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choices-november2022 · 1 year

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Day Fifteen

Consequences

Book: Open Heart

Pairing: Tobias Carrick x F!MC (Casey MacTavish)

Featuring: Ethan Ramsey, Vivian Carrick, Jordan Carrick, and introducing Eva Mendoza

Rating: Teen

Category: Light Angst

Summary: Ethan is being a wonderful friend but fails to make a good impression on a new doctor. A displeased Vivian confronts her youngest son. Casey makes a new friend, and Jordan wants to make amends, but is Tobias ready?

Words: 3500 (sorry! But there was a lot to cover)

A/N: A little drabble that takes place just a week after their wedding.

@choices-november2022 - Day 15 - Conversations

CHARACTERS BELONG TO PIXELBERRY STUDIOS.

Wedding & Baby Stories Masterlist Tobias & Casey Complete Masterlist My Full Masterlist

This is a follow-up to Best Men and a lead-up to Tobias & Casey’s wedding fic. You can read it as a stand-alone, but knowing the story in Best Men gives it more color.

It was the morning after, and Ethan was concerned about his friends. He invited Casey and Tobias to join him for breakfast in the cafeteria under the guise of discussing wedding items he was working on with Sienna, but he really wanted to see how they were after Tobias’s encounter with Jordan the night before.

Casey seemed fine, but as a diagnostician, he knew overcompensation when he saw it. Tobias was not himself, but Ethan was happy to see their conversation perked him up a little before Tobias was paged and needed to excuse himself.

Casey watched her fiance until he was no longer in the room, letting out a soft sigh once he was gone. Lost in thought, she was startled when Ethan spoke again.

“How is he doing?”

“He’s all right, but not great,” Casey shrugged, “It was… a lot.”

“It was. I’m surprised Jordan still has teeth.”

“Well, that wouldn’t have made anything better. Would it?”

“I guess not. How are you doing?”

“You mean other than being an unscrupulous golddigger tricking poor Tobias into marriage?”

Ethan chuckled ruefully. “Well, that should leave you exhausted in and of itself. But it can’t be fun to know someone spoke of you that way.”

“It’s not, and it hurts because it came from someone who means so much to Tobias. But I keep reminding myself that Jordan doesn’t know me. We’ve met three times, and I know I never did anything deserving of his tirade. That little outburst says much more about him than it does me.”

“That’s a very mature approach.”

“It’s the best I can do. What matters to me is Tobias. This should be a happy time for him, for both of us, and if I let my emotions get the best of me, it will only worsen it.”

“But you’re entitled to your feelings.”

“I know. I’m just keeping them in check. It sucks that he won’t be at the wedding. With Tobias’s dad gone, he really wanted his mother and brother there.”

“Yes! Vivian. Is she aware yet?”

“Tobias didn’t mention if he told her, and I didn’t want to push.”

“If I had to guess, I’d say he didn’t. After all, we would have had mass casualties in the ER due to the explosion.”

“You make a good point,” Casey laughed. “She won’t be pleased. But on an up note, that’s one less handsome single man at the wedding. Your chances have been upped, Ramsey.”

“Oh, yeah,” he said sarcastically. “That was weighing on my mind!”

“It should be! Since you’re not bringing a guest.”

“I don’t need to bring a guest. I know almost everyone attending; it’s not necessary.”

“Ethan….”

“Casey, don’t play matchmaker. We know it doesn’t work.”

“What? I tried and failed once! If I gave up on everything that quickly, do you think I’d be sitting here at Edenbrook?”

“Mmm, but that was bettering yourself,” he said, beginning to stand, “not meddling in my life. Now, look at the time. What a shame, we have to go to our meeting.”

“Fine, but we’re not done with this conversation, buster.”

“Oh yes,” he assured. “We are.”

~~~~~

Across town, Jordan sat in his hotel room, staring at the phone ringing on the dresser. There was no need to look at the name flashing across the screen; he knew who was calling. Dragging his hands down the front of his face with a grimace, he considered letting it go to voicemail. But he knew how tenacious his mother was; there was no avoidance. He put the phone to his ear.

“I’ve been expecting you.”

“Oh, have you?” Vivian snapped. “That’s good to know because it tells me you haven’t taken leave all your senses, just most of them!”

“Mom, before you start….”

“Oh no, young man. You have forfeited any right to call the shots. And we are not doing this by phone. I’m in your hotel lobby, and I strongly suggest you give me your room number. If not, I will make a scene worthy of a Tony award!”

“Wait.. what hotel are you in? I never told you where I was staying.”

“You know I have my sources. Now, will you give me a room number, or do I have to go and ruin our family's name?”

After a brief pause and a heavy sigh, Jordan mumbled, “604.”

Moments later, Jordan braced himself when he heard the first knock at his door. Vivian barreled in, barely glancing at her youngest son. Still, the second she did was enough for him to see the fury burning in her eyes. He instinctively rubbed his cheek, shocked that he had yet to feel the sting of her hand across his face. Certain it would be forthcoming, he locked the door and turned to face her wrath.

“Ma, I know what….”

“You don’t know a damn thing!” she interrupted. “If what your brother told me is true, then the only thing stopping me from slapping you into next year is if you tell me you suffered a psychotic break. Outside of that, young man, nothing will spare you. So tell me, have you suffered a psychotic break?”

“I haven’t.”

Without a word, Vivian marched across the room, and with a flick of her wrist, a loud slapping noise reverberated off the walls. There it was.

“What the hell is wrong with you? Your brother invites you to his home to share the most important news of his life, and what do you do?”

“Ma, I… know I overreacted….”

“Overreacted? The flinch you just made over that baby slap you got was overreacting. What you did last night was just cruel.”

“Mom… there are things you don’t know….”

“Really,” Vivian scoffed. Sitting in an antique chair, she placed her hands neatly atop her crossed legs. “Then you better clear your calendar because you’re going to tell me all I need to know. Are you going to tell me you have some sort of proof of the allegations you made?”

“No. But….”

“There are no buts!”

“Yes!” He insisted, “there are. I didn’t handle things well, but why are you, Kerry, and everyone so wrapped up in this… has one of you even stopped to consider I could be right?”

“Do you take me for a fool? If Casey were some gold-digging trollop, I would have sensed that a hundred miles away.”

“Would you?” he asked with raised eyes.

“Yes, I would.”

“Mom, do you remember Madison?”

“Who the hell is Madison?”

“The girl I brought to your garden party last spring.”

“Oh, yes. I remember her. Now there was your definition of a gold digger.”

“Well, gee, Mom! It might have been nice if you had told me that!”

“Why? Most of the women you’ve been with have been gold diggers, and you didn’t seem to care since you never had plans of settling down with any of them. But I fail to see how this is relevant to our conversation now.”

“Because,” he said, throwing his hands up in frustration. “I never told anyone because I wanted to be sure, but things became serious between us. I was planning to bring her home for the holidays and tell you then. I was crazy about her, Mom. I was even considering proposing.”

“You, what?”

“Don’t worry. Only one of your eternal bachelor sons is being taken off the market. We’re not together anymore.”

“I have a feeling there is more to this story.”

“There is.” Jordan let out a deep sigh, then sat on the edge of the bed, facing his mother. “Last week, I went to surprise her at work, flowers in hand and everything… I was about to go into her studio when I heard her talking about me with a co-worker. I decided to listen in. Like some idiot, I’m grinning, waiting to hear her gushing over how crazy she is about me…because I was that crazy about her.”

“And?”

“She seemed to be for a moment, then her friend asked if I had a brother, and Madison said he does. Then she said she should hook them up so neither of them would have to work again. I left, hoping it was a joke, giving her the benefit of the doubt. So I started digging and found out she’s been with her ex the entire time we were together. He knew but didn’t care. The plan was to stay with me just long enough that she could make out well in a divorce, then the two of them ride off into the sunset. They even said if we had a kid, it would be a lifelong meal ticket.”

Seeing the pain on her son’s face, she moved to sit next to him on the bed, gently placing a hand on his knee.

“Jordan…”

“It was the first time I ever cared about someone, Ma. And I was taken for a fool. So when Tobias told me he was getting married… it felt so out of the blue. Then he says they're expecting a child, and that’s where my mind went.”

“Son, I’m so sorry for everything you’ve been through, but I assure you Casey isn’t Madison. She loves Tobias with all her heart, and he loves her back. This baby isn’t a trap; it’s a child conceived in love. One they both want very much.”

“Are you sure of that?”

“I am. I’ve spent ample time with them, and I know they have the real thing.”

“So I just made a giant ass out of myself.”

“Yes, an enormous one. You said some vile things about a lovely woman just weeks away from being my daughter-in-law. A woman who is carrying your brother’s child! She is already family in my eyes, and she would have been in your father's too. You know how important family was to him, and he would not have taken kindly to this.”

“I understand that you like her. I did too. But… wouldn’t you feel more comfortable if… I don’t know… if it were someone like Kerry. Someone that is in the same circles as us. Just to be sure….”

“Stop right there. You seem to forget that when I wed your father, I was not of his class. Are you saying I was beneath him? Exploiting him for his wealth?”

“Of course not.”

“Well, it sure sounds like you were saying that. If someone isn’t fortunate enough to be born into the upper echelon, they’re to be considered suspect? My family and my background are your legacy, too, son, every bit as much as the Carrick name is, and don’t you forget it! I didn’t raise you to be a snob!”

Knowing she was right, Jordan hung his head. “I know, Ma.”

“Now you need to make amends. You owe your brother and his future wife an apology.”

“I was pretty awful. I wouldn’t even take the call if I were in his shoes.”

“And he may not. But there’s only one way to find out, and that’s to call. I suggest you do so.”

“I will. I promise.”

“Good, son,” she said, taking his hand. “Now, why don’t you tell me all about what happened with Madison.”

~~~~~

Back at Edenbrook, Casey was in the team’s office, eager to wrap up her day in the team’s office, when she heard the voice of someone she needed to speak with outside. Springing to her feet, she rushed to the door as the voice faded down the hall.

“Dr. Mendoza!” She yelled down the hallway. “Dr. Mendoza!”

A statuesque woman with brown hair pinned into a loose bun turned around, smiling broadly when she saw it was Casey. “Dr. MacTavish, how are you?”

“I’m good,” Casey said, catching her breath as she caught up to her. “You look relieved.”

“I am. Let’s just say not all of the doctors at Edenbrook have been as… polite… as you.”

“Uh, oh. You’ve only been here a week, and people are giving you grief already? You need to give me a list of names so I can reprimand them!”

“I appreciate the offer, but I’m pretty tough,” she winked. “I can take them on.”

“Of that, I have no doubt. But I stopped you because Dr. Chong said I should consult with you about that patient we discussed. Her case is still a mystery, but I still think an auto-immune issue is the culprit. Since she’s had infertility issues too….”

“I finally had a chance to look over her charts, and I agree with you. Most of her infertility testing was done at Brigham, but I think we should start from scratch. I feel like they missed something.”

“I agree! If you have a few moments, the DT office is empty. We can go brainstorm, and I’ll even give you coffee from the good coffee machine.”

“The good machine?” Dr. Mendoza asked.

“It’s a long story.”

Twenty minutes later, the two women had a plan of action, and Casey vowed to help her fast friend get quality coffee whenever she needed it.

“This has to be the best-kept secret in the hospital,” Dr. Mendoza laughed. “I’m honored you let me in on it.”

“I’ve got a good feeling about you, Dr. Mendoza.”

“Oh, please. If we’re going to be friends, it’s Eva.”

“Then Eva it is….”

“Baby, are you almost ready? I’m going to get the car….” Tobias looked up from his chart, startled to see someone else in the office. “Oh… I’m sorry…” his face fell slightly as he nodded curtly. “Mendoza.”

“Carrick,” Eva repeated in the same manner.

“You two have met?” Casey asked. “Wait! He wasn’t one of the doctors giving you trouble. Was he?”

“At Edenbrook? No. But I’ve had my run-ins with Dr. Carrick in the past.”

“Really?”

“What can I say, dear. Eva was one of the few people who wasn’t susceptible to my charms.”

“Oh, for the love of God,” Casey groaned. “Tell me this isn’t another woman you tried to put the moves on before me.”

Eva broke into a fit of laughter. “Oh, I wish he had. I would have loved the opportunity to reject him.”

“Too bad you never got it,” Tobias smirked.

“OK, are one of you going to tell me how you know each other?”

“Boston University,” Eva offered. “He taught two of my med school courses, and he didn’t like that I challenged him.”

“Challenged me? You were an impossible pain-in-the-ass who held the class up needlessly to think of things from a hundred angles when only ten were necessary.”

“You’re just pissed that sometimes I proved you wrong!”

“But most of the time, I proved you wrong. Casey, can you tell her that when….”

“Oh, no!” Casey laughed. “I am not getting in the middle of an ancient grudge match between this brilliant woman who is my newly minted friend and my beloved fiance.”

“Fiance?” Eva blurted. “He’s responsible for that massive rock on your finger.”

“What can I say?” Tobias grinned, “I have impeccable taste.”

“If you proposed to Casey, then yes. You definitely do,” turning to Casey, she continued, “You, on the other hand….”

“OK. Let’s be nice to my future husband,” Casey scolded playfully.

“Sorry,” she said jokingly. “There is no way I’m going to be nice to Carrick.”

“In that case, I may have to rethink my opinion of you,” Ethan grumbled as he entered the room.

Eva rolled her eyes, “Oh, you too. This is my lucky day!”

“OK, he’s definitely of the doctors giving you a hard time?”

“Bingo!” Eva chimed.

“Casey,” Ethan complained. “As your best man, I resent that you were so fast to assume it was me.”

“Ethan, please. I love you, but my initial assessment of you was that you were an asshole.”

“She’s an excellent judge of character,” Tobias injected as Ethan shot him a dirty look.

“Did I ask you’re opinion?”

“Ethan,” Casey said, bringing the attention back to the point. “You need to be nice. Eva will be working with us on Mrs. Sosa’s case, and she’s officially my new friend.”

“You have enough friends, MacTavish. Must you add more?”

“You can never have enough friends,” Casey grinned.

“As much as I hate to break this little party up,” Tobias interrupted, “our shifts ended an hour ago, and we….” “I know,” Casey agreed. “We have wedding stuff to do.”

“Well, if you’re leaving, so am I. I’m not going to be alone with Dr. Grumpy Pants, no matter how good of a coffee machine he has.”

Ethan looked at Casey with an incredulous look on his face. “You told her about my coffee machine?!”

“Oh, look at the time, gotta run….” Casey grinned as she and Tobias rushed to the elevator.

Once alone inside, Casey gave him a quick hug. “What’s going on? We don’t have wedding stuff tonight.”

“You’re perceptive,” he smiled. “Thanks for getting us out of there. I got a call from Jordan, and he wants to speak.”

“Oh, so are you going to?"

“I don’t know.”

“I suppose you should hear what he has to say.”

“After what he said about you last night? I really don’t give a damn about what he has to say.”

“I understand that,” she said, taking his hand, “this has to be your choice. But I’ll support you regardless of what you decide.”

“I appreciate that, but right now, all I want to do is get my pregnant fiance home to rest.”

“I’m fine, Tobias, I can….”

“Uh, uh, uh. Do you want me to bring Ethan into this?”

“Nope. Let me just get home and get off my feet!”

~~~~~

Several hours later, Casey was asleep in their bedroom while Tobias worked in his office down the hall. He played his voice messages on speaker mode as he checked his e-mails.

“… Hi, it’s Ethan. I just wanted to let you know Sienna, and I finalized the plans for the joint bachelor/bachelorette party. Call me when you have a chance to discuss….”

He deleted and listened to the next.

“… Hey, bro. It’s me again. Look, I get that you probably don’t want to talk to me, and I understand why. But if you could give me just five minutes, I’d like to….”

He hit delete before hearing the whole message and resumed his work. Still, he couldn’t stay focused, no matter how hard he tried. His phone rang again, and Jordan’s picture flashed on the screen. He muted the ringer, then, warring with himself, he picked up the phone.

“You have exactly five minutes starting right now,” Tobias scowled.

“Hey, T. Thanks for answering….”

“The clock is ticking.”

“Look, I’d love to see you so we could do this in person….”

“Not happening.”

“OK, so I’ll do it here. I owe you an apology.”

“You owe me nothing. You owe my pregnant fiancee, the woman I love more than anything in this world, an apology.”

“And I’d… I’d be happy to give it to her if….”

“Well, you’re not. Not now. She’s in her first trimester, and it’s my job to make her life as stress-free as possible. You’re going nowhere near her.”

“I understand. But then, can I meet with you? I want to explain….”

“I don’t want to hear an explanation, Jordan. It sounds too much like an excuse, and there is no excuse for you disparaging Casey and mocking us for expecting a child together. There is no excuse for that, and I’m under no obligation to forgive you.”

“I… I understand, but… can we just talk? There are things you don’t know that….”

“Not now. I can’t. I’m furious, and I’m not ready to make nice. You’re on my schedule now, and I’ll call you when and if I’m ready to hear what you have to say.”

“OK, that’s fair. It’s just that your wedding is just weeks away, and….”

“Yes, it is. And this is supposed to be one of the happiest times of our lives, and I’m ensuring it will be by keeping you away. Am I clear?”

“Crystal.”

“Good. Now don’t call me. The next move is mine.”

He hung up the phone, then removed his glasses to rub his eyes. Standing up to walk across the moonlit room, a framed photo caught his eye. A much younger Tobias playing on the beach with his father. He took the frame in his hand and smiled. He waited too long to repair the damage with his dad, and he learned the hard way that time waits for no one. But his dad never insulted the woman he loved. His dad never mocked the biggest blessing that ever happened to him.

Tobias put the photo back in its spot and continued to the window. Staring out into the night sky, he considered began thinking of what his father would want him to do. But he wasn’t ready.

“Tobias?” Casey called from down the hall. He knew the tone in her voice, she was probably having a nightmare, and he rushed to be with her.

“Coming, baby.”

He knew what mattered: Casey and their child. Everything else would have to wait.

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @choices-november2022

#open heart #tobias carrick x f!mc #ethan ramsey #f!oc(1)#m!oc #f!oc(2)#choicesnovember2022 #choices monthly challenge #november day 15

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Day Thirteen

Full Circle

Premise: Ethan meets someone from his past and realizes life is full of surprises.

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine) Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff. Words: 2,500

A/N: This is set on the day after Thanksgiving in third year, which takes place during part 5 of the original Maxenna series. Ethan and Cassie were there too, if you recall. 😊 Submission for @choices-november2022 Day 13 prompt “Try something new”. I’m also using @choicesflashfics Prompt 1 and Prompt 3, which will be in bold.

Ethan Ramsey hated the pink Polo shirt with a passion he usually reserved for stupid people. At least the black pleated shorts that formed the bottom half of his uniform were comfortable.

It was the summer after his freshman year at Brown, and he’d started a summer job at the yacht club in Newport a few weeks ago. It was good money, especially with the generous tips left by the club’s wealthy patrons, and helped cover his insurance and gas commuting from Providence.

Ethan had initially thought of staying in town, but the influx of summer visitors meant accommodation was hard to find and expensive. He needed to save most of his paycheck for school. Textbooks were expensive, and jobs on or off campus were not as plentiful as he’d hoped.

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Day Seventeen

The Perfect Thanksgiving

Book: Open Heart

Pairing: Tobias Carrick x F!MC (Casey MacTavish)

Rating: Teen

Category: Fluff

Summary: Tobias and Casey spend their first Thanksgiving together as husband and wife.

Words: 724

A/N: A little drabble that takes place just a week after their wedding. @choices-november2022 Day 17 - Happy

Tobias looked up at the clock to find it was already noon. As he put the last items on the tray, he couldn’t be happier that Casey was still asleep. The past few months had been a whirlwind; he was exhausted and wasn’t spending every minute of every day creating a new life. He would do all he could to make sure she got enough rest. That included setting the DVR to record her beloved Thanksgiving Day Parade. That way, they could snuggle up on the couch and watch it on her schedule, not the broadcasters. He had thought of everything.

He sat on the bed beside her, placing the tray beside him.

“Good morning, princess. Though, it’s really not morning anymore.”

“Mhhh, what time is it?” she asked groggily as she started to stir.

“It’s noon,” he watched as her eyes opened wide. “Don’t worry! I recorded the parade.”

A grin spread across her face, “You know me too well.”

“Hey, it’s a man’s duty to know his wife. I’m just doing my job.”

“Well, you’re great at it! What’s this?” She asked, taking note of the tray.

“It’s your favorite French toast, fresh berries, and a cup of that pregnancy tea Ethan sent over.”

“You’re too good to me, Mr. Carrick.”

“Anything for you, Mrs. Carrick, and for this little pain in the butt we love so much,” he smiled, placing his hand on her newly formed baby bump.

“Hmm, they were kind enough to let me fit into my wedding gown last week. Do you think you might be a little nicer to him or her?”

“To her…” Tobias smirked, “and I’m plenty kind. I adore her. She just needs to stop making mommy feel so crappy.”

“I’m beginning to feel better. I think morning sickness is finally passing, not a moment too soon!”

“Good, then let’s get you eating before the food gets cold. When you’re done, I’ll make you a cup of hot chocolate, and we can watch the parade together. The turkey’s in the oven, I did all the side dishes yesterday, so I’m all yours.”

Casey exhaled with the brightest smile. “This may be the most perfect Thanksgiving of all time! But are you sure you don’t mind it being just us?”

“Mind? This is heaven. I love our friends and family, but we’ve had plenty of time to bond with them recently. You, me, and the little pumpkin here, that’s all I want today.”

“Like you said, it’s heavenly.” She rolled her eyes and made a pleasurable moan when she bit into the French toast. “Ohmygod! This is SO good! Your French toast is everything!”

“Yeah, well, it’s good to know that I can have you making those noises, even when we’re not… you know.”

“Tobias!” She laughed, gently hitting his shoulder. “I love you so much.”

“Well, I’m glad. You married me after all. And I love you so much, too. We are so damned lucky.”

“We are. Lots to be thankful for today and every day. But can I let you in on a little secret.”

“Of course.”

“I’m most thankful for you.”

He leaned over and took her lips in his, giving her a tender, lingering kiss that left them both lost in the moment. When it ended, he rested his forehead against hers. “And I’m most grateful for you. You changed my life, Casey.”

“For the better, I hope.”

“That goes without saying. And that was before the pregnancy boobs.”

Laughing, Casey handed Tobias the tray to put to the side, then she pulled him next to her. Holding his face in her hands, she peppered him with little kisses

“Shall we go watch the parade?” he asked.

“Yep. I’ll finish kissing you there!”

“Hey, as long as you don’t interrupt me when the Blue’s Clues float is on! You know how I feel about Blue.”

“I do,” she laughed. “Do you realize we’ll watch the parade with our baby next year? My God, we’ll be parents.”

“You, me, and our baby on the couch watching the parade. That’s perfection right there.” He smiled.

“I agree.”

“Just one thing,” Tobias insisted.

“Yes?”

“She can’t interrupt me during the Blue’s Clues float either. I have my rules.”

“I think we can live with that rule,” she laughed. “Now come on! The parade awaits!”

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#open heart #tobias carrick x f!mc #choicesnovember2022 #choices monthly challenge #choices #playchoices #november day 17

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Day Twenty-Eight

#choicesnovember2022 #choices monthly challenge #choices #playchoices #november day 28

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Day Four

Candy Thieves

Premise: One bowl of candy, four children. What could go wrong?

Book: Open Heart (post series) Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine); feat. OC children Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff. Words: 1,620

A/N: This fic is inspired by an old TikTok ask from @potionsprefect. Submission for @choices-november2022 Day 4 “Candy”

Anyone watching Noah Hudson Valentine would think the little boy was sitting at the kitchen island engrossed in his coloring book. But he was really watching his Aunt Cassie get all the food ready for their movie night and sleepover party.

It was after Thanksgiving. He and his sisters were spending a few days in Boston while their parents enjoyed “grown-up time.” Noah didn’t mind, though, as Aunt Cassie made the best snacks!

He smiled when she started humming along to a song playing on the speaker as she finished plating the brownies they had baked earlier. He watched his aunt set a platter of Mozza sticks—his favorite—on the counter and cover it. Next, she placed a tray of mini pepperoni pizzas into the oven to bake.

Everything smelled so good, and he couldn’t wait to dig in!

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#open heart #ethan ramsey x f!mc #various oc children #choicesnovember2022 #choices monthly challenge #choices #playchoices #november day 4

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Day Twenty-Four

Grateful Hearts

Book: Wake the Dead

Pairing: Eli Sipes x F!MC (Zoe Rivera)

Rating: Teen

Category: Fluff with a side of angst

Summary: It’s now several months after the events in the book, and Zoe is intent on bringing new traditions to Olympus. Luckily, she has the perfect partner to help her do it. Here, she and Eli share a poignant moment as they get plans underway.

Words: 1369

A/N: I know it’s a day after Thanksgiving here in the states, but I consider it Thanksgiving until the leftovers are gone, so there’s still time! I hope you enjoy this little story.

I’m tagging my Perma list – I’m not sure if you want to be on any future Wake the Dead fics, so if you wish to be omitted and put on OH only, please let me know. Thank you!

@choices-november2022 – Day 24 - Thankful

CHARACTERS BELONG TO PIXELBERRY STUDIOS.

After a few grueling days, Eli wasn’t the only one relieved to have a day with no drone activity. When Troy and Angel said they’d take tower watch duty tonight, he didn’t argue for once. A little rest and, if lucky, some time with Zoe sounded far too appealing.

He was coming to know her better each day, so he knew exactly where to look for her. At the end of a long corridor, he saw a gentle glow from the door of a tiny room Zoe had converted into a makeshift library. That was all the confirmation he needed that she was inside.

There he found her, nestled in the corner of an old sofa he had helped her move to the room just last week. Always cold, she was wrapped in a blanket, even though the fire was burning bright. Of course, there was a book n her hands, and it had her so engrossed that she didn’t realize he had walked in. But she snuggled close with a content smile when he claimed the spot beside her, wrapping his arms around her waist and settling his chin over her shoulder. It had taken Eli some time to become comfortable with such acts of affection, and she never took them for granted.

“You’re here!” she exclaimed, turning to kiss his cheek. “How did you know where to find me?”

“Lucky guess,” he half smiled. “Troy and Angel took tower duty tonight, so you’re stuck with me… if you like.”

“Of course I do! What would you like to do?”

“You seem pretty happy here. So why don’t I rest here for a bit while you read.”

“I’d like that,” she said, holding up the book to show Eli. “I found this in the stack of books in the basement.”

“Holiday Celebrations?”

“Yes, it’s so cool! It talks about the origins of each holiday people used to celebrate in the past, then offers some traditions surrounding them.”

“You are obsessed with the old world, Zo,” he smirked.

“A little,” she smiled, “It makes me feel a connection to my fathers, and I just wish I had more memories of it. My family celebrated some of these, and I’d love to incorporate some here at Olympus. Things like this give everyone something to look forward to and establish a sense of community.”

“I agree. The Autumn Festival was a big hit, especially with the kids. What ones do you want to add?”

“I’m not sure. Maybe you can help me,” she said, moving to his lap to look at the book together. “Do you remember celebrating any of these before the end came?”

Eli thumbed through the pages, a nostalgic look on his face. “We celebrated most before the outbreak, and my Mom went out of her way to keep some traditions alive after. It wasn’t exactly the same, but in a way, they were even more special because she tried so hard. Did you celebrate any holidays at The Tower?”

“Not really. We got to select a treat at the commissary on our birthdays, and since I was friends with Troy, he’d always managed to sneak a few extra for my birthday and Ana’s. We also had Founders Day, which was basically a parade and a tribute to Blackstock. Outside of that, we didn’t celebrate.”

“Well, now you can create whatever you want. Are there any you’re thinking of?”

“I was looking at this one,” she pointed to the center of the page where the word Thanksgiving was printed in fancy script. “Did you celebrate this with your family?”

Eli’s lips twisted. “Yes and no. We celebrated it, but it wasn’t my father’s favorite. If it were up to him, we would have skipped it. But he knew it meant a lot to my mom, so he went along with it.”

“Really? What’s not to like? It seems like it was all about good food and expressing gratitude. That sounds like the perfect holiday to me.”

“Those parts were nice, but like many things in the old world, the story behind it wasn’t exactly truthful.”

“How so?”

“The popular story was Pilgrims landed in America and were met by friendly Indians who taught them how to live in this new place. They were said to offer them a feast where they sat down together. After that, if we’re to believe the fables, the Indians just disappeared, handing their land over to the colonists to create some wonderful nation. Each year our school would have a pageant where children would dress as pilgrims and Indians. Everything was so friendly… and bloodless… but that’s not what happened.”

“What did happen?”

“From what I remember, one of the tribal leaders did approach the pilgrims to form an alliance, but his motivation was to keep a warring tribe at bay. The agreement wasn’t exactly amicable, and in time, tensions arose to the point the tribe went to war with the colonists. It was one of the bloodiest wars in early American history, hundreds of natives were killed, and the power was forever in the hands of the colonists after that.”

“That’s horrible! And nothing like the story in this book. How did you learn about it?”

“Books like this, and even our textbooks in school, told a sanitized version of history. I was lucky to have parents who told us the truth and made us question what was presented to us, and they taught us to think.”

“So, then why did your mom want to celebrate?”

Eli shrugged. “She just saw it as a day when the family got together to share a great meal – you can’t imagine the food we had! Then we’d go around the table and say what we were thankful for and spend time together after. It was nice. It had nothing to do with the original story, so she wanted to keep the tradition alive.”

“Did that make your father mad?”

“No,” he smiled with a faraway look in his eyes. “My parents were a team, and they knew how to compromise. David and I didn’t participate in the Thanksgiving pageants at school, to us, it was just a special day with our family.”

“That’s what I’d like to bring here to Olympus.”

“I think you can,” Eli offered. “We can do it in our own way… call it a day of gratitude, and there doesn’t have to be any more to it.”

“I like that. Do you think we can do it soon?”

“Yes, with winter coming, we should, before the food supply becomes scarce.”

“I love the idea!” She beamed. “I’m going to start making lists of the things I’m grateful for, and I want to say something nice about everyone.”

Eli sighed deeply, causing Zoe to ask what was wrong. “Does this mean I have to say something nice about Troy?”

“Eli Sipes,” she smirked. “Are you telling me you have nothing nice to say about him?”

“I’m just joking,” Eli laughed. “Troy’s great; just don’t tell him I said that. But even if he and I didn’t get along, I’d always be grateful for all he’s done for you.”

“Awww. You’re incredible. And you know what?”

“What?”

“When I list things I’m grateful for, you will be at the top of my list.”

“I’m number one, eh?” He teased.

“Yep. You are.”

“That’s a coincidence because you’ll be number one on my list too.”

“I am?” Zoe smiled.

“You are.”

“I’m so glad I have you to help create our new world, Eli. I’m not saying we’re your parents, but I think we make a great team as well.”

“We do,” he smiled, cupping her cheek in his hand. She could see the emotion on his face. “I imagine we’re a lot like them when they first started out, and I know that would make them so happy.”

“It would make Ana happy, and I’m sure my dads, too. I just wish they were all here to see it.”

“They know. I have to believe they know.”

“Then we need to get this celebration underway, Mr. Sipes. Because no matter what troubles we face, we still have so much to be grateful for.”

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@choicesholidays

#wake the dead #eli sipes x f!mc #choicesnovember2022 #choices monthly challenge #choices #playchoices #november day 24

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choices-november2022 · 1 year

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Day Thirty

Best Men

Book: Open Heart (Post Series)

Pairing: Tobias Carrick x F!MC (Casey MacTavish)

Others: Ethan Ramsey, M!OC (Jordan Carrick)

Category: Angsty, but some fuff

Words: 2300

Summary: Not everyone is happy to hear Tobias & Casey's news, but others help them through, and Ethan is elated with his new role.

A/N: OK, Jordan comes off as a total douche in this segment; you'll hate him. But there is more at play then meets the eye. Plus, he's really cute, so you'll forgive him down the line. lol

@choices-november2022 - Day 30 - It isn't over.

Casey & Tobias Masterlist C&T Wedding & Baby Stories Masterlist

“Well, I hear congratulations are in order,” a boisterous middle-aged man slapped Tobias on the back a little too hard. “At least to you, Carrick. Dr. MacTavish has our sympathies.”

Casey looked up from a folder with a forced smile as Tobias addressed the doctor.

“You’re a regular riot, Nieves.”

“You can’t really blame him,” Nurse Audrey jumped in. “No one ever expected the Tobias Carrick to go anywhere near the M word.”

“I don’t know,” Tobias asserted. “The old me, sure, you couldn’t say that. But anyone paying attention the past two years knows I’m crazy about Casey. If our engagement comes as a shock to anyone, all it tells me is they’re not very observant.”

Tobias locked eyes with Audrey, daring her to continue. But Audrey had grown bored, and with a shrug of her shoulders and a playful smirk, she was gone. So Tobias turned back to Dr. Nieves. “You have anything else to say?”

“Only congratulations to you both. I mean it.”

Tobias scooted closer to Casey as soon as they were alone. “You all right?” He whispered.

“Yeah. Those two are always snarky and believe themselves to be much more amusing than they are. Most people have been thrilled to hear our news.”

“Yeah,” he mumbled, leaning in even closer, “and wait until they hear the rest.”

“Tobias Carrick, I swear to god if you blow our cover.”

“I’m not,” he grinned. “I’m content sharing the engagement… for now.”

“Hmm, and speaking of sharing our engagement, have you gotten in touch with your brother yet?”

"Huh? Oh, yeah," Tobias answered, returning to completing his chart. "I left him a message."

"A new message? Or the same message from last week."

"It's a message. Don't worry, we'll get in touch, and even if we don't, my mom will fill him in."

"That's the problem, T. Do you really want your brother to learn we’re getting married from your Mom?"

"Casey," he smiled, reaching over to kiss her forehead. "You worry too much. Leave this to me. It'll be fine."

“Famous last words,” she sighed.

“Trust me.”

~~~~~

Several hours later, Tobias and Ethan were silently reviewing notes in the DT office when, in an unusual turn of events, Ethan broke the silence.

“You know I’ve been thinking about being in your bridal party.”

“What, getting cold feet?”

“No, it’s just the title of best man… it’s rather foolish. If I were truly the best man, wouldn’t it stand to reason that Casey would be marrying me? They should change the title.”

Tobias’s eyes shot up at his friend and boss, “You know that might be funnier if you hadn’t been involved with my future wife in the past,” Tobias snickered. “But I see your point. How about we just call you my honor attendant.”

“That works,” Ethan smiled. “I’m still surprised you asked me.”

“Asked you what?” Casey inquired when she came into the room.

“To be your best ma… uh.. honor attendant,” Ethan smiled.

Casey stood behind Tobias and gently rubbed his shoulders before continuing.

“Why wouldn’t he? You’re his best friend and one of mine, too. We’re honored that you are our… honor attendant.”

Ethan tilted his head in the couple’s direction with a content look… there was a time, not long ago, when he could never have imagined the three of them ending up here. “Well, it really means a lot to me. It’s an honor I don’t take lightly.”

“Stop getting all sentimental,” Tobias teased. “If you’re acting this way now, wait until you hear our other news.”

“Other news?” Ethan scrunched his nose. “What other news?”

Tobias looked at Casey, who nodded in response to his wordless question.

“Well, buddy, Casey and I talked, and we’d like you to be our baby’s godfather. Now, I know that God isn’t really your thing, and, well… babies aren’t really your thing… so if you don’t want….”

“Hun,” Casey tapped Tobias’s shoulder. “Stop rambling for a second so you can enjoy the moment. You’ve rendered Ethan speechless.”

He looked over to find his friend slackjawed.

“Is that a good shocked, or an oh, shit, how do I get out of this shocked?” He asked.

“You’re… you’re sure?” Ethan stuttered.

“Hey, I get that you may not fully trust him, but I’m here. So you know it’s legit,” Casey beamed.

“I’d be… I’d be honored,” Ethan jumped up from his seat to shake Tobias’s hand, but he was having none of that as he pulled him into a bro-hug. Then it was Casey’s turn for a long embrace.

“This means you’re going to be even more of an overprotective pain in the ass, doesn’t it?” she giggled into his ear.

“Oh, you better believe it,” Ethan assured.

“Well, take it easy. We can always rescind.”

“Nope, this is a no-returns offer,” Ethan laughed. “Wow. I’m going to be a godfather.”

“Is that title OK?” Tobias teased. “Or do you take issue with that too?”

“You know, I’m really glad you chose me. This child’s going to need a positive influence to counterbalance you.”

“You’re a comedian, Ramsey,” Tobias laughed as his phone beeped. “Oh, it looks like I’ve got more good news to spread!”

“Who is it?” Casey asked.

“Jordan. He’s going to be in town for a shoot tomorrow and wants to get together.”

“Finally!” Casey beamed. “I’m glad he’ll finally know.”

~~~~~

The next evening, Casey had wedding errands to run with Sienna. After giving her a kiss goodbye, Tobias got some snacks together for his brother’s arrival.

“Hey, look what the wind blew in,” he grinned as he greeted his brother at the door.

“It’s good seeing you, T.”

“So good? Then why haven’t you returned any of my calls?”

“I knew I was coming to Boston,” Jordan shrugged. “So, I knew we’d be chatting soon enough.”

“Well, you could have filled me in on that!”

His brother smiled an intoxicating smile with a little shrug, and Tobias laughed. The trademark Carrick charm. They had both evaded a multitude of situations with that disarming technique. Did he think it was going to work on him?

“No matter,” Tobias assured. “It works out perfectly. Casey’s running some errands, and I really wanted to talk to you alone.”

“Ooh! Something we can’t discuss in front of Casey. This took longer than I expected. I gave 6-8 months at best.”

“Oh yea, what’s that?” Tobias asked.

“You coming to the realization that a mundane, monogamous life wasn’t what they show in the brochures. So tell me, what’s her name?” Jordan smirked.

Tobias let out a scornful laugh. “As usual, you’re far off the mark, little brother. Her name is Casey, and my news is quite the opposite of your delusions.”

“What’s the opposite? You’re already living the opposite. I never thought I’d see you settle down, and I’m not alone.”

“Well, I’m all about defying odds,” Tobias smiled. “So this will really blow you away… Casey and I are getting married.”

“Right!” Jordan laughed, “No, come on, really. What’s up?”

“What’s up is I’m getting married.”

Tobias waited in silence as he watched the shock on his brother’s face, but it wasn’t the happy sort of shock the news had elicited in others.

“You… but… you … you never wanted to get married? I think you once referred to it as a death sentence.”

“Yeah, well, growth is good. Look, I didn’t want a lot of things before Casey, but now… I want it all with her. I’m really happy, bro. Can you chill and be happy for me.”

“I… I can try, but… are you sure? I mean, Casey has always been sweet, she seems nice enough, but you haven’t even been together that long.”

“We’ve been together, in some capacity or another, for almost two years, Jordan. I didn’t meet her last week.”

“In some capacity…” Jordan scoffed as any trace of amusement washed away from Tobias’s face.

“Jordan, where the hell is this coming from? I get that my life has changed, but it’s changed for the better. Casey is the love of my life, and I’m over the moon. We both are. This is my choice… can you just say congratulations and move on like everyone else.”

“So you’ve already told Mom.”

“Yes, and she’s elated…She loves Casey.”

“Of course, she’s elated! She’s been dying for this moment since you hit puberty. She’s not thinking clearly. Casey is great, but….”

“But what?” Tobias seethed.

“She's not from our world, T. How do you think she’ll handle one of Mom’s dinners when she has to sit next to ambassadors?”

“Like a goddamn champ, that’s how. We’ve been to a few already, and while it’s not either of our scenes, she’s been amazing.”

“Not her scene… you sure about that?”

“Where are you heading with this baby brother? And I’d tread very lightly if I were you.”

“Look, it’s no secret that many women see us as a golden ticket. We live a very privileged life, and… well…tell me you have a prenup at least.”

“OK, cut it right there! What you don’t know about Casey is a lot. My wealth was actually a deterrent to her. Now, she will be your sister-in-law, and I expect you to treat her with the kindness and respect she deserves. Do I make myself clear?”

“Crystal,” Jordan said, shaking his head. “So when is this happening?”

“We’re getting married in six weeks.”

“In six… in six weeks? Are you out of your mind? Whose idea was this? Yours or hers? T, you’re my brother, and I have to look out for you… this is screaming get you to sign on the dotted line before you change your mind.”

“You're my brother? You sure as hell aren’t acting like it. Have you not seen me for the past two years? Do you not realize how in love we are? How happy I’ve been? Is it so impossible to believe that I might grow up one day and want this life?”

“Fine! Then get married in a couple years, a year even… six months. But six weeks? What the hell? Is she pregnant?”

Seething, Tobias didn’t respond immediately, and that gave Jordan the answer he needed.

“Oh my God,” he laughed. “Are you kidding me? That’s the oldest trick in the… Was this planned or a happy little surprise.”

Tobias reached the end of his rope. His face bright red as his patience wore completely away.

“Let me make something clear to you, baby brother. Casey is the woman I love, and the day we learned we were going to have a child together was the happiest day of my life. That little one already has my heart. They are the two most important people in my life! You will not talk about my baby like she’s a dirty little mistake, and you will not disrespect my fiance, or else….”

“Or else what, big brother?”

“Or else you won’t have a place in our lives.”

“Isn’t that special,” Jordan smirked. “It wouldn’t be the first time, would it, brother?”

“The past is the past, Jordan. It’s resolved, and it has nothing to do with this.”

“You know what,” Jordan said, heading toward the door. “Maybe by some miracle, you’ll figure out a way to work this out, but I’ve known you your whole life, and I know better. There’s no place for me? Well, when this hits the fan, and you come looking for me? Don’t be so sure I’ll be there.”

“Noted.” Tobias spat. “That’s not going to happen, but after tonight, if it did… you’d be the last person I’d turn to. Now I want you to get the hell out of my house… our house… before Casey is back.”

Jordan held his hands up, “Don’t worry. I’m out. Good luck, T.”

Tobias let out a shuddering breath the minute the door closed. Clutching his hair in both hands and breathing through his teeth as he paced the floor. He considered punching a wall, but he thought better. But he needed to get the anger out. Normally, he’d turn to Casey, but the thought of sharing this with her…. He opened the sliding doors to the backyard with his phone in his hand, already dialing when he sat.

“Hello?”

“Yeah, let’s skip the small talk,” he breathed. “I just have one question.”

“OK, what’s that?” Ethan asked.

“How the fuck were you lucky enough to be an only child?”

“Well,” Ethan chuckled, “considering my mother's parenting skills, maybe they decided to only fuck up one life. Now, what’s going on?”

Over the next thirty minutes, Tobias relayed the story as Ethan listened patiently, talking his friend off the ledge a little at a time. When his breathing and heart rate returned to normal, and he no longer wanted to flip over a table, he asked Ethan for advice.

“Did I overreact?”

“Look, he’s your brother… but I punched a man out at a medical conference for less. I think you showed great restraint. Just wait until your mother gets a hold of this.”

“Yeah, well, that’s on him. What do I tell Casey? She’s going to be home any minute.”

“Be honest, but soften it. She doesn’t need to know all the details.”

“This is going to hurt her. I don’t like seeing her hurt….”

“You’re hurt too, and she won’t like that. You’re not getting through life without being hurt, T. But you two are a team. You’ll be all right.”

“Yeah,” Tobias smiled. “We will be. Hey, when the hell did you become so knowledgeable?”

“Me? I’m always knowledgeable when dealing with other's issues, but if it’s any consolation when it comes to my own? I’m still a mess.”

“Ain’t that always the way,” Tobias laughed. “I’m going to wait for Casey, but Ethan… thanks, man. It’s good to know I still have one brother by my side.”

“Always. Let me know if you or Casey need anything. Including me taking a swing at your other brother.”

“Will do, man,” Tobias laughed. “Will do.”

Tobias went inside and sat on the couch, and after a short time, he heard Casey’s key slip in the front door… and he smiled. His Casey. Ethan was right. They had each other, and as long as they did, it would all be OK.

#open heart #tobias carrick x f!mc #ethan ramsey #m!oc #choicesnovember2022 #choices monthly challenge #choices #playchoices #november day 30

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choices-november2022 · 1 year

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Day Thirteen

Thankful

Book: Open Heart (Post Series)

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Kaycee MacClennan)

Rating: Teen

Category: Holiday/Fluff

Summary: Ethan and Kaycee’s Thanksgiving plans go awry, but they end up going better than they had planned.

Words: 2400

A/N: My babies are out and celebrating this Thanksgiving! I’m participating in @choicesflashfics the prompt is highlighted below. Also participating in @choices-november2022 – Day 13 – Try something new. 😊

CHARACTERS BELONG TO PIXELBERRY STUDIOS

It was a grey November morning. The morning after the mercury hit freezing for the first time this season, and while the forecast didn’t call for it, it felt like snow. In other words, the perfect day to stay in bed.

Ethan grumbled as he woke, without the aid of an alarm clock for once. Rolling over, he wrapped his warm arms around Kaycee, who smiled and cooed in response.

“Good morning,” he mumbled groggily into her ear.

“Good morning,” she smiled, rolling over to face him. “You didn’t go for your morning jog?”

“It’s a good day to stay in and snuggle.”

“Every day is a good day for that! Come on, Ethan, join me on the dark side. We have cookies!”

“I’ll give it consideration,” he laughed. “But, speaking of cookies, should I bake the cranberry walnut ones you like later today? We really have to get ready for Thanksgiving?”

Her eyes lit up. “Ooh, I do like those. But since it’s just going to be the two of us, we’ll be fine with my pumpkin pie.”

“Have I mentioned how glad I am it’s just you and me? Both off, a quiet day at home….”

“…watching the parade, taking it easy, we can stuff ourselves silly.”

“We could eat naked.”

“I mean, if you really want to,” Kaycee laughed. She leaned over to kiss him gently when the alarm began to blast. Collapsing onto his chest, she groaned. “Of course! It was too good to last!”

“Think on the bright side. We have many mornings like this in front of us.”

“Mornings where I get you to skip your morning jog? Doubtful!”

“Hey, I promise. Now, let’s get ready for work.”

~~~~~

Kaycee was confident their relationship being out in the open would never lose its novelty. Walking down the hallway with Ethan at her side and no worry about veering just a little too close, was more exhilarating than she had anticipated. But nothing topped when they reached his office each day, then he’d turn and give her a little peck on the cheek before she moved on. Every time he did that, she wanted to skip down the hallway like a lovesick teenager, and the fact that she could contain it was a source of great pride.

She stopped at the nurses’ station to pick up her assignments and was delighted to find Sienna.

“Hey, stranger,” Kaycee smiled. “I’ve missed you!”

“I miss you too. I honestly don’t know why you pay rent anymore. You should just move in with Ethan already.”

“In time,” Kaycee winked as she plopped into the chair next to her friend. “In time. So, what’s new?”

“Not a thing.”

“Oh, come now, something must be going on.”

But when Sienna looked up, her eyes told Kaycee all she needed to know. Whatever was going on, it wasn’t good. She placed a gentle hand on her friend’s wrist and implored her to share.

“I’m just… lonely. I’ve been working around the clock, and the apartment is almost always empty these days. Jackie is heading home for the holiday, and Elijah and I are on opposite schedules. It’s usually just Aurora and me, but she’s spending a lot of time at her aunt’s since her parents and grandparents are visiting for Thanksgiving.”

“Will you be joining them?”

“They invited me, but I’m not sure. I’m working anyway,” she shrugged.

“You are? I thought the pediatric interns had it covered?”

“I volunteered. I may as well, they had plans, and I didn’t.”

“Then we have to get dinner this weekend,” Kaycee insisted. “I won’t take no for an answer.”

“As if I could ever say no to you anyway.”

~~~~~

Ethan was reviewing a journal in his office when Tobias came strutting in, making himself comfortable at the seat in front of Ethan’s desk.

“What are you doing here?” Tobias asked. “I figured you’d be gearing up for Thanksgiving.”

“It’s just Kaycee and me this year; not much work to do.”

“Ah, just the two of you… nice!” Tobias chuckled. “At least we know that drumstick will get lots of gravy.”

“You know you’re incorrigible.”

“Yeah, it’s part of my charm.”

“What about you? Headed to DC?”

“Nah. Mom’s spending the holiday in Cancun this year. She’s got a new boyfriend.”

“So, what will you be doing?”

“Working.”

“Why? I know I had you off schedule?”

“Yeah, well… I’ve got no plans… and no one to spend it with. So,” he shrugged. “I may as well come in.”

“Are you reconsidering settling down with someone,” Ethan smirked.

“Nah,” Tobias grinned. “Let’s not get crazy. But, it would be nice if… you know, never mind.”

“No, what were you going to say.”

“It’s nothing,” Tobias insisted, gazing at his pager. “Gotta split, boss; I’m needed in post-op. Have a nice holiday if I don’t see you.”

~~~~~

Ethan was looking for Kaycee, and based on the time, he knew she’d be making a fresh cup of coffee in the breakroom. He smiled when he walked in and proved himself right.

“I know,” Kaycee said, wrapping up a call. “But we’ll be down for Christmas; it’ll be here before you know it. Please tell Dad I love him too.”

Ethan could see the tension on Kaycee’s face, so he took her hand as he sat beside her.

“What’s going on?” he asked.

“I just feel a little… guilty. My mom is feeling down, it’s the first Thanksgiving we won’t spend together, and she’s… blue.”

“And you?”

Kaycee cupped his cheek in her hand with a soft smile. “We have our plans, and I’m looking forward to them. But….”

“I know exactly what you mean,” he finished. “I had the same conversation with my dad earlier.”

“Wait, Alan isn’t going to be alone, is he?”

“No, he’s joining Naveen, but it feels odd knowing he’s coming to Boston for Thanksgiving, but it won’t be with me.”

They both looked down in silence, then blurt out in unison, “Do you think we should….”

Kaycee laughed at how in tune they had become.

“Thanksgiving… just us and our parents?”

“That sounds perfect,” Ethan grinned. “We have that huge turkey anyway; there’s no way we’d eat it all anyway.”

“Speak for yourself, buster. I plan on eating my weight in mashed potatoes on Thursday!”

“I don’t blame you,” he agreed. “My mashed potatoes are phenomenal.”

“Everything you make is phenomenal. Speaking of which, maybe you should make those cookies after all, and I’ll make a second pumpkin pie.”

“Really? Do you think that’s necessary?”

“Ethan. It’s Thanksgiving, and if I don’t go up a dress size, it means it was a failure.”

“Then, by all means, another pie it is.”

~~~~~

“You are such a bonehead. I can’t believe I agreed to this!”

“You know, Jackie. It’s almost Thanksgiving. A little gratitude would be nice. I’m saving you the cost of a taxi.”

“You know what, meathead, suddenly the $30 seems like a bargain.”

“Children…” Kaycee interrupted, “What did I tell you about fighting in the hallways! You frighten the patients.”

“Nah,” Bryce smiled, “They think we’re their own personal sitcom.”

“I can see why!” Kaycee chuckled. “So when do you two head out?”

“Tomorrow night,” Jackie informed. “I just hope the weather holds out. It really looks like snow.”

“The forecast isn’t calling for it,” Kaycee replied.

“Yeah,” Jackie sighed, “But meteorology is not a perfect science.”

“We’ll be fine, Jackie,” Brice insisted. “This time tomorrow, I’ll be on the way to catching a wave in Hawaii, and you’ll be heading to your parents… missing me desperately.”

Jackie rolled her eyes. “Yeah, that’s what I’ll be doing.”

Kaycee shook her head at her friends. “OK, you two, I have to get going, but give me a big Thanksgiving hug, I’m off tomorrow, so I won’t see you again.”

“Lucky,” Jackie teased. “Are these the benefits of sleeping with your boss?”

Kaycee smiled as she walked away, “Bye, Jackie!”

~~~~~

Thanksgiving day arrived, and Ethan’s kitchen was in disarray. It was delightful chaos, but chaos nonetheless.

Ethan chuckled at Kaycee as he chopped celery. Sitting at the table with a cup of ‘comfort eggnog’ in hand, she was still weepy from seeing Santa arrive at the Macy’s parade.

“You hanging in there, hon?” He asked.

“Mmm, hmmm,” she assured. “One more sip and I’m reporting for duty.”

“There’s really no need,” Alan insisted. A freak storm led him and her parents to come to Boston the night before. “You hadn’t planned on having extra hands here, so you go relax a little.”

Kaycee looked at him mischievously, her eyes narrowed into slits. “You’re just nervous having me in the kitchen! Be brave enough to admit it!”

“That may be part of it,” he grinned.

“Can’t say I blame you there,” Rose chimed in.

Ethan smiled sympathetically in her direction. “Sweetheart, it seems your reputation precedes you.”

Kaycee stuck her tongue out at all of them. “I’m going to help! It’ll keep my mind off Jackie & Bryce. I’m worried about them flying in this weather.”

“They’re flying?” Ethan asked. “In this weather, they’ll probably be grounded.”

“Not yet,” she said with a worried tone. “But look at this! The news says parts of Cambridge are without power.”

“Oh! And on Thanksgiving Day!” Rose lamented.

“Is Harper’s area impacted?” Ethan asked. “Her whole family is there.”

“Hard to say, but it appears so.”

“We’re very fortunate that we’re all here together,” Naveen said, handing everyone a glass of wine.

“Hear, hear,” Alan agreed.

After putting the last side dishes in the oven, Kaycee sat on the couch and scrolled through Instagram to unwind.

The first post was a photo of Sienna and her family from a Thanksgiving long ago. “Missing each of these people so much today.” Kaycee could just feel her sadness. She looked up to find Ethan glancing at his phone poignantly.

“Sienna’s post?” she asked.

“No, Tobias. We’re texting, and he reminded me about one year when we were at Hopkins. The weather was so bad I couldn’t get back to Providence, so he invited me to dinner with his family in DC.”

“That must have been a far more formal affair than you were used to.”

“I wouldn’t know; we never made it. The roads were too bad in Baltimore, too. After sliding around for a half-hour, we decided to turn around. That’s when his car got stuck in a snow bank.”

“Oh no!”

“Oh, yes! We walked the rest of the way to our apartment in the middle of the storm. We stopped at the convenience store along the way and our Thanksgiving dinner. Two cans of turkey noodle soup, two freezer-burned turkey pot pies, some cranberry juice, and Ring-Dings for dessert.”

“That’s horrible!”

“No,” Ethan smiled wistfully, “It was one of the most fun, memorable Thanksgivings of my life.”

Naveen walked into the living room, shaking his head. “Harper called. She and her family are heading to the Wyndham hotel next to Edenbrook. At least they’ll be warm, and if lucky, they can order room service.”

“That’s terrible!” Kaycee frowned. “It seems everyone’s Thanksgiving has been ruined this year except for ours.”

Ethan looked at her sadly. “I take it Jackie and Bryce didn’t get on their flight?”

“Nope. It was delay after delay, then all flights were canceled.”

“Oh my!” Naveen stated. “Do they have other plans now?”

“They don’t,” Kaycee fretted. “They’re just trying to get home now.”

Ethan reached over and took Kaycee’s hand. “Where are Elijah and Raf?”

“Working. Same shift as Sienna and Tobias,” she replied when a lightbulb went off. She looked up at Ethan, who was staring directly at her, and they could read each other’s minds.

“We have entirely too much food anyway,” he said.

“And the hospital’s just two blocks away. We could walk there….”

“No need,” Ethan interrupted. “The roads to the hospital are always the first to be cleared. We could load the food in the car and be there in no time.”

“We could set the food up in the team’s office and eat there….”

The two turned to Alan, Naveen, and Casey’s parents. “Would you mind?” Ethan asked.

Alan smiled back. “Honestly, son. We were hoping you’d make this decision.”

“Come on, David,” Rose said with a slap to her husband’s leg. “Let’s go wrap up some food!”

~~~~

Within an hour, a conference table was transformed into a smorgasbord, and an office into a warm dining room, filled with chatter, laughter, and, most of all, love.

“Holy crap!” Tobias yelled as a snow-covered Bryce and Jackie sauntered in. “Who invited the abominable snowman to this thing?”

“Very funny,” Bryce grimaced. “We had to walk ten blocks in this. The car couldn’t make it.”

“And he cried like a baby for five of those ten blocks,” Jackie groused.

“Really, Jackie? Can you feel any of your outer extremities?”

“Nope, and it’s probably for the best.”

“Here,” Ethan said, handing them each a hot toddy. “this will warm you up.”

“Cute,” Jackie smiled. “But I’ll take a coffee and then a tequila.”

Sienna ran over and took the drink out of Jackie’s hand. “In that case, give me yours!”

“But you’re not cold! I should get that!” Bryce insisted.

“Nope,” Sienna grinned, “But Ethan’s been using that expensive brandy, and this girl is on a budget. So let go, Lahela!”

Kaycee joined Ethan and slid her hand into his. “Have you heard from Harper?”

“Yes. She and her family are coming over. Do you think we have enough food?”

“More than enough.”

“Hey,” Tobias yelled, “if we run low, we can always run to the 7-11 for some freezer-burned pot pies!”

“I think some things are best left in our med school years, Tobias.”

This is wonderful,” Kaycee beamed. “Everyone is so happy.”

“They sure are.”

“And you,” she asked. “I know people aren’t exactly your thing.”

“Well, that’s not entirely true,” he smiled. “You’re a person.”

“Correction,” she laughed. “People other than me usually aren’t your thing.”

“That’s OK,” he said, pulling her into a hug, “It’s true. I’ve never done something like this before, but it’s nice.”

“It’s not the Thanksgiving we planned, but it is wonderful.”

“It really is,” he agreed. “But I do have a question.”

“Sure.”

“When we get home, can we still make use of my drumstick tonight?”

“Oh, you’ve been such a good boy. I think we’ll have extra servings,” she laughed.

“Now, that is the perfect way to end this. Happy Thanksgiving, Rookie.”

“Happy Thanksgiving, Ethan.”

@choicesholidays

#open heart #ethan ramsey x f!mc #choicesnovember2022 #choices monthly challenge #choices #playchoices #november day 13

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choices-november2022 · 1 year

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Info on next month’s challenge!!

Welcome to the December choices monthly challenge 😍 Or as I like to call it this months party 🥂

I’m very honored to be hosting this months challenge.

I was heavily inspired by Taylor Swifts songs. So I thought there’s something for everyone to write about and create.

Be your beautiful and gorgeous selfs and have fun with writing & creating 🥰

If you have any questions, please ask either here or send a message to my main blog @peonierose

Guidelines

Prompts

1. Lavender haze | 1950s | love spiral

2. Maroon | New York | lips

3. Anti-Hero | dreaming | heart

4. Snow on the beach | Aurora Borealis | moon

5. You’re on your own, kid | summer | daisy

6. Midnight Rain | potion | sunshine

7. Question…? | kiss | middle of the night

8. Bejeweled | shimmer | diamonds

9. Labyrinth | scared | fall in love

10. Karma | honey | queen

11. Mastermind | checkmate | clockwork

12. Bigger than the whole Sky | words | aftermath

13. Paris | love | champagne

14. High infidelity | not enough | truth

15. Glitch | romance | dance

16. Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve | heaven | ghosts

17. Dear Reader | nights | darling

18. Better man | miss you | wish

19. Lover | Christmas lights | take me home

20. Message in a bottle | the one I love | the one you dream of

21. Gold rush | love you | rose

22. 22 | next to you | everything will be alright

23. Paper rings | picture frames | dirty dreams

24. London Boy | rumors | pub

25. Afterglow | I don’t want to lose this with you | don’t go

26. It’s nice to have a friend | pink sky | curfew

27. Daylight | storm | morning

28. Cornelia street | I hope I never lose you | heartbreak

29. You need to calm down | gown | gay

30. I think he knows | attitude | I want you

31. Wonderland | you & I | too in love to think straight

#choicesdecember2022 #choices monthly challenge

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choices-november2022 · 1 year

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Here is the list of prompts for the Choices Flashfics Holiday Prompt event, running from now through January 7th!

Guidelines:

The fic can be no more than 2500 words. Word count must be present.

The prompts must be used exactly as they are except if you need/want to change “Christmas” in any of the prompts to another winter holiday that you/your character(s) celebrate, you may do so. (some already give an option, but you can choose any winter holiday that fits your story)

Any of the prompts used must be bolded. Please put in your A/N which prompt(s) you’re using and specify if they are from the holiday prompt list and/or the weekly prompt list.

Use proper warnings/tags for the fics if they require any (nsfw, etc.)

Tag @choicesflashfics when you post and your fic will be reblogged. If your fic isn’t reblogged within 48 hours of posting (because we all know how tumblr tags are wonky sometimes), send a message with the link.

Post your holiday fic(s) by Saturday, January 7th (11:59 EST)

You can post as many holiday flashfics using as many of the holiday prompts from the list as you want during the duration of the event. You can combine the prompts with the weekly flashfics prompts if you’d like and/or use them with other ongoing Choices events. Any fics submitted will be linked in that respective week’s weekly fics post, and a special post containing all submitted holiday fics will be posted Sunday, January 8th. I hope these lend some inspiration if needed!

❄️happy holidays and happy writing❄️

Tags: @aallotarenunelma @ao719 @bebepac @blackcatkita @burnsoslow @charlotteg234 @choicesfanaf @choiceskatie @choicesmonthlychallenge @dcbbw @debramcg1106 @delightfullysweet @emkay512 @foreverethereal123 @jerzwriter @katedrakeohd @neotericthemis @niaellariious @ofpixelsandscribbles @peonierose @phoenixrising0308 @polishchoicesfan @queenrileyrose @sfb123 @sincerelyella @tessa-liam @twinkleallnight @txemrn @writing-not @zaffrenotes

(If I’ve missed anyone, I’m so sorry. Please let me know if you’d like to be added. If I’m unable to activate your tag, I will try to reach out in the comments!)

1. “Stop trying to get me to walk under the mistletoe.”

2. “That should be our Christmas card this year.”

3. “You’d make a cute elf.”

4. “I thought you were going home for Christmas/the holidays.” -> “Well, I couldn’t leave you all alone.”

5. “Who decorated your tree? A toddler?”

6. “See? I told you running in the snow at midnight was fun!”

7. “This is the first time I’m spending the holidays with someone I actually like.”

8. “Did you break into my house?” -> “You refused to put up any Christmas decorations! What choice did I have?”

9. “I’m really nervous to meet your family …”

10. “You’re getting coal this year.”

11. “Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle.”

12. “The tree isn’t the only thing getting lit this year.”

13. “My secret Santa got me a trash can.” -> “Mine got me a half-eaten bag of chips and a tube of chapstick.”

14. “You. Me. Snowman. Now.”

15. “I’m a grown adult. I don’t want to take a picture with Santa Claus.”

16. “I dare you to run through the snow … naked.”

17. “Look, there’s mistletoe. We have to kiss, it’s the law.”

18. “If you throw that snowball, you’re declaring war.”

19. “You’re kidding, right? You’re not going out in that snowstorm!”

20. “You didn’t really think I’d let you spend Christmas/New Year’s alone, did you?”

21. “It looks like Santa threw up in here.”

22. “Have I told you how much I hate Christmas shopping?”

23. “There’s a snowstorm. I guess we’re stuck in here together until it passes.”

24. “My only resolution is to love you even more next year.”

25. “There’s no need for gifts when your presence is already a present.” -> “That was adorably cheesy.”

26. “Hey, if we don’t find someone by midnight … you and me … maybe?” -> “Ask me properly and I just might consider it.”

27. “But it’s Christmas/New Year’s Eve … you’re supposed to be here with me.”

28. “You’ve never been kissed under mistletoe?”

29. “Well, here I am. Making your Yuletide gay.”

30. “Look, couples Christmas sweaters!”

31. “Joke’s on you. I’m already on the naughty list.”

32. “Aw, look at you pretending to be Santa for the kids.”

33. “I made you some hot chocolate.”

34. “I’ll be home in time for Christmas, I promise.”

35. “Christmas brings up bad memories for me.”

36. “Looks like you got a little drunk off the eggnog, hm?”

37. “Let’s go sledding!”

38. “Christmas lost its special side to me a long time ago … but you’ve brought some of that magic back.”

39. “Don’t feel bad … you didn’t completely ruin Christmas dinner. There’s still this … Jell-o stuff.”

40. “Christmas is so close, I can almost smell the mistletoe I’m never going to get kissed under.”

41. “Parent hack: wrap empty boxes, and whenever your kid misbehaves, throw the box into the fire.”

42. “I cannot believe our car broke down in the middle of nowhere on Christmas Eve!”

43. “My house, my rules. The Christmas music stays on.”

44. “You are impossible to shop for!”

45. “What do you mean you don’t want to go sledding?”

46. “I swear to god if you sing another damn Christmas carol …”

47. “You know, when you said ‘Christmas party,’ this isn’t what I was expecting.”

48. “Come on, just wear the Santa hat for a little bit. Please?”

49. “I feel like there’s more frosting on you than the gingerbread.”

50. “Should you ever need a family to spend the holidays with, there’s always room for one more in my/our house.”

51. “I never had any special tradition for the holidays while growing up.” -> “So, how about we start our own?”

52. “I don’t know if the champagne has me seeing stars, but you look more beautiful than ever right now.”

53. “Your nose is red from the cold. You look like a cute little reindeer.”

54. “I know you said you didn’t want any gifts, but I want to spoil you, so deal with it.”

55. “You’re always welcome to stay at my place for Christmas if you can’t find a hotel.”

56. “Us cramming into your childhood twin bed is definitely not how I would have imagined spending Christmas Eve at your parents’ place.”

57. “What do you mean? I think this snowman looks exactly like you!”

58. “Lift me up so I can put the star on the tree.”

59. “Ice-skating? Do you seriously trust me with knives on my feet?”

60. “This gingerbread man is me. This one is you. And I know the house looks wonky, but I promise our future home will be better than this!”

61. “Ho, Ho … oh?”

62. “Did you get us matching PJs?”

63. “Are you eating cookies right now? It’s 3 am.” -> “If Santa can do it, so can I.”

64. “The roads are getting really bad. Maybe you should stay here tonight.”

65. “Get inside before you freeze to death!”

66. “Let’s just stay in today and watch Christmas movies.”

67. “What’s wrong? Do you not like your gift?”

68. “How about you, me, and some hot chocolate by the fireplace?”

69. “I kind of got too drunk at this Christmas/New Year’s party and I need you to come pick me up …”

70. “Someone bit all of the heads off of the gingerbread people!”

71. “Most wonderful time of the year, my ass.”

72. “Guess who signed us up to go Christmas caroling?”

73. “We’re not going anywhere. We’re snowed in.”

74. “That is the saddest looking tree I’ve ever seen.”

75. “Look at all the couples using the cold as an excuse to cuddle. It’s gross.”

76. “Great! Now I have to re-hide your gifts.”

77. “Looks like there’s still one more present under the tree …”

78. “I thought we agreed to not exchange gifts this year?”

79. “I’m freezing! Let me steal your warmth!”

80. “We cannot put this photo on our Christmas card!”

81. “The only thing I want for Christmas is you.”

82. “Are you even tall enough to put the star on the tree?”

83. “Well done. You just ruined Christmas.”

84. “You said not to buy you any gifts, so I made you one instead.”

85. “Hey! No peeking!”

86. “Wait, did you spike the eggnog/hot chocolate?”

87. “Seriously! I told you that you would get sick going out like that!”

88. “I mean, I knew you had Christmas spirit, but this is ridiculous.”

89. “This has been the most memorable Christmas I’ve ever had.”

90. “Wait, you mean this whole time, you hated peppermint?”

91. “Tis the season, I guess.”

92. “What are you doing?” -> “Making a snow angel, duh.”

93. “Would you stop eating all of the popcorn! It’s supposed to go on the tree!” -> “But I’m hungry! And who puts popcorn on a tree anyway?”

94. “Don’t be such a grinch!”

95. “New Year’s Eve was supposed to be fun! Instead, we ended up in a jail cell! And it’s all your fault!”

96. “Why do you get so grumpy during Christmas time?”

97. “Throw the snowball like you mean it!”

98. “It’s freezing out here! Please open the door!”

99. “Come play in the snow with me!”

100. “Almost everything that could have gone wrong did, but this was still the best Christmas ever.”

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