Oh, shit!” Tobias laughed. “Then we’re safer down here with this little firecracker.”

“My thoughts exactly.”

The three were descending the stairs at that very moment, and Vivian was happy to interrupt her sons.

“Hate to disappoint you, boys. But we smelled that delicious coffee the moment you came in. There’s no keeping us away.”

“Gam-mah!” Samanta squirmed excitedly, throwing her arms her grandmother's way, and Vivian instantly forgot about her coffee.

“Oh, come here, my little angel!" She cooed, retrieving her from Tobias's arms. "That’s right! Tell Daddy that Grandma’s here. His services are no longer needed!”

“Really?” Tobias sneered. “Because with all your complaints of wanting another grandchild, I think my services are most certainly needed.”

Jensen dropped his coffee cup to the table with a thud. His eyes rose to the ceiling as he let out a disgusted sigh. “Jesus...putting up with this shit is not worth the free coffee.”

“Maybe not,” Tobias said, pointing to a few bags on the table. “But there are also cookies from Parziale’s, and I’m ordering in Chinese after the photo... free crab Rangoon, Jen...would that make it worthwhile?”

Jensen would have answered if he weren't too busy shoving cookies in his mouth. He tensed up for a second when Casey's arms encircled his waist. “That’s the only reason he puts up with us,” she grinned. “Free food.”

Tobias let out a slow whistle as he walked to his wife, making a show of looking overhead as he did.

“You don’t need mistletoe... you can just kiss me,” Casey teased, making Jordan snicker.

“And suddenly Jensen is thinking he can just buy his own crab Rangoon.”

“Nah, we just tune them out,” a buoyant voice blurted. Bryce stepped into the room, his smile brighter than the lights on the Christmas tree. He stood next to Jensen and placed a quick peck on his cheek. “Besides, food just tastes better on Tobias’s dime.”

“I’ll drink to that," Jordan smiled with a raised coffee cup.

Tobias studied Casey's face, then kissed her forehead. “Not bad! Not bad at all! Who won the makeup battle.”

“Clearly, it wasn't Jensen,” Casey smiled. “He thought a little punk edge to our family Christmas portrait would go a long way.”

“And I made it clear that my foot would go a long way...” Vivian interjected. “A long way up his ass if he thought I would allow that to happen.”

“ASS!” Samantha hollered, and everyone but Vivian broke into a fit of laughter.

“See what you make me do!” Vivian scolded as she whisked Sammy into the living room. “Making me say bad words in front of my grandbaby.”

“There is a swear jar in the kitchen," Jensen noted.

“Yeah," Bryce added. "Between us and her parents, her college education will be funded before she turns two.”

“Amen to that,” Tobias laughed.

“All right, guys, as fun as this is, do you think we can start taking the pictures?” Jordan requested. “I do have a date tonight.”

“Oh, do you?” Casey teased.

“Yep,” Jordan grinned, playfully smacking his brother. “Someone’s gotta keep the Carrick rep going since this one decided to settle down.”

“That’s not our rep!” Vivian shouted. “You’re not getting any younger either, Jordan! Who is this person? Do we know them?"

"I think I know him," Casey winked. "Make it quick; Vivian is itching to plan another wedding!"

“Oh, pleeeease do!” Bryce groaned. “Please get engaged so she’ll get off our backs.”

“Little Lahela, by now, I thought you understood that I am quite capable of nagging all of you at the same time!”

“Oh! Trust!” Tobias laughed heartily. “Trust! She is!”  

“All fun aside," Casey segued. " We should start the photos before it gets too close to Sammy’s naptime.”

“Yeah, we want to do it before my naptime, too,” Bryce added.

“You’re not in the photo,” Tobias reminded. “You can go nap now if you want."

“You know, I’m still insulted by that," Bryce complained. "Why aren’t we in the family photo?”

“Because you’re not their stepsons, no matter how much you may act like it," Vivian advised. "Now, if you want a family portrait, I suggest you two get mar...”

“Annnnd on that note, I’m going to our bedroom to nap,” Jensen announced before exiting the room.

Jordan was adjusting his camera when he teased. “I still don’t understand how those two have a key to your place, have a designated bedroom, and I don’t.”

"Uhm, we even have a little plaque with our names on the door," Bryce added gleefully. "It's bedazzled!"

“Contrary to what Ma says, they are the step-kids that came along with Casey when we got married.”

“Damn right!” Bryce nodded. “But now I'm going to join Jensen in our room. Let me know before you order Chinese, Dad. I may want to add a few things.”

“I would be shocked if you didn’t,” Tobias smiled.

“Sammy, come here, baby,” Casey beamed as her giggling little toddler wobbled over to her. “Let Mommy fix your sweater so we are all pretty for our picture!”

“I’ll admit,” Vivian observed. “Those sweaters wouldn't have been my pick, but they're definitely you two! Plus, they'll make for an adorable family Christmas card.”

Casey stopped what she was doing, exhaling as she snuggled under her husband’s arm. “Family Christmas card... our second. Can you even believe this?”

“Oh, do I hear disappointment there?” he asked sarcastically.

“Not even a little. But sometimes, I’m still astonished. How did we end up here?”

“Do I really have to explain how this came to be, Mrs. Carrick,” Tobias winked. "See, when a man and a woman fall in love...."

“OK, No!" Jordan insisted. “I don���t need to hear about how Sammy came to be.”

“No, we don’t,” Vivian agreed. “But I do need you to keep at it - in private! Because I sure would love a second grandbaby on next year’s card.”

“I think that’s her way of offering to babysit for us tonight,” Casey connived. 

Tobias pulled his wife and Sammy closer. “Then, that's our queue! Come on, let's get this picture over with."

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

@choicesholidays It fits a few, but let's go with ... it's a tradition. .

Tagging the rest separately.

[alj4890]

Hi, I have a request. Take as long as you need, or just delete if you don't find it appealing, but...

I'd love a fic in the early days of Tobias & Chris's relationship. They're public now and very much in love, but he witnesses a tender moment between her and Ethan... how does he react?

🤣 I was actually working through a fic along these lines for one of my kiss prompts. Your request came at the best time to help me finish this 😊 Hope you like it 😘

Thirty Kisses in Thirty Days Challenge with the prompt: a passionate kiss ending in ripped clothing.

@jerzwriter @hopelessromantic1352 @trappedinfanfiction @twinkleallnight @tessa-liam @kyra75

Masterlist

Visceral Reaction

At a coffee shop not too far from Edenbrook...

"Hello, Doctor." Chris tapped Ethan on his shoulder.

He turned around with a start then slowly smirked at her. "What are you doing here?"

"I need coffee." She replied.

"So you decided to come all the way down here on your day off." He rolled his eyes. "Surely you've got a coffee maker at home."

Chris nudged him forward when the line moved. "Yes, I have a coffee maker at home, but this place makes the best pumpkin spice lattes."

Ethan winced.

"What?" Chris demanded.

"I can't believe you're going to ruin coffee with a fad." He grumbled.

"A fad? Pumpkin spice is not a fad!"

"Yes, it is." He argued.

"You are such a coffee snob!" She exclaimed. "I can't believe that the man who introduced me to the espresso romano is going to stand here and deride my love for pumpkin flavors in coffee."

"Lemon is a natural additive that is used to diffuse the bitterness of the espresso." He reminded her. "It does nothing but make the coffee refreshing."

He placed his order along with her typical pumpkin spice latte. While still arguing with her, he paid for both their drinks and guided her towards an empty table.

Chris sat down caddy cornered from him so she could watch the door for Tobias. Her gray eyes narrowed playfully on Ethan's blue.

"Are you actually going to sit there and say that the spices used to make pumpkin spice are unnatural? Because I would like to point out that cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves can be found in many people's gardens."

Ethan leaned forward, eyes locked onto hers. His smile grew over how passionate she could get when defending her arguments for something completely ridiculous.

"No. I am going to sit here and say that your addiction to those particular spices is unnatural." He gestured towards her cup. "No one should ingest as much of those as you do."

She burst into laughter while playfully shoving his shoulder for bringing up her need for all things pumpkin spice.

"You know," her eyes sparkled with her humor, "researchers at John Hopkins did a study not too long ago on why people like me love pumpkin spice desserts and drinks."

"Really?" Ethan relaxed back in his chair. "I'll bite. Why do people like you fall so hard each year for a scam of charging an extra dollar or two for some spices you could add at home yourself?"

She snorted, propping her head on her hand while looking up at him. "As you well know, Dr. Ramsey; smell particles are able to travel to the back of our nasal passages and activate our smell receptors when eating."

Ethan merely lifted an eyebrow in response.

Chris grinned at him. "And the parts of the brain that process odor are very close to the parts of the brain that process memory information."

"So this is all about triggering happy memories?" He concluded. "That's why you drink this poor excuse for coffee by the gallon?"

"I work with you, Ethan." She teased. "Pumpkin spice is the only thing saving you daily from my temper."

She winked at him. "If I were you, I'd get down on my knees tonight to thank God for giving you this spice for protection."

Ethan snorted, fighting back a smile. He hadn't realized he needed something like her humor to help diffuse the tension he was currently under.

"How's work going?" She asked, sipping her coffee.

"Well, for the most part." He replied.

Chris noticed the dark look that passed over his face. There was only one thing that she knew of that could cause that particular expression.

"Have you talked to your father recently?"

Ethan averted his eyes from hers.

"Yes. He keeps calling."

"About your mother?" She carefully prodded.

He nodded, eyes narrowing upon his coffee without really seeing it. His mind was a jumble of memories and lingering bitterness. It was both distracting and disconcerting that his parent whom he hadn't seen in over twenty years was trying to get back into his life. If she was causing these types of problems now, how much more trouble would she be if he allowed her into his life again?

His eyes shot down to the sight of his hand being held by Chris. Her thumb brushed over his knuckles as she squeezed it in silent understanding.

Ethan swallowed before looking up at her. There was no pity that he could detect in her facial expression, only a sense of friendly concern. Without words, she was letting him know that she was fully on his side and would support him no matter what he decided to do about his mother.

He gripped her hand in gratitude.

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

Tobias could only stare at the sight of his girlfriend at first laughing, talking, and playfully touching a man she not only worked closely with but also had quite the romantic history.

For some reason, their conversation took a dramatic shift from humor to being serious. Now, the two were holding hands while gazing at one another in silence.

Chris shared recently that she thought she and Ethan had found a new way forward in friendship. Tobias was happy that they had, especially since they worked together. He couldn't begin to imagine how awkward it must have been for the two of them. It was one of the many reasons why he never dated anyone that worked at Mass Kenmore. He needed work to be as stress-free as possible.

I had no idea that their friendship was THIS close.

He prided himself on never being jealous. At least he hadn't been before in previous relationships, or whatever his brief flings could be considered as. But, something about seeing Chris be herself, her fun sweet self, with someone like Ethan made his heart nearly stop.

Tobias knew Chris was his as well as her love and affection belonging to him.

If she still wanted Ethan, she'd never have agreed to go out with me.

He reminded himself that fact a few more times as he made his way over to their table.

Still though, why is she here with Ethan?

After all, she'd been the one to insist they meet here before going to see a matinee.

Was it so she could see Ethan or to get that coffee she talks about all the time, he wondered.

Chris noticed Tobias first. Her smile turned more tender just at the sight of him while she let go of Ethan's hand.

"Hey." Tobias greeted them both with a forced smile.

It took a lot of focus to keep it firmly in place.

Chris reached over and took his hand, tugging him down to greet him with her usual kiss.

That action went a long way to reassure him that all was still well between them.

Though he did still wonder at the closeness between her and Ethan.

He couldn't help but be worried. He trusted Chris and knew she would never cheat on him with another man. But...this was Ethan. He'd been the one man she'd waited over a year on in the hopes to be able to be with him.

"What are you two up to?" Tobias attempted to sound casual as he sat down next to her.

"Nothing much." Chris kept her hand in his. "Ethan and I were having our usual debate over coffee."

"Oh?" Tobias looked curiously back and forth between them.

The subject of coffee doesn't require all the little touches, smiles, or absolute attention, does it? Nor does it turn heartfelt later on.

"You need to tell him the truth." Ethan rolled his eyes at Tobias. "What we were really discussing--"

Here we go. Tobias braced himself.

"Is Chris's addiction."

Tobias sat there an extra second to absorb that statement.

"You mean her pumpkin spice addiction?" He asked.

"You told Ethan about your theory, didn't you?" Chris wagged a finger in warning at Tobias. "I knew you two would give me trouble one day."

Ethan chuckled. He was grateful that Chris was keeping the last of their conversation between the two of them. Though he was on his way to being close friends with Tobias again, he wasn't quite ready to share what was going on with his mother with anyone else at the moment.

He noticed the time and got to his feet. "I've got some lab results that should be finished by now. I'll see you in a couple of days."

Chris waved goodbye then focused on her date.

Tobias summoned his typical smirk for her before she could ask if something was wrong.

"What time does the movie start?" She asked.

"In about an hour."

Her smile turned flirty. "An hour, hmm? I think between the two of us, we can find a way to pass the time."

That wasn't a bad idea. He actually needed a little more proof that everything was still the same between them. What better way to do so than taking Chris somewhere more private?

"Come on." He laced his fingers with hers as he got to his feet. "Let's find a place without people."

Chris nearly tripped in her haste to follow him outside.

The sun was shining a little too brightly for what he had in mind. Tobias looked about the busy street, seeing nothing conducive to finding a spot where they could be alone.

He glanced down at her bemused face then led her towards where he'd parked. He opened the passenger door and instead of letting Chris get in, he sat down and moved the seat as far back as it could go.

His lips curved when he looked up at her.

"Care to join me?" He asked, reclining the seat the rest of the way down.

Chris laughed at his not so veiled hint of how they should spend their free time. Without a second thought, she settled on top of him.

Once the door was shut, the two attempted to get a little more comfortable.

"This is nice." She murmured, placing kisses along his stubbled jawline.

"Yes, it is." His hands moved along her back.

He needed more of her. His lips found hers in a heated kiss. His tongue slipped through her parted lips to seek her own. Her moans filled the air as she restlessly moved against him, needing more of his touch.

Tobias was determined to drive her crazy. He wasn't certain where this desperate need to do so came from. All he knew was he felt it the moment he stepped into that coffee shop and saw her with Ethan.

When I saw them holding hands...

His hands slid under her sweater to seek out all the spots that made her go wild. Chris broke away from his kiss. Her breaths hitched with every touch he lavished upon her mixed with how he kissed her neck.

The cramped space made every motion turn into an almost teasing sensation. It gave just enough friction to work them up but not enough to satisfy. The dark tinted windows fogged up, giving them all the privacy they needed to take things further.

Tobias became almost frantic to begin getting Chris out of her clothes. He gripped the bottom of her sweater and jerked it up. In his haste, he didn't realize that it had gotten snagged on the door handle.

A ripping sound rent the air making the two pause.

"How bad is it?" Chris asked, twisting around to see the damage.

"Bad." He muttered.

He could tell that the tear in her sweater went halfway up her back. Tobias was in utter disbelief that he'd allowed his jealousy to get to the point where he was actually ripping her clothes off just to prove that all was right between them.

Chris turned back towards him, mouth crashing against his for a long, deep kiss. Something about having him that eager to be with her made her desire for him quadruple.

Tobias moaned her name when she broke away to slowly begin unbuttoning his shirt.

Her gray eyes, stormy with desire, caught his attention.

"Since I can't go to the movies now," she teased, sliding her body against his in a sensual rhythm, "you'll have to keep me entertained for the next few hours."

His smirk flashed as he tried to catch his breath. Seeing her flushed from their kisses went a long way in giving him back his confidence.

"Just the next few hours?" His hands began their delicious torment to her sensitive skin once more. "That's all you need?"

Chris arched into his touch. Her lips curved as she gazed down at him.

"Not even close." She replied. "But it'll be a good start."

[lucy-268]

Nurse Paula

Series/Pairing: Open Heart - Tobias Carrick x f!MC (Samantha Carlson)

Disclaimer: Most characters belong to PB, Samantha is sort of mine. So is Paula

Other Characters: Paula Simmons (F!OC); Marlene; Ethan Ramsey

Rating / Warnings: Teen; language. Little bit of angst.

Summary: Edenbrook has a new nurse. Tobias knows her well. This short drabble will serve as her introduction.

Comments/Notes: Written for the @choices-november2022 Day 11 - Nurses. Thanks to @liaromancewriter when my brain failed on word choice.

Word count: 580

Just as the elevator doors slid open on the fifth floor, Tobias’ phone dinged with an incoming text from Bryce. He frowned as he read it.

Dude. Paula Simmons. New nurse, 4th floor. Do you know her?

“I need to talk to Ethan.” Tobias stepped back into the elevator.

Samantha turned. “Is everything okay? Was that a text from Ethan?”

“Fine. It’s… fine.” Samantha was still confused as the door closed between them as he continued onto the sixth floor.

Samantha headed to her office, still wondering what was so urgent that Tobias needed to go see Ethan immediately. She hung her jacket on the hanger at the back of her door. She logged onto her computer, opening her email. She quickly skimmed the subjects, cringing at Leland Bloom’s email, Technical Investor Meeting 8pm. She opened it, reading it frowning. Next Tuesday he had set up a cocktail reception between the heads of the hospital and leaders in the technical and scientific communities. She sighed, whispering under her breath, cause it was such a success last time. Finishing the emails, she slung her stethoscope around her neck and headed to the fourth floor to check on the two diagnostic patients.

As she approached the nurses station, Marlene waved to her. “Dr. Carlson. I’d like to introduce you to Paula Simmons, a new RN who comes to us from Mass Kenmore.”

A nurse turned and smiled at her. “Hello.”

Samantha returned her smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Paula.”

“You too, Dr. Carlson. Marlene and Sarah have briefed me on the diagnostics team. I excited to be able to work with the patients your team helps.”

“You’re from Mass Kenmore; do you know Tobias Carrick? He's one of our doctors.” Samantha asked.

She  didn’t see the frown that quickly passed over Paula’s face as her pager beeped and she looked down to see a message from Ethan.

By the time Samantha looked back up, Paula’s smile was back in place. “I knew Dr. Carrick. I didn’t know he was on the diagnostics team. I thought he was going to be the head of the emergency here.”

“Mr. Bloom decided that the diagnostics team would benefit from his experience and we were glad to have him.” Samantha turned to Marlene. “I just got a page from Chief Ramsey; I’ll be back soon to check on our patients.”

As she approached Ethan’s door she heard a raised voice and recognized Tobias. “What the fuck were you thinking hiring Paula Simmons, Ethan!”

She didn’t hear Ethan’s reply, but she did hear Tobias. “She is here to make trouble for me! She wasn’t happy when I stopped seeing her.”

Ethan was angry enough that she heard him now. “Maybe you would like to give me a list of all the nurses, lab techs, doctors, and receptionists you’ve slept with so I’ll be sure not to hire any of them!”

“Can you at least move her to a different floor!”

Ethan had calmed down and she didn’t hear his reply. She waited a few minutes and raised her hand to knock on the door when it opened with a jerk. She stepped back as she came face to face with Tobias.

“Is everything okay?” She repeated the same question she had asked him earlier. 

He gave the same reply, looking back at Ethan. “Fine. It’s… fine.”

“Would you mind checking on our patients on four? I’m not sure how long my meeting here is going to last.”

To be continued…

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Perma - @a-crepusculo @bex-la-get @danijimenezv @genevievemd @jamespotterthefirst @jerzwriter @liaromancewriter @potionsprefect @writer-ish @cariantha @crazy-loca-blog @quixoticdreamer16 @starrystarrytrouble @zahrachoices

All Open Heart - @annfg8 @coffeeheartaddict2 @utterlyinevitable @differenttyphoonwerewolf

Open Heart - Tobias & Samantha only - @burnsoslow @kat-tia801

[choices-february2023]

Masterlist Week 4

Blades of Light and Shadow

To Love is the Greatest Treasure | Mal Volari x F!Human!MC - @storyofmychoices

Open Heart

Hooked on a Feeling | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @liaromancewriter

In the Middle of the Night | Tobias Carrick x F!MC - @jerzwriter

Picture This | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @jerzwriter

An Unexpected Valentine | Rafael Aveiro x F!MC - @jerzwriter

The Royal Romance

Batalla del Vino | Kiara Theron x Hana Lee - @lizzybeth1986

Loving a Ployglot | Rashad x Kiara Theron - @twinkleallnight

[choicesficwriterscreations]

It's that time of year again! Thank you to the creators who have shared their Top 5 creations of 2023 according to Tumblr note count. The Creator's Pick Top 5 will be posted this weekend! Links to all fics can be found below the break.

@aallotarenunelma ✒️

So This is Love (BOLAS) - Aerin Valleros x M!elf!MC

Distant Light (BOLAS) - Tyril Starfury x F!elf!MC

Indigo Night (ID) - Cassius Harlow x NB!MC, NB!OC

Répondez, s'il vous plaît! 3 (ILS/ID) - Various Pairings

Sophomore Secret (ILITW) - Dan Pierce x F!MC, M!OC

@angelasscribbles ✒️

A Fervid Fixation (TRR) Ⓜ️ - Drake Walker x MC

In Your Room (TRR) Ⓜ️- Drake Walker x Leo Rys

The Dark Kingdom (TRR) Ⓜ️ - Various Pairings

Dark Elf (TRR) Ⓜ️- Various Pairings

Heir Apparent (TRR) Ⓜ️- Drake Walker x MC, Liam Rys

@baldwinboy5ive 🎨

Blades Coffee Shop AU (BOLAS) - Aerin Valleros x MC

I Will Drag Him Back (BOLAS) - Tyril Starfury & Aerin Valleros

The Spray Bottle (BOLAS) - Imtura, Mal, Aerin

Aerin Instagram (BOLAS) - Aerin Valleros

The Prison Visit (BOLAS) - Aerin Valleros x MC

@cariantha ✒️

Accidental Valentine (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

If Only I Could (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Code Yellow (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

A Kiss on the Hand (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Daddy Distress (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

@inlocusmads ✒️

Intro To Negotiation Science (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC

A Strange & Sudden Companionship (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC

Cross Your Hearts & Set it Ablaze (COP) - Trystan Thorn x F!MC

Partner (Disambiguation) (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC

New York, June 2014 (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC

@jerzwriter ✒️

A Different Fate, Part 1 (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

What Happened in Vegas, Part 4 (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Abundance (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

The Perfect Gift (OH) - Tobias Carrick x F!MC

Take Me Out (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC

@ladylamrian ✒️

Welcome to the World of Night (NB) - Nightbound MC

Bound by Fate (NB) - Nik Ryder x F!MC

A Meeting in Wyoming (NB) - Nik Ryder x F!MC

Wedding Proposal (NB) - Nik Ryder x F!MC

OC Headcanons (NB)

@liaromancewriter ✒️

Every Day (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Summer Romance (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Beautiful Stranger (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Sleeping Beauty (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Something to Talk About (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

@noesapphic ✒️

The Other Woman (D&D) - Roselyn Sinclaire, Ernest Sinclaire, Duke Richards

A Glimpse of Us (TRR/TRM) - Liam Rys & MC, Fabian Rys & MC

Barcelona | Prince Hamid (D&D) - Prince Hamid x MC

Worthy (TRR) Hana Lee x MC

The Cursed Heiress, Ch. 17 (D&D) - Mr. Sinclaire x F!OC

@peonierose ✒️

Losing Game - Part 1 (OH) - Bryce Lahela x F!OC

Nightbound AU vs. Hänsel & Gretel, Part 3 (NB) - OCs

Nightbound AU vs. Hänsel & Gretel, Part 2 (NB) - Nik Rider, F!MC, OCs

Once, Part 2 (TNA/OH) - Sam Dalton x F!MC

Hau’oli la Heleui (OH) - Bryce Lahela, F!OC, Keiki Lahela

@storyofmychoices ✒️

Go On, Feel It! (BOLAS) - Mal Volari x F!MC

Our Future Doctor (OH) - Bryce Lahela x F!OC

No Kissing! (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC

Dance With Me (OH) - Bryce Lahela x F!MC

A Theif in the Gardens (BOLAS) - Mal Volari x F!MC

@tessa-liam ✒️

Memories (TRR) - Liam Rys x F!OC

The Sacrifice (TRR) - Liam Rys x F!OC

Regrets (TRR) - Liam Rys x F!OC

Old Habits Die Hard (TRR) - Liam Rys x F!OC

Turning the Page, Prologue (TRR) - Liam Rys x F!OC

@trappedinfanfiction ✒️

Brunette (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Crossroads (OH) Ⓜ️ - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

A New Neighbor (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC

Midnight Talks (OH) - F!MC, Sienna Trinh

What's in a Name? (COP) - Trystan Thorne

@zealouscanonindeer ✒️

Together (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Company (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Locked In (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

20 Questions (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Long Overdue (OH) Ⓜ️- Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

[openheartfanfics]

Tobias x F!MC: Domestic Bliss

All about Pregnancy

🎭 Angst  |  🦚 Angsty Fluff  |  🛸 AU  |  ☁ Fluff  |  ♥ NSFW  |  📚 Series  |  📷 Edit  |  📱 TextFic  |  Ⓜ Mature

One Shots

A Family Evening - @jerzwriter ☁ A month before their first baby is due, Casey and Tobias enjoy a fun and pleasant evening with his mother and “little” brother.

Any Day - @jerzwriter ☁ Casey & Tobias share a simple morning as they wait for their first baby's arrival, which is only a short time away.

By Your Side - @jerzwriter ☁ A very pregnant Casey is having a difficult night, and her husband is there to help her through.

I’ll Be Watching You - @jerzwriter 📱 Tobias has an issue with giraffes in the nursery.

In the Middle of the Night - @jerzwriter ☁ Casey’s now in her third trimester, and she can’t sleep through the night, and that means Tobias isn’t either. Luckily, they make the best of it together.

In a Pickle - @jerzwriter ☁ Spend a typical Wednesday night with Tobias and (a very pregnant) Casey as they snuggle up to watch one of their favorite television shows, Abbott Elementary.

Just Fine! - @jerzwriter ☁   Tobias stumbles upon a shaken Bryce... who tries to warn him about what he's in for.  But Tobias has things under control... or does he?

Our Little Surprise - @jerzwriter ☁ During a toast at their wedding, Tobias & Casey share a little secret they’ve been keeping.

Simple Pleasures - @jerzwriter ☁💘 Tobias is driving himself crazy trying to create the perfect Valentine’s Day for his new wife and momma-to-be.

Still the Same - @jerzwriter 📱 When Casey worries that having a baby will change them too much, Tobias reassures her. But in the end, she reassures herself.

The Perfect Gift - @jerzwriter  ☁ Tobias and Casey welcome their first child into the world and set some ground rules along the way.

We're Having a Baby - @jerzwriter ☁ As Tobias heads to work and Casey heads to a routine doctor's visit, they are unaware of the chaos about to be underway.

Part 1 | Part 2

Series

Grandparents Day - @jerzwriter 📚 [mini: complete] Casey and Tobias are excited to share the news with their baby’s grandparents.

Part 1: The Unexpected | Part 2: …and I needed you to know

Part 3: An Act of God

Not Keeping Secrets - @jerzwriter  📚 [mini: complete] Tobias and Casey are engaged and expecting their first baby... but they want to keep it under wraps until they can tell their parents.

Part 1 | Part 2 📷 | Part 3 📱 | Part 4

_

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