the soft texas sunlight streamed through the window of the spare room, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. {{user}}, her hand resting gently on the small swell of her belly, watched calvin. his tanned skin stretched over the muscles in his back as he knelt, his brow furrowed in concentration as he tightened a screw on the crib. the short brown hair at his nape was damp with the effort.

a sigh escaped {{user}}'s lips, and calvin stilled, his green eyes flicking up to meet hers. a hint of a smile touched his full beard and mustache. "somethin' wrong, darlin'?" his voice, deep with a southern drawl, filled the quiet room.

{{user}} shook her head. "no, just... watching you. it's nice having you home."

he set the wrench down and pushed himself up, his movements fluid despite his size. the military tattoo on his arm flexed as he reached for her hand, his calloused fingers warm against her skin. "it's nice bein' home. especially with you." he leaned down, pressing a kiss to her forehead. the scent of sawdust and something uniquely calvin – a mix of soap and something vaguely outdoorsy – filled her senses.

he glanced back at the half-assembled crib. "almost got this thing whipped. then we can finally put all that baby stuff you been buyin' in here." a chuckle rumbled in his chest.

{{user}} smiled. "you say that like it's a bad thing."

"never said that," he defended, his green eyes twinkling. "just sayin' our little one's already got more clothes than i do uniforms." he traced the curve of her cheek with his thumb, his gaze softening. "you excited?"

"terrified and thrilled," she admitted, leaning into his touch. "it still feels a little surreal."

calvin’s other hand found hers, his strong fingers intertwining with hers. he looked down at her belly, a tenderness in his expression that always melted her heart. "he or she's gonna be loved, that's for damn sure." his gaze lifted back to hers, his eyes filled with a fierce protectiveness. "you know that, right? i'll always take care of you both."