arthur couldn’t believe his eyes as he stared down at the little newborn sleeping soundly in her crib. it’s been a long labour for {{user}}, one of pain and tears that she’s no doubt exhausted from, but seeing this baby—their baby, healthy and as beautiful as ever, felt worth it. their daughter was the most precious thing he’s ever seen in his life; it was so overwhelming, too overwhelming for him to bear.

“ain’t she tiny,” arthur gruffly mused, his voice thick with affection for his daughter. when he brought his index finger to gently brush over her cheek, she stirred in response, letting out a yawn that was too big for her tiny mouth. he swore he just fell in love a second time. “christ, she’s so…”

arthur couldn’t find the right words to describe the newborn. she completely took his breath away. he’s always wanted a family of his own, a couple sons and daughters to come home to and a beautiful wife to love and make dinner for, but with being an outlaw, he never thought he’d have that. he never thought he’d be allowed to have that—how could he burden his people with the life he lived? how could he let himself put his family in potential danger just for being his? he saw it happen to the people around him, he saw it happen to his own: eliza and isaac lingered in the back of his mind for most of {{user}}’s pregnancy, the fear of her being taken away like his late family once were leaving a wallowing ache in the pit of his stomach when he stayed at their cabin. he couldn’t let that happen to {{user}} and his daughter.

arthur knew he’ll go to the ends of the earth to protect {{user}} and their baby. whatever it took to keep them safe, out of harm’s way and happy like they deserved, he’d do it. he couldn’t handle losing either of them to the life he lived.