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Masterlist
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TILL DEATH | (TITUS DANFORTH) MASTERLIST
Mini Series
Titus Danforth x F! Wife Reader
Summary: You grew up with the Danforths; your father was Chester Danforth’s right hand man. When he passes, his twins Titus and Ursula inherit the hotel and casino resort empire, but the chair of the High Council goes to Titus. There’s one rule for Titus to claim it: he must be married. And his bride… is you.
Warning: Age Gap (No specified), Arranged Marriage/Marriage of Convenience, Swearing,
PART 1
PART 2
PART 3
PART 4
PART 5
PART 6
(Last updated 07/11/26)
Shawn on set of The Pitt season 3 | the curls and black scrubs 🫦 #shawnh...
Okay just putting it out there...he isn't wearing the wedding ring anymore! 😭 Has Abbott finally moved on?
The Cowboy and the Soldier Chapter 21
The emergency room hummed with a quiet, unrelenting rhythm as Sy lay on the gurney. Monitors beeped in steady pulses, footsteps squeaked along polished linoleum, and the air smelled faintly of antiseptic. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead- too bright for comfort- as he waited to be seen by the doctors.
He didn't need to be seen by some overqualified medic to know what was wrong with him. His shoulder throbbed in a way that felt deep and wrong, like his body had come undone and refused to settle back into place. It was dislocated. The jolt from the impact of the ATV spinning out beneath him before everything went white had told him that. A sling kept his arm immobilized against his chest as he waited for someone to help him pop it back in again.
Sy had been sitting there now for the past four hours. He wasn’t complaining, not really. The stillness gave him time to think and go over his argument with Riley. He was kicking himself for how he’d handled it. Not for the assumption itself-or that's what he told himself- as that was him merely putting the fragments of the facts together and drawing the ‘obvious’ conclusion. No, he was angry that he’d gone in too fast, too sharp, practically blindsiding her with an accusation that now felt heavier with every passing minute. And the worst part? He couldn't undo any of it.
As the fifth hour slipped by, marked only by the slow crawl of the clock and the dull ache in his shoulder, Sy caught the soft shuffle of footsteps outside his cubicle. They were different from the rubber-soled rhythm of the hospital staff he’d grown used to. Carefully, he leaned forward and peered beneath the curtain, the movement drawing a sharp wince as pain flared through his shoulder. A moment later, the unmistakable sound of his sister’s voice drifted through the thin curtain asking one of the nurses if it was ‘okay to go in’.
“Hey, Jake.” Charlotte smiled as the curtain peeled back.
Sy offered a soft ‘Hey’ back.
“I know you took your Uncle duties seriously these past couple of days. But seriously? Injuring yourself just to get yourself back in here, seems a little extreme, don't you think?”
Sy arched an eyebrow at her that screamed, ‘Seriously?!’ But he simply voiced a grumble back at her.
“What happened?” Charlotte sighed as she sat gingerly on the edge of Sy’s bed.
Her tone was soft and non-judgmental. Just a big sister, stopping by to check on her brother with a willingness to listen. Sy knew she wasn't talking about the accident. It wasn’t the first time he’d dislocated a shoulder or landed in hospital. No doubt she'd have heard from Ethan- or worse their Mom - about the fight with Riley. Their last conversation had been about her after all.
“I know about the ranch, Charlotte.” He said stoically.
Her eyebrows shot up and her mouth opened to argue back,
“Don’t deny it.”
Sy chewed on the inside of his lip and leaned his head back against the pillow propping him up. He stared at the ceiling as if there were something worth focusing on there. Focus on anything but the tightness in his chest.
“I won’t deny it, Jake.” Charlotte replied flatly.
“What is it you think that you know?” Her voice took on a careful vagueness.
Sy told her everything. The brochure he hadn’t been meant to find, the cryptic conversation about him ‘taking over the reins’, and Charlotte’s quiet confirmation that Riley had gone back to Montana. The words came out uneven at first, but once he started, they kept going, spilling over themselves. Probably the way he should have spoken with Riley, before he drove off in the wrong direction that landed his ass back in the hospital. He lifted his gaze to his sister when he’d finished. Almost daring her to contradict what he’d realised too late. Charlotte couldn't argue, not without breaking Riley’s trust. Sy was her brother, but Riley…Riley had become something just as close to her, in all the ways that mattered. Now she was torn between them.
“Okay, so you know….alot.” She said diplomatically.
This caught Sy’s attention, his gaze following as she pushed herself to her feet and began pacing the length of the cubicle. Charlotte stopped at the end of his bed, bracing her hands against the metal railing, her grip tightening slightly before she let out a slow, steady breath. It was only then that it properly registered. She’d given birth just a couple of days ago. The loose pyjamas, the draped bathrobe should have been the first clues. But he’d been too wrapped up in his own head to notice, too consumed by everything else to see what was right in front of him.
“You know a lot, Jake. But you’ve got to believe me when I say this. You have this all wrong.”
Sy narrowed his eyes at her, the look in them making it unmistakably clear, her explanation hadn’t made anything clearer.
“Will you do me a favour?” Her tone left no room for interpretation. It wasn’t a request.
“Just talk to her.”
Sy scoffed lightly, “I think after what I said to her, there’s little chance of that happening.”
“You won’t know unless you try.”
Sy let out a heavy breath, the weight of it lingering in his chest. He knew she was right—with uncomfortable clarity—but that didn’t make it any easier. He’d already made such an ass of himself that the thought of trying to fix things now left him tangled in a mix of fear and embarrassment, unsure how to even begin setting it right.
“Alright.” He said nervously.
“Can you pass me my phone, please? It's in my jacket pocket.” He pointed with his good arm to the chair near the bed.
Charlotte’s face shifted into a guarded, almost cagey expression.
Sy didn’t notice it at first, but on a second glance, he caught it.
“You won’t be needing that.” She said mysteriously.
Without another word, Charlotte crossed to the small gap in the curtain and slipped through, offering her brother a quick, easy smile before stepping out of the cubicle. Sy watched confused at first, then felt his chest tighten as Riley came into view.
“Can I come in?” She asked carefully. Her voice was small and almost timid.
“Yeah, sure. C’mon in.” Sy replied ineloquently.
He could feel his thoughts and his mouth threatening to run away with him again, the words already racing to come out.. This time, though, he caught himself, forcing both into a tight rein. Making himself pause just long enough to breathe and wait.
Riley glanced around the small cubicle, unsure where to settle. Something in her urged her toward the bed, but her instincts held her back. Instead, she pulled the chair a little closer and sat beside it, resting her hands loosely on the covers, as if keeping a careful distance. That hurt Sy more than the awful way he’d pounced on her earlier. The quiet realization that she felt cautious around him now, instead of… safe.
Riley swallowed hard, forcing the lump in her throat down as she steadied herself. It wasn’t that she didn’t know what to say, the words were there; but they felt heavier, harder to push out, tangled up in the swell of her own hurt.
“I know I owe you an explanation, Sy and I’m sorry that I’ve kept this from you.” She began.
Sy tried not to let his thoughts spiral, fighting the instinct to chase every possible direction her words might lead.
“When I asked you if you wanted to take back control of the ranch, it wasn’t because I’m leavin’ or even thinkin’ of leavin’.”
She heaved another shaky sigh.
“When my brother came to town the other month, he offered me a job. He wanted me to go back to Montana and run the family ranch.”
Riley pulled from her pocket the now soggy and dogeared brochure front cover. She unfolded the glossy page and attempted distractedly to neaten up the edges.
“But, I love my life here. I love Heartland. I love your family.”
Sy listened and watched her hoping she would say the three words he wanted to hear.
“I never really considered takin’ him up on it.”
“So, why did you go back to Montana?” He voiced quickly. Not accusing but desperate to understand. Then a flicker of guilt crossed his face as he realised he’d interrupted her.
“Charlotte has always wanted to turn Heartland into a full holiday experience. Expand the pavilion, build little cottages for the guests to sleep in, the whole chebang.”
Sy nodded, following her train of thought. It wasn’t exactly a secret—Charlotte had talked everyone’s ears off about her dreams for as long as he could remember—but somehow, she’d never quite managed to get them off the ground.
“I went to Montana to offer my brother…my family, a business proposition. If he invested in Heartland, gave us the money to get the holiday side of things off the ground, he could take a share of the profits until it was paid back.”
Riley's eyes lit up as she explained her plan.
“What did he say?” Sy asked with genuine interest.
“He’s going to invest two million dollars into Heartland.”
Sy’s mouth fell open, shock flickering across his face. Two million dollars was an enormous, almost unreal amount of money. The kind of money that could take Charlotte’s dream and finally turn it into something real. Sy’s brow furrowed for a moment.
“Why would he do that?”
“Because I love you, you idiot!”
Riley burst into tears, her emotions breaking free all at once. Happiness and relief. It felt almost overwhelming, the weight of everything she’d been holding in finally giving way. She didn’t know why she hadn’t said the words sooner, why she’d kept them tucked away for so long. Because she loved him—completely, honestly—and she had for far longer than she’d ever admitted, even to herself.
Sy couldn't bear to watch her cry, and least of all over him. With his good arm he beckoned her towards him and she didn’t hesitate. Riley climbed onto the edge of the bed as best she could as he cradled her into his side. He brushed his nose gently against hers before capturing her lips in a kiss—firm, deep, and unguarded. He poured everything into it: regret, relief, love, all of it rushed out in that single moment.
“I’m sorry… I’m so sorry.” he murmured, the words repeating in soft, breathless fragments against her lips.
“I’m a fuckin’ idiot. I love you so much!”
Riley let out a soft, tearful laugh against his mouth and kissed him back with equal fervour, meeting him in every ounce of it.
She stroked the side of his stubbled cheek, her gaze fixed on him as the last of her tears slowly dried against her skin.
“That wasn’t the only reason he agreed.” She said cryptically.
“No?” he laughed, softer this time, relief easing into his voice.
“No. He agreed when I told him that I wasn’t ever goin’ to leave Heartland.”
Sy furrowed his brow, giving a small shake of his head as he gestured for her to go on.
“Well, I can’t leave, you see. The future of the Syverson family… is already right here with me.”
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The Cowboy and the Soldier Chapter 21
The emergency room hummed with a quiet, unrelenting rhythm as Sy lay on the gurney. Monitors beeped in steady pulses, footsteps squeaked along polished linoleum, and the air smelled faintly of antiseptic. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead- too bright for comfort- as he waited to be seen by the doctors.
He didn't need to be seen by some overqualified medic to know what was wrong with him. His shoulder throbbed in a way that felt deep and wrong, like his body had come undone and refused to settle back into place. It was dislocated. The jolt from the impact of the ATV spinning out beneath him before everything went white had told him that. A sling kept his arm immobilized against his chest as he waited for someone to help him pop it back in again.
Sy had been sitting there now for the past four hours. He wasn’t complaining, not really. The stillness gave him time to think and go over his argument with Riley. He was kicking himself for how he’d handled it. Not for the assumption itself-or that's what he told himself- as that was him merely putting the fragments of the facts together and drawing the ‘obvious’ conclusion. No, he was angry that he’d gone in too fast, too sharp, practically blindsiding her with an accusation that now felt heavier with every passing minute. And the worst part? He couldn't undo any of it.
As the fifth hour slipped by, marked only by the slow crawl of the clock and the dull ache in his shoulder, Sy caught the soft shuffle of footsteps outside his cubicle. They were different from the rubber-soled rhythm of the hospital staff he’d grown used to. Carefully, he leaned forward and peered beneath the curtain, the movement drawing a sharp wince as pain flared through his shoulder. A moment later, the unmistakable sound of his sister’s voice drifted through the thin curtain asking one of the nurses if it was ‘okay to go in’.
“Hey, Jake.” Charlotte smiled as the curtain peeled back.
Sy offered a soft ‘Hey’ back.
“I know you took your Uncle duties seriously these past couple of days. But seriously? Injuring yourself just to get yourself back in here, seems a little extreme, don't you think?”
Sy arched an eyebrow at her that screamed, ‘Seriously?!’ But he simply voiced a grumble back at her.
“What happened?” Charlotte sighed as she sat gingerly on the edge of Sy’s bed.
Her tone was soft and non-judgmental. Just a big sister, stopping by to check on her brother with a willingness to listen. Sy knew she wasn't talking about the accident. It wasn’t the first time he’d dislocated a shoulder or landed in hospital. No doubt she'd have heard from Ethan- or worse their Mom - about the fight with Riley. Their last conversation had been about her after all.
“I know about the ranch, Charlotte.” He said stoically.
Her eyebrows shot up and her mouth opened to argue back,
“Don’t deny it.”
Sy chewed on the inside of his lip and leaned his head back against the pillow propping him up. He stared at the ceiling as if there were something worth focusing on there. Focus on anything but the tightness in his chest.
“I won’t deny it, Jake.” Charlotte replied flatly.
“What is it you think that you know?” Her voice took on a careful vagueness.
Sy told her everything. The brochure he hadn’t been meant to find, the cryptic conversation about him ‘taking over the reins’, and Charlotte’s quiet confirmation that Riley had gone back to Montana. The words came out uneven at first, but once he started, they kept going, spilling over themselves. Probably the way he should have spoken with Riley, before he drove off in the wrong direction that landed his ass back in the hospital. He lifted his gaze to his sister when he’d finished. Almost daring her to contradict what he’d realised too late. Charlotte couldn't argue, not without breaking Riley’s trust. Sy was her brother, but Riley…Riley had become something just as close to her, in all the ways that mattered. Now she was torn between them.
“Okay, so you know….alot.” She said diplomatically.
This caught Sy’s attention, his gaze following as she pushed herself to her feet and began pacing the length of the cubicle. Charlotte stopped at the end of his bed, bracing her hands against the metal railing, her grip tightening slightly before she let out a slow, steady breath. It was only then that it properly registered. She’d given birth just a couple of days ago. The loose pyjamas, the draped bathrobe should have been the first clues. But he’d been too wrapped up in his own head to notice, too consumed by everything else to see what was right in front of him.
“You know a lot, Jake. But you’ve got to believe me when I say this. You have this all wrong.”
Sy narrowed his eyes at her, the look in them making it unmistakably clear, her explanation hadn’t made anything clearer.
“Will you do me a favour?” Her tone left no room for interpretation. It wasn’t a request.
“Just talk to her.”
Sy scoffed lightly, “I think after what I said to her, there’s little chance of that happening.”
“You won’t know unless you try.”
Sy let out a heavy breath, the weight of it lingering in his chest. He knew she was right—with uncomfortable clarity—but that didn’t make it any easier. He’d already made such an ass of himself that the thought of trying to fix things now left him tangled in a mix of fear and embarrassment, unsure how to even begin setting it right.
“Alright.” He said nervously.
“Can you pass me my phone, please? It's in my jacket pocket.” He pointed with his good arm to the chair near the bed.
Charlotte’s face shifted into a guarded, almost cagey expression.
Sy didn’t notice it at first, but on a second glance, he caught it.
“You won’t be needing that.” She said mysteriously.
Without another word, Charlotte crossed to the small gap in the curtain and slipped through, offering her brother a quick, easy smile before stepping out of the cubicle. Sy watched confused at first, then felt his chest tighten as Riley came into view.
“Can I come in?” She asked carefully. Her voice was small and almost timid.
“Yeah, sure. C’mon in.” Sy replied ineloquently.
He could feel his thoughts and his mouth threatening to run away with him again, the words already racing to come out.. This time, though, he caught himself, forcing both into a tight rein. Making himself pause just long enough to breathe and wait.
Riley glanced around the small cubicle, unsure where to settle. Something in her urged her toward the bed, but her instincts held her back. Instead, she pulled the chair a little closer and sat beside it, resting her hands loosely on the covers, as if keeping a careful distance. That hurt Sy more than the awful way he’d pounced on her earlier. The quiet realization that she felt cautious around him now, instead of… safe.
Riley swallowed hard, forcing the lump in her throat down as she steadied herself. It wasn’t that she didn’t know what to say, the words were there; but they felt heavier, harder to push out, tangled up in the swell of her own hurt.
“I know I owe you an explanation, Sy and I’m sorry that I’ve kept this from you.” She began.
Sy tried not to let his thoughts spiral, fighting the instinct to chase every possible direction her words might lead.
“When I asked you if you wanted to take back control of the ranch, it wasn’t because I’m leavin’ or even thinkin’ of leavin’.”
She heaved another shaky sigh.
“When my brother came to town the other month, he offered me a job. He wanted me to go back to Montana and run the family ranch.”
Riley pulled from her pocket the now soggy and dogeared brochure front cover. She unfolded the glossy page and attempted distractedly to neaten up the edges.
“But, I love my life here. I love Heartland. I love your family.”
Sy listened and watched her hoping she would say the three words he wanted to hear.
“I never really considered takin’ him up on it.”
“So, why did you go back to Montana?” He voiced quickly. Not accusing but desperate to understand. Then a flicker of guilt crossed his face as he realised he’d interrupted her.
“Charlotte has always wanted to turn Heartland into a full holiday experience. Expand the pavilion, build little cottages for the guests to sleep in, the whole chebang.”
Sy nodded, following her train of thought. It wasn’t exactly a secret—Charlotte had talked everyone’s ears off about her dreams for as long as he could remember—but somehow, she’d never quite managed to get them off the ground.
“I went to Montana to offer my brother…my family, a business proposition. If he invested in Heartland, gave us the money to get the holiday side of things off the ground, he could take a share of the profits until it was paid back.”
Riley's eyes lit up as she explained her plan.
“What did he say?” Sy asked with genuine interest.
“He’s going to invest two million dollars into Heartland.”
Sy’s mouth fell open, shock flickering across his face. Two million dollars was an enormous, almost unreal amount of money. The kind of money that could take Charlotte’s dream and finally turn it into something real. Sy’s brow furrowed for a moment.
“Why would he do that?”
“Because I love you, you idiot!”
Riley burst into tears, her emotions breaking free all at once. Happiness and relief. It felt almost overwhelming, the weight of everything she’d been holding in finally giving way. She didn’t know why she hadn’t said the words sooner, why she’d kept them tucked away for so long. Because she loved him—completely, honestly—and she had for far longer than she’d ever admitted, even to herself.
Sy couldn't bear to watch her cry, and least of all over him. With his good arm he beckoned her towards him and she didn’t hesitate. Riley climbed onto the edge of the bed as best she could as he cradled her into his side. He brushed his nose gently against hers before capturing her lips in a kiss—firm, deep, and unguarded. He poured everything into it: regret, relief, love, all of it rushed out in that single moment.
“I’m sorry… I’m so sorry.” he murmured, the words repeating in soft, breathless fragments against her lips.
“I’m a fuckin’ idiot. I love you so much!”
Riley let out a soft, tearful laugh against his mouth and kissed him back with equal fervour, meeting him in every ounce of it.
She stroked the side of his stubbled cheek, her gaze fixed on him as the last of her tears slowly dried against her skin.
“That wasn’t the only reason he agreed.” She said cryptically.
“No?” he laughed, softer this time, relief easing into his voice.
“No. He agreed when I told him that I wasn’t ever goin’ to leave Heartland.”
Sy furrowed his brow, giving a small shake of his head as he gestured for her to go on.
“Well, I can’t leave, you see. The future of the Syverson family… is already right here with me.”
🐞 a ladybug for everyone who needs good luck
The Cowboy and the Soldier Chapter 20
The sun wasn’t quite up when Sy turned off the main road and onto the gravel track leading back towards Heartland. His headlights cut through a soft, silver fog still clinging to the fields, stirring with the early morning breeze. He’d spent the last two days at the hospital waiting for his niece or nephew to arrive. Whoever said that birthing gets easier with each baby, was talking horse shit! Charlotte laboured for over 32 hours before the baby had arrived. He didn't need to stay of course, but stayed for support. Sending updates to his parents and family via text. The bigger reason why he stayed though, was he didn’t want to go back to an empty cottage. He still hadn’t heard anything from Riley and when his phone died sometime yesterday, so there was no way of checking in. Sy was now running on little sleep—none, if he was honest— with nothing but adrenaline propping him up.
The ranch house loomed into view, porch lights warm and golden against the pale dawn. Sy parked, shut the truck door gently, and made his way inside. The house was unusually quiet even for this time in the morning. The family that stayed behind last night were still asleep, however, he found Ethan and Samantha in the kitchen. The scene was so unexpectedly normal he paused in the doorway. Samantha sat curled up at the end of the breakfast table, wearing one of Ethan’s hoodies and eating toast with the sleepy contentment of someone thoroughly adored. Ethan stood at the stove flipping eggs, glancing over his shoulder every few seconds just to smile at her. It was… disgustingly cute.
Sy grunted a greeting and stepped farther inside.
Samantha brightened when she saw him. “Mornin’!”
Her voice was cheerful, solidifying the fact that she was living with a full night's sleep and in a cocoon of bliss.
“How’s Charlotte?” Ethan asked as he placed a plate full of eggs on the kitchen island.
“Exhausted,” Sy said, dropping into a chair.
“But good.” He dragged a hand across his face, then cracked a tired smile, “She had another girl.”
Samantha let out a soft, delighted gasp, whilst Ethan groaned low and long,
“Three girls! Shit, how's Noah?”
“Smilin’ like a fool.” Sy replied only half seriously.
“This house is going to be chaotic.” Ethan grumbled.
Sy let out a hollow chuckle, “It already is chaotic!”
Ethan smirked, “Yeah, but now Charlotte’s just got more reinforcements.”
Sy huffed something like amusement. His body was bone‑tired, but the relief that Charlotte and the baby were safe still hummed through him.
He eyed Samantha and Ethan and pursed his lips. He contemplated his next words carefully. Well, not really.
“So, Mom and Dad say anythin’?”
Sy asked as he pointed between them. His tone was light and way too innocent to be anything but teasing. This was payback payback for all the ribbing Ethan had given him when he and Riley had come out as a couple.
Ethan paused mid‑bite, chewing his eggs with exaggerated thoughtfulness.
Sy watched him struggle with a wry smile.
“They didn’t question it at all.” Ethan replied nonchalantly.
Sy knew his parents were kind, soft-spoken and endlessly welcoming. He knew they would have taken one look at Samantha standing beside Ethan last night and simply smiled. No raised brows. No pointed questions. Instead, his mom would have put a gentle hand on her shoulder and invited her to ‘make yourself at home.’ His dad would have offered her the comfiest seat in the living room. They were good people and treated those they met with kindness without hesitation.
“Question what?” Samantha blinked innocently.
This pulled a soft chuckle from both Syverson boys, before Ethan leaned over with a reassuring hand on her neck and planted a kiss to her temple.
“Nothin’ darlin’.”
Sy cleared his throat as he moved to stand up again, “Could you do me a favor?”
Ethan paused, mid‑bite. “Yeah?”
“Tell Kate and Olivia they’ve got another baby sister. Charlotte’ll call later.”
“Yeah, I can do that,” Ethan said. “Where’re you going?”
“Back to the cottage. I need some sleep.” Sy pushed his chair back under the table, the legs scraping across the tile.
“Hey Jake?” Ethan paused.
Sy stopped in his tracks, head lolling backwards in subtle annoyance from being kept from his bed.
“Riley’s back.”
His head dropped back forwards as he looked at his brother waiting for more information.
“Came back yesterday, while you were at the hospital.”
Sy wrung his hands together, not through nerves but contemplating. He nodded his head once in thanks for the information and then turned to leave again.
“She won’t be there now, big brother.” Ethan leaned back in his chair, rubbing the back of his neck.
“She mentioned about leaving early to fix the north fence.”
“Before sunrise?” Sy felt something tighten in his chest. Not fear, not quite irritation, something in between.
“Yeah, wire came out in the storm the other night” Samantha chimed in.
“You know Riley.” Ethan finished with a small huff of a laugh.
Sy did. And normally the thought that she had thrown herself back into work after some time off would be endearing. This morning however, it grated. He swallowed hard and turned toward the door, reaching for the keys to the truck he had just come back in.
“Hey, hold up,” Ethan called. “Don’t take the truck.”
Sy looked back with a frown. “Why?”
“Sam and I are going into town. Can you take one of the ATV's?”
Sy hesitated. His muscles ached, his head throbbed, and the last thing he wanted was to bounce across muddy ground on an ATV after a storm. But Ethan was right: the trucks wouldn’t make it out to the northern perimeter after that storm. The ground would be too soft, too uneven. He couldn’t risk getting stuck.
“Fine,” He grumbled before he tossed the keys back on the table.
As Sy stepped outside, the cool morning air hit him differently. The morning was breaking now despite the chill and the sky was brightening faintly from a washed‑out grey to a pale blue with streaks of pink.
As he walked toward the equipment shed in search of a spare ATV, Sy stopped in his tracks and headed towards Riley’s office. It wasn’t locked - that's not how Heartland worked - and he found what he was looking for quickly. The brochure. He looked at it for a few seconds mulling over whether this was a bad idea or not. No. He was a Syverson, when there was something on their mind they tackled it head on. He exhaled sharply with frustration before tucking it into the back of his jeans, snugly within the waistband. Back out in the yard Sy swung his legs over the ATV, started the engine and revved toward the northern fields.
The earth was soaked both in the fields and on the roads towards the Northern fields. Soft enough that the tires of the ATV sank slightly with each turn. Heartland stretched endlessly around him, the fence lines trailing like thin threads across the soaked grass. Cows grazed lazily, steam drifting from their muzzles. It took nearly fifteen minutes to reach the north boundary, but Sy found Riley exactly where Ethan said she’d be.
She was crouched beside a broken fence post, rain‑damp hair tied back messily, sleeves rolled up to her elbows. Her hands were steady despite the cold morning, her movements sure and practiced. She hadn’t noticed him yet as she was focused, muttering under her breath as she pulled the snapped wire taut.
When she finally lifted her head after inspecting her work, her whole face lit up as she spotted him coming up the hill.
“Hey stranger!”
She dropped the fencing pliers by the post and jogged toward him, mud splashing up her jeans before she threw her arms around him. One of Sy’s hands wrapped around her back as he stayed astride the vehicle. She pressed her face against his neck, warm and alive. Then she pulled back and kissed him. Deeply. Full of everything he’d missed for days.
He kissed her back, just for a moment, but then he ended it. Not abruptly. Just unusually.
Riley’s smile faltered. “Everything okay?”
Sy swallowed, his throat tight with uncertainty, “We need to talk.”
It wasn’t a question like Riley had thought.
“Yeah we do.” She said with a beaming smile.
“Did you get my message?” She continued, excitement flickering in her eyes.
“I’ve got news. Big news. I’ve been waiting to—”
“Riley!” Sy interrupted. His voice was sharper than he meant.
“Let me finish. Please.”
Riley pulled her arms from around his shoulders and took a cautious step back. Something was off. She folded her arms across her chest. A gesture that was practiced -when someone was delivering bad news- to protect herself. Protect her emotions.
Sy reached behind his back and pulled out of the rolled up brochure. He uncurled it and held it out towards her. No questions. The glossy magazine spoke volumes.
Riley’s face drained.
“Where did you find that?” Her voice wavered.
“In your office.”
Her eyes narrowed. She knew exactly where she left that brochure and it wasn’t exactly in plain sight. She didn’t respond, not yet. Didn’t accuse. She simply stared at the brochure in his hands.
“When were you goin’ to tell me?Huh?” Sy’s voice took on an accusing tone. One that was laced with hurt.
“When were you goin’ to tell me that you’re leaving?” His voice was low, tight.
“Before? Or after you run again?”
Riley’s eyes snapped up at him, confused and angry.
“Sy! That’s not what-”
She tried to explain but Sy pressed on.
“Isn’t it? Because this feels distinctly like last time.” He threw back.
He wasn’t thinking straight, not really. He was doing the complete opposite of what Ethan had advised him to do. He was jumping to conclusions before he obtained all the facts. He blamed it on sleep deprivation more than anything else.
Riley stood frozen, her jaw slack with disbelief. After everything they had shared over the past few months, she could hardly believe what she was hearing. That Sy’s mind had leapt so quickly—so easily—to that conclusion, unsettled her more than the accusation itself. Did he truly distrust her so deeply?
“You know what the worst part is? I’ve tried my damndest, to prove to you that you are wanted. That you are loved.” He pressed on.
Tears brimmed at the corners of his eyes and he screwed up his mouth in a desperate attempt to stop them.
“Either you don’t believe me or worse…you just don’t feel it back at all.”
“No! No, that’s not true.” Riley shook her head as she felt a lump lodging in the back of her throat.
“I’m starting to think it’s not because you feel ‘inadequate’.”
Riley’s let out a huff of incredulous laughter. Then anger rose quickly and bright in her eyes as he threw her own words back at her.
“Sy, you’ve got this all wrong!” She urged as her voice cracked.
He shook his head. “No. No, I don’t think I do. You’re scared.”
He jabbed a finger towards her, “Too scared to be with me—”
“What?!” She cut in, voice sharp,
Sy’s chest felt tight, burning almost. It was time to lay all his cards - all his doubts and fears- out on the table,
“I don’t know if I wanna’ wait whilst you figure out what it is you want.”
“What are you sayin’?”
She swiped at her face in frustration, erasing the tears that were now flowing freely down her cheeks.
“What are you sayin’ Sy!”
Sy saw too late what his words had done to her. In this moment though, he was too stubborn and hurting himself to rectify it. He ran his hand over the top of his head in frustration and let out a growl of anger.
“Listen, I don’t know.”
He turned the ATV back on and revved the engine.
“I’m stayin’ at the ranch house tonight. A’right. We’ll talk when I can get my head straight.”
Sy turned the ATV around without a second glance or word, ignoring Riley’s shouts to get him to stop. As he drove back up the path towards Heartland, the path was slicker than he realized. His thoughts were too loud, too cluttered, drowning out the rumble of the engine. He came around a bend too fast and hit a patch of mud where the rain had pooled.
The ATV fishtailed. Sy tried to correct it but it was too late. The vehicle lurched sideways and skidded off the narrow track sliding directly into a ditch.
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The Cowboy and the Soldier Chapter 20
The sun wasn’t quite up when Sy turned off the main road and onto the gravel track leading back towards Heartland. His headlights cut through a soft, silver fog still clinging to the fields, stirring with the early morning breeze. He’d spent the last two days at the hospital waiting for his niece or nephew to arrive. Whoever said that birthing gets easier with each baby, was talking horse shit! Charlotte laboured for over 32 hours before the baby had arrived. He didn't need to stay of course, but stayed for support. Sending updates to his parents and family via text. The bigger reason why he stayed though, was he didn’t want to go back to an empty cottage. He still hadn’t heard anything from Riley and when his phone died sometime yesterday, so there was no way of checking in. Sy was now running on little sleep—none, if he was honest— with nothing but adrenaline propping him up.
The ranch house loomed into view, porch lights warm and golden against the pale dawn. Sy parked, shut the truck door gently, and made his way inside. The house was unusually quiet even for this time in the morning. The family that stayed behind last night were still asleep, however, he found Ethan and Samantha in the kitchen. The scene was so unexpectedly normal he paused in the doorway. Samantha sat curled up at the end of the breakfast table, wearing one of Ethan’s hoodies and eating toast with the sleepy contentment of someone thoroughly adored. Ethan stood at the stove flipping eggs, glancing over his shoulder every few seconds just to smile at her. It was… disgustingly cute.
Sy grunted a greeting and stepped farther inside.
Samantha brightened when she saw him. “Mornin’!”
Her voice was cheerful, solidifying the fact that she was living with a full night's sleep and in a cocoon of bliss.
“How’s Charlotte?” Ethan asked as he placed a plate full of eggs on the kitchen island.
“Exhausted,” Sy said, dropping into a chair.
“But good.” He dragged a hand across his face, then cracked a tired smile, “She had another girl.”
Samantha let out a soft, delighted gasp, whilst Ethan groaned low and long,
“Three girls! Shit, how's Noah?”
“Smilin’ like a fool.” Sy replied only half seriously.
“This house is going to be chaotic.” Ethan grumbled.
Sy let out a hollow chuckle, “It already is chaotic!”
Ethan smirked, “Yeah, but now Charlotte’s just got more reinforcements.”
Sy huffed something like amusement. His body was bone‑tired, but the relief that Charlotte and the baby were safe still hummed through him.
He eyed Samantha and Ethan and pursed his lips. He contemplated his next words carefully. Well, not really.
“So, Mom and Dad say anythin’?”
Sy asked as he pointed between them. His tone was light and way too innocent to be anything but teasing. This was payback payback for all the ribbing Ethan had given him when he and Riley had come out as a couple.
Ethan paused mid‑bite, chewing his eggs with exaggerated thoughtfulness.
Sy watched him struggle with a wry smile.
“They didn’t question it at all.” Ethan replied nonchalantly.
Sy knew his parents were kind, soft-spoken and endlessly welcoming. He knew they would have taken one look at Samantha standing beside Ethan last night and simply smiled. No raised brows. No pointed questions. Instead, his mom would have put a gentle hand on her shoulder and invited her to ‘make yourself at home.’ His dad would have offered her the comfiest seat in the living room. They were good people and treated those they met with kindness without hesitation.
“Question what?” Samantha blinked innocently.
This pulled a soft chuckle from both Syverson boys, before Ethan leaned over with a reassuring hand on her neck and planted a kiss to her temple.
“Nothin’ darlin’.”
Sy cleared his throat as he moved to stand up again, “Could you do me a favor?”
Ethan paused, mid‑bite. “Yeah?”
“Tell Kate and Olivia they’ve got another baby sister. Charlotte’ll call later.”
“Yeah, I can do that,” Ethan said. “Where’re you going?”
“Back to the cottage. I need some sleep.” Sy pushed his chair back under the table, the legs scraping across the tile.
“Hey Jake?” Ethan paused.
Sy stopped in his tracks, head lolling backwards in subtle annoyance from being kept from his bed.
“Riley’s back.”
His head dropped back forwards as he looked at his brother waiting for more information.
“Came back yesterday, while you were at the hospital.”
Sy wrung his hands together, not through nerves but contemplating. He nodded his head once in thanks for the information and then turned to leave again.
“She won’t be there now, big brother.” Ethan leaned back in his chair, rubbing the back of his neck.
“She mentioned about leaving early to fix the north fence.”
“Before sunrise?” Sy felt something tighten in his chest. Not fear, not quite irritation, something in between.
“Yeah, wire came out in the storm the other night” Samantha chimed in.
“You know Riley.” Ethan finished with a small huff of a laugh.
Sy did. And normally the thought that she had thrown herself back into work after some time off would be endearing. This morning however, it grated. He swallowed hard and turned toward the door, reaching for the keys to the truck he had just come back in.
“Hey, hold up,” Ethan called. “Don’t take the truck.”
Sy looked back with a frown. “Why?”
“Sam and I are going into town. Can you take one of the ATV's?”
Sy hesitated. His muscles ached, his head throbbed, and the last thing he wanted was to bounce across muddy ground on an ATV after a storm. But Ethan was right: the trucks wouldn’t make it out to the northern perimeter after that storm. The ground would be too soft, too uneven. He couldn’t risk getting stuck.
“Fine,” He grumbled before he tossed the keys back on the table.
As Sy stepped outside, the cool morning air hit him differently. The morning was breaking now despite the chill and the sky was brightening faintly from a washed‑out grey to a pale blue with streaks of pink.
As he walked toward the equipment shed in search of a spare ATV, Sy stopped in his tracks and headed towards Riley’s office. It wasn’t locked - that's not how Heartland worked - and he found what he was looking for quickly. The brochure. He looked at it for a few seconds mulling over whether this was a bad idea or not. No. He was a Syverson, when there was something on their mind they tackled it head on. He exhaled sharply with frustration before tucking it into the back of his jeans, snugly within the waistband. Back out in the yard Sy swung his legs over the ATV, started the engine and revved toward the northern fields.
The earth was soaked both in the fields and on the roads towards the Northern fields. Soft enough that the tires of the ATV sank slightly with each turn. Heartland stretched endlessly around him, the fence lines trailing like thin threads across the soaked grass. Cows grazed lazily, steam drifting from their muzzles. It took nearly fifteen minutes to reach the north boundary, but Sy found Riley exactly where Ethan said she’d be.
She was crouched beside a broken fence post, rain‑damp hair tied back messily, sleeves rolled up to her elbows. Her hands were steady despite the cold morning, her movements sure and practiced. She hadn’t noticed him yet as she was focused, muttering under her breath as she pulled the snapped wire taut.
When she finally lifted her head after inspecting her work, her whole face lit up as she spotted him coming up the hill.
“Hey stranger!”
She dropped the fencing pliers by the post and jogged toward him, mud splashing up her jeans before she threw her arms around him. One of Sy’s hands wrapped around her back as he stayed astride the vehicle. She pressed her face against his neck, warm and alive. Then she pulled back and kissed him. Deeply. Full of everything he’d missed for days.
He kissed her back, just for a moment, but then he ended it. Not abruptly. Just unusually.
Riley’s smile faltered. “Everything okay?”
Sy swallowed, his throat tight with uncertainty, “We need to talk.”
It wasn’t a question like Riley had thought.
“Yeah we do.” She said with a beaming smile.
“Did you get my message?” She continued, excitement flickering in her eyes.
“I’ve got news. Big news. I’ve been waiting to—”
“Riley!” Sy interrupted. His voice was sharper than he meant.
“Let me finish. Please.”
Riley pulled her arms from around his shoulders and took a cautious step back. Something was off. She folded her arms across her chest. A gesture that was practiced -when someone was delivering bad news- to protect herself. Protect her emotions.
Sy reached behind his back and pulled out of the rolled up brochure. He uncurled it and held it out towards her. No questions. The glossy magazine spoke volumes.
Riley’s face drained.
“Where did you find that?” Her voice wavered.
“In your office.”
Her eyes narrowed. She knew exactly where she left that brochure and it wasn’t exactly in plain sight. She didn’t respond, not yet. Didn’t accuse. She simply stared at the brochure in his hands.
“When were you goin’ to tell me?Huh?” Sy’s voice took on an accusing tone. One that was laced with hurt.
“When were you goin’ to tell me that you’re leaving?” His voice was low, tight.
“Before? Or after you run again?”
Riley’s eyes snapped up at him, confused and angry.
“Sy! That’s not what-”
She tried to explain but Sy pressed on.
“Isn’t it? Because this feels distinctly like last time.” He threw back.
He wasn’t thinking straight, not really. He was doing the complete opposite of what Ethan had advised him to do. He was jumping to conclusions before he obtained all the facts. He blamed it on sleep deprivation more than anything else.
Riley stood frozen, her jaw slack with disbelief. After everything they had shared over the past few months, she could hardly believe what she was hearing. That Sy’s mind had leapt so quickly—so easily—to that conclusion, unsettled her more than the accusation itself. Did he truly distrust her so deeply?
“You know what the worst part is? I’ve tried my damndest, to prove to you that you are wanted. That you are loved.” He pressed on.
Tears brimmed at the corners of his eyes and he screwed up his mouth in a desperate attempt to stop them.
“Either you don’t believe me or worse…you just don’t feel it back at all.”
“No! No, that’s not true.” Riley shook her head as she felt a lump lodging in the back of her throat.
“I’m starting to think it’s not because you feel ‘inadequate’.”
Riley’s let out a huff of incredulous laughter. Then anger rose quickly and bright in her eyes as he threw her own words back at her.
“Sy, you’ve got this all wrong!” She urged as her voice cracked.
He shook his head. “No. No, I don’t think I do. You’re scared.”
He jabbed a finger towards her, “Too scared to be with me—”
“What?!” She cut in, voice sharp,
Sy’s chest felt tight, burning almost. It was time to lay all his cards - all his doubts and fears- out on the table,
“I don’t know if I wanna’ wait whilst you figure out what it is you want.”
“What are you sayin’?”
She swiped at her face in frustration, erasing the tears that were now flowing freely down her cheeks.
“What are you sayin’ Sy!”
Sy saw too late what his words had done to her. In this moment though, he was too stubborn and hurting himself to rectify it. He ran his hand over the top of his head in frustration and let out a growl of anger.
“Listen, I don’t know.”
He turned the ATV back on and revved the engine.
“I’m stayin’ at the ranch house tonight. A’right. We’ll talk when I can get my head straight.”
Sy turned the ATV around without a second glance or word, ignoring Riley’s shouts to get him to stop. As he drove back up the path towards Heartland, the path was slicker than he realized. His thoughts were too loud, too cluttered, drowning out the rumble of the engine. He came around a bend too fast and hit a patch of mud where the rain had pooled.
The ATV fishtailed. Sy tried to correct it but it was too late. The vehicle lurched sideways and skidded off the narrow track sliding directly into a ditch.
The Cowboy and the Soldier Chapter 19
Riley stepped out of the Coleman corporate building, the glass doors whispering shut behind her, her pulse still pounding from the weight of what she’d just done. For a moment she just stood there, letting the cool Montana air fill her lungs. The sky above Billings was a harsh, brilliant blue, but she barely saw it. Her mind was already miles away. On Heartland and the future she was suddenly holding in her hands like a live wire. Her boots hit the pavement as she finally started moving, the rhythm of her steps grounding her a little. Cars rolled past, people moved around her with busy, ordinary purpose, but Riley felt like she was walking through a different world entirely. Home.
A shaky smile pulled at Riley’s lips. She should’ve felt unstoppable, triumphant, on top of the damn world. And she did. But threaded beneath the adrenaline was something sharper, smaller, harder to ignore. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, jolting her out of her thoughts. She tugged it out, expecting a text. Instead she saw a missed call and a voicemail from Sy. A little frown tugged between her brows. He hated voicemail. He always said people should “just spit it out in a text” instead of wasting thirty seconds rambling. The fact that he’d left one at all sent a prickle of unease through her. She tapped and listened.
“Hey, Riley. We made our overnight stop. Just checking in. Call me when you can.”
That was it. Short. Innocuous. But under his voice there was something restless and tight.
Guilt pinched at her ribs. Sy, Ethan and the ranch hands were coming home and here she was, hiding in Montana; as if she was on a secret mission. Well… in truth, that was exactly what she was doing. Only Charlotte knew the truth, but it wouldn’t stay that way for long.
Riley hit “call back.” It rang twice. Four times, then went straight to voicemail.
“Hey, it’s me. Sorry I missed your call. I can’t wait to see you-”
She hesitated. The words stuck, snagging on the tangle of excitement and nerves swirling in her chest.
“There’s somethin’ we need to talk about. Something that might change a few things.”
Her voice softened without her meaning to, “I’ll see you soon.”
She hung up before she could overthink it.
Heartland was unusually quiet when the Syverson team -plus guest - arrived back at the ranch that evening. Rain had begun to fall in gentle spits, dark clouds piling like heavy wool above the hillside. Sy slowed the rig just outside the stables, scanning the property out of habit. That’s what he told himself anyway. He was searching for Riley. Ethan and Samantha jumped straight out of the truck and headed on up to the ranch house. The ranch hands worked around them, unloading Echo from his trailer, their movements brisk and well rehearsed. No one lingered. No jokes. No usual chatter. The whole place felt muted, as though the storm cloud cover had pressed down on more than the air. Sy didn’t bother heading up to the ranch house or to help out with the chores. He said his goodbyes for the evening and jumped into one of the ranch trucks and set off toward the far end of the property. He needed to get home. He needed to see Riley.
As Sy reached the homestead a nervous pain twisted in his gut. There were no lights on inside, no sign of movement either. Something felt off. Inside, the homestead was frozen in time. A blanket draped over the back of the couch and an abandoned coffee cup by the small kitchenette sink. Sy frowned, unease creeping up his spine. He checked the stables next. Empty. The office. Dark. Then the bunkhouse. No sign of her. Not even a mention.
Back outside, the rain had thickened into steady sheets, drumming on metal roofs and soaking the ground. He spotted Noah crouched beneath a makeshift awning, working on one of the ATVs. He glanced up as Sy approached, wiping rain from his forehead with the back of his wrist.
“Hey.” Sy said. “Have you seen Riley?”
Noah shook his head, “Not since yesterday. Thought she was takin’ some time off?”
“What do you mean?” Sy’s chest tightened, confusion sparking into irritation.
“Didn’t she tell you?”
Sy forced a tight smile that didn’t reach his eyes, “No, she didn’t.”
Noah scratched the edge of his jaw absentmindedly with his screwdriver before turning back to the ATV.
“That’s funny. You know Charlotte mentioned somethin’ about Montana. You know she has,-”
He cut himself off abruptly, lips pressing together as if the words had slipped too far.
Sy stared at him, a knot forming in his stomach. “What are you talkin’ about?”
Noah looked away. “Nothin’. Forget it.”
Sy shot Noah a look, at him confusion flickering across his face before it hardened into something sharper. Normally, Noah’s presence was steadying. The guy had a way of diffusing things, keeping people from going off half-cocked. Including Sy more than once. But right now? His tone was just too easy. Too damn casual for the way Sy’s chest felt like it had been pulled tight with barbed wire. Because Noah knew something.
Sy didn’t give Noah the chance to answer or dodge his next question. He just pushed past him, and headed straight for the ranch house.
The screen door creaked as he shoved it open, the familiar sound snapping through the quiet like a warning shot.
Charlotte was upstairs folding baby clothes when Sy barged through her bedroom door. Her swollen belly pushed against her pyjama top; two weeks overdue, uncomfortable, exhausted. But still stubborn enough to stand there on aching feet ‘nesting’.
“Hey you’re back! How was it?” she asked cheerily none the wiser.
“Where is she?” Sy’s voice was low. Controlled. Which meant he was close to losing it.
His heart was beating near out of his chest. His mind working overtime, going over what he saw in Riley’s office those few days ago and the conclusion he’d reached in the last few days. Ethan’s rational explanation and advice long forgotten.
Charlotte stiffened.
“I haven’t seen Riley since yesterday,” she said carefully.
“But you know where she is,” Sy pressed, stepping further into the room.
“She took personal time. That’s all.” Charlotte swallowed, doing her best to sound nonchalant.
“No,” he snapped. “Personal time means she’d be down with the cows in the field.”
Charlotte clutched a tiny baby blanket, knuckles whitening. She knew that to be true. Knew when Riley needed to clear her head she would seek solace with the cattle rather than with people.
“Jake, I made her a promise.”
His jaw flexed, muscles twitching. “What’s that supposed to mean, Charlotte?”
“Hopefully, somethin’ good. ” She said, voice defensive but hopeful.
“She’s doing something for the ranch. Something important.”
“What something?” Sy barked.
“I can’t tell you!” She matched his ire with one as fearsome of her own.
Thunder cracked outside, shaking the windows.
“She didn’t want you to worry.” Charlotte softened slightly.
“I’m already worried!”
Charlotte’s breath hitched. Stress shot up her spine in a hot, electric wave, stealing what little steady ground she’d had a second ago. Her belly clenched, hard. Not the dull, tightening she’d been brushing off all morning. Not the low, warning discomfort she’d told herself was nothing more than nerves. This was different. This stole the air right out of her lungs.
Sy froze as he noticed the sudden change in his Sister, “You okay?”
Charlotte nodded quickly. Too quickly. “It’s nothing. Just a Braxton-,"
A sharp pain ripped through her, stealing her voice. She doubled over, grabbing the edge of her dresser. A gush of warm fluid spilled down her legs. This was most definitely not Braxton Hicks.
“Fuck, my water-,” she gasped. “Jake!”
Sy caught her before she could fall, his fear for Riley momentarily eclipsed by terror for his sister.
“You’re in labor,” he said, more to anchor himself than her.
“Oh, you think?!” she snapped breathlessly through a contraction.
“Let me get Noah, he’s just outside.”
“Yes, no…alright! ” she panted, gripping his arm. “We need to go, now.”
Sy scooped up her hospital bag from the corner of the room after Charlotte pointed to it. It had been packed for weeks.
Another contraction tore through her. She cried out, burying her face in his shoulder.
“I’m right here,” Sy murmured. “I got you.”
He rushed down the hallway, thunder shaking the eaves, the storm battering the windows. Rain hammered the roof in a deafening roar. For the first time in days, Riley wasn’t consuming his mind. Nor was the brochure or the unanswered questions. Not the unease that had been gnawing at him for days. All of that vanished beneath the surge of panic and protectiveness crashing through him now. His sister needed him. Nothing else mattered.
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The Cowboy and the Soldier Chapter 19
Riley stepped out of the Coleman corporate building, the glass doors whispering shut behind her, her pulse still pounding from the weight of what she’d just done. For a moment she just stood there, letting the cool Montana air fill her lungs. The sky above Billings was a harsh, brilliant blue, but she barely saw it. Her mind was already miles away. On Heartland and the future she was suddenly holding in her hands like a live wire. Her boots hit the pavement as she finally started moving, the rhythm of her steps grounding her a little. Cars rolled past, people moved around her with busy, ordinary purpose, but Riley felt like she was walking through a different world entirely. Home.
A shaky smile pulled at Riley’s lips. She should’ve felt unstoppable, triumphant, on top of the damn world. And she did. But threaded beneath the adrenaline was something sharper, smaller, harder to ignore. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, jolting her out of her thoughts. She tugged it out, expecting a text. Instead she saw a missed call and a voicemail from Sy. A little frown tugged between her brows. He hated voicemail. He always said people should “just spit it out in a text” instead of wasting thirty seconds rambling. The fact that he’d left one at all sent a prickle of unease through her. She tapped and listened.
“Hey, Riley. We made our overnight stop. Just checking in. Call me when you can.”
That was it. Short. Innocuous. But under his voice there was something restless and tight.
Guilt pinched at her ribs. Sy, Ethan and the ranch hands were coming home and here she was, hiding in Montana; as if she was on a secret mission. Well… in truth, that was exactly what she was doing. Only Charlotte knew the truth, but it wouldn’t stay that way for long.
Riley hit “call back.” It rang twice. Four times, then went straight to voicemail.
“Hey, it’s me. Sorry I missed your call. I can’t wait to see you-”
She hesitated. The words stuck, snagging on the tangle of excitement and nerves swirling in her chest.
“There’s somethin’ we need to talk about. Something that might change a few things.”
Her voice softened without her meaning to, “I’ll see you soon.”
She hung up before she could overthink it.
Heartland was unusually quiet when the Syverson team -plus guest - arrived back at the ranch that evening. Rain had begun to fall in gentle spits, dark clouds piling like heavy wool above the hillside. Sy slowed the rig just outside the stables, scanning the property out of habit. That’s what he told himself anyway. He was searching for Riley. Ethan and Samantha jumped straight out of the truck and headed on up to the ranch house. The ranch hands worked around them, unloading Echo from his trailer, their movements brisk and well rehearsed. No one lingered. No jokes. No usual chatter. The whole place felt muted, as though the storm cloud cover had pressed down on more than the air. Sy didn’t bother heading up to the ranch house or to help out with the chores. He said his goodbyes for the evening and jumped into one of the ranch trucks and set off toward the far end of the property. He needed to get home. He needed to see Riley.
As Sy reached the homestead a nervous pain twisted in his gut. There were no lights on inside, no sign of movement either. Something felt off. Inside, the homestead was frozen in time. A blanket draped over the back of the couch and an abandoned coffee cup by the small kitchenette sink. Sy frowned, unease creeping up his spine. He checked the stables next. Empty. The office. Dark. Then the bunkhouse. No sign of her. Not even a mention.
Back outside, the rain had thickened into steady sheets, drumming on metal roofs and soaking the ground. He spotted Noah crouched beneath a makeshift awning, working on one of the ATVs. He glanced up as Sy approached, wiping rain from his forehead with the back of his wrist.
“Hey.” Sy said. “Have you seen Riley?”
Noah shook his head, “Not since yesterday. Thought she was takin’ some time off?”
“What do you mean?” Sy’s chest tightened, confusion sparking into irritation.
“Didn’t she tell you?”
Sy forced a tight smile that didn’t reach his eyes, “No, she didn’t.”
Noah scratched the edge of his jaw absentmindedly with his screwdriver before turning back to the ATV.
“That’s funny. You know Charlotte mentioned somethin’ about Montana. You know she has,-”
He cut himself off abruptly, lips pressing together as if the words had slipped too far.
Sy stared at him, a knot forming in his stomach. “What are you talkin’ about?”
Noah looked away. “Nothin’. Forget it.”
Sy shot Noah a look, at him confusion flickering across his face before it hardened into something sharper. Normally, Noah’s presence was steadying. The guy had a way of diffusing things, keeping people from going off half-cocked. Including Sy more than once. But right now? His tone was just too easy. Too damn casual for the way Sy’s chest felt like it had been pulled tight with barbed wire. Because Noah knew something.
Sy didn’t give Noah the chance to answer or dodge his next question. He just pushed past him, and headed straight for the ranch house.
The screen door creaked as he shoved it open, the familiar sound snapping through the quiet like a warning shot.
Charlotte was upstairs folding baby clothes when Sy barged through her bedroom door. Her swollen belly pushed against her pyjama top; two weeks overdue, uncomfortable, exhausted. But still stubborn enough to stand there on aching feet ‘nesting’.
“Hey you’re back! How was it?” she asked cheerily none the wiser.
“Where is she?” Sy’s voice was low. Controlled. Which meant he was close to losing it.
His heart was beating near out of his chest. His mind working overtime, going over what he saw in Riley’s office those few days ago and the conclusion he’d reached in the last few days. Ethan’s rational explanation and advice long forgotten.
Charlotte stiffened.
“I haven’t seen Riley since yesterday,” she said carefully.
“But you know where she is,” Sy pressed, stepping further into the room.
“She took personal time. That’s all.” Charlotte swallowed, doing her best to sound nonchalant.
“No,” he snapped. “Personal time means she’d be down with the cows in the field.”
Charlotte clutched a tiny baby blanket, knuckles whitening. She knew that to be true. Knew when Riley needed to clear her head she would seek solace with the cattle rather than with people.
“Jake, I made her a promise.”
His jaw flexed, muscles twitching. “What’s that supposed to mean, Charlotte?”
“Hopefully, somethin’ good. ” She said, voice defensive but hopeful.
“She’s doing something for the ranch. Something important.”
“What something?” Sy barked.
“I can’t tell you!” She matched his ire with one as fearsome of her own.
Thunder cracked outside, shaking the windows.
“She didn’t want you to worry.” Charlotte softened slightly.
“I’m already worried!”
Charlotte’s breath hitched. Stress shot up her spine in a hot, electric wave, stealing what little steady ground she’d had a second ago. Her belly clenched, hard. Not the dull, tightening she’d been brushing off all morning. Not the low, warning discomfort she’d told herself was nothing more than nerves. This was different. This stole the air right out of her lungs.
Sy froze as he noticed the sudden change in his Sister, “You okay?”
Charlotte nodded quickly. Too quickly. “It’s nothing. Just a Braxton-,"
A sharp pain ripped through her, stealing her voice. She doubled over, grabbing the edge of her dresser. A gush of warm fluid spilled down her legs. This was most definitely not Braxton Hicks.
“Fuck, my water-,” she gasped. “Jake!”
Sy caught her before she could fall, his fear for Riley momentarily eclipsed by terror for his sister.
“You’re in labor,” he said, more to anchor himself than her.
“Oh, you think?!” she snapped breathlessly through a contraction.
“Let me get Noah, he’s just outside.”
“Yes, no…alright! ” she panted, gripping his arm. “We need to go, now.”
Sy scooped up her hospital bag from the corner of the room after Charlotte pointed to it. It had been packed for weeks.
Another contraction tore through her. She cried out, burying her face in his shoulder.
“I’m right here,” Sy murmured. “I got you.”
He rushed down the hallway, thunder shaking the eaves, the storm battering the windows. Rain hammered the roof in a deafening roar. For the first time in days, Riley wasn’t consuming his mind. Nor was the brochure or the unanswered questions. Not the unease that had been gnawing at him for days. All of that vanished beneath the surge of panic and protectiveness crashing through him now. His sister needed him. Nothing else mattered.
Interlude X: So what, we’re just texting casually at 1 a.m. now?
Dr. Jack Abbot x (female) reader | Dr. Jack Abbot x you
Summary: Of course Robby texts Mara while he’s in Vancouver and she’s on babysitter duty. Unfortunately, he learns that some information changes a man forever.
A/N: I think I'm going to retire the taglist because it's been glitching a lot lately. If you don't want to miss updates, feel free to turn on notifications for my posts! <3
Link to "You stole my cart" master list (1)
Link to "You stole my cart" master list (2)
Previous chapter: Part 90: You can't lick dogs, sweetheart
--- --- ---
Tuesday night
Robby:
Hey. Heard you’re taking care of Lizzie. Thought you only liked kids when you could hand them back once they start crying or leaking?
Mara:
Who’s this?
Robby:
Wow. Ouch.
Mara:
Ah. Robby.
Mara:
You really thought that was a good opener for a chat?
Robby:
I was aiming for charming.
Mara:
Well, you missed.
Robby:
Anyway. How’s Lizzie?
Mara:
Very much alive.
Robby:
How are you?
Mara:
That felt alarmingly emotionally mature.
Robby:
I have layers.
Mara:
Like an ogre?
Robby:
Is this like a shrek reference?
Mara:
Yeah.
Mara:
Sorry, I’m tired.
Robby:
I bet.
Mara:
She finally passed out on me.
Robby:
Awww.
Mara:
Don’t make this weird.
Robby:
Picture?
Mara:
You’re definitely making this weird.
(She sends a picture anyway. A selfie. Her in an oversized hoodie, Lizzie asleep on Maras chest, tiny fists clutching the fabric.)
Robby:
That’s unfairly cute.
Mara:
Yup.
Robby:
But you’re looking really good.
Mara:
I’m sleep deprived.
Robby:
Still texting me though.
Mara:
Questionable judgment, that’s all.
Robby:
I do like this side of you.
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Wednesday to Thursday night, at around 1 a.m.
Robby:
You up?
Mara:
Do you not own a watch? It’s the middle of the night.
Robby:
But you’re up.
Mara:
What do you want?
Robby:
Talking.
Mara:
Oh god. You’re horny and lonely, right?
Robby:
Ouch.
Robby:
But not entirely untrue.
Robby:
Just looked at the picture again.
Mara:
The picture of me with a baby?
Robby:
Well now I sound weird.
Mara:
Yup.
Robby:
No, it’s just…
Robby:
You look kind of hot, being domestic and so.
Mara:
JESUS CHRIST
Robby:
Okay, okay, bad phrasing.
Mara:
Are you drunk?
Robby:
No!
Robby:
Maybe a little.
Robby:
Not the point.
Robby:
It’s just - you’re weirdly attractive like that.
Mara:
Looking like a mom?
Mara:
That’s the stuff you’re into?
Mara:
Good to know you have a mom kink.
Robby:
NO!
Mara:
You sure?
Robby:
Mara.
Mara:
Robby?
Robby:
…
Mara:
Still not sure what you hope to achieve here.
Robby:
Just some nice conversation.
Mara:
Conversation? Feels more like sexting, hm?
Mara:
You’re literally surrounded by pretty women the whole day. Go bother one of them.
Robby:
Absolutely not.
Mara:
Why not?
Robby:
Because I’m thinking about you right now.
Mara:
That was kind of smooth.
Robby:
Thanks.
Robby:
So what, we’re just texting casually at 1 a.m. now?
Mara:
Apparently.
Robby:
I kinda like it.
Mara:
I bet.
Robby:
So just because you mentioned the sexting…
Robby:
What are you wearing?
Robby:
;)
Mara:
Wow.
Robby:
Oh, please, throw a man a bone.
Mara:
An oversized shirt.
Robby:
That sounds… sexy…?
Mara:
Robby.
Robby:
Just saying!
(Mara sends a picture against better judgment. Nothing too revealing - just enough. Soft light from the lamp on the night stand, edge of an oversized shirt, nice lacey underwear visible.)
Robby:
Jesus Christ.
Robby:
Okay, wow.
Robby:
Mara.
Mara:
Have fun being weird about that. Goodnight Robby.
Robby:
You cannot just leave me like that.
Robby:
Mara?
Robby:
HELLO???
Robby:
You cannot just send that and disappear.
Robby:
Oh, come on.
Robby:
Why am I being turned on by you being rude?
Robby:
Anyway.
Robby:
Goodnight.
Robby:
(Respectfully - you're being fucking hot.)
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Thursday morning
Robby:
You know I can see when you read my messages.
Mara:
I know. I just don’t care.
Robby:
Unfair.
Mara:
I’m not even remotely sorry.
Mara:
And don’t think texting at one in the morning becomes a thing now. Or me sending pictures like that.
Mara:
That was just poor judgment.
Robby:
Wow.
Robby:
Okay.
Robby:
What about coffee when I’m back?
Mara:
Counter question
Mara:
Did you find a therapist?
Robby:
Jesus Christ.
Mara:
Well?
(...)
Mara:
Then it’s a hard no.
Robby:
You’re unbelievable.
Mara:
I’m serious.
Robby:
Yeah, figured.
Robby:
So, actual question - you don’t want to have a date with me?
Mara:
Yes.
Robby:
So you wouldn’t care if I hooked up with someone here?
Mara:
No. Must be nice taking your avoidance issues global.
Robby:
Haha.
Mara:
So - bone all you want, buddy.
Robby:
Buddy?
Robby:
Buddy???!
Robby:
Are you serious?
Mara:
Dead serious.
Mara:
Robby, we’re not together. We’re not even dating. You're a free man.
Mara:
Unfortunately for society.
Robby:
Wow.
Robby:
Cool.
Robby:
Love that for me.
Mara:
Oh, wow, are you sulking now?
Robby:
No.
Mara:
Yeah, okay, sure buddy.
Robby:
Fine.
Robby:
Enjoy pretending you don’t care.
Mara:
Thanks. Enjoy Canada.
Robby:
I suddenly feel very motivated to make poor decisions.
Mara:
Honestly? Feels less like a treat and more like a personality trait.
Robby:
Have a nice day.
Mara:
You too, Robby.
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Saturday morning
Robby:
Just for the record: I did hook up with someone.
Mara:
Well - congratulations?
Mara:
Did you tell her your real name or some bullshit conference alias?
Robby:
Wow. Offensive.
Robby:
But just to be clear - I used my real name.
Mara:
I’m so very proud of you.
Robby:
You sound unimpressed.
Mara:
I’m just trying to understand why you felt the need to update me like I’m your parole officer.
Robby:
Because you told me to go make bad decisions while being in Vancouver.
Mara:
I said nothing like that.
Robby:
You said “bone all you want”.
Mara:
And you apparently did. At least you felt the urge to text me to announce you had sex like it was some sort of headline.
Robby:
When you say it like that I sound insane.
Mara:
Well…
Mara:
You said it, not me.
Robby:
Anyway. It was fine.
Mara:
Oh, wow.
Robby:
What?
Mara:
You said fine.
Robby:
And?
Mara:
That’s nice for disappointing.
Robby:
NO!!!
Robby:
It was perfectly acceptable sex.
Mara:
Jesus.
Robby:
WHAT?
Mara:
I personally wouldn’t be fine with “perfectly acceptable sex”. If it’s not mindblowing, I’m out.
Robby:
Mara.
Robby:
You can’t just casually say things like that to me.
Mara:
Why not?
Robby:
It makes me weird.
Mara:
Weirder than usual?
Robby:
Rude.
Robby:
Anyway. You know what’s upsetting?
Mara:
Your personality?
Robby:
Wow. But no.
Robby:
Now I’m sitting here reevaluating my standards.
Mara:
As you should.
Robby:
This feels weirdly judgmental for someone who claimed she doesn’t care what I do.
Mara:
I don’t.
Mara:
I’m just saying I personally wouldn’t settle for mediocrity.
Robby:
For the record - it wasn’t mediocre. Or bad.
Mara:
That sounds like something people say right before admitting it was - in fact - bad.
Robby:
You're very sharp today.
Robby:
Different question. Hypothetically.
Mara:
Yes?
Robby:
What qualifies as mindblowing?
Mara:
Absolutely not.
Robby:
Coward.
Mara:
Boundaries.
Mara:
But tell me…
Robby:
Yes?
Mara:
Was she disappointing? Or was it you?
Mara:
I have a guess. I just need confirmation.
Robby:
That’s unnecessarily violent.
Mara:
So I was right?
Robby:
I hate this conversation.
Robby:
But for the record - I’m very capable of pleasuring a woman. I’m choosing to believe she was intimidated by my emotional depth.
Mara:
Emotional depth? You mean avoidance issues?
Robby:
Rude.
Robby:
But honestly? I think we both deserve the opportunity for you to personally evaluate my incredible abilities in bed. Preferably while you're wearing that nice underwear from Wednesday.
Mara:
Jesus, Robby.
Mara:
That was embarrassing. Even for you.
Robby:
Didn’t say no though.
Mara:
I’m choosing not to engage with whatever this is.
Robby:
Coward.
Mara:
No. Adult woman with standards. You’re just not used to that.
Robby:
Ouch.
Mara:
Also… incredibly bold move for a man who just described his own sexual performance as “perfectly acceptable”.
Robby:
Okay.
Robby:
That one hurt.
Mara:
Good.
Robby:
For the record - I think you’d get a much more enthusiastic version of me.
Mara:
Oh my god.
Robby:
You considering?
Robby:
Yes?
Robby:
No?
Robby:
Maybe?
Robby:
Coffee when I’m back?
Mara:
Go to therapy first.
Robby:
You’re unbelievably committed to that condition.
Mara:
Yes.
Robby:
Do you have a therapy kink?
Mara:
Holy mother of Jesus.
Mara:
Go and attend your little doctor conference and stop sexually harassing me over text.
Robby:
First: You kind of started it with the underwear pic.
Robby:
Second: Conference is over.
Mara:
Oh. So now you’re Pittsburgh's problem again?
Robby:
Yeah. Soon.
Mara:
Oh.
Mara:
Great.
Mara:
And that pic? ONE poor decision while sleep deprived.
Robby:
Honestly? One of your better ones.
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Saturday (around noon)
Robby:
Important question.
Mara:
No.
Robby:
You don’t even know the question.
Mara:
Still pretty confident.
Robby:
Fine. Hypothetically… would you judge me if I told you I’m currently not wearing underwear?
Mara:
I genuinely can’t believe you’re a doctor.
Robby:
And your answer…?
Mara:
Oh my god. Why are you flirting like a seventeen-year-old boy with a boner?
Robby:
That felt personal.
Mara:
It kind of was.
Robby:
Brutal.
Robby:
Well, then.
Robby:
Have a good day.
Mara:
You too, Robby.
Robby:
(Just to make sure: really no interest in my lack of underwear?)
Mara:
For the love of God I swear I'm blocking you.
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Saturday afternoon
(Robby sends a selfie: business class seat, whiskey glass, smug smile on his face)
Robby:
Wanna join me next time?
Robby:
Just spent five days witnessing living proof that work trips can be disgustingly romantic.
Mara:
Yeah, I heard. Apparently there was also a concerning amount of hotel room sex.
Robby:
Wouldn’t exactly say no to that.
Mara:
Wow.
Robby:
You started it.
Mara:
Fair.
Mara:
So… did he ask her?
Robby:
???
Robby:
Who?
Mara:
… you’re joking.
Robby:
I really don’t understand.
Mara:
Jack? The proposal?
Robby:
The WHAT?
Mara:
The proposal??? The one he was planning in Vancouver? The reason I sacrificed five days of my life looking after their child???
Robby:
FUCK WHAT
Mara:
Wait.
Mara:
YOU DIDN’T KNOW?
Robby:
NO??!!!!
Mara:
Oh my god. He didn’t tell you?
Robby:
No?!?
Mara:
Yesterday. At Stanley Park. Picnic. I thought she wasn’t texting because she was over the moon and full of her fiance's dick.
Robby:
Fuck.
Robby:
I was at that picnic.
Mara:
Excuse me
Mara:
You were WHAT?
Robby:
I was there the whole time.
Mara:
OH MY GOD WHAT
Mara:
I genuinely need a minute.
Robby:
WHY DIDN’T HE TELL ME HE WANTED TO PROPOSE?!!
Mara:
Probably because he assumed you’d accidentally ruin it?
Robby:
That feels weird considering I absolutely did.
Mara:
OMG
Mara:
Did you really third-wheel a proposal attempt?
Robby:
I THINK I DID
Robby:
OH MY GOD HE WAS SO QUIET AND I THOUGHT HE WAS JUST TIRED
Mara:
You're an absolute idiot 😭
Robby:
I told him the picnic was thoughtful.
Mara:
YOU DID NOT
Robby:
I genuinely feel sick.
Mara:
Fuck!!!
Mara:
But yeah, you should.
Robby:
FUCK!
Robby:
But really - why didn’t he tell me?!
Mara:
Maybe he wanted to keep this private?
Robby:
HE TOLD YOU
Mara:
Because he needed a babysitter.
Robby:
But I’m his best friend!
Mara:
And yet somehow also his greatest natural predator.
Robby:
I DIDN’T KNOW!
Mara:
You seriously didn’t think it was weird to just… join their romantic afternoon?!!!
Robby:
WE WENT TO THE FUCKING AQUARIUM
Robby:
THERE WERE CHILDREN
Robby:
IT WASN'T ROMANTIC AT ALL
Robby:
I thought we were just hanging out.
Robby:
OH MY GOD I RUINED IT
Robby:
I RUINED THE WHOLE THING
Robby:
I should’ve let the goose murder me
Mara:
???
Robby:
FUCK
Mara:
I'm really torn
Mara:
I really wanna tear you a new one for ruining that because the plan was perfect
Mara:
But I also feel kinda bad for you
Mara:
Even when you've been an absolute fucking idiot
Robby:
I really didn't know!!!
Robby:
I’m considering throwing myself out of the emergency exit.
Mara:
That feels a tad dramatic.
Robby:
I RUINED HIS PROPOSAL.
Mara:
Still. Don’t do that.
Mara:
It'd kind of delay the flight and I really need to be released from childcare duty.
Mara:
Also, I would kind of miss you.
Robby:
Huh?
Robby:
That’s new.
Robby:
I like that.
Mara:
You still ruined your best friend's proposal.
Robby:
😭 😭 😭
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Sunday evening:
Mara:
Let’s grab coffee sometime soon.
Robby:
Are you asking me out?!!!
Mara:
Nope!
Mara:
I just really wanna hear about you third-wheeling their day in Stanley Park.
Mara:
And I won’t get all the juicy information out of my best friend because she still has no idea you accidentally third-wheeled her proposal.
Robby:
…
Robby:
I really want to have coffee with you.
Robby:
But I never want to talk about that afternoon again.
Robby:
I’m conflicted.
Mara:
Oopsie.
Robby:
You did that on purpose, right?
Robby:
Right?
Robby:
Mara?
Robby:
Unbelievable.
--- --- ---
You wanna keep reading? - Next part is coming soon. I promise! :)
--- --- ---
Tag list: @itjustpunkpizzabae, @theariesview @michasia24 @bye-bye-gremlings @tyghvbuijknmopkl @momdancingtomcr @alexxavicry @rainforestfrogss @starkgaryan @moistointments @rossy1080 @abzidabzy @weepingwhispersengineer @cherryybombsworld @woodxtock @letstryagaintomorrow @romanticpursuit @nicelittletriptotheforest @teenytinylilcrawdaddies @camie18 @thewillowarchive @fortjackson @eugene-emt-roe @nicksolemnlyswears @sarah-fuckyou @beepitybeepboop @amnatreal @goldfishenthusiast67 @karleyyyjaeee @starsmoonn @doesanyonereadthis @introvertedphilomath @noellealexisss @sweetwanderlust05 @eugene-emt-roe @lovehadlovelost @amacphet @asparklysoul @shinyskeletonsky @givemethemaknaes16 @artemis-the-ace @marvelsimps @anyasthoughts @amacphet @mukeovernetflix @doe-jenna @prettyflowerlily @melissa66orion @ilocuras24
That is emotional bullshit with fake snow
Dr. Jack Abbot x (female) reader | Dr. Jack Abbot x you
Summary: Christmas arrives. You expect the worst - and get something better anyway
A/N: I think I'm going to retire the taglist because it's been glitching a lot lately. If you don't want to miss updates, feel free to turn on notifications for my posts! <3
Sequel to:
Part 1: You stole my cart
Part 2: Wanna grab coffee?
Part 3: Wanna come over?
Part 4: I knew you were trouble
Part 5: Am I your girlfriend?
Part 6: And you are...?
Part 7: I can't compete with ghosts
Part 8: I'm like Mary Poppins - just more handsome and with more drugs
Part 9: I've got a face for television, baby
Part 10: I pretend I'm not completely confused by that
Part 11: I told you to slow down with the drinks
Part 12: Don't you dare apologize, kiddo
Part 13: I'll be right here and clean up the mess
Part 14: Reminds me of my time in Afghanistan, just a bit nicer
Interlude I:
Tell me about it (The Jack Sessions - Part I)
Tell me about it (The Jack Sessions - Part II)
Tell me about it (The Jack Sessions - Part III)
Part 15: What's next? Bungee jumping?
Part 16: Grief-induced rebound-shag? Did he really say that?
Part 17: You can't say that anymore
Part 18: I'm not Santa but I brought gifts anyway
Part 19: You shouldn't be worrying about money
Part 20: The eyes, Jack. The eyes
Part 21: Didn't know your dad was here helping you move
Part 22: I'm a hopeless romantic trapped in the body of a slightly sarcastic boomer
Part 23: I've been thinking about something...
Part 24: Hard to predict what'll do in the haze after nightshift
Part 25: I'm not your punching bag
Part 26: Not my fault you can't keep it in your scrubs
Part 27: That's not enough time
Part 28: Congratulations on the degree, Dr. Abbot
Part 29: I didn't know she was your girl
Part 30: You guys act like he committed a crime
Part 31: You never have to apologize for calling me or being scared
Part 32: It's about the fact that I don't want you to die
Bonus Chapter: Did you actually think this through?
Part 33: You had a problem. I fixed it. No big deal
Part 34: Sorry for being so fucking late
Interlude II: And she called you?!
Part 35: You did so fucking brilliantly kiddo
Part 36: She deserves to become her own person
Part 37: I think we made a mistake
Part 38: You two do realize you're not a couple, right?
Part 39: I don't know what to do. I don't know anything
Part 40: I'm glad he finally stuck with something
Part 41: It's not against you, darling. It's just... personal
Part 42: I get it. Family isn't easy
Part 43: I don't want you thinking about my sister the first time we have sex again
Part 44: You had it coming
Bonus chapter: You don't get to decide what kind of woman I should be
Part 45: I didn't think it was all battle royal out there
Bonus chapter: Wow. Not even hypothetical me gets any freedom?
Part 46: You wanna tell me something?
Part 47: But now listen carefully - Daddy's first important life lesson for you
Part 48: That face needs to populate a whole bloodline
Part 49: I know exactly who to call
Part 50: I think I'm more comfortable falling apart in your own apartment
Part 51: It's just a rough patch. Okay?
Part 52: If you think I'm helicoptering - he's next level
Part 53: She's totally judging you
Part 54: I don't need an audience
Part 55: Good call, labeling your boss the department slut
Part 56: I think that's a bad idea, girl
Part 57: I thought things were going well
Interlude II:
Tell me about it (The Jack Sessions - Part IV)
Part 58: Please tell me she insulted you
Part 59: Must be a world record with only one-and-a-half legs
Interlude III:
Tell me about it (The Jack Sessions - Part V)
Part 60: We're okay. So let's be... okay.
Interlude IV:
Let's talk about it (The Couple Sessions - Part I)
Part 61: And sorry I'm not a woman you could hit on
Part 62: Maybe they think we're having an affair
Part 63: That was the funniest thing you ever said
Part 64: Don't do that girl. Some of us had a rough shift
Bonus Chapter: robbby forced me. 0/10 expeirence. miss you.
Part 65: I feel like we missed a memo
Part 66: So, we are negotiating with terrorists now?
Part 67: I think I could use your help too
Part 68: I'm working nights over Christmas, by the way
Interlude V:
Tell me about it (The Jack Sessions - Part IV)
Part 69: I just need a break
Part 70: That's not a win. That's a warning
Bonus Chapter: A knee to the balls would probably fix that dick-swinging behavior
--- --- ---
Jack was ready to go.
Scrubs on, backpack over one shoulder, coffee in a travel mug. He stood in the middle of the apartment like he’d forgotten something - except he hadn’t. He was just lingering.
You came out of the nursery, Lizzie on your hip. She wore a ridiculous little green elf onesie, tiny bells chiming softly whenever she moved.
Jack blinked. He looked at her, then at you, then back at her.
“That’s… something.”
You smiled faintly. “I think she looks adorable.”
“Yeah, okay, she kind of does.”
He stepped closer, pressing a kiss to Lizzie’s head. Then another. And another. She shrieked delighted.
“... I don’t really wanna go” he said quietly.
You met his eyes. “Well, if these aren’t the consequences to your actions, Jack.”
He swallowed hard. “... yeah.”
For a second, none of you moved. Then he took Lizzie from you, holding her close, tucking her against his chest like he could store the feeling somewhere.
“Hey, bean” he murmured.
She grabbed at his scrub top immediately, shrieking, gurgling - drooling.
You let him have the moment.
When he handed her back, it was careful. Then he leaned in and kissed you - slower than usual, more deliberate.
“I’ll text” he said.
You nodded. “Okay.”
Another second. Then he forced himself to step back, adjusted his bag and left.
You held Lizzie tighter to your chest, inhaling the smell of her, shaking your head slightly. “Your daddy’s an idiot.”
You had just fed Lizzie again and were thinking about putting her down so you could take a long, hot bath when the doorbell rang.
You took Lizzie into your arms and walked through the hallway. “I hate unexpected visitors” you murmured toward Lizzie, who gurgled in return.
Then you opened the door a bit.
Robby stood there in scrubs, shoulders slightly hunched, looking like the day hadn’t quite let go of him yet - just really tired. The kind that sat behind the eyes.
“Hey” he said with a smile.
You blinked, properly confused. “Hey? What… what are you doing here? Is everything fine?!”
He tilted his head. “Yeah, sure. Just wanted to come over and keep you company.”
You stared at him. “What?”
“Okay, it wasn't exactly my idea” he said, holding his hands up defensively. “Jack sent me. He was pretty desperate and really adamant that I was coming over. So… here I am. Merry Christmas - can I come in?”
You stared at him for another second, then nodded quickly and stepped aside. He moved inside. His gaze dropped immediately to Lizzie’s outfit. “Okay, wow.”
You smiled. “Right?”
“That’s…” He was looking for the right word. “... ridiculously cute.”
Lizzie waved her arm like she agreed.
Robby huffed softly while taking off his coat.
“So… Jack told you to come?” you asked, still wary.
Robby nodded. “Yep. He told me you'd be alone the whole evening.”
You swallowed hard. “Yeah…”
For a moment neither of you spoke.
Then Robby hesitated just slightly, hand rubbing the back of his neck. “Hey, um - do you mind if I take a quick shower?” he asked, a little awkward about it. “I know that’s… kind of weird. I just had a rough shift. And I smell.”
“It’s not the weirdest thing you could’ve asked for” you said with a smile. “Go ahead. Towels are next to the sink.”
He nodded, relieved. “Thanks.”
“Do you want something to eat? I could fix something real quick.”
He smiled. “That'd be great. Honestly.”
You watched him step into the bathroom. Then you took your phone.
You sent Robby over as an apology?
Jack's reply didn't take long:
Not as an apology. Just don't want you to be alone. I’m trying to do this right.
You hesitated. Your phone vibrated again.
I was a fucking idiot about all of that and I'm still sorry x
Your lips twitched. Suddenly your stomach fluttered.
Seems like there’s still some hope :) Thanks! x
While Robby was in the bathroom, you settled Lizzie into her high chair, then moved around the kitchen, putting something together to eat.
Lizzie immediately took her spoon and bonked it against the chair. Again and again.
You let her.
At least she was an adorable little terror elf.
The apartment filled with the smell of warm food.
When Robby came back, hair damp, hoodie on, he looked like himself again.
Lizzie stilled for a second when she noticed him, then resumed her spoon assault.
He caught it mid-slam without even thinking. “Nope. Just nope, Elizabeth.”
You snorted softly. “Your godfather runs a tight ship, Lizzie.”
Robby grinned. “Feels more like running the Titanic.”
You laughed out loud.
Dinner fell into place easily. It was always easy for you to talk to Robby. And when there was silence, Lizzie filled it with noise. It just… worked.
“Did you have plans tonight?” you asked at one point.
He shrugged, taking a sip of water. “Not really.”
You nodded.
Then your phone buzzed. A message from Jack.
Send me a picture of Lizzie's outfit again. Everyone wants to see how ridiculously cute she is.
You huffed softly. “Jack wants a picture of her outfit.”
“He just wants to show off his child” Robby said, shaking his head. “I get it. I mean - look at her. She’s adorable.”
You nodded proudly. “Yeah. She is.”
You snapped a picture of her and sent it to him.
He replied quickly:
I’m sorry I’m missing that x
You swallowed hard.
Me too x
Later Robby took care of Lizzie’s bedtime without asking while you cleaned up. You listened from the kitchen, his voice soft, steady, repeating the same rhythm until she settled.
You carried a bottle of wine and two glasses to the living room, putting them on the coffee table.
A while later Robby dropped onto the couch with a quiet exhale, like his body finally gave up pretending it still had energy left.
“She’s out” he muttered, leaning his head back for a second.
“Impressive.”
“I have skills.”
“Sure you do” you replied dryly, handing him one glass of wine.
He took it without argument, fingers brushing the stem. “Thank you.”
“Thank you for handling her” You nodded toward the blanket draped over the back of the couch. “Do you want it?”
He glanced at it, then back at you. “Is this one of those things where you pretend it’s optional but actually it’s not?”
“It’s one of those things where I don’t want you to freeze to death in my living room.”
“Okay, fair.” He pulled the blanket over himself, settling into the corner of the couch.
You grabbed another one for yourself, curling into the other side.
“Movie?” you asked, tucking your feet under you.
“Please. But please - no thinking required.”
You reached for the remote without hesitation. “Great, I have the perfect thing.”
Robby watched you scroll for about five seconds before narrowing his eyes. “What are you doing?”
“It’s Christmas” you said, already committed. “We’re watching something festive.”
“That’s not festive” he said immediately, leaning forward slightly. “That is emotional bullshit with fake snow.”
You scoffed. “Excuse me? That’s a classic.”
“You know the fake snow they used was made from asbestos, yeah? They probably all died horribly because of it.”
“Wow. You’re really setting the mood here.”
“Just saying.”
You turned to him. “Okay, what do you suggest then, oh wise one?”
He didn’t even hesitate. “Die Hard.”
You blinked. “Are you serious?”
“Completely.”
“That’s not a Christmas movie.”
“It absolutely is.”
“It’s an action movie that happens to take place during Christmas.”
“Which makes it a Christmas movie.”
You stared at him for a second, then leaned back, unimpressed. “You’re Jewish. I don’t think you get a vote here.”
That got a small laugh out of him. “Wow. Okay. First of all - rude.”
“And second?”
“Second of all - I get why Jack wanted to work tonight.”
You laughed despite yourself. “Low blow, Robinavitch.” Then you sighed dramatically, glancing back at the screen. “Fine. We’ll watch your ridiculous action movie.”
“Now it’s my movie?”
“Yeah, it is” you said, waving a hand like that settled it. “I don’t want to argue. And you were so kind coming over after a long shift. So I kind of owe you.”
“You do” he said with a shrug.
“So congratulations. You win.”
You put the movie on and hit play before he could respond.
For a while, neither of you said much. You snuggled into the pillows, sipping on your wine, feeling relaxed for the first time in days. You could feel the alcohol making everything a bit softer around the edges. Not much, just a bit.
Just enough.
Your phone buzzed again. You glanced down - a message from Jack. Or more precisely: a picture.
You opened it - and immediately let out a soft, surprised laugh.
Robby gave you a look, but didn’t say anything.
You held the phone there a second longer, taking it in.
Jack, in full gear - safety glasses, blue gown, both splattered with blood, hair slightly damp at the edges. He looked rough. Tired. Alive in that very specific way he only ever did at work.
Underneath it:
I should have stayed home.
You smiled, already typing:
You’re preaching to the choir, Jack. Also you should try the “Not in the face” thing I told you about :)
You sent it, then huffed a quiet laugh at your own joke.
Robby leaned slightly toward you, curious now. “Okay, what’s so funny?”
You turned the phone toward him.
He took one look - and lost it. A full, unfiltered laugh, head dropping forward slightly.
“Oh wow” he managed between breaths. “That’s… such a bad joke.”
“Right?” You looked slightly smug.
“Didn't know you were so funny” he grinned. “But he deserved that. I mean - the blood. Looks like someone hit an artery.”
You made a face. “Ugh.”
Your phone buzzed again.
Oh boy. Are you drinking? 🍷
You snorted.
Robby leaned back again, shaking his head slightly. “I told him he’s an idiot, by the way.”
That made you look over. “... yeah?”
“Yeah” he said simply. “About the whole Christmas thing.”
You watched him for a second. “And?”
He shrugged. “And nothing. He already knew that.”
A pause.
“Okay, maybe I used stronger words, but yeah, he already knew that too.”
You smiled. “Thank you for telling him off.”
“Sure. My duty. And my pleasure. Can’t let him fuck that up.”
You nodded slowly, but didn’t reply.
The movie kept playing and settled into that steady, loud rhythm - explosions, one-liners, the kind of plot you didn’t actually have to follow.
You were curled up on your side of the couch, blanket pulled up, wine in hand. Robby sat on the other end, one leg stretched out, the other bent, his own blanket slipping off his shoulder. Lizzie was blissfully asleep on the baby monitor.
And then it hit you.
Baby asleep in the next room. Wine. Someone sitting next to you, snuggled up on the sofa. A movie playing.
For a second, it felt like something familiar - just slightly off.
You turned your head slowly, looking at Robby like you were seeing him for the first time.
Robby noticed and glanced over. “What?”
You shook your head slowly. “This is-” You gestured vaguely between the two of you. “- this feels strange.”
He frowned slightly. “That doesn’t sound like a compliment. Explain it a bit more, maybe?”
You closed your eyes for a second. “It feels like we’re playing house” you said. “Like - baby asleep, wine, movie night, the whole setup. The only thing missing is… I don’t know… cuddling or something.”
“Where is this coming from?” Robby stared at you for a second. “I'm not here for cuddling. I have no idea what Jack told you but I'm not some sort of big cuddly toy escort thing you can rent.”
You laughed.
“Whoa, woman, now I feel strange. And that was just… deeply unsexy.”
You laughed. “I know.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever felt less inclined to make a move in my life.”
“Yeah, same.”
He nodded toward the TV. “I mean - not only your terrible flirting but also… we’re watching Die Hard.”
“It was your choice. Maybe it’s your go-to move to seduce someone.”
Now it was his turn to laugh. “Trust me, if I’m seducing a woman she’ll notice. Also-” he added dryly. “- if I did touch you, Jack would make sure I’d die hard.”
You laughed again. “Oh my god!” you gasped. “You are disgusting.”
“I’m just saying” he replied with a grin, holding up his hands. “Not saying that’s what I am right now-” He glanced down at his lap. “- just… for the record.”
“Stop it!” You were still chuckling when you turned toward the TV again. “I want to watch the movie.”
“And you think I’ll believe that?”
You chuckled and shrugged. “You have to.”
He huffed. “Okay, I feel less and less inclined to make a move.”
That made you laugh harder again. “Shut up, Robby or I’ll have to tell Jack.”
“Oh, I’d love to see that old grumpy idiot get jealous” he shot back with no hesitation. “Maybe that would set him straight.”
You grinned. “Probably. But not today. I’m really in a good mood right now. I don’t want to mess that up.”
Robby sighed dramatically and looked back to the screen. “Shame.”
You chuckled.
At some point your eyes started to drift. The movie blurred at the edges. The warmth, the wine, the background noises - it all pulled you under slowly. Your grip on the glass loosened just slightly.
Robby noticed.
He leaned over without a word, carefully taking the glass from your hand before it could tip. You didn’t even fully wake up. You just shifted slightly, settling deeper into the couch.
By the time the movie ended, you were properly asleep.
Robby moved quietly. He brought the plates into the kitchen, rinsed the glasses and dimmed the lights a little further. He checked on Lizzie - smiling when he noticed she was still out. He pressed a soft kiss to her head anyway.
Then he headed back into the living room, grabbing his jacket on the way.
He nudged your foot lightly. “Hey” he said. “Go to bed.”
You stirred, blinking up at him, completely disoriented. “Mmh… in a minute” you mumbled, already sinking back into the cushion.
He watched you for a second. Considered it. Then shrugged. “Alright.”
That wasn’t his battle to fight. He grabbed his things and let himself out quietly.
Morning in the Pitt didn’t ease in - it was already in motion.
By the time handover finally happened, it was already late.
Way later than Jack had promised. He knew it. The second the last patient was passed on, the second he stepped away, it settled in somewhere uncomfortable in the back of his mind.
The adrenaline dropped off hard. Jack felt it immediately when he opened his locker - the way his shoulders sank, the way his hands slowed, the exhaustion catching up all at once now that it had somewhere to land.
Robby caught up with him, leaning against the locker next to him. “You look like hell.”
“Jesus… thanks.” Jack couldn't even think of a clever comeback. He closed his eyes for a moment. “How was yesterday?”
Robby shrugged. “Fine.”
Jack cracked one eye open. “Fine? That’s it?”
Robby huffed. “What do you want? A full report?”
“Well… at least more than one word.”
“Your daughter is still cute. We had dinner. Watched a movie. We talked for a bit.”
“How was she?” Jack asked, hesitation in his voice.
“She was fine. And I think she really loves you. Annoyingly loyal.”
Jack nodded once, taking that in. “Thank god for that.”
“... yeah.”
Robby tilted his head slightly. “Not sure if she still loves you today given you’re still here. You should go home.”
Jack didn’t argue. Instead he nodded. “Yeah.”
Robby patted his shoulder, then went right back into the chaos.
Jack grabbed his bag, pushed himself off the locker and made his way toward the exit, the noise of the department fading, the further he got from it.
He was almost at the doors when he saw her.
The resident. Bag slung over her shoulder, heading in the same direction. She noticed him at the same time and slowed down slightly, falling into step beside him without hesitation.
“Hey.”
“Hey.”
They walked side by side for a moment, the silence easy.
“You did really well last night” Jack said after a second. “That trauma patient? The airway was a mess and you made it look easy. That was impressive.”
She glanced over, a little surprised.
“I mean it” he added. “You handled yourself. You were confident. You didn’t hesitate. That was really solid work.”
She smiled at that. “Well, thank you.”
They pushed through the doors together, stepping out into the cold morning air. It hit differently after a shift like that - cleaner, quieter, realizing the world had kept moving without them.
He exhaled, shoulders dropping slightly. “God, I could really use a drink right now” he said without thinking.
She glanced at him, blinking.
He then realized what he had just said. What he had implied.
For a second, he could see it. A bar. A conversation that stretched longer than it should. A drink. Maybe two. Laughing. Talking about the cases they worked on together. Her shoulder brushing his when she leaned in to hear him. Her hand briefly on his arm when she laughed. The first sip hitting too well, taking the edge off in a way that made it easy to order another. The moment the conversation drifted - away from work, into something softer, more personal.
But he could also see something else. You and Lizzie in your ridiculous festive outfits. At home. Waiting for him.
You on the couch, TV running low because you didn’t want to miss the sound of the door. Your phone in your hand - just in case he texted. Lizzie asleep in your arms, completely fine. And his side of the couch still empty.
That was where he really wanted to be. He could feel it in every fiber of his being.
He shook his head. “Sorry, that was a stupid thing to say” he said quickly, glancing at her. “I should head home. Have a good one - and well Merry Christmas! See you tonight.”
He turned and walked toward the parking lot.
He couldn’t wait to come home.
--- --- ---
You wanna keep reading? - Next part is coming soon. I promise! :)
--- --- ---
A/N: I've already mapped out most of the chapters for this story but I'd still love to hear what you'd like to see!
If there's a scene you're hoping for, something you'd like more of (Jack's family, more moments with the rest of The Pitt, fluff, chaos, drama… you name it) just leave a comment or send me a message.
I can't promise everything will fit into the story but I love reading your ideas and they often inspire new scenes.
--- --- ---
Tag list: @itjustpunkpizzabae, @theariesview @michasia24 @bye-bye-gremlings @tyghvbuijknmopkl @momdancingtomcr @alexxavicry @rainforestfrogss @starkgaryan @moistointments @rossy1080 @abzidabzy @weepingwhispersengineer @cherryybombsworld @woodxtock @letstryagaintomorrow @romanticpursuit @nicelittletriptotheforest @teenytinylilcrawdaddies @camie18 @thewillowarchive @fortjackson @eugene-emt-roe @nicksolemnlyswears @sarah-fuckyou @beepitybeepboop @amnatreal @goldfishenthusiast67 @karleyyyjaeee @starsmoonn @doesanyonereadthis @introvertedphilomath @noellealexisss @sweetwanderlust05 @eugene-emt-roe @lovehadlovelost @amacphet @asparklysoul @shinyskeletonsky @givemethemaknaes16 @artemis-the-ace @marvelsimps @anyasthoughts @amacphet @mukeovernetflix @doe-jenna @theariespov @h-the-comet @thisisjustmyface @acn87 @happyendingarentreal @the-newest-vegetarian @kathaaaaaaa @robbyspittling @mimithanerd @littlezee80 @kimmie113080 @ozwriterchick @emmasophiea @yeoldedumbslut @reviewsandreadathons-blog @baileythepenguin @fallenlilangel99 @princess76179 @little-blue-fishie @starksztony @deamus-liv @ravenclawbitch4266 @jinglesmells13377 @livsunst @scottish-fangirl-98 @aoi-targaryen @cats-coffeeandbooks @pearlofthepitt @leolionsthings @dopedreamobject @findthebeautyinbreakdowns @sophiesmovingcastle5 @arin-dummyboy @xxohsnapitspatxx @queen-honeybee-stories @shanty-lol @memeorydotcom @norman1967 @1dhoe93 @spidergirlnr1 @sheztii @littlewolfbird @tubby23 @emmiizz13 @vicky066 @mrsyixingunicorn10 @palomavz @tubby23 @merlin-288
I just need a break
Dr. Jack Abbot x (female) reader | Dr. Jack Abbot x you
Summary: Jack tells you the real reason he chose to work Christmas. It goes about as well as you'd expect.
A/N: Please don’t hate the resident - this is 100% on Jack not her 😭
Sequel to:
Part 1: You stole my cart
Part 2: Wanna grab coffee?
Part 3: Wanna come over?
Part 4: I knew you were trouble
Part 5: Am I your girlfriend?
Part 6: And you are...?
Part 7: I can't compete with ghosts
Part 8: I'm like Mary Poppins - just more handsome and with more drugs
Part 9: I've got a face for television, baby
Part 10: I pretend I'm not completely confused by that
Part 11: I told you to slow down with the drinks
Part 12: Don't you dare apologize, kiddo
Part 13: I'll be right here and clean up the mess
Part 14: Reminds me of my time in Afghanistan, just a bit nicer
Interlude I:
Tell me about it (The Jack Sessions - Part I)
Tell me about it (The Jack Sessions - Part II)
Tell me about it (The Jack Sessions - Part III)
Part 15: What's next? Bungee jumping?
Part 16: Grief-induced rebound-shag? Did he really say that?
Part 17: You can't say that anymore
Part 18: I'm not Santa but I brought gifts anyway
Part 19: You shouldn't be worrying about money
Part 20: The eyes, Jack. The eyes
Part 21: Didn't know your dad was here helping you move
Part 22: I'm a hopeless romantic trapped in the body of a slightly sarcastic boomer
Part 23: I've been thinking about something...
Part 24: Hard to predict what'll do in the haze after nightshift
Part 25: I'm not your punching bag
Part 26: Not my fault you can't keep it in your scrubs
Part 27: That's not enough time
Part 28: Congratulations on the degree, Dr. Abbot
Part 29: I didn't know she was your girl
Part 30: You guys act like he committed a crime
Part 31: You never have to apologize for calling me or being scared
Part 32: It's about the fact that I don't want you to die
Bonus Chapter: Did you actually think this through?
Part 33: You had a problem. I fixed it. No big deal
Part 34: Sorry for being so fucking late
Interlude II: And she called you?!
Part 35: You did so fucking brilliantly kiddo
Part 36: She deserves to become her own person
Part 37: I think we made a mistake
Part 38: You two do realize you're not a couple, right?
Part 39: I don't know what to do. I don't know anything
Part 40: I'm glad he finally stuck with something
Part 41: It's not against you, darling. It's just... personal
Part 42: I get it. Family isn't easy
Part 43: I don't want you thinking about my sister the first time we have sex again
Part 44: You had it coming
Bonus chapter: You don't get to decide what kind of woman I should be
Part 45: I didn't think it was all battle royal out there
Bonus chapter: Wow. Not even hypothetical me gets any freedom?
Part 46: You wanna tell me something?
Part 47: But now listen carefully - Daddy's first important life lesson for you
Part 48: That face needs to populate a whole bloodline
Part 49: I know exactly who to call
Part 50: I think I'm more comfortable falling apart in your own apartment
Part 51: It's just a rough patch. Okay?
Part 52: If you think I'm helicoptering - he's next level
Part 53: She's totally judging you
Part 54: I don't need an audience
Part 55: Good call, labeling your boss the department slut
Part 56: I think that's a bad idea, girl
Part 57: I thought things were going well
Interlude II:
Tell me about it (The Jack Sessions - Part IV)
Part 58: Please tell me she insulted you
Part 59: Must be a world record with only one-and-a-half legs
Interlude III:
Tell me about it (The Jack Sessions - Part V)
Part 60: We're okay. So let's be... okay.
Interlude IV:
Let's talk about it (The Couple Sessions - Part I)
Part 61: And sorry I'm not a woman you could hit on
Part 62: Maybe they think we're having an affair
Part 63: That was the funniest thing you ever said
Part 64: Don't do that girl. Some of us had a rough shift
Bonus Chapter: robbby forced me. 0/10 expeirence. miss you.
Part 65: I feel like we missed a memo
Part 66: So, we are negotiating with terrorists now?
Part 67: I think I could use your help too
Part 68: I'm working nights over Christmas, by the way
Interlude V:
Tell me about it (The Jack Sessions - Part IV)
--- --- ---
Lizzie was finally asleep and the apartment was quiet. Well - except for the argument happening in the living room.
Jack stood in the middle of the room, arms crossed, like he already knew this wasn’t going to go well. You sat on the sofa, staring at him.
“... say that again, please.”
Jack exhaled slowly. “It’s not a big deal-”
“No” you cut in sharply. “Not that part. The other part.”
He hesitated.
“Jack.”
He dragged a hand over his face. “One of the residents asked if I’d take the shift.”
You tilted your head. “... what?”
“She’s on nights that week. And she prefers working with me. I-” he shrugged, like that would soften it. “- I didn’t want to disappoint her.”
For a second, you just stared at him. Processing what he’d just said. Then - “You’re kidding.”
His jaw tightened. “I’m not.”
A short, disbelieving laugh escaped you. “You are not telling me that you’re missing your daughter’s first Christmas because some resident prefers working with you?”
“It’s not like that-”
“No, no, explain it to me” you snapped, stepping closer. “Explain to me how that’s more important than being here.”
“It’s not more important” Jack shot back, voice rising. “And I’m still here for most of it-”
“Most of it?” you repeated, louder now. “It’s her first Christmas and you’re giving her what - sixty percent?”
“She’s five months old” he fired back. “She’s not going to remember it.”
“That’s not the point!”
“Then what is the point?” he demanded.
“The point is that I will remember it” you snapped. “That we will remember it. That this is the first time we do this as a family and you just - what - gave it away because you didn’t want to hurt someone’s feelings at work?!”
“That’s not fair!”
“No, it’s not fair” you cut in, your voice breaking now. “It’s not fair that I have to sit here on Christmas night alone because you decided someone else needed you more!”
Jack took a step forward. “That’s not what I said.”
“Probably not, but it’s exactly what you did.”
“I made a professional decision to-”
“Oh, don’t!” you cut in. “Don’t hide behind that. Don’t you dare.”
His expression hardened. “This is my job.”
“And this is your family.”
The words hit hard. There was a brief, heavy silence.
“I’m allowed to care about my job” Jack said in a low voice.
“Yes, you are. And I’m allowed to expect you to care about this too” you shot back immediately, gesturing between you.
“I do care!”
“Then why didn’t you even talk to me about it first?”
He stopped for half a second. “You’re blowing this out of proportion!”
Your head snapped back like he’d slapped you. “I’m blowing this out of proportion?”
“Yes!”
You laughed - not amused but sharp, hurt.
“Okay” you said, nodding slowly. “Okay, that’s good to know.”
Jack frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means I now know exactly where I stand” you said, voice quieter - but way more dangerous. “Because if this is not a big deal to you, then I don’t know what is.”
“That’s not what I-”
“You chose her over us, Jack.”
“I did not-”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake - you did” you cut in, louder again. “She asked and you said yes. You didn’t think about me, you didn’t think about Lizzie, you didn’t even mention it until it was too late to change anything.”
“I didn’t want to make it a whole thing.”
“Well, congratulations” you shot back. “You failed.”
Jack stared at you. He was breathing heavier now. “You think this is about her” he said finally. “It’s not.”
“Then what is it about?”
“It’s about you not trusting me” he said.
You blinked, caught off guard. “... are you serious right now?”
“You hear resident and she and suddenly-”
“That is not what this is about” you snapped, stepping closer again. “Don’t you dare turn this into that.”
“Then why bring it up like that?”
“Because you made a decision that affects us without even considering me!” you shot back. “And now you’re standing here acting like I’m the problem for being upset about it!”
Jack ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. “I can’t win here.”
“No, you can’t” you said immediately. “Because you already lost the second you decided this wasn’t worth a conversation.”
Jack went quiet.
“You know what the worst part is?” you said, voice shaking slightly now. “It’s not even that you’re working. I get that. I do.”
Jack looked at you. Then why are we yelling, his expression said.
“It’s that you didn’t think of me at all” you finished. “Not once.”
Jack swallowed. “That’s not true.”
You shook your head. “It is. And you know - I would have said yes anyway.”
“What?”
“If you had talked to me” you said. “If you had said ‘Hey, this matters to me, can we figure it out’ - I would have said yes.”
Jack didn’t move. He just stared at you.
“I’m not mad because you’re working” you added, voice tired now. “I’m mad because you made that decision like I wasn’t part of it.”
The silence after this stretched too long.
Jack was still standing there, like he was waiting for something - another argument, maybe. Something he could push against. But you didn’t give him that.
You just turned and walked past him with no explanation.
Jack frowned slightly. “What are you doing?”
You didn’t answer. You just grabbed your coat from the hook. Then your shoes.
“Hey!” Jack stepped closer. “What are you doing?”
You sat down, pulling on your shoes. “Can you watch Lizzie?” you asked, your voice calm. “There’s pumped milk in the freezer.”
Jack stared at you. “... what?”
You stood, shrugging into your coat. “I just need a break.”
“A break?” he repeated, sharper now. “At - what - ten at night?”
You didn’t look at him, but nodded.
“From what?”
That made you pause for a second. “From this.”
Jack took a step toward you. “Where are you going?”
You shrugged lightly.
“That’s not an answer.”
“It’s the only one I have.”
His voice dropped. “Are you seriously just walking out on me?”
You held his gaze for a second. Then - “Don’t wait up for me.”
Jack blinked. “What?!”
But you were already halfway to the door.
He followed you, frustration rising again. “Are you kidding me right now? You don’t just get to-”
You opened the door and turned back once. “Just… take care of her, okay?”
Then you stepped out and closed the door behind you.
Jack stood there for a second, still tense from the fight, jaw tight, breath a little too fast. His anger was still there - sharp, immediate, easy to hold onto.
“Unbelievable” he muttered under his breath, dragging a hand through his hair. “Just - walking out like that-”
He turned away from the door, pacing once across the living room, then back again like he could walk it off. Like if he kept moving he wouldn’t have to think about what just happened.
Then - a soft sound from the baby monitor. Jack stopped mid-step and looked at it.
Then he looked toward the door.
And something about the quiet - about how empty the apartment suddenly felt - shifted just slightly under his feet.
“Yeah, great” he muttered, reaching for his phone. “Perfect.”
He opened your chat and typed quickly.
Really? You’re just leaving like that?
He sent it without thinking. Then he stared at the screen.
Nothing.
He exhaled sharply and started pacing again, but slower this time. Less charged. The edge was already wearing off, whether he liked it or not.
He typed again.
At least tell me where you’re going.
Minutes passed.
Jack checked the baby monitor again. Lizzie was still asleep, completely undisturbed, her small chest rising and falling steadily. The normalcy of it felt… wrong, somehow.
He sat down on the couch, then leaned forward immediately, elbows on his knees, staring at his phone like it might give him something back if he looked hard enough.
“Jesus…”
He typed again, slower this time.
Can you just text me so I know you’re okay?
He sent it.
But still - nothing.
His anger has mostly drained out by now, leaving something less comfortable behind. The silence stretched and with that his thoughts started catching up to him - everything you’d said, the way you’d said it, that moment where your voice had gone quiet instead of loud.
That part stuck - if he liked it or not.
He rubbed his face with one hand, exhaling slowly, then looked back at his phone. He typed again, hesitated - then sent it anyway.
I’m sorry, okay?
No response. He could see you read all of his messages but still - nothing.
He swallowed, thumb hovering again before he typed one more.
I shouldn’t have handled that like that.
Then:
Please just tell me where you are.
The baby monitor crackled softly again. Lizzie shifted, letting out a small sleepy sound. Jack glanced over, watching the screen for a moment, grounding himself in that familiar rhythm.
Then back to his phone.
Another message.
Please.
An hour later his phone finally buzzed. He grabbed it immediately.
I’m at Mara’s.
That was it. No explanation. No softening. No reassurance. Just - information.
Jack read it once. Then again.
Relief hit first - then something heaver settled in right behind it. He leaned back slowly, staring at the message, thumb hovering as he typed a response.
Okay. Just text me if you’re coming back tonight.
No reply came.
Jack let his head fall back against the couch, eyes fixed on the ceiling. The apartment felt off now - too quiet, too still, like something important had shifted and hadn’t settled yet.
From the monitor came a sharp cry.
Lizzie.
Jack turned his head, watching her for a second, then he pushed himself up with a groan and walked toward her room.
At least that was something he knew how to fix.
Jack didn’t remember falling asleep.
One minute he had been staring at his phone, running through every possible scenario - car accident, dead battery, you not coming back, you finding comfort somewhere else - in someone else’s arm. Each one worse than the last.
He had checked the monitor. Checked the door. Checked his phone again.
But still - nothing.
He had brushed his teeth. Taken his prosthetic off. Gotten into bed.
Just for a second.
And then - nothing.
Jack woke when the mattress dipped slightly beside him. He opened his eyes slowly, disorientated, confused - and then he saw you.
You were climbing into bed, already in your pajamas, careful like you didn’t want to wake him.
For a second he just stared. Relief hit him so hard it almost hurt.
“... hey” he whispered, voice rough from sleep.
You didn’t answer. You just pulled the blanket up, settling on your side, facing away from him.
He exhaled sharply and moved closer immediately, one arm sliding around your waist, pulling you against him like he needed to make sure you were real.
“Hey” he murmured into your shoulder. “I thought…”
He didn’t finish that sentence. Instead his hand tightened slightly against you.
“I’m sorry” he said quietly. “I’m really sorry.”
His voice was softer than you’d heard in a long time. Stripped from everything - no edge, no defensiveness. Just… honest.
“I handled that like shit” he added, his breath warm against your neck. “I should’ve talked to you. I should’ve-” He stopped, exhaling. “I messed that up.”
He pressed his face a little closer into you, holding on.
“I didn’t mean to make you feel like you don’t matter” he murmured. “You do. You and Lizzie, you’re… everything.”
His grip tightened again, just slightly.
“I was wrong” he said. “About all of it.”
Then he went quiet. He waited. For you to turn. To say something. To lean back into him like you always did. But this time - you didn’t. You just lay there. Still. Listening.
Your body in his arms - but not melting into them, not responding, not giving anything back.
Jack felt it immediately. That difference. That distance.
His hand stilled where it rested against you.
“... hey” he said quietly, a little unsure now. “Talk to me.”
Nothing.
He could hear your breathing. Even. Controlled. Awake - but distant.
Jack swallowed. His thumb moved slightly against your side - a small, almost unconscious attempt to soothe something that wasn’t settling.
“I mean it” he added, softly. “I’ll fix it. I’ll figure something out.”
Still nothing.
The silence stretched.
Jack’s chest tightened. “Please.”
Then silence again.
Jack felt it before he saw it. That shift of you moving. Slowly, you turned in his arms. And for the first time since you got back, you faced him.
His breath caught. “... hey” he said softly, searching your face.
You held his gaze for a second.
Then - “I love you.”
You said it quietly. Honest.
And it hit him like relief. Until -
“I just… don’t really like you right now.”
That took him off guard. His face fell slightly. “Okay…” he said, barely above a whisper.
You didn’t look away. “You hurt me” you continued. No accusation in your voice. Just… fact.
Jack swallowed. “I know.”
“I mean it” you added. “You didn’t just mess up. You made a decision that left me out of something that matters. And then you acted like it didn’t.”
His grip on you loosened just a fraction. Not pulling away - just giving you space.
“I get why you’re working” you went on. “I’m not stupid. I even get why you said yes. But… you don’t get to do that without me.”
Jack nodded once. “Yeah. You’re right.”
You watched him for a second, like you were checking if he actually meant that.
“I’ll go along with it. This time.”
His brows pulled together slightly. “What do you mean?”
“It means” you said, steady. “We’ll do Christmas like you planned. I’m not going to fight you on it again.” You paused. “But if this turns into a pattern-” you held his gaze, not raising your voice, not softening it either. “- I’m not sticking around for that.”
Jack stilled completely.
“I’m serious” you added quietly. “I’m not raising Lizzie in a family where one parent makes decisions like that and then expects everyone else to just… deal with it.”
Jack’s throat tightened. “... okay” he said, voice rougher now.
“I mean it” you repeated.
“I know” he said quickly. “I know.”
You shifted slightly, settling back onto the pillow. “Good.”
You lay there for a while. You could feel it - he was still awake. The tension hadn’t gone anywhere, it had just settled into something heavier. Your eyes stayed open as you listened to his breathing.
After a while you shifted slowly.
You moved closer, pressing into him, your face finding that familiar place against his chest like muscle memory hadn’t gotten the memo that things were a bit more complicated now.
He didn’t move for a second - then his arms came around you. His grip was tight.
“Hey…” he murmured softly, his hand sliding up your back.
You breathed him in.
“I love you” he said quietly. “I know I fucked up.”
You nodded against him. “Yeah.”
“I’m sorry.” His hand moved slowly over your back. “I’m not gonna do that again. I mean that.”
You paused for a moment. “I’m sorry too.”
His hand stilled slightly. “For what?”
You shifted just enough to look up at him. “For screaming. And for… leaving like that. That… wasn’t okay.”
Jack frowned slightly, his thumb brushing along your side. “You had a reason to be upset.”
“Yeah” you said. “Still doesn’t make it okay.” You shrugged. “I shouldn’t have just walked out without telling you where I was going.”
Jack studied your face for a second. “I kind of deserved that.”
You huffed a quiet breath. “That’s not how this works.”
You settled back against him again. “I was worried” he said after a moment. “When you didn’t answer.”
You nodded. “I know.”
“I didn’t like that” he added.
“You weren’t supposed to.”
That made him huff softly. “Fair.”
His hand kept moving slowly over your back. Yours rested against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm under your palm.
“Thanks for coming back” he whispered.
You swallowed hard. “Of course.”
He pulled you a little closer. “There’s something I need to ask you.”
“Yeah…?”
He took a deep breath. “Are you still my girlfriend?”
A warm feeling spread through your body when he pulled out your little inside joke. And despite you were still angry, this made you chuckle softly. “Yes. I’m still your girlfriend” you breathed out, closing your eyes. “For now.”
Jack went still for a second. Then he exhaled quietly, his arm tightening around you - not enough to trap you, just enough like he was holding onto something that suddenly didn’t feel as certain anymore.
He pressed a slow kiss to the top of your head, lingering there.
--- --- ---
You wanna keep reading? - Next part is coming soon. I promise! :)
--- --- ---
A/N: I've already mapped out most of the chapters for this story but I'd still love to hear what you'd like to see!
If there's a scene you're hoping for, something you'd like more of (Jack's family, more moments with the rest of The Pitt, fluff, chaos, drama… you name it) just leave a comment or send me a message.
I can't promise everything will fit into the story but I love reading your ideas and they often inspire new scenes.
--- --- ---
Tag list: @itjustpunkpizzabae, @theariesview @michasia24 @bye-bye-gremlings @tyghvbuijknmopkl @momdancingtomcr @alexxavicry @rainforestfrogss @starkgaryan @moistointments @rossy1080 @abzidabzy @weepingwhispersengineer @cherryybombsworld @woodxtock @letstryagaintomorrow @romanticpursuit @nicelittletriptotheforest @teenytinylilcrawdaddies @camie18 @thewillowarchive @fortjackson @eugene-emt-roe @nicksolemnlyswears @sarah-fuckyou @beepitybeepboop @amnatreal @goldfishenthusiast67 @karleyyyjaeee @starsmoonn @doesanyonereadthis @introvertedphilomath @noellealexisss @sweetwanderlust05 @eugene-emt-roe @lovehadlovelost @amacphet @asparklysoul @shinyskeletonsky @givemethemaknaes16 @saibaxoxo @artemis-the-ace @marvelsimps @anyasthoughts @amacphet @mukeovernetflix @doe-jenna @theariespov @h-the-comet @thisisjustmyface @acn87 @happyendingarentreal @the-newest-vegetarian @kathaaaaaaa @robbyspittling @mimithanerd @littlezee80 @kimmie113080 @ozwriterchick @emmasophiea @yeoldedumbslut @reviewsandreadathons-blog @baileythepenguin @fallenlilangel99 @princess76179 @little-blue-fishie @starksztony @deamus-liv @ravenclawbitch4266 @jinglesmells13377 @livsunst @scottish-fangirl-98 @aoi-targaryen @cats-coffeeandbooks @pearlofthepitt @leolionsthings @dopedreamobject @findthebeautyinbreakdowns @sophiesmovingcastle5 @arin-dummyboy @xxohsnapitspatxx @queen-honeybee-stories @shanty-lol @memeorydotcom @norman1967 @1dhoe93 @spidergirlnr1 @sheztii @littlewolfbird @tubby23 @emmiizz13 @vicky066 @mrsyixingunicorn10 @palomavz
😭😭😭 oh my god this killed me. I'm ugly crying right now. Fantastic writing! More please...
i just spent $7.99 on a quinn audio subscription solely for Shawn Hatosy.
Tell me about it (The Jack Sessions - Part VI)
Dr. Jack Abbot x (female) reader | Dr. Jack Abbot x you
Summary: Jack is in serious need of therapy today.
A/N: Another chapter today because the last one was so short :)
Sequel to:
Part 1: You stole my cart
Part 2: Wanna grab coffee?
Part 3: Wanna come over?
Part 4: I knew you were trouble
Part 5: Am I your girlfriend?
Part 6: And you are...?
Part 7: I can't compete with ghosts
Part 8: I'm like Mary Poppins - just more handsome and with more drugs
Part 9: I've got a face for television, baby
Part 10: I pretend I'm not completely confused by that
Part 11: I told you to slow down with the drinks
Part 12: Don't you dare apologize, kiddo
Part 13: I'll be right here and clean up the mess
Part 14: Reminds me of my time in Afghanistan, just a bit nicer
Interlude I:
Tell me about it (The Jack Sessions - Part I)
Tell me about it (The Jack Sessions - Part II)
Tell me about it (The Jack Sessions - Part III)
Part 15: What's next? Bungee jumping?
Part 16: Grief-induced rebound-shag? Did he really say that?
Part 17: You can't say that anymore
Part 18: I'm not Santa but I brought gifts anyway
Part 19: You shouldn't be worrying about money
Part 20: The eyes, Jack. The eyes
Part 21: Didn't know your dad was here helping you move
Part 22: I'm a hopeless romantic trapped in the body of a slightly sarcastic boomer
Part 23: I've been thinking about something...
Part 24: Hard to predict what'll do in the haze after nightshift
Part 25: I'm not your punching bag
Part 26: Not my fault you can't keep it in your scrubs
Part 27: That's not enough time
Part 28: Congratulations on the degree, Dr. Abbot
Part 29: I didn't know she was your girl
Part 30: You guys act like he committed a crime
Part 31: You never have to apologize for calling me or being scared
Part 32: It's about the fact that I don't want you to die
Bonus Chapter: Did you actually think this through?
Part 33: You had a problem. I fixed it. No big deal
Part 34: Sorry for being so fucking late
Interlude II: And she called you?!
Part 35: You did so fucking brilliantly kiddo
Part 36: She deserves to become her own person
Part 37: I think we made a mistake
Part 38: You two do realize you're not a couple, right?
Part 39: I don't know what to do. I don't know anything
Part 40: I'm glad he finally stuck with something
Part 41: It's not against you, darling. It's just... personal
Part 42: I get it. Family isn't easy
Part 43: I don't want you thinking about my sister the first time we have sex again
Part 44: You had it coming
Bonus chapter: You don't get to decide what kind of woman I should be
Part 45: I didn't think it was all battle royal out there
Bonus chapter: Wow. Not even hypothetical me gets any freedom?
Part 46: You wanna tell me something?
Part 47: But now listen carefully - Daddy's first important life lesson for you
Part 48: That face needs to populate a whole bloodline
Part 49: I know exactly who to call
Part 50: I think I'm more comfortable falling apart in your own apartment
Part 51: It's just a rough patch. Okay?
Part 52: If you think I'm helicoptering - he's next level
Part 53: She's totally judging you
Part 54: I don't need an audience
Part 55: Good call, labeling your boss the department slut
Part 56: I think that's a bad idea, girl
Part 57: I thought things were going well
Interlude II:
Tell me about it (The Jack Sessions - Part IV)
Part 58: Please tell me she insulted you
Part 59: Must be a world record with only one-and-a-half legs
Interlude III:
Tell me about it (The Jack Sessions - Part V)
Part 60: We're okay. So let's be... okay.
Interlude IV:
Let's talk about it (The Couple Sessions - Part I)
Part 61: And sorry I'm not a woman you could hit on
Part 62: Maybe they think we're having an affair
Part 63: That was the funniest thing you ever said
Part 64: Don't do that girl. Some of us had a rough shift
Bonus Chapter: robbby forced me. 0/10 expeirence. miss you.
Part 65: I feel like we missed a memo
Part 66: So, we are negotiating with terrorists now?
Part 67: I think I could use your help too
Part 68: I'm working nights over Christmas, by the way
--- --- ---
(Jack comes into the office, but doesn’t sit right away. He hovers for a second, then drops into the chair.)
Jack: Morning.
Therapist: Good morning Jack.
Jack: So… what are you doing for Christmas?
(A pause.)
Therapist: You sure you want to talk about my plans for three hundred dollars an hour?
Jack: (huffs) Fair.
(A pause again.)
Jack: I’m working.
Therapist: Okay.
Jack: I always work Christmas. That’s… kind of the point, you know? People with kids get to be home.
Therapist: But you do have a kid at home, Jack.
Jack: Yeah, I know, but… she’s like five months old. She’s not gonna remember any of it. It’s not (gestures vaguely) … her holiday yet.
(The therapist looks at him, one eyebrow raised.)
Jack: And I’m still there for most of it. Christmas Eve. Morning. Gifts. Facetime with the family. I’m not missing anything that actually matters.
Therapist: The fact that you bring this topic up instantly brings me to the conclusion that there is currently some tension between you and your girlfriend about this.
(Jack huffs.)
Jack: Yeah…
Therapist: You say - you’re missing nothing that actually matters to you.
Jack: No - objectively.
Therapist: And your partner disagrees?
Jack: … yeah. (rubs his jaw) She asked what she’s supposed to do after I leave for my shift.
Therapist: And what did you tell her?
Jack: That I’d be back in the morning.
Therapist: And that answered her question?
Jack: … no. (pauses) She brought up Robby.
Therapist: In what way?
Jack: Said maybe he could come over. Christmas night. When I’m working.
Therapist: How did that feel?
Jack: (leans back, crossing arms) Great. Why shouldn’t it feel that way?
Therapist: That doesn’t sound like “great”.
Jack: It’s fine. He’s probably free because he doesn’t celebrate Christmas. And he’s Lizzie's godfather. So… great.
Therapist: And you’re comfortable with that.
(Jack hesitates.)
Therapist: I take this as a no. What are you feeling, Jack?
(His jaw tightens and he looks out of the window.)
Jack: I … I don’t like it.
Therapist: Why is that?
Jack: Because… it’s Christmas.
Therapist: Go on.
Jack: It’s a family thing. It’s… not just some random night. And I’m not there and she’s just - what - inviting him over?
Therapist: You sound angry.
Jack: I… probably am angry.
Therapist: At her?
Jack: No! (pauses) Yeah… okay, yeah, a little. She knows I don’t love that dynamic.
Therapist: What dynamic?
Jack: (hesitates, then blurts out) I’ve accused her of cheating with him before. And now she wants him in our apartment. On Christmas. While I’m not there.
Therapist: And that feels threatening.
Jack: Yeah.
Therapist: You also chose to be absent that night.
Jack: I didn’t choose (stops). I mean, I did, but that’s not-
Therapist: Jack, you chose to work. And now you’re uncomfortable with how she fills that space.
(Jack shrugs.)
Therapist: Even though you’re the one creating that space.
(Jack doesn’t answer.)
Therapist: You want her to be alone instead.
Jack: No! I don’t-
Therapist: And you don’t want Robby to be there with her.
Jack: I didn’t-
Therapist: That wasn’t a question, Jack. That was an observation.
(He stares at her, lips pressed together tightly.)
Therapist: So what is the acceptable option in this case for you?
(Silence.)
Therapist: Do you see the double standard?
Jack: … yeah.
Therapist: You leave but you don’t want her to replace your present. Even though you’re not there to offer it.
Jack: Yeah. I just… I just don’t like what that turns into, though.
Therapist: What does it turn into?
Jack: This idea that I can’t make decisions on my own anymore.
Therapist: You’ve got the feeling because she questioned this one.
Jack: Yeah because it suddenly becomes a whole thing. Like I should’ve asked or checked or - I don’t know - cleared it.
Therapist: You don’t want to feel like you need permission.
Jack: Yeah. I’m a grown man and I made my own decisions for the last thirty-five years.
Therapist: Did she actually ask you to get her permission?
Jack: (opens his mouth and closes it again after a moment) … no.
Therapist: What did she ask for?
Jack: I don’t know… maybe… like… (pauses) she didn’t really ask for anything.
Therapist: I find this hard to believe. She may not have asked directly, but there was probably something in what she said.
Jack: (pauses) Maybe to be… considered?
(It’s clear he doesn’t like how accurate that word is.)
Therapist: Does this feel different from asking permission?
Jack: It should.
Therapist: But it doesn’t?
Jack: (exhales) It feels like… like I make a decision and then I have to defend it.
Therapist: You have to defend it to your partner because it affects her too.
(Jack shifts in his seat, restless.)
Jack: I’ve been doing this job long enough to know what makes sense. That it makes sense that I work Christmas.
Therapist: It makes sense for you. (pauses) You’re adjusting to the fact that “what makes sense” now includes someone else’s experience.
Jack: (huffs) Yeah, well, that part’s new.
Therapist: And it’s uncomfortable for you.
Jack: … yeah. I just… I thought it wouldn’t be a big deal.
Therapist: Because you already decided it wasn’t.
Jack: (annoyed) Well… yeah. Kind of.
Therapist: Let’s look at this differently. How do you think it would have felt if she’d been completely okay with your decision?
Jack: Um… (shrugs) … good. I guess?
Therapist: Because she wouldn’t have questioned you.
Jack: … yeah.
Therapist: It could’ve felt worse too.
Jack: Excuse me?
Therapist: It could’ve meant she didn’t really mind whether you were there or not.
(Jack’s brows furrow.)
Jack: No, - that’s not the same thing.
Therapist: Isn’t it?
Jack: No.
Therapist: But the outcome would be the same, right? She’d be okay with your decision.
Jack: Yes, but … I want her to care.
Therapist: About?
Jack: Me… being there.
Therapist: And you also want to make the decision without being questioned.
Jack: … yeah.
Therapist: Those two things can conflict. If she didn’t push back you wouldn’t feel challenged. But you might also feel less important.
Jack: So, am I supposed to be… what? Glad she’s upset?
Therapist: No, you shouldn’t be glad about that. But you should be curious about what the reaction means.
Jack: It means… she wanted me there.
Therapist: I think so too.
(Jack leans back, thinking.)
Therapist: You’ve said a few times that you’re not missing anything important. Do you still feel that way?
(He leans back, eyes drifting for a second.)
Jack: I… I think… it’s not… (sighs) No. (exhales) I mean - that’s what I told myself.
Therapist: And now?
Jack: Now it sounds… convenient.
Therapist: How so?
Jack: Like if I decide it’s not important then I don’t have to deal with what I’m actually choosing.
Therapist: What are you choosing?
Jack: (looks down at his hands) Work.
Therapist: Is that consistent with how you want to see yourself?
Jack: No.
Therapist: So why did you choose work then?
Jack: I already told you. I always work Christmas and Lizzie is too small to remember so-
Therapist: (interrupts) I know what you told me. That’s the explanation. I’m asking for the reason, Jack.
(Jack stares at her for a moment like he wants to murder her on the spot. Then he lets out a long breath.)
Jack: One of the residents asked if I’d work Christmas. She’s on nights and she prefers working with me. I - (shrugs slightly) - like working with her too. Robby can be a bit harsh with her during the day, so she’s more confident when she’s with me. And I… didn’t want to disappoint her.
Therapist: That’s not a bad thing, Jack. You chose to be a mentor to this resident.
Jack: Yeah.
Therapist: Did you tell your girlfriend this?
Jack: (huffs) No.
Therapist: Why not?
Jack: Seriously?
Therapist: Always.
Jack: The resident is a woman. You want me to tell my girlfriend that I chose not to be at home for Christmas because another woman asked me to be at work?
Therapist: I’d suggest talking about that with her, yeah.
Jack: Nope.
Therapist: What are you afraid of?
Jack: I’m not afraid.
Therapist: Jack, please.
Jack: (huffs again) I don’t want to give the wrong impression.
Therapist: What do you mean by that?
Jack: That I’m choosing another woman over her.
Therapist: But that’s exactly what you’re doing, Jack.
(Jack opens his mouth and closes it again. He stares at her.)
Jack: But that doesn’t mean anything. It’s not like I want to … I don’t know… fuck her or something.
Therapist: (raises an eyebrow) I didn’t suggest you did.
(Jack blushes.)
Therapist: Interesting that you went there. Do you?
Jack: (swallows hard) No.
(A pause.)
Therapist: I’ll ask you again, Jack. Have you ever thought about her differently?
Jack: … that’s not relevant.
Therapist: It might be.
Jack: (pauses) … okay, yeah. A while ago. Before I met… my girlfriend.
Therapist: So it’s probably fair to say you still have some kind of feelings for this particular resident.
Jack: Yeah - I mean nothing inappropriate or anything. I just… care about her. She’s a great physician and I don’t want her to quit just because Robby is… Robby. She works better with me. She trusts me.
Therapist: That sounds like you have good intention.
Jack: Mhm.
Therapist: But not telling your girlfriend about that - minus the wanting to sleep with her in the past (smiles slightly) - creates tension. Because from your girlfriends perspective there’s a piece of information missing. And that can make it seem like you don’t care about her.
Jack: Mhm.
Therapist: So it would probably help to talk with her about that.
Jack: No.
(The therapist looks at him, surprised.)
Therapist: Just - no?
Jack: Yep. Just no. I’m not opening Pandoras box here. Not happening.
Therapist: You are aware that could create bigger problems down the line, yeah?
Jack: It won’t. Because that’s a one-time thing. I already told her I’m taking days off next years.
(A small pause. The therapist studies him for a moment.)
Therapist: You’re avoiding one conversation. (pauses) So let’s look at the one you already had.
(Jack shifts slightly.)
Therapist: When did you tell her about you working over Christmas?
Jack: A couple of days ago.
Therapist: How long have you known you’d be working?
Jack: … a month. Maybe two.
Therapist: Why didn’t you tell her earlier?
Jack: I don’t know. I guess… I didn’t want her to… make other plans.
Therapist: What kind of plans?
Jack: I don’t know.
(He leans back, drags a hand across his face.)
Jack: Maybe fly out. See her family. Take Lizzie with her.
Therapist: Without you.
Jack: Yeah.
Therapist: And how would that have felt?
Jack: Not good. I would have missed it.
Therapist: But you’re missing parts of it now.
Jack: (frowns) It’s not the same.
Therapist: How is it different?
Jack: Because I’d still be… involved. I’d be here for most of it.
Therapist: And if she took Lizzie to her family - what would be different for you?
Jack: I wouldn’t be part of it at all.
Therapist: So you delayed telling her to avoid that outcome.
Jack: (exhales) Yeah. Kind of.
Therapist: Even though it meant she doesn’t have enough time to make a choice now.
Jack: (looks down) I didn’t think about it like that.
Therapist: You were trying to keep your place in the holiday. Without fully committing to being there.
(Jack presses his lips together.)
Therapist: You want to have your cake and eat it too.
(Jack doesn’t reply.)
Therapist: Do you think she felt included in your decision.
Jack: No.
Therapist: And you didn’t tell her early enough to give her a real choice.
Jack: … yeah.
Therapist: So, she’s reacting to being excluded. And you’re reacting to the possibility of being excluded.
Jack: (frowns) Yeah…
Therapist: Do you see how those things are connected?
Jack: I… didn’t want to be left out. So I made a decision that kind of left her out.
Therapist: Yes.
Jack: (rubs his jaw) That’s not great.
Therapist: No, it’s not.
(A pause.)
Therapist: Do you still have the option to change your plans?
Jack: (with no hesitation) No.
(A pause.)
Jack: I mean - technically, yeah. But I’m not gonna ask someone to cover. That’s… not how I do things. And I don’t want to disappoint my… resident.
Therapist: So you’re choosing not to change it.
Jack: (nods once) Yeah. Seems like it.
Therapist: Then the question isn’t what you’re going to do. It’s how you’re going to take responsibility for the impact.
Jack: … yeah.
Therapist: What do you think she needs from you now?
Jack: I don’t know. No excuses?
(He thinks.)
Jack: Probably not ‘It’s not a big deal’.
Therapist: No.
Jack: I… I told her I’d be off next year.
Therapist: Yeah, you already said that. How do you think that sounded to her?
Jack: Like… I’m fixing the wrong problem.
Therapist: Yes.
(Silence.)
Jack: I just don’t know how to fix this one.
Therapist: You may not be able to fix it.
Jack: (stares at her, then huffs) Okay, wow, that’s blunt.
Therapist: It’s true. You probably can’t fix it. But you can acknowledge it.
Jack: … yeah.
Therapist: And you can decide how you want to show up before you leave.
Jack: … yeah. That’s something I can do.
Therapist: There’s something else you can do, Jack.
Jack: Yeah? What?
Therapist: Tell her the reason.
Jack: No.
Therapist: Why are you fighting this?
Jack: I don’t want it to turn into something it’s not.
Therapist: What do you think it will turn into?
Jack: That I’m choosing someone else over her.
Therapist: And you’re not?
(Jack goes quiet.)
Therapist: It does sound like it when you say it out loud.
Jack: But it’s not… the whole picture.
Therapist: Then give her the whole picture.
Jack: It’s not that simple.
Therapist: It rarely is.
Jack: She’s already upset. This is just going to make it worse.
Therapist: Well… not telling her hasn’t made it better.
(Silence.)
Therapist: Right now she’s reacting to a decision she doesn’t fully understand. And you’re withholding the part that explains it. That makes it harder for her to trust your intent.
Jack: So what - I just walk in there and tell her I picked work because a resident asked me to?
Therapist: You tell her the truth.
Jack: That’s the truth.
Therapist: That’s part of the it. What made you say yes?
Jack: I told you.
Therapist: You told me what happened. I’m asking why it mattered.
Jack: It felt right.
Therapist: Why?
Jack: I don’t know It just - (sighs) - she needed coverage.
Therapist: So do a lot of people. What made this different?
Jack: She works better with me.
Therapist: And that matters to you.
Jack: Yeah.
Therapist: Why?
(Jack hesitates, rubs his jaw, looks away.)
Jack: Because I know I’m good at it. I walk in, I know what I’m doing. I can help. I can… fix things.
Therapist: And at home?
Jack: It’s not that simple.
Therapist: So at work you feel competent.
Jack: I am competent.
Therapist: Okay. So at work you are competent. You feel like you are in control.
Jack: … yeah.
Therapist: And at home?
Jack: I get it wrong. Sometimes.
Therapist: So saying yes felt right because…?
Jack: … it was the easier choice.
Therapist: So you chose the place where you feel competent over the place where you’re needed differently.
Jack: … yeah.
Therapist: And you avoided a difficult conversation about that.
Jack: … yeah.
Therapist: And now you’re avoiding another one.
(Jack exhales slowly.)
Therapist: What kind of partner do you want to be here?
(Jack doesn't answer. The therapist flips through her notebook.)
Therapist: When your partner was pregnant we were talking about what kind of father you want to be. Do you remember that?
(Jack stares at her, jaw tight.)
Jack: … kind of.
Therapist: Do you remember what you told me?
(Jack hesitates, then shakes his head.)
Therapist: You don’t remember?
Jack: … no.
Therapist: Okay, then let me help you out. You told me you don’t want to be an absent father. You don’t want to be the one who’s always working. You said you wanted to be a present father. Reliable.
(She looks at him. He stares at his hands.)
Therapist: Are you that kind of father right now?
(Jack doesn’t answer.)
Therapist: Jack.
(He swallows hard.)
Therapist: Could you please answer the question, Jack.
Jack: (very quiet) I’m not.
Therapist: You said earlier Lizzie won’t remember.
Jack: Yeah, because she won’t.
Therapist: But someone will.
(Jack looks up.)
Therapist: Your partner will remember how this felt. Whether she felt included, considered or left out.
Jack: … yeah.
Therapist: So maybe this isn’t just about what kind of father you are. But it’s also about what kind of partner you’re being.
Jack: … so I have to tell her? Even if it makes it worse?
Therapist: It might. But it also gives her the chance to understand you.
Jack: If… if this backfires I’ll blame you.
(The therapist looks at him with a raised eyebrow.)
Therapist: That’s not how this works, Jack.
Jack: It was a joke.
Therapist: Then make it funnier next time.
(Jack opens his mouth, then closes it again.)
Jack: Great. Seems like I’m trying to make every woman around me angry today.
Therapist: Every woman? That’s ambitious.
Jack: Well… not intentionally.
Therapist: That’s rarely the problem.
Jack: … yeah. Well.
(The therapist glances at her watch.)
Therapist: If you want to make four billion other women angry today, you’d better get started - or you’ll fall behind schedule.
(Jack stares at her.)
Jack: Was that a joke? From you? That’s new.
Therapist: Yeah, I’m considering going into stand-up comedy.
(Jack tilts his head, surprised.)
Therapist: That was another joke. Jack. See you same time, next week?
Jack: Um - yeah. Sure. Thank you.
--- --- ---
You wanna keep reading? - Next part is coming soon. I promise! :)
--- --- ---
A/N: I've already mapped out most of the chapters for this story but I'd still love to hear what you'd like to see!
If there's a scene you're hoping for, something you'd like more of (Jack's family, more moments with the rest of The Pitt, fluff, chaos, drama… you name it) just leave a comment or send me a message.
I can't promise everything will fit into the story but I love reading your ideas and they often inspire new scenes.
--- --- ---
Tag list: @itjustpunkpizzabae, @theariesview @michasia24 @bye-bye-gremlings @tyghvbuijknmopkl @momdancingtomcr @alexxavicry @rainforestfrogss @starkgaryan @moistointments @rossy1080 @abzidabzy @weepingwhispersengineer @cherryybombsworld @woodxtock @letstryagaintomorrow @romanticpursuit @nicelittletriptotheforest @teenytinylilcrawdaddies @camie18 @thewillowarchive @fortjackson @eugene-emt-roe @nicksolemnlyswears @sarah-fuckyou @beepitybeepboop @amnatreal @goldfishenthusiast67 @karleyyyjaeee @starsmoonn @doesanyonereadthis @introvertedphilomath @noellealexisss @sweetwanderlust05 @eugene-emt-roe @lovehadlovelost @amacphet @asparklysoul @shinyskeletonsky @givemethemaknaes16 @saibaxoxo @artemis-the-ace @marvelsimps @anyasthoughts @amacphet @mukeovernetflix @doe-jenna @theariespov @h-the-comet @thisisjustmyface @acn87 @happyendingarentreal @the-newest-vegetarian @kathaaaaaaa @robbyspittling @mimithanerd @littlezee80 @kimmie113080 @ozwriterchick @emmasophiea @yeoldedumbslut @reviewsandreadathons-blog @baileythepenguin @fallenlilangel99 @princess76179 @little-blue-fishie @starksztony @deamus-liv @ravenclawbitch4266 @jinglesmells13377 @livsunst @scottish-fangirl-98 @aoi-targaryen @cats-coffeeandbooks @pearlofthepitt @leolionsthings @dopedreamobject @findthebeautyinbreakdowns @sophiesmovingcastle5 @arin-dummyboy @xxohsnapitspatxx @queen-honeybee-stories @shanty-lol @memeorydotcom @norman1967 @1dhoe93 @spidergirlnr1 @sheztii @littlewolfbird @tubby23 @emmiizz13 @vicky066 @mrsyixingunicorn10
Don’t do that, girl. Some of us had a rough shift.
Dr. Jack Abbot x (female) reader | Dr. Jack Abbot x you
Summary: Lizzies first Thanksgiving: an extra guest, a questionable amount of food, a brief deep dive into systemic issues and a resident performing turkey surgery. Karaoke may or may not be involved.
Sequel to:
Part 1: You stole my cart
Part 2: Wanna grab coffee?
Part 3: Wanna come over?
Part 4: I knew you were trouble
Part 5: Am I your girlfriend?
Part 6: And you are...?
Part 7: I can't compete with ghosts
Part 8: I'm like Mary Poppins - just more handsome and with more drugs
Part 9: I've got a face for television, baby
Part 10: I pretend I'm not completely confused by that
Part 11: I told you to slow down with the drinks
Part 12: Don't you dare apologize, kiddo
Part 13: I'll be right here and clean up the mess
Part 14: Reminds me of my time in Afghanistan, just a bit nicer
Interlude I:
Tell me about it (The Jack Sessions - Part I)
Tell me about it (The Jack Sessions - Part II)
Tell me about it (The Jack Sessions - Part III)
Part 15: What's next? Bungee jumping?
Part 16: Grief-induced rebound-shag? Did he really say that?
Part 17: You can't say that anymore
Part 18: I'm not Santa but I brought gifts anyway
Part 19: You shouldn't be worrying about money
Part 20: The eyes, Jack. The eyes
Part 21: Didn't know your dad was here helping you move
Part 22: I'm a hopeless romantic trapped in the body of a slightly sarcastic boomer
Part 23: I've been thinking about something...
Part 24: Hard to predict what'll do in the haze after nightshift
Part 25: I'm not your punching bag
Part 26: Not my fault you can't keep it in your scrubs
Part 27: That's not enough time
Part 28: Congratulations on the degree, Dr. Abbot
Part 29: I didn't know she was your girl
Part 30: You guys act like he committed a crime
Part 31: You never have to apologize for calling me or being scared
Part 32: It's about the fact that I don't want you to die
Bonus Chapter: Did you actually think this through?
Part 33: You had a problem. I fixed it. No big deal
Part 34: Sorry for being so fucking late
Interlude II: And she called you?!
Part 35: You did so fucking brilliantly kiddo
Part 36: She deserves to become her own person
Part 37: I think we made a mistake
Part 38: You two do realize you're not a couple, right?
Part 39: I don't know what to do. I don't know anything
Part 40: I'm glad he finally stuck with something
Part 41: It's not against you, darling. It's just... personal
Part 42: I get it. Family isn't easy
Part 43: I don't want you thinking about my sister the first time we have sex again
Part 44: You had it coming
Bonus chapter: You don't get to decide what kind of woman I should be
Part 45: I didn't think it was all battle royal out there
Bonus chapter: Wow. Not even hypothetical me gets any freedom?
Part 46: You wanna tell me something?
Part 47: But now listen carefully - Daddy's first important life lesson for you
Part 48: That face needs to populate a whole bloodline
Part 49: I know exactly who to call
Part 50: I think I'm more comfortable falling apart in your own apartment
Part 51: It's just a rough patch. Okay?
Part 52: If you think I'm helicoptering - he's next level
Part 53: She's totally judging you
Part 54: I don't need an audience
Part 55: Good call, labeling your boss the department slut
Part 56: I think that's a bad idea, girl
Part 57: I thought things were going well
Interlude II:
Tell me about it (The Jack Sessions - Part IV)
Part 58: Please tell me she insulted you
Part 59: Must be a world record with only one-and-a-half legs
Interlude III:
Tell me about it (The Jack Sessions - Part V)
Part 60: We're okay. So let's be... okay.
Interlude IV:
Let's talk about it (The Couple Sessions - Part I)
Part 61: And sorry I'm not a woman you could hit on
Part 62: Maybe they think we're having an affair
Part 63: That was the funniest thing you ever said
--- --- ---
The apartment looked put together – for once.
You had spent the last days tidying and cleaning – but when you found yourself on your hands and knees, scrubbing the floor behind the garbage bin, you decided that was enough. You weren’t about to become one of those people who assumed their guest were snooping around, looking for something wrong.
The table in the living room was set properly – tablecloth, aligned plates, polished glasses, candles already lit even though it was a bit early. The food was laid out in a way that suggested effort without quite admitting that most of it came from a restaurant that cost more than it should have.
But – it worked.
It looked like you knew what you were doing.
It was the first Thanksgiving you were hosting – and Lizzie's first Thanksgiving - and even if you didn’t expect many guests, you wanted it to be perfect.
You smoothed down your outfit the third time, glancing toward the table, then toward the kitchen and back again.
Then Jack got your attention when he stepped out of the bedroom, adjusting the sleeve of his jacket. You stared at him for a second, feeling something warm building up in your chest. “Wow.”
He looked up. “What?”
“You look incredibly handsome” you managed while you were still staring, taking in that face, those adorable curls you were so deeply in love with.
He huffed quietly. “I always look handsome.”
You raised an eyebrow, then saw him smirking.
“You don’t look too shabby yourself, you know?” he said, while looking you up and down. “That dress would also look very nice on the bedroom floor.”
You laughed out loud.
Then a small cough from the living room distracted you. “Please don’t have sex when I’m next door” Robby said dryly.
He was on the floor with Lizzie sitting in front of him. Her face was still vaguely orange from what used to be mashed carrots for dinner and Robby held a wipe in his hand.
“Stay still” he muttered, trying to catch her chin with it.
Lizzie let out a shriek and turned her head with impressive determination.
“You’re making this harder than it needs to be.”
Jack shook his head. “You know you’re a doctor who knows how to handle a stubborn patient. That skill could be useful here.”
You stifled a laugh.
“Well she doesn’t seem to be impressed with my doctor mode” Robby replied dryly.
After a couple of failed attempts, he managed to clean her up. Mostly, at least.
He leaned back, letting out a deep breath – then he furrowed his brows, sniffing. “You have to be kidding me, Elizabeth.” He turned toward you. “She’s a biohazard.”
You raised your hands. “You have to handle that. I’m on kitchen duty.”
Robby raised an eyebrow. “Convenient. That means… I’m on diaper duty.”
“Exactly.”
He let out a sigh, then picked her up. “Okay, come on, Lizzie. Let’s get you ready before the guests arrive, huh? Not the best first impression to greet someone with a full diaper.”
“You’re speaking from experience?” Jack asked with a smile while putting some bottles of wine on the table.
Robby just flipped him off before hurrying toward the nursery.
A while later the doorbell rang.
You glanced at Jack, then you moved into the hallway. When you opened the door, you could hear Robby’s voice from the nursery.
“… if she kicks me again I’m putting in a formal complaint.”
You laughed and pulled the door open.
Trinity stood there, Melissa just behind her. You stilled for a second because you didn’t expect another guest.
“Hey” Trinity said with a small nod. “Thanks for the invite.”
Mel lifted a hand in a slightly awkward wave. “Hi! I – um – Trinity said it was okay.”
You tried to hide your surprise and smiled, while stepping aside. “Yeah, of course it’s okay. Come in.”
Behind you Jack appeared. He nodded first at Trinity, then at Mel. “Hey. Good to see you.”
Mel stepped inside carefully. “I’m sorry I didn’t bring anything” she said quickly. “I didn’t know I was coming until – like – well… recently honestly and-“
You shook your head, cutting her off gently. “That’s fine. Really. You’re here. That’s enough.”
Robby stepped also into the hallway, Lizzie on his arm, who was smiling and babbling again. She shrieked when she noticed the guests.
“There we go” he announced proudly. “Crisis contained.”
Mel raised an eyebrow, startled. “Um, sorry, what?”
“Don’t mind him” Jack said. “He’s on diaper duty.”
“Ah.” Mel nodded like that explained everything.
Robby looked at Trinity. “You brought reinforcements?”
“Yeah. And-“Trinity held up a bottle. “- I brought some whiskey.” Her gaze flicked briefly toward Lizzie. “For the adults.”
You huffed a quiet laugh. “Let’s see if she wants to sleep later on. I might change my mind about that.” Then you turned to Jack. “Could you lay out another plate at the table?”
He nodded. “Sure. But you have to fold the napkin. No way I can make it look like a swan.”
“It’s a turkey” you replied dryly.
Trinity snorted and turned away.
“Well… take off your coats and then come on in” you went on, while Jack disappeared into the kitchen. “What can I get you to drink?”
A while later you were all settled around the dinner table, which was loaded with food. Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casseroles, mac’n cheese, dinner rolls, pumpkin and pecan pies… it was a lot.
Lizzie sat in her highchair, watching everyone. She seemed to be especially fascinated by Mel, waving her little arms every time she looked at her.
Robby didn’t like that. At all.
“I’m the one trying to feed you, you know?” he murmured while trying to get her attention. Lizzie flared her arms and nearly knocked the spoon out of Robby's hand. “I’m the one taking care of your diapers and everything. You could at least be polite and give me some attention.”
Lizzie didn’t seem to care. She let out a high-pitched shriek when Mel gave her a small wave. Trinity flinched and looked at Lizzie. “Don’t do that, girl. Some of us had a rough shift.”
Jack chuckled. “More wine, Trinity?”
She nodded almost immediately. “Please.”
“The turkey looks delicious” Mel said, glancing at all the food that was laid out. “You two outdid yourself.”
You gave Jack a look. “Should we tell them?” you asked quietly.
Robby's eyes narrowed. “Tell us what?”
Jack frowned. “Nothing.”
You chuckled. “We didn’t cook it.”
“We cooked some of it” Jack corrected. “I made the cranberry sauce. Even tried to make it look less like it came out of a can.”
“You bought canned cranberry sauce?” Robby stared at him like he personally offended him. “Nothing beats homemade.”
Jack glared at him. “I’m not having this discussion with you.”
“Because you know I’m right.” Robby shot back.
Jack rolled his eyes and decided to ignore him. “And she made the mashed potatoes.”
Robby still didn’t seem convinced. “And the rest?”
“We ordered it from a restaurant. A very good one. Neither of us has ever cooked a whole Thanksgiving menu and we didn’t think we could pull it off with a baby demanding attention” you explained with a shrug.
Trinity took another sip of wine and shrugged. “That’s fine by me. It’s free food, so honestly - no complaints here.”
Mel nodded along.
Robby huffed.
Jack shot him a look. “Anything to say, Michael?”
He shrugged. “No. I guess I’m just relieved. I never really came back from your cooking attempts when we lived together.”
“You lived together?” Mel asked, half-surprised, half-amused.
“Yeah for a while after-” Robby stopped, glancing at Jack.
“I wasn’t in a good place when my wife died” Jack took over. “And I didn’t want to live in the house anymore. So I moved in with Robby for a while.”
You tilted your head. That was also new information for you.
“And he tried to learn to cook” Robby added, raising his eyebrows. “It was quite… memorable. I think I had the kitchen repainted after his first attempt at making lasagna. The tomato sauce was just everywhere.”
“It wasn’t that dramatic” Jack chimed in.
“I found tomato sauce on top of the fridge” Robby shot back.
You couldn’t hold back any longer and burst out laughing. Trinity and Mel followed and Lizzie shrieked along.
Robby and Jack glanced at each other, before starting to grin.
“I’m a pretty decent cook nowadays” Jack said with a serious face. “And I make the best lasagna.”
“He does” you said quickly.
Robby didn’t seem convinced.
“Anyway” you added, looking at the turkey. “Which of you wants to carve the turkey? I’m out. In a room full of scalpel-trained doctors I’m the least competent, I guess.”
Trinity laughed.
“I’m out too” Mel said quickly. “Never done that before.”
“And I’m already quite drunk” Trinity said, sipping on her wine as if to give her statement more weight.
“It’s our job as attendings to teach” Robby said with a grin. “So, Mel, that’s your case now.”
“Yeah, good call” Jack agreed.
Mel’s eyes widened. “You’re kidding, right?” she asked, glancing between them.
Both of them shook their heads.
“No, it’s the perfect job for an R3” Robby said with a shrug.
Trinity snorted. “Think about it like… I don’t know… cadaver lab.”
“Cadaver-” Mel paused. “Yeah, great, I don’t think I can eat the turkey now.”
Jack handed her the knife.
Mel took it and stood, still not entirely convinced. “So. What do I do?”
Jack leaned back slightly in his chair. “Start at the gap between the leg and the body. Cut right into that line.”
Mel swallowed hard and followed his instructions.
“Use a bit more pressure. It’s tougher than it looks, but it’ll give.”
Robby stood up too, observing her. “Now pull the leg outward while you keep cutting. You’ll hit the joint.”
Mel did as she was told, wrinkling her nose suddenly. “There is some… resistance.”
“Then you’re not at the joint yet - adjust slightly. Don’t force it.”
You stepped into the kitchen to grab your phone, then paused in the doorway, a quiet laugh slipping out as you took a couple of pictures.
Robby and Jack stood on either side of Mel, watching her like she was performing a medical procedure instead of just carving a turkey. She looked deeply focused, brows drawn together. Trinity leaned back in her chair, clearly amused, while Lizzie stared at Mel like she had never seen anything more fascinating.
It looked like some kind of renaissance painting.
It was kind of perfect.
You slipped your phone away and sat back down, taking a sip of your water.
“There - once it loosens, cut straight through. Yeah, very well done - that’s one leg done.”
Mel broke into a big smile, looking at Trinity. “That’s really like cadaver lab!” she said brightly.
Trinity snorted into her glass.
Jack nodded approvingly. “So, same thing on the other side. Find the line, follow it, pull the leg, cut through it. Easy.”
Mel did as she was told and a minute later she was done.
“Okay, so now go for the breast” Robby said.
“You should ask the turkey out before going second base” Trinity interrupted dryly, which made the whole table laugh - including Mel.
“Don’t make this weird, Trinity” Robby said with the attempt of a serious face.
She shot him a look. “I’m making this weird? You’re the one trying to be the attending at a turkey surgery here.”
You laughed out loud. “She’s right, you know? This is weird.”
Robby shrugged.
“Um, what should I do now?” Mel asked, looking a little lost.
Jack cleared his throat. “Slice along the breastbone, right down the center. Keep the knife close to the bone as you cut downward.”
“That’s how you get clean slices” Robby added, glancing toward Trinity as to try to get a reaction out of her.
But she decided to drain her glass instead.
“Yeah, like that. Let the knife do the work. Slow and steady looks better than hacking at it.”
Jack nodded. “I mean a little messy is fine. No one here expects perfection.”
“That’s the same thing he said to me when we first slept together.” It slipped out of your mouth before you had the chance to stop yourself.
Trinity stared at you for a moment, then burst out laughing. “Oh. I love it. It’s already the best night I had in ages” she hooted.
Jack shook his head, trying to hide his smile. “You didn’t even drink yet” he said, looking at you.
You shrugged, blushing, “I’m just a natural, I guess.”
“Well, that’s something I heard before” Trinity mumbled into her glass.
“Don’t forget to set the wishbone aside” Jack said.
You looked at him, surprised.
“That’s something we always did when I was a kid” he said with a shrug. “I like the tradition.”
“You’re always good for a surprise, Doctor Abbot” you said slowly.
“Don’t call me that when we have company” he replied quietly with a grin. “Or I have to drag you to the bedroom immediately.”
“Please don’t” Robby groaned from the other side of the table. “And your personal conversations are not nearly as quiet as you think.”
A while later the conversation grew quieter because everyone was too immersed in the food. You glanced up and down the table, always on the brink of standing up and running back into the kitchen in case anything was missing.
Jack put his hand over yours. “Relax” he whispered with a smile.
You furrowed your brows. “I’m relaxed.”
Even you could hear how strained that sentence came out. He raised his eyebrows at this.
“Sorry, it’s just…” You bit your lip for a second. “I want it to be perfect.”
“It is perfect” he reassured you in a low voice, so no one else would hear. “And even if not - that’s not the end of the world. Okay?”
You hesitated for a moment, then let out a sigh. “Okay” you said, reaching for your glass.
He watched you for another second, then nodded. “Good girl.”
“Jack!” You stared at him, blushing.
He chuckled softly. “Sorry.” But he didn’t look sorry at all.
Robby, who had admitted defeat in trying to feed Lizzie, was filling his plate for the second time. “By the way - this is the latest Thanksgiving dinner I’ve ever had.”
“Yeah, that’s on us” Mel said, looking sorry for a moment. “We had to stay for a bit, catching up on charting.”
“Oh, I wasn’t complaining. Was just thinking about the heartburn I’ll definitely have later on.”
“Sounds like old-man-problems” Trinity said with a shrug and a grin.
Robby shot her a look. “Careful, Santos. I’m still your boss.”
“Yeah. And you’re a man and older…ish” she added after seeing his face. “That probably helped.”
Robby furrowed his brows. “You think I’m in that position because of my gender?”
Trinity shrugged. “I’m just saying - it’s funny that there are more female med students every year, but the higher you go the fewer women you see. Almost like the system isn’t built for them to stay.”
Robby stared at her, for once at a loss for words. You smiled into your glass.
Jack shifted slightly in his seat. “She’s not wrong” he said with a shrug. “It’s a system that rewards people who never have to step back. And who already belong. Like men.”
Robby let out a small breath. “Yeah, that’s true” he admitted. “But I just want to add - I’m pretty good in my job. I earned it.”
“No one questioned that” Trinity said with a shrug. “I’m just saying you being a man probably made it easier to get there.”
“How much did you have to drink?” Robby asked, while eyeing her glass.
“Not enough” she claimed, grabbing the bottle. “Thanks for pointing that out.”
Robby rolled his eyes. “Could someone pass me the gravy?”
A while later it hit you out of nowhere and you froze mid-reach for your glass. “Oh - shit.”
Jack glanced at you. “That doesn’t sound good.”
You blinked, then let out a small disbelieving huff. “We forgot to say what we’re thankful for.”
The table went quiet for a second. Even Lizzie paused - though that might have just been coincidence.
Trinity leaned back in her chair, eyeing you. “Are you serious right now?”
You shrugged, a little sheepish. “I don’t know. It’s just… a thing, right? Feels weird not doing it.”
Mel straightened slightly. “No, you’re right. We can do it.”
Robby nodded once. “Yeah. Why not?”
Jack sighed softly, but there was no real resistance. “Alright. Get it over with before the food gets cold.”
You rolled your eyes at him, then glanced around the table, suddenly aware of everyone looking at you. “Okay. Um… I’ll start.”
You hesitated for a second, then your gaze flicked to Jack, then to Lizzie. “I’m thankful for… this” you said, gesturing vaguely between them. “For Jack. And Lizzie.” Your fingers brushed his without thinking. “And for not having to do all of it alone” you added, glancing toward Robby. “For the help. Even when you pretend it’s nothing.”
Robby huffed quietly.
“And” you looked around again. “I’m really glad you guys came. It makes this feel more like… an actual Thanksgiving. So - thank you.”
There was a small pause.
Jack squeezed your hand once, then cleared his throat. “Alright.” He leaned back slightly. “I’m thankful for Lizzie. And for you. And for you guys in the Pitt. Even when you make my life unnecessarily complicated sometimes.”
Trinity lifted her glass. “You’re welcome.”
Jack smirked, then added: “And that Lizzie is finally sleeping better.”
“Don’t jinx it” you muttered immediately.
“Too late” Robby said.
Mel smiled softly, then shifted in her seat. “Okay. Um.” She wrapped her hands around her glass. “I’m thankful for my sister Becca. And for her boyfriend Adam.” She paused. “She seems really happy and I’m glad about that.” There was something tight in her voice, but she smiled anyway. “And I’m thankful for Trinity and me being friends now.”
Trinity cleared her throat. “Alright, my turn. I’m thankful for the invention of daytime drinking.” She raised her glass slightly.
Jack huffed.
“And I’m thankful for feminism” she added, completely dry.
Robby snorted in his glass.
“That’s it?” Mel asked.
“Well and yeah, for you and me being friends of course” she added with a shrug. “But I guess that’s enough.”
Robby shook his head, then glanced down at Lizzie. “I’m thankful for this one” he said, tapping her gently on the head.
Lizzie shrieked delighted.
“And for not having to work tonight.”
“That’s valid” you said.
A small, comfortable silence settled.
Then you blinked. “Oh - wait. The wishbone.”
You reached for it automatically, turning it in your fingers for a second - then glanced at Jack and held it out. “You wanted to save it” you said with a small smile.
Jack looked at you, a flicker of something softer crossing his face before he took it. “Yeah.”
He turned it once in his hands, then looked up. He held it out toward Mel. “You carved the turkey. You get one side.”
Mel blinked. “Wait - really?”
He shrugged lightly. “That’s how it works.”
“That’s not how it works” Trinity muttered.
“Hard work always pays off” Jack shot back.
Trinity rolled her eyes, then took another sip of wine. Mel hesitated, then reached out, taking her side.
“You have to make a wish first” Robby said.
Both nodded.
Mel went still. For a moment it looked like she might just rush through it - but she didn’t. She actually thought about it. Her expression shifted, just slightly. Something more serious. Then, slowly, she smiled.
“Okay.” She nodded.
Jack adjusted his grip. “On three?”
“Yeah.”
“One - two - three.”
The bone snapped cleanly.
Mel looked down at her hand. She had the bigger piece. There was a brief flicker of surprise - then a big smile spread across her face.
“Guess that means your wish is coming true” you said with a smile.
Mel let out a quiet breath. “Yeah. Maybe.” Then she blushed.
“Must have been a hell of a wish” Trinity said with a grin. “And don’t worry, you aren’t allowed to say it.”
“Thank god” Mel muttered, then set the bone down.
The moment slipped and the table filled with voices again.
The apartment had settled into that slow, heavy quiet that always came after too much food and too much talking. The small group had moved from the dinner table to the sofa, tv on, but no one was really paying attention.
You stood in the nursery, at the changing table, trying to wipe Lizzie down as she squirmed.
“Yeah, yeah, I know” you murmured, smiling a little. “I’m just the worst for doing that.”
Then you heard the floor creak softly.
You glanced over and saw Trinity, standing in the doorway, arms loosely folded like she hadn’t quite decided if she wanted to come in or not.
“Hey” you said softly. “Come on in. I could use someone to distract her.”
Trinity hesitated for half a second, then stepped closer. “Yeah, sure. I can do that.”
“Just grab any of the stuffed toys and wave it in front of her. Usually it does the trick.”
She grabbed the stuffed giraffe and started moving it in front of Lizzie's face. She shrieked, delighted and stopped squirming almost immediately.
“Yeah, bad news Mel - she finds a stuffed giraffe just as interesting as you” Trinity murmured under her breath, but she smiled while saying it.
You huffed a laugh. “There’s really no telling what she’ll find fascinating.”
Trinity nodded slowly. “I start to see that.”
There was a small pause.
“How are you?” you asked, glancing up at her.
Trinity shrugged, eyes on Lizzie. “Fine.”
You raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, that sounded convincing. Wanna try again?”
She didn’t look up. “I’m just… tired.”
“Yeah, that tracks.”
Another small pause.
“Robby told me you’re doing really well in the Pitt” you added, keeping your tone light. “Like - really well.”
Trinity glanced at you briefly. “He did?”
“Mmhm.” You folded the diaper into place. “Said you’re sharp. Fast. Don’t miss much.”
“He said that?” She looked back down at Lizzie again. “I can’t believe Robby is such a tattletale.”
You chuckled. “He isn’t. But we spent a lot of time together recently. So we ran out of other topics to talk about. We were kind of desperate.”
You taped the diaper closed, smoothing it down before reaching for a fresh onesie.
“He also said-” you went on, just as casually. “- that you tend to… do your own thing. Not really asking for help.”
Trinity let out a small breath. “That’s not entirely true” she scoffed. “And also people slow you down.”
“Sometimes” you agreed. “Sometimes they don’t.”
You guided Lizzie’s arms through the sleeves, your movements practiced and gentle while she was still staring at the plush toy in Trinity's hand.
“You know - I used to think that too. That asking for help meant I wasn’t handling things.”
Trinity stayed quiet, but you could feel her listening.
You glanced up briefly. “Turns out, I was just making everything harder for myself.”
She shifted her weight slightly. “Yeah, well… not everyone has people they can rely on like that.” There was no bite in it. Just fact.
You nodded. “That’s fair. But even then” you said, softer now. “it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. I’ve had some pretty bad experiences with that - letting people in. Trusting the wrong ones. Made me really good at doing everything on my own. Even after Lizzie was born. It also made me completely exhausted all the time. And then I had to learn to accept some help. It wasn’t easy and I struggled a lot with it, but… yeah, it helped not to completely wreck me.”
“You always seemed so composed. Even when you looked like shit” Trinity said after a while, glancing at you.
You laughed. “Well no, I was a lot, but I was not composed. Ask Jack how often he found me crying on the nursery floor because Lizzie wouldn’t stop crying while he was on night shift.”
Trinity furrowed her brows.
“And I met you hunched over a toilet in a bar, puking my guts out. And you offered your help instantly, letting me vent about my pregnancy.” You smiled at her. “Making you the first person I told about being pregnant by the way. And I’ll be forever grateful for you listening.”
She shrugged, suddenly self-conscious. “That’s just girl bathroom code, right? It was just the right thing to do.”
“But nothing you had to do. That was decent of you. And you offered me help.”
“Don’t try to twist this into some zen-learning-moment-bullshit-thing, okay?” She glanced at you suspiciously.
You chuckled. “I didn’t intend to.”
“Did Robby tell you to talk to me?”
You shook your head. “No, he didn’t. Honestly. I just like you. And I don’t want you to burn out before your career really starts.”
She frowned.
“I’m just saying - needing help isn’t the same as depending on people for everything. It’s more like… choosing when you don’t have to carry all of it alone.”
Lizzie let out a small content sound, grabbing after the stuffed toy which was completely out of her reach.
“Okay. Got the message” Trinity said with a short nod.
You lifted Lizzie into your arms, pressing a soft kiss to her head.
Trinity put the plush toy on the changing table. “I like you too, by the way. You’re cool” she said eventually. “I mean - you’re a mom and everything, but not in an annoying way. She’s lucky to have you.”
You looked at her, surprised, then chuckled softly. “Well, thank you. I try to be as non-annoying as I can be.”
“Keep that up. Not for Jack, obviously. He needs someone to annoy him. Otherwise he would be way too smug.”
You laughed out loud. “That checks out, yeah.”
The table looked like a battlefield when you walked back into the living room. And there was still way too much food left.
You handed Lizzie over to Robby, who was sitting on the sofa. Lizzie immediately snuggled against his chest, wide awake and far too entertained by his beard for eleven at night.
You glanced toward Jack, who handed Trinity a glass of whiskey. “This was a mistake” you said, eyeing the sheer amount of food left.
Jack followed your gaze, then huffed a quiet laugh. “You ordered like we were feeding a small army.”
“I thought we were hungry.”
“We were hungry. Just not… starving.”
Mel took a sip of her ginger ale, looking at the table with mild disbelief. “What are you planning to do with all of that?”
You shrugged. “Eat it for the next five days?”
Mel nodded. “Sounds reasonable. Or…” She stopped, looking uncertain all of a sudden.
“Or?” you pressed.
“We could bring it to the Pitt. For night shift.”
Jack blinked. “Right now?”
“I was just thinking” she paddled back. “I mean there’s a chance they didn’t have a Thanksgiving dinner today.”
You looked between them, narrowing your eyes slightly. “You’re suggesting we all… I don’t know... do what exactly?”
“She suggests a drunken field trip to work” Trinity chimed in, waving the glass in her hand. “I think it’s a great idea.”
“That sounds like a terrible idea” you replied.
Robby shrugged. “They’d appreciate it.”
“They definitely would” Jack confirmed with a nod.
You stared at him. “You’re on board with this?”
He shrugged. “I usually worked on Thanksgiving. If someone had brought free food at eleven p.m I probably would’ve kissed their feet.”
You let out a small laugh. “Are we really thinking about visiting your workplace?”
Lizzie let out a happy squeal, kicking her legs like she fully supported this idea.
You looked down at her. “Of course you would love a walk.”
“She’s clearly on my side” Jack said with a smug smile.
“Traitor” you muttered.
Robby downed his glass, while softly holding Lizzie in place with his free hand. “Alright.” He put the glass down and stood, lifting her up his arm. “Decision made.”
“Wait-” you started, but it was too late.
Everyone was already moving.
Food was stored in containers and then placed in bags. Mel grabbed some extra napkins “just in case” and suddenly the whole thing had momentum you couldn’t really stop anymore.
You looked at Jack, half-amused, half-resigned. “We’re really doing this.”
He nodded. “Yeah, come on - let’s make the less fortunate a little happier.”
“Less fortunate? You’re talking about your colleagues” you reminded him with a raised eyebrow.
“I’m not working tonight and they can’t enjoy my presence. So they are less fortunate” he explained with a shrug.
You laughed and shook your head. “You’re unbelievable.”
He pulled you in and kissed you. “That’s why you love me, right?”
“Topic for later” you murmured, then turned toward Robby to help him dress Lizzie.
The Pitt at that hour was all bright lights and controlled chaos - exhaustion and adrenaline humming under the surface.
You walked straight into it with far too much noise and far too many bags. Everyone was carrying food - except for Robby who had Lizzie tucked against his chest. The stroller stayed outside.
Lena looked up from central the second she heard you. “You’ve got to be kidding. What is this - an ambush?”
Jack grinned, lifting one of the bags. “No. Better.”
“Is that actual food?” she asked, staring.
Parker stepped out of a trauma bay, eyeing the group. “What the hell is going on here?” A beat. “Did you just bring leftovers to flex on us?”
Jack shrugged. “I can take it back if you don’t want it.”
“Don’t you dare” she shot back immediately. “Please tell me there’s turkey in there. I could murder someone for a decent piece of turkey.”
You glanced at her. “That’s a concerning thing to hear from a doctor.”
She shrugged, but she was smiling. “And yet.”
You laughed, nudging Jack lightly. “Okay. This was a good idea.”
“Of course it was” Jack said, nudging your shoulder lightly.
Robby looked around. “Okay, let’s put this in the breakroom.”
“I’m just getting this done and then I’m coming” Parker announced, slipping back into the trauma bay.
“Thank you, Jack!” Lena said.
Jack turned toward her. “It was Mel's idea.”
“Thank you Mel!”
Mel blushed, lifting her thumb in a small awkward gesture.
Robby led the group toward the break room, Lizzie giggling in his arms, waving wildly at nothing in particular. He stepped inside first - and stopped.
“Oh” he said, staring. “You’re not going to believe this.”
“That doesn’t sound good” Mel said.
Robby grinned and jerked his head toward the room. “Come see.”
The group crowded in behind him - then froze.
Dennis Whitaker was sprawled across the couch, one arm dangling off the side, completely out cold. An untouched energy drink sat on the table in front of him.
For a second no one said anything.
“Is he dead?” Trinity asked. “If so I’ll need a new roomie.” She paused for a second. “Mel, you’re interested?”
“He’s not dead” Jack said, rolling his eyes. “He’s just…”
“Exhausted?” Mel offered.
Robby snorted. “Man didn’t even make it home. Didn’t you think to check on him before leaving?” he asked toward Trinity.
“I’m not his babysitter” she replied with a shrug. “I had plans of my own. I thought he wanted to go to Amy's tonight.”
“Are they still… a thing?” Robby asked sharply, his eyes glancing back to Dennis.
Trinity shrugged. “Well, yeah - The Simple Life got renewed for another season.”
Robby opened his mouth to say something, when Dennis stirred.
He blinked awake and looked at all of you crowded in the doorway. “What…?”
“Food delivery” Jack said, holding up the bags.
Dennis pushed himself up, rubbing his face then glanced at his watch. “Fuck!”
Trinity grinned. “Amy will be pissed.”
Dennis groaned and closed his eyes. “I should probably call her.”
“Yeah, you should.” Robby’s voice was calm, but you could hear a certain dangerous tone underneath it.
Dennis blushed a little. He was probably thinking about the conversation Robby had with him almost a year ago.
He pulled out his phone. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
“Did you clock out?” Robby asked him, eyebrows raised.
Lizzie shrieked and took the chance to grab at Robby’s beard. He flinched.
“Tell her you got stuck in a code” Jack murmured as Dennis passed him. “Couldn’t get out. Give her my number if she wants it confirmed.”
“If she fact-checks that, you should probably just end it” Trinity said.
You nodded. “Honestly? Yeah.”
Dennis glanced from Trinity to you and then back to Jack. “Appreciate it, Dr. Abbot” he said. “I’ll be back in a minute. I smell stuffing and I love stuffing.”
Then he slipped out.
“I should talk to him again” Robby growled, while Lizzie continued to put her sticky hands on his face. She shrieked, delighted when she was able to grab his nose.
“No, you shouldn’t” Jack said quietly. “That boy’s private life is none of your business. And you’re drunk. And holding my daughter. Three good reasons to let it slip.”
Robby shifted Lizzie slightly in his arms, then let out a long breath.
“We should go out” Trinity announced, leaning at the counter. “There’s a karaoke bar still open.”
Mel beamed. “It’s a really good one.”
“You go there often?” you asked, one eyebrow raised.
Trinity and Mel shared a look. “Occasionally. After a rough shift.”
Jack groaned softly. “No way.”
“Yes” Trinity said. “Absolutely yes. And honestly - I don’t care if anyone else joins us. Mel and I are rocking this with or without you.”
Robby glanced at Jack. “What do you say? Like back in the old days?”
“Mmmhm.”
You looked at Jack, raising an eyebrow. “You’re not seriously considering this, right?”
He hesitated, which was answer enough.
“How much did you have to drink?” You huffed a quiet laugh. “Okay, wow - Trinity, Mel, please record it when he decides to actually sing in front of strangers.”
“You’re not coming with us?” Trinity shot you a look.
“I can’t.” You glanced at Lizzie, who was snuggled against Robby's jacket, chewing on his drawstring with heavy lidded eyes. “I think she’s about to crash. And if I don’t get her home soon, I’ll regret this for the next twelve hours.”
“Fair” Trinity said after a second. “Sucks though.”
You laughed. “Yeah. But next time. Take Jack instead as an offering.”
“You sure?” he asked quietly. “If you want I can come home with you and-”
You stepped closer, pressing a soft kiss on his lips, stopping the attempt immediately. “It’s fine” you said, after pulling back. “Go. Have fun. Blow off some steam. Make sure Robby gets home safe.”
He studied your face for a second, then smiled softly. “You’re the best damn thing that ever happened to me, you know that?”
You chuckled. “Keep me updated, okay?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
You tilted your head. “Don’t call me that. In public” you added, quietly, blushing.
“Sorry” he said, again not sounding sorry at all.
You kissed him once more, then stepped back. “Don’t embarrass yourself too much.”
“He can’t promise that” Robby called from behind.
Trinity clapped her hands. “Alright, karaoke. Let’s go.”
You shook your head when Robby handed you Lizzie. She immediately snuggled against you, her eyes already closing again.
“Have fun guys” you said.
“Thanks again for dinner!” Mel said, waving at you. “And for the invite.”
“She didn’t invite you” Trinity corrected. “I did.”
“Technicalities” Mel replied with a shrug.
Jack squeezed your free hand once before letting go. “Text me when you’re home, okay?”
You nodded.
He gave Lizzie a kiss on top of her head. “See you later, kiddo.”
Then they were gone - loud, laughing. already arguing about song choices.
"Let's find Whitaker! I guess he'll need a drink" you heard Trinity shout.
You chuckled, then glanced down at Lizzie.
“Thanks for rescuing me, baby” you whispered. “I couldn’t hold a tune if my life depended on it. You saved me from the biggest embarrassment of my life.”
Lizzie yawned softly.
“Okay, let’s get you home.”
And with a small smile you left.
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You wanna keep reading? - Next part is coming soon. I promise! :)
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A/N: I've already mapped out most of the chapters for this story but I'd still love to hear what you'd like to see!
If there's a scene you're hoping for, something you'd like more of (Jack's family, more moments with the rest of The Pitt, fluff, chaos, drama… you name it) just leave a comment or send me a message.
I can't promise everything will fit into the story but I love reading your ideas and they often inspire new scenes.
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