#tna sam

“Anna, guess what! We just saw the craziest thing...” Mickey called as he and Mason charged toward their future step-mother. 

Both boys froze in their tracks when the woman Anna had been speaking with came into view. Mason’s jaw dropped, and Mickey’s eyes went wide. Neither were quite sure how to receive the woman before them.

“Boys… I’ve missed you.” The woman said gently. Anna took a step closer to the twins.

“Mom?!” Mason gasped.

Anna’s eyes went wide as surrounding heads began to turn. “Wait… but I thought… you’re…” she stuttered, trying to process the information. 

“I’m so sorry it had to come out this way, Anna. But yes, I’m Addison Dalton.” 

“Boys, come on. We need to go find your dad.” Anna placed a protective hand on each of their shoulders.

“Anna, what’s happening?” Mason asked, looking between the two women.

“Yeah, I thought our mom died?” Mickey added.

Addison stepped forward and smiled before kneeling down to meet their eyes. “It’s a long story, but I’m here, and I’m not ever going to leave you two again.” 

“Come on boys. Now.” Anna’s tone was stern, as more partygoers started turning their attention to the scene that was playing out.

“Anna, what’s going on? I heard you from the other…” Sam stopped short at Anna’s side, his expression mirroring that of Mickey and Mason’s when they saw Addison. 

“Hello, Sam.” Addison greeted him.

“Addison?” Sam’s voice was barely a whisper as he locked eyes with the woman he thought he had lost five years ago. 

As Sam continued to stand there, speechless, Anna wrapped her arms around the boys, pulling them close to her as her eyes flitted between Sam and his wife. 

Sam’s wife. Just minutes ago, they had been celebrating their engagement. He was moaning her name. Now he was standing there, face to face with the woman who had held his heart, and his name, before her. 

“Anna,” Sam’s voice pulled her from her thoughts. “Take the boys, find Carter, and meet me in the car.” 

“But Sam, they’re my boys too and I haven’t seen them-”“Stop.” Sam cut Addison off, just as Mason Senior was approaching.

“What is going on over here?” Mason asked. “Addison?” He gasped once he noticed the blonde standing there. 

“Anna, go.” Sam commanded, his eyes never leaving Addison’s. Anna quickly ushered the boys out of the room. “Who are you?”

“Sam, it’s me.” Addison responded, reaching out and placing her hand on his shoulder. 

He instantly jerked back, away from her touch. “You can’t be. Addison is dead.” 

“All right, that’s enough.” Mason interjected. “We don’t need to do this in front of an audience.” He ushered Sam and Addison out of the ballroom and into a small conference room, Vivian following close behind. 

“Now, what is the meaning of all of this?” Mason stood with his arms folded.

“Mason, Vivian… Sam,” Addison started. “I know this seems completely insane, and I promise I will explain everything. But I’m here because I want my family back.” 

Sam was pacing the room, trying to make sense of this. Addison was dead, he had identified her body, buried her, raised their children on his own. It was impossible for her to be standing here right now. Wasn’t it?

“Sam?” Addison’s voice was soft as she attempted to approach him again. He held his hand up to stop her.

“This doesn’t make sense. None of this makes any sense.” He pinched the bridge of his nose and looked around the room. “I can’t do this. I have to go.” Sam stormed out of the room without another word. 

“Samuel, wait!” Vivian chased after him, grabbing his arm to stop him. “Are you alright? You just don’t seem like yourself tonight.”

Sam’s head snapped back to look at his mother. “Of course I’m not alright, mom! Can you really blame me?”

“I know, I know.” She placed her hands on his shoulders. “You just take Anna and the boys and go home. We’ll call the lawyers to get this all sorted out.” Sam nodded in understanding. “And why don’t you four go up to the cabin for the rest of the boys’ break, Get away from the inevitable media circus for a bit.” 

“Yeah, yeah that’s a good idea. Thanks, mom.” Sam leaned down, kissing his mother on the cheek.

“You call us if you need anything, Sam.” He nodded and made his way out to the car. 

Anna was sitting in the back of the limo, trying to field Mason and Mickey’s questions about their mother’s sudden reappearance, while also trying to make sense of it for herself. Suddenly, the car door opened and Sam slid into his seat, dropping his head back on to the headrest and letting out a loud breath. Anna knocked on the divider, signaling to Carter that they were ready to leave. 

They rode back to the penthouse in silence, Sam watched the scenery go by as he tried to process everything that had happened. The boys shared worried glances before looking up at Anna. She looked down at them, smiling softly. She knew that no matter what she was feeling about Addison’s return, this moment was so much harder for the three men in her life. She had to be there for them right now, she would worry about herself later. 

When they returned to the apartment, Sam went straight to his office, closing the door behind him, leaving Anna and the boys in the living room. 

“Guys, why don’t you go get ready for bed. I’ll be there in a minute to say goodnight.” 

“But Anna…” Mickey whined. 

She knew they had a lot of questions, but she didn’t have any answers. She also wasn’t sure it was her place. 

“Please Mickey.” She pleaded. 

He nodded and followed Mason to their room, leaving Anna alone with her thoughts. She knew she needed to talk to Sam, but she needed to get the boys in bed first. 

Sam closed the office door behind him and walked straight to his bar cart, pouring a glass of scotch, which he immediately brought to his lips and swallowed. He poured a second before stepping up to the floor to ceiling window and staring out at the city lights. His mind raced with one question after the next.

He was buried so deep in his thoughts that he didn’t hear the soft knocking at the door. He continued to stare out the window, not actually looking at anything. 

“Sam?” Anna’s soft tone finally brought him back to the moment. He turned and watched his fiance of only a few hours approach. 

“Did the boys get to bed alright?” The question fell from Sam’s mouth without even thinking. 

“Yeah,” she nodded. “I mean, as well as can be expected. They have a lot of questions.” 

Sam let out a humorless laugh. They weren’t the only ones. 

“Are you alright?” Anna asked, placing her hand on Sam’s shoulder. 

He turned away, finishing his second drink and leaving the glass on the bar cart. “I don’t know.” 

“What are you going to do?”

“I don’t know.”

“What are you going to tell the boys?” 

“I don’t know.”

“What --”

“Anna, I don’t know! Alright?” Sam yelled, causing Anna to flinch and step back. 

“I’m sorry.” Her voice was small as she tried holding back her own emotions. 

Sam pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed deeply. “No, I’m sorry Anna, I didn’t mean to take it out on you.” He stepped up to her, pulling her close and kissing the top of her head. 

“No, I know.” She responded. “I didn’t mean to be pushy, I just want to help you.”

Sam pulled back, running his hand over his face. “I know you do, and I appreciate it. I just need to try to wrap my head around all of this.” 

Silence fell over the room as Anna watched Sam collapse onto the sofa, running his hand over his face. She knew what a toll this was taking on him and the twins, yet selfishly, all she was wondering was what this would mean for her future with Sam. 

“I’m going to go home.” Anna finally broke the silence. 

She stepped toward Sam, but his eyes were trained on the floor in front of him. He didn’t even acknowledge her. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before redirecting and walking out into the hallway. The sound of his office door closing brought Sam out of his trance, he looked around and realized Anna had left. He jumped up from his seat and hurried after her.  

“Anna, wait!” Sam called for her as she stepped onto the elevator. 

He made it to the doors just as they were closing, throwing his arm between them. He stood at the threshold, preventing them from closing again. She looked up at him curiously. 

“I’m taking the boys to my parent’s cabin tomorrow. When this gets out to the press, they’re going to be all over us. I want to keep the boys away from all that for as long as possible.” 

Anna nodded solemnly. “Okay.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. “We can talk when you get back… if you want.” 

“Come with us.” Her eyes went wide at his invitation. He reached out and took her hand in his. “They’re going to be all over you too.” She looked down, and he used his free hand to lift her gaze back to his. “Please?”

She looked into his eyes and saw nothing but sincerity and hope. “Sure, yeah, I’ll come.” He smiled, tugging on their joined hands to get her off the elevator. She pulled back, removing her hand from his. “I’ll need to go home and pack.” 

“Right, of course.” Sam backed away, placing his arm against the elevator door. “I’ll see you in the morning then?” 

“I’ll be here.” She assured, leaning forward and kissing him softly on the cheek. “I love you, Sam.” 

He let out a sigh as he lowered his arm, allowing the door to begin to close. “I love you too.” 

Sam remained rooted in place as the door closed and the elevator began its descent. His mind raced with all of the things that he now had to figure out. There were so many people that were going to expect explanations, the press, his parents, the boys, Anna; but before he could provide those, he would need some of his own. Why was she back? How was she back? What did she want? 

After all these years, he was finally ready to move forward, but before he could he would have to face his past. 

Permatag:

"Ladies and gentlemen, as we start our descent, please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position…" 

Ensuring that both of his twin sons were prepared for landing, Sam Dalton finds himself staring adoringly at his bride-to-be, who is already helping them buckle their seat belts.

"Is this going to be scary, Brynn?" Mason asks, his words drenched with concern. 

"You've been on planes before, Mase," the former nanny slinks her fingers into his hand as he grips tightly.

"Yeah, but never this plane," he scrunches his eyebrows. "What if they land differently, or–or crash?"

"Buddy," Sam chimes in, "we're not going to crash. Plus Brynn and I are right here with you–"

"And they won't let anything happen to us," Mickey smiles, taking his brother's other hand.

"You know?" Brynn winks at Sam before turning her attention to her future stepsons. "That's a great idea, Mick; let's all hold hands."

As the young Dalton family hold each other tightly, the airplane begins to subtly quiver as it begins the descent.

"Are we there yet?" Mason whimpers.

"Almost," Brynn squeezes his hand.

With a final thud and a sudden lurch forward, the plane is finally safe on the tarmac, making its way to the proper terminal.

"Did you close your eyes, Mason?" Mickey asks.

"J-just for a second," his brother pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose.

"I didn't," Mickey beams, "that's because I'm brave–"

Brynn wraps an arm around Mason. "I had to close my eyes, too," she grins. Turning her attention to Sam, "and I do believe your father closed his eyes for a minute."

"What?" The twins shout in unison, Brynn covering her amusement.

"I did not," Sam ruffles the boys' curly hair. "I was just… napping." 

The boys bust out with joyous laughter as their father jokingly shifts his eyes, feigning embarrassment.

"But you know what, Mickey?" Brynn announces as everyone's snickers calm down. "You're right. You are brave, but," she pauses for a moment, draping an arm around Mason's shoulders, "so is this guy right here!"

"That's right!" Sam holds up his hand for a high-five from Mason. "You did it, buddy!" 

Mickey twists his face before finally nodding in agreement. "Yeah, you're right." He playfully puts his brother in a headlock before continuing. "Good job, little bro!" He titters.

Suddenly the aircraft pulls to a gentle stop while a loud chime plays over the loudspeaker followed by the captain's voice.

"¡Bienvenidos, Puerto Vallarta, México!"

Sam smiles in excitement as he looks to his fiancée, then to his kids. "Who's ready for some fun?"

"Me!" The boys squeal together.

"Dalton family of four," Sam pulls out his phone, huddling everyone together for a selfie. "On the count of three, say, 'Wedding'! One… two… three!"

"WEDDING!"

------

Sam, Brynn and the twins are shuttled to the hotel where they are met outside by Robin.

"Hey there, best man," Brynn giggles, planting a chaste kiss on his stubbled cheek. "Have you and Sof already been sightseeing?"

Robin combs his fingers through his hair, offering a sympathetic grin. "Eh, not exactly."

Tipping the driver and waving him on, Sam turns his attention to his brother. "Something wrong?"

"Well," Robin collects a few pieces of luggage, corralling the family to head towards their rooms. "Yes and no–"

Sam and Brynn stop, giving each other nervous expressions.

"--but everything is fixable," he assures with a hopeful grin. "We just need to decide fast on what we are going to do."

"Oh, there you are!" Sofia walks up as she's ending a phone call, grazing her slender fingers against Robin's chest. "Good news. There are a few places down in the city that can expedite alterations for Saturday."

"Alterations?" Sam raises an eyebrow.

"Saturday? As in, for the wedding?" Brynn questions.

"Oh," Sofia clenches her teeth as she glances at Robin, "you haven't told them?"

"If you'd give me a chance, dear," he glares at the blonde before turning back to the engaged couple. "They lost Dad's bag."

"Oh no," Sam exclaims. "I guess he doesn't have his clothes then. Has he talked with the airlines?"

"He's practically been on the phone with them since we arrived last night," Sofia nods.

"But Sam," Robin sighs, "this wasn't a bag of Dad's clothes. It was the bag with all of the wedding day accessories for the guys."

"Accessories?"

Robin nods. "Remember? The vests, ties, suspenders, shoes–"

“What?” Brynn snaps. "Why did you pack them together?" Brynn tries to show restraint in her irritation.

"It sounded like a good idea at the time," Sam whispers, shrugging. "We figured... we would be less likely to lose something if everything just stayed together."

"Well, now you've lost everything!" Brynn bites back. 

Okay, Brynn, that's a little melodramatic, don't you think?  Take a breath.

She clears her throat, fixing a fake smile to her lips. "Please," she sighs, "just make this right."

------

Thursday and Friday came with no avail. Brynn was fairly upset about the situation, but Sam, Robin and Sofia made haste in finding replacements for everything while Jenny tried distracting her with various tourist outings.

Unfortunately, nothing matched the aesthetic; the originals were custom designed for this specific wedding. But, Brynn vowed a long time ago that she would never turn into a "bridezilla," and truthfully, she was grateful for everyone pitching in to make something work for her special day.

Luckily, Robin was able to work his magic charm, and around 2:30 on Saturday morning, he received a call that the luggage was found, and could be picked up from a claims center at a smaller airport just outside the city limits. 

Several hours later, he was walking through the front doors of the resort with his father's luggage in tow. He was hoping to drop it off at the older Dalton's room before returning to his own for a small nap before the wedding.

As he waits for an elevator, he hears a familiar, husky voice.

"Son?"

Robin glances over to see his parents getting off a lift, hand-in-hand. Stepping towards them, he offers a tired, crooked smile before kissing his mother's cheek. "Hey, Pops, hey, Moma."

"Robbie," Vivian starts, "what are you doing up so--?"

Mason Sr. gasps. "Is that my missing luggage?" Robin brings it forward, showcasing it like a trophy. "Samuel and his nanny will be so excited to see that."

"Here, sweetie," Vivian grabs the bag, "we'll take this up to our room and have it all steamed, okay?"

"Really? You don't mind?"

"Not at all. I've got it." Vivian cups Robin's face, stroking his cheek with her thumb as she lowers her voice. "Now go get some sleep."

Robin appreciatively nods his head as he catches an elevator going up to his floor. He slinks into his room, completely exhausted from his all-night endeavor.

He shrugs off his clothes before sitting on the edge of the bed and pulling out his phone. He sends off a quick text to Sam.

Happy Wedding day... again. Left you a surprise in Mom & Dad's room for tonight. 

Sending off the message, two lean arms suddenly slither around his shoulders, pawing at the hardened physique of his chest.

"About time, Mr. Flores," she purrs into his ear. "Did you get the bag?"

"Mhmm," he hums.

She sighs with content. “I'm so proud of you,” she breathes against his skin.

The corner of Robin's mouth curls as he tenderly grabs her dainty hands, pressing them to his heart. "Sof," he exhales. He lays his head onto her arm, inhaling deeply her sweet scent before peppering her arm with delicate kisses.

"C’mon," she giggles, "come to bed, baby.”

------

Several hours later, Sam hurries down to Robin's room to thank him for the strings he pulled to fix the wedding disaster. But, he was met with Sofia instead.

"He's still asleep, but I will make sure he's awake within the hour."

Sam nods, "Thanks, Sofia." He begins to turn on his heel, but stops himself, facing back for his ex-fiancée. "And thank you. For everything you've done to make today special."

Sofia raises her perfectly plucked eye before fixing a cheshire grin to her face. "Don't go soft on me now… Boo Bear," she sardonically chuckles, crossing her arms as she walks back into her room. 

Sam snickers under his breath, shaking his head.

"Oh!" She stops the door from closing behind her. "Robin got you a special present for–" she clears her throat, "--tonight. It was something in that bag. I just thought I'd remind you to grab it. No telling what it is with his buffoonery."

"Oh, yeah," Sam nods, "he mentioned it in his text. I'll grab it." He begins to head down the corridor. "See you in a bit."

------

With his parents away, getting pampered with massages before the ceremony, Sam was given badge access to their room.

He slides open their closet door, and relief fills his heart. Hanging up and perfectly pressed are his and Robin's vests, their ties along with the boys' suits and accessories. He also found his shoes, perfectly polished.

Overjoyed, he shoots Jenny a text message to let Brynn know that everything is perfect.

He begins to collect all of the items when he remembers Robin's gift. 

Where is it? Would it be wrapped?

Sam glances cautiously around the room.  He checks the closet again, discovering only one thing left inside, hanging up towards the back. 

Did he get me something to wear? 

The satin garment is pearlesque white with a very nuptial vibe. Sam pulls it off the rack and instantly feels the intricate detailing of embroidery on the lapels.

It's a robe. 

But for me?

He takes off his shirt, and slips it on, instantly charmed with the soft-feel against his skin. 

This is nice–like, really nice.

He steps in front of a floor-length mirror, taking in the sight. It was shorter than a typical men's housecoat, hitting him on his upper thigh with three-quarter length, kimono-style sleeves with more filigree stitching. He cinches the robe together, giving himself a good look-over. Chuckling to himself, he starts dancing, swaying his hips back and forth before finger-gunning his reflection.

He notices the garment has pockets, one of which seems to have a matching pair of boxers hidden inside. He holds them up, curiously flipping them back and forth.

These look awfully small. Where does… everything even go?

Removing the robe all together, Sam is very much touched by the sentiments and appreciates his stylish brother wanting to make his wedding night more special.

He pulls out his phone and texts Robin.

Tonight is going to be even more special. Thanks.

------

The wedding went off without a hitch. It was beautiful, elegant and romantic, like something out of a fairy tale. The bride was exquisite, and the groom was completely enamored, unable to take his eyes off of his beloved.

Early the next morning, Robin and Sofia walk hand-in-hand down the main hallway when suddenly, Sam's door opens.

"Oh!" Sam exclaims, adjusting his embroidered satin robe upon seeing them. "Hey, you two." He places his arm on the doorframe, leaning against it casually with a smirk.

Sofia presses her lips together, stifling her laughter as Robin's face contorts with pain.

Suddenly feeling insecure, Sam lowers his arm, pulling the lapels closer together to cover his chest. He clears his throat, "Everything… okay?"

"Sam," Robin leans in, lowering his voice. "The fuck are you wearing, bro?"

“Wh–what do you mean?” Sam's large chestnut eyes dart back and forth between his brother and his ex-fiancée. "The robe?… am I not wearing it right?"

"Uh, you could say that. You shouldn't be wearing it at all." Robin covers his mouth as he stares at Sam's appearance. "And she still fucked you? Wearing this?"

"Stop it, Robin," Sofia slaps his shoulder, turning her attention back to Sam. "Men wearing women's lingerie is a very common kink," she winks. 

"Oh, but this?" Sam looks down at the robe. "This isn't women's lingerie–"

"Oh, Sam," she condescendingly snickers, "yes, it very much is. I actually have it in red. And those?" She briefly glances down at his tight underwear. "Definitely women's boyshorts." She leans in closely, lowering her voice. "By the way, your meat and two veg are hanging out."

Horrified, Sam instantly pulls the material right around his hips, covering the front of his pelvis. "Robin!" He huffs. "Why did you even get this for me?"

"Me?" Robin blows a raspberry with his lips. "I actually have taste outside of my mouth, Sammy. I would never buy that for myself... or any other man, for that matter."

"You said you got me a surprise for my wedding night!"

Robin nods. "Right?"

"I even texted you about it, thanking you–"

Robin scoffs. "You were thanking me, your brother, for women's lingerie for you to wear… on your wedding night?"

"Well…"

"What part about that seems normal, Sam?" Robin interrupts. 

"Jesus, I have not had enough coffee for this," Sofia mumbles.

"So then… what was my gift?"

"Dude," Robin crosses his arms, "we're in fucking Mexico. I got you some fun shit: 150-proof tequila, some psychedelics, and–" he slaps his brother on the back, "El Rápido pills."

"El Rápido pills?"

"Yeah, you know," Robin rolls his eyes. "They give you the most powerful erection ever known to man--I swear your dick grows, like, two inches. You could probably give a black eye with that thing alone." He winks, clicking his tongue. "But the orgasms... Shit, you could literally shoot a rocket to the moon–"

"It is pretty amazing," Sofia chimes in nonchalantly, picking at her nails.

"Well," Sam looks at the floor in confusion, "if I'm wearing a woman's robe and panties, I wonder if anyone opened your actual gift–"

"Boys!" 

All of their heads abruptly turn to see Vivian Dalton slowly making her way down the long hallway. She waddles carefully, stutter-stepping and occasionally having to stop with a brief wince of discomfort flashing across her face.

"Mom?" Sam calls out.

"Are you okay?" Robin steps forward, taking her by the arm to steady her gait.

"I'm fine," she wiggles in uncertainty. "Your father however…um, well," she sighs, her voice falling quiet, "we need to go to the ER."

"What?" Sam exclaims.

"Why?" Sofia's eyes grow wide.

"I think your father… took something."

"Took something… like what?" Robin inquires.

Vivian takes a deep breath, looking her children in their eyes. "Now, you boys are grown adults… and you should know that your father and I still love each other very, very much. And we like to express that love physically –"

"Stop," Sofia cringes. "Why is all of this happening before coffee?"

Robin and Sam look at each other puzzled.

And then it hits them.

"Shit…"

"El Rápido pills…"

"Your father, well, he's had… quite the appetite." She shifts her weight, her face flinching from an unseen ache. 

"And now, his, um, appetite doesn't seem to want to… go away," she nervously chuckles. 

"Goddamnit, Robin…" Sam mutters, glaring at his brother. "I swear–"

"Um, Samuel dear?" Vivian interrupts the banter.  "Why are you wearing my robe? And are those… my unmentionables?"

~🖤~

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ALL TNA

💚💚💚👗💚💚

Wyatt’s lips pressed against the pulse along the side my neck, the scruff of his beard tickling the delicate skin. A low moan escaping from my lips, I could feel Wyatt smile before he presses another kiss on my neck.

“How much time do we have before my sister and friend show up?” He asks.

His lips on mine again, not letting me answer. It has been like this between us for the last month and a half, kisses, hands roaming over bodies but nothing more happening. Anytime Wyatt’s hands or lips traveled to the most intimate part of my body or mine over his, one of us would pull away. 

Something in the back of our minds stopping us from taking it further or at least that is what I thought.

Both of us sexually frustrated, Wyatt may say him more than me but that was debatable. Was this something we should just do and move on, see what is waiting for us once we cross that line? Probably but I want this relationship to be different, different from the lust that turned into something more. 

“They may be pulling up as we speak.” I answer in between kisses.

If that was true Olive and Bridgette would find Wyatt and I in an interesting position, he was standing between my legs while I sat on his kitchen island. The thin strap of my light blue summer dress off my shoulder and halfway down my arm, the hem riding up my thighs inches away from exposing what I was wearing underneath it.

Wyatt’s blue eyes turn dark. “I could be quick.” His hand roaming over my skin, the corner of his mouth turning up with a slight smirk, realizing the words he just spoke.

I press my forehead against his chest. “I’m not sure if that is a good thing.” I release with a chuckle.

“Figured that wasn’t very smooth once those words left me. But it would definitely make you crave more.”

Wyatt hooks his finger under my chin making me look up at him. “Cancel on them and I’ll do the same with the guys.”

“The guys and my father you mean.”

Since the day after our first date my dad has been trying to get Wyatt to go to a ball game at Chavez Ravine and to no avail not because Wyatt didn’t want to but things came up and they were both rescheduling their date as if making me a third wheel that Sunday hadn’t been enough.

Yeah, there had been no church as I suspected we had gone out for brunch but when that hadn’t worked because the wait was too long, Wyatt and my dad had spotted a sports bar and we hopped over to it. Beers, wings and such covered our table as they bonded over the Dodgers. I wasn’t completed forgotten, every once in a while I’d get the hand squeeze or that breathtaking smile before something hoot and hollering worthing happened.

Today was going to be different, Wyatt and the guys, my father included, were driving down the 5 to Anaheim to catch the inter-league game between the Dodgers and Angels. Dodger blue tore through the sea of red whenever those two played against each other so it was going to be guys night.

And well for me, I was going shopping with the girls and after that we were going to pamper ourselves at the spa. Shopping for a dress to wear to in the upcoming month or so to a wedding. 

A wedding invitation that had been forced out of Wyatt one night. Olive and Bridgette wouldn’t stop until he asked and I felt bad to say something other than yes.

So here we were, waiting for the two of them to pick me up so we could find a dress that I would wear to Bridgette’s wedding.

“You still ok with me attending?” My question had a little doubt behind it as I asked.

I close my eyes at the touch of his hand cupping my the side of my face when I open them I see the sincerity in his clear blue eyes the same look when I asked him that same question when we had been alone.

“Yes. I wouldn’t want you anywhere else but with me that day. I wanted to make sure you were ok with it, you know with us being so new and all.”

I let out a breath that I was holding and smile at him. Yeah, I wanted to be there with him to live in the moment of being surrounded by love, by family, by him. “Same. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else that day.”

Pulling Wyatt closer, I press my lips to his, kissing him tenderly.

“Go freshen up, those two should be barging in any minute now.”

Without saying another word, I hop off the counter and make my way to the washroom as I begin to walk away I feel a sudden sting radiating from my backside.

What in the hell, Wyatt just smacked my ass! 

“Hey!”

I looked back at him with a look that could kill and what I received in return had me turning that stare into a laugh.

He was lucky I liked him, liked him a lot and that wink and mischievous smile he just gave me added more to that like.

******

My lips pursed at the dress on the hanger, if you can call it that, whatever fabric it has would barely cover ones most intimate areas. Surprised to find something like that at this boutique Olive and Bridgette brought us to. Not giving it another thought I slide it away and move onto the next one.  

“What about this one?” 

A slightly horrified looked took over Olive’s face as she was taking in the silk black dress in her hand before returning it to the rack. “At this rate, we are not going to find anything. This is like shopping at a store meant for twenty year olds with small waists and perking boobs.”

“Speak for yourself Ollie, these dresses are hot!!” Bridgette squealed. “Marie would look freaking hot in one of these. I’m sure Wyatt wouldn’t let her leave the house with a dress like this on.”

I swear Bridge wasn’t a normal bride, she was picking things that would have me popping out of the dress as if I were going to a night club in Vegas, not a formal wedding.

“And here you are picking it for her to wear on your wedding day.”

“Tell me you and Wy were up to no good before we arrived! You were there awfully early or maybe you had spent the night.” Bridgette’s words had a crimson blush creep up my cheeks “You know the kind of bad you have to ask for forgiveness come Sunday.”

Olive gagged at the thought “Good god Bridge! I don’t want to know what my brother does behind closed doors.”

“Nothing has happened between us. We are taking it slow.” I inform them.

“The fact that you were cocked blocked by none other than your father has nothing to do with it?”

Olive covers her ears to avoid hearing about mine and Wyatt’s sex/life, or lack there of. “I don’t want to hear it. Not what he does behind closes doors or anything intimate for that matter.”

A howling laugh comes from Bridgette and myself at Bridge’s next words. “Clearly he’s not doing Marie here.

“That’s a good one.” I tell Bridgette before standing up, walking up to a hunter green dress that has caught my eye. “I’m glad we could find something that embarrasses Olive.”

Olive gives me an evil stare at my words.

Bridgette shows me a red dress for me to approve of as I walk by, I press my lips together and shake my head no. But that doesn’t stop her from adding it to the try-on pile.

“Oh, before I forget I need to get your place holder written out. Wyatt has told me to lay off it but  I’m gonna need your last name.”

Right, I think, it’s not like a could go on forever with just Marie. It’s not like I’m Adele or something. “I’m surprised you haven’t pried it out of Wyatt. And is that all you want my last name for?” I asked with a smirk. 

“Of course..why else—.” Bridgette said as it dawned on her. “I’m gonna kill him.”

“Castro.”

“Marie Castro.” Olive says my name.

“Yes. Marie Castro.” Confirming my name to them. I watch as the wheels turn in their heads glancing at each other then back at me. “Go ahead, google it, I’ll wait.” I run my fingers over the dress, it is beautiful and more appropriate for a wedding.

“We won’t do that.” Olive answered for both of them. 

Looking over my shoulder and giving them a look that tells them that I don’t believe them.“It’s ok. Really, I don’t mind that much, which is saying a lot from where I was.”

“Olive’s right we won’t. You just said you don’t mind that much, so you still mind some what.”

Shaking my head at them. “I think I found what I’m going to wear.” I twirl the dress in front of them. “While I try it on, you can search and ask questions if you’d like.”

Mentally kicking myself but that quickly disappears, they are bound to find out and it’s better they learn the truth from me than believe the tabloids. Every possible scenario plays in my mind of what could happen as we make our way to the dressing rooms.

I try and remember everything that had been written about me, about Sam, about our time together, the only thing I refused to read was what was written once it got out that Sam and I were no longer together but I could put a good guess on what it could be.

Removing my summer dress and letting it fall, I stand there staring at my reflection waiting for the gasps and the oh my gods. But there is nothing, not a peep.

Silence.

Were they too stunned to speak? Did they walk out and leave me there? Was Olive thinking Wyatt was better off without me?

I quickly step into the hunter green dress, it was sophisticated, full sleeved, full length. It covered everything in the front up to my clavicle. There was a high slit that stopped just before exposing the right side of my hip. Turning my back to the mirrors, brushing my hair to the side to expose the low cut back that stopped at the waist.

“Olive? Bridge?” I call out.

“Come out already and show us.” Olive’s bubbly voice comes through the closed door.

I reach for the handle of the door, taking a deep breath in before twisting and pushing the door open for them to see. There is a silence between us, like a stare down of sorts as I make my way out and stand on the podium. 

“Here let me, you forgot the zipper.” Bridgette calls out. The side zipper closes and gives the dress that snatched waist look. “This is perfect.”

Seeing Olive nod in agreement behind us from the reflection of the mirror, I let out a laugh. “What about that whole rack of dresses or that the pant suit—.”

Bridgette playfully smacks my arm. “God no, you are not wearing a pant suit to my wedding Marie.”

“What’s that look for?” Olive asks.

Biting the bottom of my lip, I hesitate at how silly my words are going to sound. There is this feeling that courses through me that once I begin to share my past, it begins to chip away to let me enjoy my present and my future.

“I thought you left after reading about me. That you would think that your brother would be better off without all the drama and baggage I carry.”

Reaching for my hand Bridgette gives me comforting squeeze. “We wouldn’t. I’m not gonna lie and stand here and say that I didn’t want to know where you looked familiar from. Wyatt’s a big boy and if he wants you or doesn’t want you in his life, he’d tell you. When and if you want to share what brought you back home, Olive and I will be here.”

“Thank you.” I give both women a weak smile.

“Now, if this dress doesn’t make Wyatt drag you away from us that night then something is really wrong with him.”

“God, not this again.”

“It’s called a freakum dress for a reason Olive and heaven only knows how long it’s been for the both of them.”

The three of us laugh, standing in front of the mirror bonding over a shopping trip and later that day at the spa as my time in New York was shared with Olive and Bridgette with no judgement in sight.