Premise: It’s time for the annual holiday snowball fight between cousins, but a new recruit joins the fray.
Book: Open Heart (post series)
Pairings: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine), Sienna Trinh x M!OC (Max Valentine); feat. Tony Valentine (M!OC)
Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff.
Words: 1,215
A/N: This fic was requested by @snoopdogcone who wanted to read about a snowball fight. Submission for @choicesdecember2024 and for @choicesholidays prompt for both: snowball fight.
The snow fell thick and fast over the sprawling oceanside estate in Newport, blanketing the manicured lawns and transforming towering hedges into a frosted wonderland. The Atlantic, a steel-gray expanse, seemed even more imposing, with waves rolling dramatically under a heavy, snow-laden sky.
Cassie Valentine woke to the sound of waves crashing faintly in the distance and the sight of snow falling on the beach. After an unusually warm start to the season, it looked like Mother Nature had finally heard her prayers and sent snow in time for Christmas.
She jumped out of bed, grabbed her cell phone to snap a picture of the snowy landscape outside her bedroom window, and texted her brother and cousin a challenge for the first snow fight of the season.
Team Double Trouble was ready to retake the crown after a two-year hiatus.
Max Valentine stood on the edge of the garden path, squinting through the flurries at his target. He packed a snowball in his gloved hands, the crunch of compacted snow incredibly satisfying as he launched the projectile toward his twin sister standing near the gazebo.
Cassie looked up in just time, dodging the snowball that whizzed past her head and exploded harmlessly against the column.
“Hey!” she shouted in outrage. “We’re supposed to be on the same side.”
Her cheeks were flushed pink from the cold, her blonde hair peeking out from under her knit beanie.
“Sorry, sis,” he grinned, unapologetic. “Tony’s taking forever, and I got antsy. You don’t mind, right?”
“Oh, well, in that case…” Cassie scooped up a handful of snow and hurled a perfectly aimed snowball that hit him square in the shoulder.
She chortled in satisfaction, dusting snow off her gloves. “I don’t mind at all.”
He brushed the snow off his coat and fixed her with a mock glare. “Laugh it up, but remember—"
Before Max could finish, they heard a whistle and a cold, wet thud as a snowball smacked squarely against his back. Cassie barely had time to register her surprise before another missile hit her on the arm.
They both turned, sputtering and laughing, to see Tony grinning triumphantly.
“Gotcha!” he called out. “I knew you’d get impatient waiting for me.”
“Fighting dirty,” Cassie said in admiration. She shifted her stance to distract Tony and give Max a chance to retaliate. “Didn’t think you had it in you.”
As their cousin preened at the praise, Max lobbed a snowball in a high, impressive arc toward Tony, who barely managed to duck in time. The snowball sailed past, shattering against the wooden trellis behind him with a satisfying thud.
“Ha! You miss—” Tony’s jubilant taunt was cut short as Cassie’s snowball struck him square in the face, exploding in a spray of powdery white.
“Direct hit!” Cassie cheered, pumping her fist in the air, her laughter ringing out as Tony sputtered in disbelief.
“Alright, you asked for it.” Tony rushed to crouch behind a low stone wall, using it as a fortress.
He chucked a snowball over the hedge at the twins, but it veered wide.
The fight descended into chaos, with snow flying in every direction. Max charged, attempting to storm his cousin’s stronghold, but Tony pelted him with a rapid barrage that had him retreating with a laugh.
Cassie used the distraction to close the distance and launched another snowball that caught Tony in the back. Soon, he was surrounded, with the twins closing on both sides and nowhere to retreat.
“Why is it always two against one?” he yelped, shuddering as Cassie gleefully dumped a handful of snow down the back of his coat, and Max showered his hair with more.
“Maybe it’s time to even the playing field.”
The three of them looked up in surprise at the casually spoken words.
Ethan was striding toward them, his long coat flapping behind him, a confident smile on his face. He carried a loosely packed snowball in one hand, tossing it casually into the air and catching it.
“Oh, thank god,” Tony exclaimed, pushing himself off the snowy ground. “Ethan, please tell me you’re my reinforcements against these two.”
Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. “From what I saw, you desperately need help.”
“No new recruits mid-game,” Max said from behind the wall, brandishing a snowball in one hand. He sneered at his cousin. “Unless Tony wants to surrender first, and we reset.”
Before Tony could answer, Ethan’s snowball flew through the air, hitting the stone wall just inches from Max’s head. Snow exploded in a satisfying puff, dusting his blond hair and drawing a startled yelp.
“We’re on the same team, Scout,” Max complained, ruffling his hair to shake off the snow.
“Sorry,” Cassie said with mock innocence, throwing Ethan a flirtatious wink, her lips curving into an impish smile.
Max struck back, but Ethan anticipated his move and stepped aside. Unfortunately for Max, his wife, Sienna, stepped into view, taking the brunt of his attack.
Her loud gasp was followed by a stunned silence, broken only by Max’s sheepish grin and a faint “Oops” as she glared at him.
“You jerk!”
“Sorry, Si,” Max said, leaving his position behind the barricade to help brush the snow from her coat. “I didn’t see you there.”
“This is how you treat innocent bystanders?” Sienna demanded, her brown eyes snapping with fiery indignation. “It’s good I left Noah inside with your mom .”
She sneezed loudly, the cold snow tickling her nostrils and sending a spray of powdery flakes into the air.
Tony hid a grin behind his hand, stepping back cautiously to avoid getting caught in the crossfire. Cassie leaned into Ethan, her gloved hand entwined with his, stifling her laughter behind his arm so Sienna wouldn’t catch her amusement.
“It was an accident, babe,” Max said with an abashed smile, attempting his best charm even as she batted his hands away. “Let me make it up to you.”
Sienna harrumphed, her breath puffing in the cold air as she grumbled loudly about how she’d been treated and stomped back up the path leading from the garden to the mud room.
“So, Ethan and I won, right?” Tony declared.
His words of victory were drowned under a volley of snowballs as Max and Cassie launched a coordinated strike that had Tony tumbling into the snow.
The twins celebrated their victory, their laughter ringing through the frosty air. Max hoisted Cassie onto his shoulder, spinning her around as she squealed in delight while Ethan extended a hand to Tony, helping him up.
Shortly after, the four of them trudged back toward the house, ready to change out of their damp clothes and get a hot drink.
Max walked ahead, his mind focused on finding Sienna and apologizing again. He was almost at the mudroom door when, without warning, a cascade of freezing snow dumped over him in an icy, shocking wave.
Spluttering, he wiped the snow from his face and blinked up. Standing in the doorway was Sienna, an empty bucket dangling from her hand, her expression one of pure triumph.
She arched an eyebrow, a sly smile tugging at her lips. “Now, we’re even.”
Book: Open Heart, Book 2 (post-attack)
Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Sawyer Brooks)
Rating: General
Category: Fluff, Christmas
Word count: 1K
Summary: Ethan eavesdrops on a conversation between Sawyer and her best friend.
A/N: This fic was inspired by this Instagram reel and a little “Caption This” fun with a friend. It was meant to be an angsty fic, but then I listened to Sweet December by Brett Eldridge and Kelly Clarkson and changed directions. Merry Christmas!🎄
Events/Prompts: Participating in Winter Holidays 2024 hosted by @choicesholidays | Cuddling by the fireplace
With plans to spend their day off together, Ethan insisted that Sawyer come to his after her late-night shift at the hospital. The apartment was dark except for the glow of his bedside lamps, drawing attention away from the living room and the surprise he had set up for his girl.
The tactic worked. An exhausted Sawyer entered the quiet apartment well after midnight and headed straight for the bedroom like a moth to the flame. After a quick kiss and a much-needed shower, she draped herself over Ethan’s body like a blanket and passed out within minutes.
It was mid-morning when Sawyer padded into the kitchen, still a little groggy, with her phone pressed to her ear. Finding no evidence of Ethan's morning coffee, she assumed he was still at the gym, which was his usual weekend routine.
“That sounds like so much fun. I’ve always wanted to visit New York during Christmas time…” Sawyer told the person on the other end of the line. “Maybe next year.”
When she put the phone on speaker so she could start the coffee, her best friend’s voice filled the room.
“What about you? Are you going home to Arizona for Christmas?” Christian asked.
“No. I love my family and know they are concerned, but they have been so overbearing that I’ve started dodging their calls,” she confessed.
“Oof.”
“I know,” Sawyer grimaced guiltily, “and I know they mean well, but I just need time to process things on my own. I can’t take any more time off, anyway. I just got back to work and need to catch up on my clinic hours. Besides, I’m looking forward to experiencing a Christmas like in the movies. You know, someplace cold enough that it snows, and you can cozy up by the fire and drink hot chocolate."
“Will you spend Christmas with Ethan, then?”
From the living room, Ethan watched as Sawyer shrugged her shoulders. He’d been listening to their conversation while he lounged in front of the fireplace, waiting for her to turn around and notice him.
"I don't want to assume, but I hope so," Sawyer answered softly, then sighed deeply. "God, Christian, I know it sounds so corny, but when I start feeling all upside down, he turns me right around."
"Awww..."
Ethan continued to watch and listen as she tinkered with the coffee machine.
"We’re both working on Christmas, but a wintery night cuddling by the fire like we had at Dagger Mountain would be amazing. As for anything else, I think Ethan’s more the ‘spirit of Christmas’ type than the ‘holiday spirit’ type. Last year, when I came over to help with Naveen's case, I brought him one of those potted tabletop trees from the hospital gift shop because he didn't have a tree or a wreath or anything. It made me sad for him."
Ethan raised his brows in surprise, then looked to the corner of the room where, the night before, he set a five-foot balsam fir into a tree stand. Boxes of ornaments and garland that the doorman helped carry into the apartment sat on the floor nearby.
Christian chuckled. “You sound like Cindy Lou Who talking about the Grinch. Girl, he's been a bachelor for a long time. Guys don't care about that shit. Sam wouldn't bother either if it weren't for the boys."
"Yeah, I guess you’re right."
A loud pop from the living room made Sawyer jump. She quickly spun around to find Ethan reclined in front of the fireplace. Christian’s voice faded into the background as Sawyer's senses awakened with the warmth of the roaring fire. The smell of fresh pine needles. The twinkling of white lights in the corner. The soft crooning of Bing Crosby’s “Silver Bells.” The taste of creamy chocolate and peppermint from the cup that Ethan walked over and offered her.
“Sawyer? Hellooo… did I lose you?”
Reaching for her phone, she apologized to her friend. “Sorry about that, um, Ethan just surprised me… Can I call you back later?”
“Of course! I should go anyway. I think Sam and the boys are ready to leave for the ice rink.”
“Have fun and send me pics. Love you.”
“Love you, too, babe.”
Sawyer ended the call and set her phone aside. “Hi,” she greeted, standing on her tiptoes.
“Morning,” Ethan answered, bending down to meet her halfway for a tender kiss.
Gesturing to the living room, “What’s all this?”
“Since you're not going home for Christmas, I thought we could celebrate together. Here.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, really,” he confirmed with a peck to her lips.
“I’d love that...” she blushed with embarrassment, “as you probably heard.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and looked at the glowing tree. “You bought a real tree?”
“Given your family’s Christmas tree business, I knew anything else would be considered sacrilege.”
She smiled up at him. “You remembered that?”
“When it comes to you, I remember everything.”
Pressing herself tighter against him, Sawyer rested her cheek on his chest. “It’s so cozy in here. And look! It’s snowing outside.” Sawyer moved to sit on the sofa, tugging the sleeve of Ethan’s robe to get him to follow. “Come cuddle with me.”
Ethan sat, draping an arm over her shoulder, tucking her into his side. But just as they got comfortable, Ethan moved to stand up.
“Where are you going?”
“I forgot,” he started, “I bought one of those big fluffy blankets you said I needed for cuddling on the couch. It’s in the hall closet.”
Sawyer smiled so big. “You are so sweet sometimes.”
“Sweet?! Uh-oh, my reputation for being a Grinch is in jeopardy.”
Reminded again that he heard every word of her conversation, she scowled at him. “Hasn’t anyone ever told you it’s rude to eavesdrop? You could have cleared your throat or something.”
Ethan winked, letting her know there was nothing to worry about. “Let me grab the blanket.”
“No,” she demanded, catching his hand before he walked away. Lying back, she pulled him down and on top of her. “A blanket’s good, but you’re even better.”
Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @peonierose @potionsprefect @trappedinfanfiction
I'm setting up Christmas decors so I thought it would be cute to write a Christmas fanfic. This is the first fanfic I've written since I've returned to Tumblr. @choicesholidays
PROMPT: You did what with the pumpkin pie.
BOOK: The Senior
PAIRING: Kaitlyn x MC
SETTING: Kaitlyn and Emily’s shared apartment, their first Christmas season living together. The snow outside has piled up on the windowsill, reflecting the glow of their string lights. Their tiny, ornament-clad tree stands nicely in the corner of the room. Tater Tot, their golden retriever, is sprawled on his back near the couch, squeaking one of his toys while Tofu, their cat, has claimed her usual perch on the windowsill, silently judging the Tater Tot and his squeaks. The air smells like cinnamon, nutmeg, and the unmistakable warmth of the holidays.
“Kaitlyn! The pie!” Emily’s voice calls out from the kitchen, her tone somewhere between laughter and alarm.
Kaitlyn peeks up from where she’s sprawled on the couch, a sheepish grin forming on her face. She's wearing a pair of red flannel pajama pants and a sweater that says 'Dear Santa, Define 'Good'?'
“What about it?” she asks innocently, though the fork in her hand and the crumbs on her sweater tell another story.
Emily strides into the living room, holding the now-empty pie tin, her reindeer antlers wobbling as she moves. “Don’t you ‘what about it’ me! I left this on the counter ten minutes ago to cool. And now…” She gestures dramatically at the tin, “…this!”
Kaitlyn sits up, still grinning. “Okay, okay, hear me out. It’s not as bad as it looks.”
Emily raises an eyebrow, crossing her arms. “You’re going to have to really sell this.”
“Well,” Kaitlyn begins, standing up and twirling the fork in her fingers like a baton, “I took a small bite for quality control. And then another. And… well, somewhere along the way, the smiley face just kind of… happened.”
Emily blinks, processing Kaitlyn’s words. “Wait, what smiley face?”
Kaitlyn gestures toward the coffee table, where half the pumpkin pie remains, the filling bearing a very lopsided smiley face, complete with two tiny eyes and a crooked mouth.
Emily stares at the pie, then at Kaitlyn, and finally back at the pie. A laugh bubbles up before she can stop it. “You’re ridiculous.”
Kaitlyn steps closer, a playful grin spreading across her face. “Ridiculously creative, you mean?”
Emily groans, though her lips twitch into a smile. “You ate half the pie, Kaitlyn! That was for tonight! Christmas Eve dinner. With our friends. You can't just steal it!"
Kaitlyn gently takes the empty tin from Emily’s hands, setting it on the counter. “Correction: I did not steal it. I relocated it. In my stomach. And I gave it a personality. It wasn't festive enough!"
Emily’s mock glare softens as she looks at Kaitlyn’s hopeful expression. “You’re lucky you’re cute,” she mutters, though there’s no real heat behind her words.
“And you’re lucky you have me to make life more exciting,” Kaitlyn quips, leaning forward to press a quick kiss to Emily’s forehead. “Come on, Em. It’s Christmas Eve! What’s a little pie chaos between girlfriends?"
Emily sighs, shaking her head with a laugh. "Girlfriends where one happens to be a pie thief?"
Kaitlyn gasps, clutching her chest in mock horror. “Pie thief? I’m hurt. I prefer pumpkin connoisseur.”
Emily can’t help but laugh as Kaitlyn pulls her into a warm hug. “You’re impossible, you know that?”
“And yet, you love me anyway.” Kaitlyn smirks, her voice dropping into a teasing sing-song.
“Yeah, yeah,” Emily says, trying to sound exasperated but failing as she grins against Kaitlyn’s shoulder. “We're gonna have to bake a new one and you're in charge of the clean up!"
“Deal,” Kaitlyn says, taking Emily’s hand and leading her back to the kitchen. “But only if you let me sing Christmas carols while we work.”
Emily groans dramatically. “Fine. But if you start decking the halls with your rockstar riffs, I’m cutting you off.”
In the kitchen, the two of them fall into their usual rhythm. Emily measures out the ingredients with precision, while Kaitlyn sneaks little tastes of the filling and sprinkles flour everywhere. Tater Tot wanders in, hoping for scraps, and Tofu watches from a safe distance, flicking her tail lazily as she watches her servants do intensive labor.
“You know,” Emily says as she rolls out the pie crust, glancing at Kaitlyn with a soft smile, “this isn’t exactly how I imagined our first Christmas together.”
Kaitlyn, now covered in flour from an ill-advised attempt to toss dough in the air, leans against the counter and grins. “Better or worse?”
Emily pauses, considering. “Messier. Definitely messier. But also… better.”
Kaitlyn’s grin softens into something more heartfelt. “Yeah?”
"Relocated," Kaitlyn giggles as she steps closer, brushing a bit of flour from Emily’s cheek before cupping her face. “You’re my favorite chaos,” she murmurs, her voice warm and sincere.
Emily leans into Kaitlyn’s touch, her own smile spreading. “You’re mine too. But if you eat this pie before tonight's dinner, I swear…”
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Kaitlyn says solemnly. “Scout’s honor.”
“You were never a scout.”
“Details, details." Kaitlyn laughs, leaning in to kiss Emily, slow and sweet, the warmth of their shared laughter filling the room as the snow continues to fall outside.
As the pie bakes in the oven, Kaitlyn and Emily curl up on the couch under a fuzzy blanket, Tater Tot nestled at their feet and Tofu perched on the armrest. The twinkling lights of their tree cast a soft glow over the room, and in that moment, everything feels perfect—pumpkin pie mishaps and all.
Premise: Ethan and Cassie have their hands full getting ready for their first holiday as parents.
Book: Open Heart (post series)
Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine)
Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff.
Words: 885
A/N: Submission to @choicesdecember2024 prompt 12 "decorations" and to @choicesholidays Winter Holidays 2024 event.
It was a postcard-perfect winter day. Light snow fell outside the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Boston Harbor. Weak rays of sunlight struggled to break through the brooding gray clouds drifting above choppy waters.
Flames from a gas fireplace flickered softly, casting a warm glow across the room, while Christmas music filled the air with joyful melodies. The ordinarily pristine living room was a cheerful chaos of garlands, stray ornaments and empty decoration boxes.
“Eloise, no!”
Ethan Ramsey rushed to grab a forgotten piece of sparkly tinsel from the floor before his daughter could put it in her mouth.
“This is not candy,” he said firmly, crouching before her and easing the string out of her hands.
Hard as it was, he reminded himself not to waver when her lips quivered, and tears pooled in her green eyes at being denied a treat.
Kids, like dogs, could sense weakness.
Not that he’d share such a sentiment out loud. He’d learned his lesson the first time a few months ago upon seeing his wife’s shock and exasperation at his matter-of-fact statement.
Ethan picked Eloise up from the floor, tucked her against his chest and joined the rest of his family at the newly decorated tree in the corner.
“We should’ve trimmed the tree during the twins’ nap time,” he told his wife.
“Maybe,” Cassie smiled softly. “But it’s their first Christmas tree, even if they won’t remember anything.”
She jostled Sophie in her arms, stopping her from pulling a shiny ornament off the tree.
“No,” Cassie said gently, shaking one finger for emphasis.
It had taken them twice as long to decorate the tree because the twins kept getting into the box of decorations and running off with ornaments.
Well, crawling more than running, thought Ethan. Even though the girls had taken their first steps a week ago, they were more likely to crawl than walk just yet.
Cassie had laughed at their antics while he had pinched the bridge of his nose so many times he feared it was permanently indented.
“Switch,” said Cassie when Sophie got restless and reached for her father.
Ethan passed Eloise to Cassie with practiced ease, then scooped Sophie into his arms. In one smooth motion, the four of them came together in a warm embrace, a brief moment of connection before they naturally drifted apart.
Sophie babbled excitedly and patted his cheek, looking over her shoulder at the tree and then back at him.
“I see,” Ethan nodded sagely. “Yes, the tree is very pretty.”
He adjusted her position so she was facing the tree, his arm holding her securely against his front.
“Just two more, and we’re done,” Cassie said, pulling Eloise back when she tried to snatch the garland off the tree.
She reached for the open box on the coffee table and removed two colorful ornaments in the shape of snow globes with ‘Eloise’ and ‘Sophie’ written inside.
It was an early gift from their grandfather, and Ethan knew his father would appreciate seeing it on the tree.
“Here,” Cassie said, handing him Sophie’s ornament.
Ethan took Sophie’s hand in his, gently wrapping her tiny fingers around the ornament.
“Let’s hang this one together, Soph,” he said softly, guiding her toward a low branch on the tree.
Cassie held Eloise steady as the little girl’s chubby hand reached out to grasp her ornament.
“Eloise, this spot looks perfect for yours,” Cassie said, pointing to a sturdy branch beside her sister’s.
The twins cooed and babbled, their laughter spilling into the room as they clumsily helped their parents attach the ornaments to the tree. When both ornaments were finally in place, Cassie leaned back and admired the tree.
“Their first ornaments on the tree,” she said, her voice warm with pride and nostalgia. “Soon, they’ll be old enough to decorate their own Twin Tree.”
Ethan wrapped an arm around her shoulders, still holding Sophie. “Dad’s going to love this.”
“Good job, babe,” Cassie teased, adjusting Eloise in her arms so the twins were side by side. “You’re practically a Christmas tree expert now.”
Ethan rolled his eyes. “Nice to know I have a marketable skill in case the bottom ever falls out of medicine.”
“You have many skills,” she smirked, her gaze dropping to the front of his pants.
Ethan knew their daughters were too young to understand, but that didn’t stop the blush from spreading across his face. Cassie laughed, enjoying his reaction.
She tilted her head to press a soft kiss to the underside of his jaw, her voice low as she murmured, “To be continued.”
The twins started to get restless again, and Ethan knew it wouldn’t be long before they made a grab for the decorations on the tree. Lately, he and Cassie had their hands full just trying to keep up with their ever-active children.
“Here. You do the honors,” he said, handing her the remote for the lights.
“Let’s light this baby up!” Cassie exclaimed, flicking the switch.
The twins let out a delighted “Oh!” in unison as the lights flickered to life, their wide eyes reflecting the colorful glow.
Ethan didn’t believe in perfection, but in this moment—with the soft glow of the fireplace and twinkling lights reflecting in the twins’ wide, curious eyes—he couldn’t imagine anything more perfect.
Premise: Cassie and Ethan enjoy the holiday decorations around town, leading to a candid conversation about their relationship.
Book: Open Heart
Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine)
Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff.
Words: 1,475
A/N: This is set during the Secret Dating phase in Lia Land. Submission for @choicesholidays Winter 2024 and @choicesjanuary2025 prompt "hot chocolate:
Cassie Valentine discreetly glanced at her wristwatch beneath the table, wondering if there was still a chance to salvage her evening plans.
She had already changed into street clothes an hour ago and was ready to clock out when she received a page to report to the Diagnostics Team office. Dr. Ramsey had been clear from the start. The team’s schedule was unpredictable, and all members had to forego time off as needed.
As the latest and the most junior member, Cassie had to flex more than others since she was juggling a tough residency and diagnostics fellowship. Still, there was an upside to all the time spent at work—she got to do it with her boyfriend.
Not that anyone else knew the delectable Ethan Ramsey was hers, she mused with secret amusement. She knew, and that was all that mattered.
She side-eyed Ethan at the front of the conference table, facing the videoconference screen she hadn’t known existed until today. His eyes were alive with curiosity and interest as they consulted with a colleague in California. The virtual consult would determine if the team was required on-site for the diagnosis.
Cassie wouldn’t mind a couple of days of sunshine. Winter had Boston firmly in its grip. Of course, there was something magical about walking through a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Twinkling lights strung on palm trees didn’t have the same appeal as snow-dusted oak trees.
“Thank you, Dr. Amherst. We’ll review the patient file and get back to you tomorrow.”
Ethan wrapped up the call, and Cassie refocused her attention on the job at hand. She really hoped tomorrow didn’t mean they would be working late into the night. But, with this team, you never knew.
“I don’t know about the rest of you,” Baz said, stretching his arms, “but I could use a break before we work on the diagnosis.”
“I agree,” June said. “I’d rather come in early and approach the case with fresh eyes.”
Cassie held her breath in anticipation. Ethan seemed to hesitate, but then he nodded in agreement.
“Let’s pick this up tomorrow morning. Not much else we can do today.”
Baz and June wasted no time gathering their things and heading out. Cassie wasn’t far behind, but she stopped when she saw Ethan sit down at his desk and flip open the patient file.
“It’s late, Ethan,” she said, not hiding her exasperation. “Are you really planning to keep working?”
“I just want to go over things while they’re still fresh in my mind,” he said, sliding on his glasses.
He looked up at her. “Go home, Cassie. I’ll be fine.”
“I’m not going home,” she said, settling into the seat across from him. “I’m heading to Faneuil Hall to check out the Christmas tree and holiday decorations. Come with me.”
Ethan smirked, amused. “Isn’t that for tourists?”
“And for doctors who’ve spent fourteen-plus hours in a space that smells like antiseptic. I went last year, and it was nice.”
He rolled his eyes. “I see those decorations every day on my way to work. I’ll pass.”
“Fine,” Cassie said, pulling out her phone. “If you change your mind, you’ll know where to find me.”
When his phone pinged, Ethan glanced at the screen. “What’s this?”
“I just shared my location with you,” she explained. “I’ll keep it on until I get home.”
Almost ten minutes later, Cassie stepped out of the car, thanked her rideshare driver, and drew in a deep breath of the crisp evening air.
Just what I needed, she thought, feeling the tiredness fade away.
The scent of roasted chestnuts and pine mingled with the faint melody of holiday carolers stationed near Quincy Market. Strings of twinkling white and multicolored lights wound their way around the lampposts and tree trunks, casting a soft glow on the historic architecture.
Huddled inside her thick parka, Cassie trekked down the cobblestone streets, her boots crunching softly against the uneven stones as she admired the holiday wreaths adorning shop doors, their vibrant ribbons fluttering in the brisk evening breeze.
Tourists exclaimed excitedly at storefronts showcasing meticulously arranged scenes of snow-covered villages, glittering ornaments and festive garlands. Meanwhile, hardy Bostonians paid no mind to the spectacle, staying laser-focused on their holiday shopping lists.
Cassie treated herself to a steaming cup of hot chocolate and a bag of tiny, freshly fried donuts before settling onto a bench outside Faneuil Hall to people-watch.
A massive Christmas tree towered over the square, draped in a cascade of shimmering gold and silver lights that seemed to light up the night sky. Nearby, a family of four posed for a picture in front of an illuminated reindeer installation while a couple took a selfie, their cheeks rosy from the cold as they huddled close.
“Got room for one more?”
Cassie’s heart lifted at the sound of her lover's familiar voice. She turned to see Ethan and couldn’t help but break into a wide smile.
“Always.” She shifted to make room for him beside her.
“Christ! It’s fuckin’ cold tonight,” he shuddered as the wind picked up.
“You should’ve grabbed a hot chocolate on the way,” Cassie teased, taking an exaggerated sip from hers. “Here.”
She offered him the bag of still-warm donuts, grinning when a dusting of sugar landed on his coat and the corner of his mouth as he took a bite.
“Relax, babe,” she said with a laugh as he muttered about the mess, brushing away the sugar particles with a napkin. “You missed a spot.”
Cassie leaned in and licked the sugar from the corner of his lips. Ethan turned his head, his lips brushing against hers, and then he placed two fingers under her chin, holding her in place as he kissed her deeply and without hesitation.
Firecrackers burst in the distance—or was it her racing heartbeat and the rush of blood to her head? Cassie didn’t know or care as she fell into the moment.
All too soon, their lips drifted apart and the kiss faded into a whisper as their foreheads touched, sharing a quiet, unspoken connection.
“Excuse me?” a man’s voice interrupted. Cassie glanced up to see the other half of the couple who had been taking selfies earlier. “Sorry to disturb you, but could you…?”
He held out his phone to Ethan, then glanced uncertainly back at his girlfriend. Cassie grinned at Ethan’s hesitation and decided to take pity on him.
“I’ll do it,” she offered, stepping forward.
She took a few photos as the couple wrapped their arms around each other and struck playful poses for the camera. The last photo had them kissing softly under the Christmas tree lights. Cassie thought it might be the best one of all, envying the openness of their relationship.
As the couple walked away, thanking her with bright smiles, Cassie sighed wistfully and settled back onto the bench beside Ethan.
“What’s that sigh about?” he asked, raising a curious brow.
“Nothing,” she said, avoiding his gaze as she gathered the empty cup and paper bag to toss in the trash.
“Do you wish we weren’t keeping our relationship secret?”
Cassie was always amazed at how astutely Ethan could read her feelings. She supposed it was inevitable when two people had been in an intimate relationship of one type or another for almost nine months.
“We’re private people.”
“That’s not what I asked, Cassie.” He took her hand, intertwining their fingers. “Do you want to go public?”
“I don’t know,” she said. “Our families and my close friends know. It should be enough.”
“But…?”
Cassie rolled her eyes. He could be relentless, like a dog with a bone. She knew he wouldn’t drop it easily.
“But I hate how the nurses flirt with you at work while I have to pretend it doesn’t bother me. Or how, if we took a selfie right now, I couldn’t post it on Picta because, as far as the world knows, I’m single.”
“I’m not posing for a selfie on Picta under any circumstances,” Ethan murmured.
“Wanna bet?” she shot back, glaring at him.
Ethan smirked, his lips twitching as if to hold back a retort. Instead, he leaned in closer, his voice low and teasing. “You’d lose that bet, Dr. Valentine.”
Cassie raised an eyebrow, a challenge glinting in her eyes. “Careful, babe. I always play to win.”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “Come on, let’s get out of here before I freeze my balls off sitting on this icy bench.”
She grabbed her things and fell into step beside him, their fingers brushing but not quite holding. As they walked into the twinkling glow of the holiday lights, Cassie glanced at him, a quiet smile tugging at her lips.
Maybe the world didn’t need to know about them just yet. Moments like this were enough.
A/N: In case you were wondering. Ethan lost that bet. 😂
Premise: As one year ends and another begins, Max and Sienna treasure a quiet moment.
Book: Open Heart (post series)
Pairing: Sienna Trinh x M!OC (Max Valentine)
Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff.
Words: 475
A/N: Submission for @choicesholidays Winter Holiday event and @choicesjanuary2025 prompt New Year's Eve.
Her feet ached, the souvenir of a successful party. They had celebrated the end of one year and the beginning of another with equal fervor, and now it was time to let the night settle.
Sienna Valentine slipped her aching feet out of the golden stilettos that had sparkled under the lights, elongating her legs and making her feel effortlessly sexy.
She leaned down, massaging the tender arches, and her lips curved into a weary smile when her fingers brushed a stray piece of glitter on the hardwood floor—a tiny remnant of the magic they’d created tonight.
In the stillness, she could hear her husband’s voice—warm but efficient—as Max ushered the last of their guests out. Her ears were attuned to the faint click of the closing door and the steady rhythm of his footsteps as he made his way to join her on the living room couch.
Sienna remembered another new year’s eve party four years ago. She had been alone when the clock struck midnight, and fireworks exploded across the Boston sky. Even if she’d wanted to kiss anyone, her heart hadn’t been in it.
There was only one whose presence made her heart flutter with anticipation. She had wanted all her midnights to be with him, and knew they would always be hers if she’d had the courage to ask for them.
And now they were, and always would be.
As hosts, they had mingled throughout the evening, ensuring their guests were well cared for. But as midnight approached, they instinctively gravitated toward each other.
The final seconds ticked away, champagne bottles popped and confetti rained down, but in that fleeting moment, they only had eyes for each other.
As the ball dropped on the TV screen, their lips met in a tender kiss. Max cupped her face in his hands, tilting his head to deepen the connection. Sienna wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, her fingers clutching the back of his shirt as she drew him closer.
All too soon, the demands of others pulled them apart, tugging them in opposite directions. His parting grin promised it wasn’t the end but a vow of more to come.
Now, with the party behind them, she nestled against him on the couch and savored the stillness of the night and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
A dull throb pulsed through her aching feet. Sienna started to reach down, but Max was there first. Shifting his position, he gently lifted her feet onto his lap. His hands were warm and steady, pressing circles into her heel, then longer strokes along her arch, releasing the tension with every touch.
Sienna sighed, her body melting into the couch as her eyes fluttered closed. In this quiet moment, surrounded by love, everything felt exactly as it should be.
