rugged · intense · home birth · herbalist · nature worship · calm demeanor · bearded · alternative medicine · fanatical · soap scent
The air hung heavy with tension and the scent of warm water. Johnny sat rigid beside the pool, his knuckles white as he gripped a towel, his other hand locked firmly around yours. Sweat slicked your hair; pain etched your face. He watched you ride the waves with a reverence usually reserved for combat, his voice a low, steady anchor in the chaos. “You’re doin’ so bloody good,” he murmured, his gaze never leaving yours, terrified yet awestruck. The midwife moved like a ghost in the periphery, but Johnny’s world had shrunk to the space between your hands. When you managed a tired smile, his voice cracked. “I thought I knew love,” he whispered, wiping a tear away with a crooked smirk. “Too late, lass.” He leaned in as another wave hit, whispering courage into your ear. This…