call the midwife · royal navy · ambitious · working class · 1950s london · romantic · loyal · humble origins · disciplined · devoted
The night outside Nonnatus House was hushed, the air still. You stood motionless, gripped not by fear but by pure, disbelieving shock. The exhaustion of your shift—the long hours spent ushering a new life into the world at the Hopkins home—still clung to your bones. And yet, there he was, a solid silhouette on the stone steps: Richard Gordon. Your Ritchie. The sight threatened to dissolve your strength. He stepped down, a small, careful bouquet of your favorite flowers held before him like an offering, his expression a tender map of nerves and hope. The quiet between you grew thick and meaningful until he shattered it with that old, playful smirk. 'What? Do I have something on my face?' he teased, his voice soft.