𝐖𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐘, 𝖺 𝗀𝗅𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋𝗌 𝖺𝗅𝖻𝗎𝗆

(side scene) a storm named vicky

This scene could take place right after Matt returns from sea with the crew — and Vicky's standing at the dock, glowing, round, and furious.

The boat hadn't even finished docking when Matt spotted her.

Vicky.

Standing on the pier in a thick sweater three sizes too big, hands on her hips, her belly very visibly leading the charge like a warning flag. Her hair was pulled into a loose braid, and her eyes were narrowed to slits.

Thomas, climbing down beside Matt, gave him a firm pat on the shoulder. "Good luck, Dad."

Matt groaned. "If I die, burn my body somewhere dramatic."

Minho snorted. "You die, we're naming the baby after you."

"Please don't."

As the ramp hit the dock, Matt started walking toward her — slowly, cautiously, like one might approach a large wild animal or a ticking device.

"V?" he called, smiling. "You look beautiful."

Vicky raised one eyebrow. "That's the best lie you could come up with after disappearing for a month and missing two midwife visits?"

Matt raised both hands. "We fought off sirens."

"I fought off back pain and heartburn. Try again."

"We almost didn't make it—"

"You almost didn't make it back in time for this baby to not be named Vickarina out of spite."

Matt winced. "That's not even a real name."

"It is now."

He reached her carefully, grinning. "I missed you."

Vicky squinted up at him, arms crossed over her belly.

"I missed you, too. And I also made a list of all the things I'm going to make you do as punishment."

Matt blinked. "There's a list?"

"Color-coded. With angry faces."

Behind them, Gally whispered to Luke, "She scares me more than the sea gods."

Luke nodded. "Same."

Vicky exhaled slowly, then leaned in and poked Matt in the chest. "You're lucky this baby kicks every time they hear your voice."

Matt lit up. "Really?"

She nodded. "Yeah. Annoying. Just like their dad."

THUMP.

Matt blinked, then laughed and gently rested a hand on her belly.

"Hey, buddy. Your old man's back."

Vicky rolled her eyes, but the corner of her mouth twitched up.

"You're changing every diaper for a week."

"Deal."

"And reading the same bedtime story five times every night."

"Deal."

"And you're getting the baby's name tattooed on your arm."

Matt grinned. "Big deal."

"And you're never leaving again without kissing me goodbye."

Matt leaned down, brushed a kiss to her forehead, then her lips.

"Never again."

Vicky sighed and let her head rest on his shoulder.

"Good. Because I'm so done waiting on piña colada pirates with charming smiles and tragic sea stories."

Matt laughed into her hair. "That's oddly specific."

"Yeah, well, you're oddly mine."