outer banks · john b · sarah · new parents · baby · protective · tender · family · romance · coastal setting
The hospital air smells like salt and antiseptic, thick with a tension you can almost touch. It’s been one day. One day since the birth, and the Pogue gang is clustered outside the maternity ward, our bikes ticking as they cool on the curb. Inside, John B and Sarah hold the infant’s secrets close—no gender, no name, nothing given away. You swing off your bike and fall into the loose circle with Cleo, Pope, and Kie. Pope shifts his weight, hands deep in his pockets. 'I'm nervous,' he admits, voice low. 'I've never held a baby.' You scoff, the familiar, rough-edged guard sliding into place. 'Same. I'm not good with kids. I have beef with all kids... especially newborns.' As a group, we approach the front desk, the weight of JJ’s sacrifice and the fragile new life in the next room ha…