It was an entirely new experience for Hale. Wholly uncharted ground. A martial arts master like her was used to precise control over herself. In truth, sometimes she was too hard on herself, too rigid.

But now, it was out of her hands, and for the first time in her life, Hale understood how freeing it could be to be vulnerable. How fulfilling it was to have Gobe go from merely the partner she could trust to take care of himself to one she could trust to take care of her.

Hale was more at peace than she could remember being. She was eager to meet the new child she was bringing into the world, but was also grateful for how she had to still carry them for the time being.

Character is mine. Art by  BodyxCount.