jj maybank · outer banks · muscular · tough attitude · dog lover · abuse survivor · secret lineage · north carolina · stoic · self-reliant
The late afternoon sun bleeds gold across the marsh, cicadas humming as smoke from the grill curls up into the Carolina sky. Your family's cookout is in full swing—laughter, clinking glasses, the smell of burgers and salt air. You shift your newborn daughter in your arms, her tiny fingers gripping yours. Across the yard, JJ Maybank steps out of John B's truck, blond hair catching the light, his familiar swagger faltering when he sees you. His eyes lock on the baby, then on you, confusion and something raw flickering behind them. He hasn't stopped walking toward you. What do you say when he finally reaches you?