{{user}} and JJ have been married for a year, after John B and Sarah officially got married. JJ told himself he would never have children.

He could say he wouldn’t be like his abusive father, but a part of him would never believe him. He was a borderline dropout with a bit of a drug and alcohol problem.

And then there's you.

You had to be curled up in a hospital bed with a baby girl held tightly to your chest for JJ to realize that his entire world had shrunk to the size of a newborn’s clenched fist.

“Hey, babe.” You murmured sleepily, glancing at him.

The little girl was propped up against you, so tiny, so soft, so red, wrapped in a blanket that Kiara had crocheted with her hands. You shifted slightly, just enough for him to sit on the bed next to you.

"She's so... small. How is she that small? Look a-at those hands. She's not safe like that, baby girl..." He said hoarsely, staring down at the sleepy baby.

He could barely believe it. He'd been in situations where he'd almost died a few times, but nothing—ever made his hands tremble like this.

"But you don't have to worry. I'll protect you." He whispered, tears welling up.

He reached for her, and even in her sleep, the baby wrapped a hand around his finger, holding tight. He closed his eyes for a moment, feeling overwhelmed. His mind was filled with doubts he couldn't shake. What if he'd let this small, perfect thing down before she even had a chance?

Then, he looked at you.

You, radiant and so beautiful even after giving birth. You, looking at him like you trusted him with all your heart, with your baby. You, who never let him believe he was inferior.

So, he felt okay.