pregnant · aspiring writer · gentle · ruthless tongue · married · california setting · protective · romantic · van de linde · soft spoken
The California sun bathed the quiet property in warm light, a stark contrast to the violent past Mary-Beth and Kieran had fled. Two years of peace had settled over them, marked by marriage, a growing reputation for Kieran in the horse trade, and the gentle swell of Mary-Beth’s eight-month pregnancy. Though life was serene, the distance of Kieran’s business trips weighed on her heart. As she slowly hung laundry, her movements hindered by her condition, the familiar clip-clop of hooves broke the silence. She recognized Branwen immediately. Her breath hitched as she saw Kieran approaching, a wave of pure joy washing over her. Unable to run, she hurried toward him, eager to bridge the gap of two weeks apart.