══════ஓ๑❀*̥๑ஓ══════

𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐀 walked into the nursery, the soft lamplight glowing against the pale pink walls, and lowered herself into the rocking chair. Her hand drifted to her baby bump, caressing it with the gentlest touch. What she didn't know was that Johnny stood in the doorway, leaning against the frame, arms crossed, listening.

"Hi, my sweet little cowgirl," Stella whispered, her voice tender and melodic. "I've loved having you as my sidekick this year. I can't wait to meet you. And I can't wait for you to meet your dad. He's... oh my God, he's perfect. You're gonna freak out when you see how perfect he is. And when you see how handsome he is." A fond smile curved her lips as she thought of Johnny.

Her eyes wandered out the window for a moment before returning to the swell of her belly. "Honestly, you're gonna be your dad's biggest fan. Me? I just hope I'm enough for you. I'll try my hardest to be the best mom I can be. My mom—your grandmother—she was everything. Like Princess Diana, but even better. Not a day goes by that I don't miss her. But I promise you, I'll protect you fiercely. I'll sing to you when you can't sleep, and I'll be there to laugh with you every single day. I love you so much already, it actually hurts. And you'll love your grandfather, and your great-grandmothers, and your dad's best friends—they'll all adore you. You'll love your Uncle August and your big brother Robby too. Everyone will love you."

As if answering her, the baby kicked. Stella's face lit up, and she placed her palm firmly against her stomach. "Yeah, I love you too, my little cowgirl," she whispered, smiling through tears.

From the doorway came Johnny's low voice. "You are so beautiful it hurts."

Stella turned, startled but glowing, as he stepped into the room. "How long have you been standing there?" she asked, rising from the chair.

"Long enough." He smirked, closing the distance and pulling her into his arms. "I heard everything. And don't you dare doubt it—the baby's gonna love you."

"Not as much as she's going to love you," Stella said, resting her hands on his chest. Her eyes softened. "When I met you, I had no idea how much you were going to mean to me... what would come of us. And now look—we have a family. This is all I've ever wanted."

Johnny's tough exterior melted in that moment. His hands framed her face, his voice low but steady. "Stella... you, Robby, and this baby—you're it for me. You're everything. I love you more than I've ever loved anything in my life. More than I even knew I could."

"I love you more, John," she whispered.

Their lips met in a sweet, passionate kiss. Johnny rested his forehead against hers, holding her like he never wanted to let go. Then suddenly, Stella gasped, a sharp pain shooting through her lower abdomen.

"John?" she said, breathless.

"Hm?" Johnny murmured, kissing her temple.

"How fast can you drive?"

His brow furrowed. "Depends what you mean, babe." He tried to lighten the moment, wrapping his arms around her waist, his lips brushing against her neck.

"My water just broke."

Johnny froze, then broke into a crooked grin. "Alright then... I can drive like a bat outta hell." He grabbed her hand, steady but urgent, and guided her down the stairs, already focused, protective fire in his eyes.

･ ⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･

The delivery room at St. David's South Austin Medical Center was alive with urgency, bright lights, and the rhythmic beeping of monitors. Stella gripped the sheets, sweat beading on her forehead as another contraction wracked her body. Johnny was at her side, one hand clutching hers, the other armed with a cool cloth. Nathan stood steady at her other hand, calm but fiercely protective, while Janette stroked Stella's hair with grandmotherly tenderness. Outside, family and friends filled the waiting room, anxious for news.

"Deep breath, Stella. That's it, there you go—almost over," Johnny coaxed, swiping the sweat from her forehead. He tried to sound cool, but his voice carried a nervous edge only Stella could hear.

"Breathe, honey," Nathan said, his voice steady, grounding her like an anchor. His large, calloused hand wrapped around hers, his eyes unwavering on his daughter.

"Deep breath, hon, c'mon—look at me." Johnny leaned closer, his green eyes locking onto hers. "In through the nose, out through the mouth. You got this."

Stella focused on him, her breathing syncing with his words.

"There you go, sweetheart," Janette whispered, brushing damp strands of hair off her granddaughter's forehead.

Johnny dabbed at Stella's face again, murmuring, "There you go, almost done, almost done," though his jaw was tight, his bravado straining against the worry underneath.

When the contraction finally eased, Stella sagged back against the pillows, catching her breath. "Johnny?"

"Yeah, princess?" he asked, quickly wiping her forehead again.

"Baby, I'm so sorry for anything I'm about to say in the next hour. I don't mean it. I promise."

Johnny smirked, his voice a low rasp. "Princess, you'll mean some of it."

"Very little of it."

"Fair enough." He kissed her damp temple, covering his nerves with swagger.

Time blurred—contractions rolling in waves, Janette and Johnny taking turns wiping Stella's brow, Nathan's steady presence never wavering. Then came Dr. Montgomery's voice, calm but firm.

"Alright, Stella, it's time. Let's meet this baby."

Johnny's hand tightened on hers, Nathan gripping the other. Stella bore down with all her strength as the doctor coached her.

"One more big push," Dr. Montgomery urged. "That's it—push!"

"You're doing fine, honey," Nathan said softly, his voice full of quiet pride.

With one final cry of effort, the room was filled with a different sound—a tiny, perfect wail. The cry of new life.

Stella's tears streamed as relief and joy flooded her face. Nathan's stoic features cracked, his eyes shining as he looked at his granddaughter for the first time.

"All right," Dr. Montgomery announced. "Your little girl is healthy and looks good."

Johnny leaned in, kissing Stella's forehead fiercely, his voice rough with emotion. "You did it, princess. You did it."

Nathan swallowed hard, his hand brushing Stella's hair back like when she was little. "She's beautiful," he said, his voice breaking. "Just perfect."

All of Johnny's gruff edges vanished as he looked down at her. His swagger dissolved into something raw, almost fragile. His thumb brushed over her impossibly small fingers, his voice low and reverent. "Hey there, little cowgirl... I'm your dad." His throat tightened, eyes stinging. "God, you're perfect. You're so damn perfect."

Stella, exhausted but glowing, smiled through her tears at the sight of Johnny with their baby. Nathan stood tall, steady, pride in his eyes as he watched his daughter and granddaughter. Janette wept openly, her hands clasped as if in prayer.

But then—everything shifted.

The monitors around Stella began to beep erratically. Her color drained as she sagged back against the bed.

"Stella?" Nathan's voice was sharp now, filled with alarm.

"Baby?" Johnny's head snapped up, terror flashing in his eyes.

Stella's gaze was unfocused, her breaths shallow. "Johnny... something's not right. Where's my baby?" Her words slurred with confusion.

The nurse quickly lifted Montana from Johnny's arms. "We'll take care of her."

"No—wait—" Johnny's voice cracked, his hands reaching out instinctively before the baby was whisked away. His eyes darted back to Stella, panic rising like fire in his chest.

"Dr. Montgomery? I need oxygen for Mrs. Lawrence!" the nurse called, already securing the mask over Stella's nose and mouth.

"I'm sorry, what's happening?" Nathan demanded, stepping forward. His usual calm cracked, desperation cutting through his voice.

Janette wrapped her arms tightly around him, pulling him back. "Nathan—let them work."

"Your daughter is in distress," Dr. Montgomery said firmly. "I'm going to need you three to wait outside."

"But—" Nathan choked on the word, his eyes locked on Stella, tears spilling freely now.

"I won't let anything happen to her," Dr. Montgomery promised, already moving into action. "She's in good hands, Mr. Lawrence. Mr. Walker. I swear it."

Johnny stood frozen, every nerve screaming to fight against the command, to stay at Stella's side. His fists clenched, chest heaving. The swagger, the bravado—it was gone. All that was left was a man staring at the love of his life, terrified of losing her.

"Stella..." his voice broke, soft, desperate.

And then the nurses gently but firmly ushered him, Nathan, and Janette toward the door.

･ ⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･

The waiting room was tense, every tick of the clock echoing like thunder. Bobby, and Jimmy sat stiff in their chairs, nursing half-empty cups of coffee. Clay sat beside them with his elbows braced on his knees, staring at the floor, his jaw set tight.

Robby and Hailey sat huddled together in front of a small television, pretending to watch but not absorbing a thing. August sat in silence, his knee bouncing restlessly, while Lori, Kara, Carter, and Amy sat beside him, their gazes fixed on the floor as if the linoleum could offer answers.

Abilene tried to read a book, but her eyes hadn't moved past the same paragraph for over half an hour.

"No sign of them?" Kellie asked softly, setting a fresh cup of coffee into Clay's hand.

"Not yet," August muttered, his voice rough. His eyes darted toward the double doors. "I'm worried."

"August, I'm sure everything's okay," Robby said gently, placing a steadying hand on his shoulder.

"Robby's right," Bobby added, his tone even. "We don't even know what's going on back there."

But August couldn't sit still. He pushed up from his chair and walked to a corner, his voice breaking when Bobby, Jimmy, and Robby followed. "I have this sinking feeling in my stomach, you guys. Something's wrong. I can feel it."

"Hey, we don't know that," Bobby said firmly. "You can't think that way."

Clay stood too, following, his presence solid, almost intimidating. He gripped August's shoulder, making him look up. "Listen to me, August. Don't let your head run wild. Stella's tough—tougher than most people give her credit for. She's got Johnny at her side. She's not alone." His voice dropped, rough with emotion. "And I'll tell you this—if something happens, they'll answer to me."

As if on cue, the double doors opened. Nathan and Janette stepped into the room. All heads turned. The usually unshakable Nathan looked worn, his eyes red, his jaw tight. He and Janette sat across from Lori and Kara.

"How's the baby?" Bobby asked quickly, sliding beside Nathan. "Where's Johnny?"

Nathan swallowed hard. "Montana's beautiful." His voice cracked, tears slipping free. "But Stella..."

"What about Stella, honey?" Abilene asked, her own voice trembling.

Nathan's hands clenched into fists on his knees. "Stella went into distress," he said, his quiet tears falling. "My little girl... she went into distress. Johnny's still in the back with her."

The room fell into stunned silence. Lori, usually the first to break tension with a flippant remark, leaned forward, her tone surprisingly soft. "She's strong, Nathan. Strong like you. I've seen women come through worse than this."

Kara reached across, her hand finding Lori's. "She's in good hands. Stella's tougher than she looks." Calm, reassuring, her voice carried quiet authority.

Amy brushed her hair back nervously, then spoke up, her voice warm. "She'll fight. You know she will. And when she wakes up, she's going to need all of us steady for her."

Carter nodded, his tone grounded. "Nathan, Janette—whatever you need, whatever Johnny needs, we're here. This family is solid. She's not alone in this."

Nathan gave a single nod, his lips pressed tightly together, shoulders shaking.

Unable to sit, Bobby, Jimmy, and Clay pushed through the double doors and into the hallway beyond. They spotted Johnny in a chair outside the delivery room, his elbows braced on his knees, his head buried in his hands. The swagger that usually carried him was gone, stripped raw.

"Johnny," Bobby said carefully, crouching down beside him. "Nathan told us what happened."

Johnny lifted his head, his eyes bloodshot, his face pale. He scrubbed a hand over his jaw, trying to mask the tremor in his voice. "I'm scared, man. I love her so much. I've been trying to get myself together, be the man she deserves... and then this happens. It feels like I could lose everything all over again." His breath hitched. "I don't know if she's gonna be okay. And I can't... I can't think about the alternative."

"You can't think that way, Johnny," Jimmy said firmly, gripping his shoulder. "Stella's gonna pull through. She's a fighter. You know that better than anyone."

Clay stayed quiet at first, then lowered himself into the chair beside Johnny. His presence was heavy, grounding. He didn't sugarcoat, didn't try to drown the fear with words. Finally, in his deep, steady voice, he said, "She's tougher than hell. And you—don't you start doubting her now."

Johnny swallowed hard, his bravado cracking, and dropped his face into his hands again. Clay reached over, gripping his shoulder tight—firm, unwavering.

"We're right here," Clay said. "You're not facing this alone."

Bobby, Jimmy, and Clay sat with him in silence, a wall of strength around their broken friend, as the beeping of the monitors carried faintly through the doors behind them.

･ ⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･

Hours passed. The clock on the waiting room wall glowing 9:15 p.m. The air was heavy with worry. Nathan sat tall but weary, the kind of steady that held everyone else together—even as his heart splintered for his little girl.

"Nathan, you sure I can't get you anything?" Lori asked. "It's been hours since you've had anything."

"I'm fine," Nathan said, firm but frayed. "I couldn't possibly think about eating right now."

"You need to keep your strength up, Nathan," Janette urged. "Stella and Johnny need you. You don't need to be in the hospital too."

"Grandma Janette's right, Grandpa," Robby said, steady for his years. "Mom will need you. You don't need to be in the hospital as well. Let Aunt Lori get you something. All we can do now is wait."

Before Lori could rise, the double doors opened. Dr. Montgomery entered, steady stride, chart in hand. Johnny had refused to leave Stella's side. Nathan stood first, his mother clutching his hand, Clay looming protectively at his back like a wall of iron.

"How's my daughter?" Nathan asked, his voice even, though his son and stepgrandson anchored him with firm hands on his shoulders.

"Stella's vitals are good," Dr. Montgomery said. "She's gonna be asleep for a little while, but she's doing fine. We're monitoring her closely."

Nathan exhaled, nodded, wiping at his eyes. He placed his free hand over August's, steadying himself. "Okay."

"Mr. Walker, your granddaughter is beautiful and very strong," Dr. Montgomery added.

"Thank you," Nathan managed with a small, cracked smile.

"You know, Stella is gonna be asleep for a while," the doctor suggested. "Why don't you go meet your granddaughter?"

The group followed the corridor to the nursery window. Behind the glass, Stella and Johnny's daughter lay sleeping—tiny, delicate, impossibly perfect.

"She's beautiful," Bobby said, awe softening his gruff tone.

"Thanks, Bobby," Nathan said, voice rough.

"Excuse me, Mr. Walker?" a nurse said gently.

Nathan turned at once. "Yes?"

"Stella's awake. You can come with me."

Nathan, Janette, and Abilene followed, the rest lingering back. Kellie smiled as she saw little Montana open her eyes and they were a hypnotic blue, almost violet color.

Flashback
— Summer 1967; Dallas, TX

Little Kellie Tate looked through the window of the nursery at her new baby sister, a sweet smile plastered on her face.

"She's a pretty baby." Kellie smiled

"You're more than welcome to go in and meet her." the nurse said. "Your mom won't be awake for a while.

Walking into the nursery, Kellie sat down in the rocking chair and the nurse carefully placed the newborn baby in her arms. As Kellie began to rock her baby sister, the newborn opened her hypnotic violet eyes and smiled at her older sister.

"Hi, my baby sister," Kellie whispered. "I've been waiting forever. Why'd you take so long? I can't wait to play Barbies with you. I'll show you barrel racing too. You're gonna be the prettiest girl in the world, and I'll have to protect you from all the boys. I promise—I'll always be right here."

"You know, mommy and daddy still haven't thought of a name for you, but I love Ava Gardner, and you're just as beautiful as she is. So how about, Ava? That suits you. Ava Gardner Tate.

End of Flashback

Little Kellie Tate pressed her face to the nursery glass, grinning at the tiny bundle inside.

"She's a pretty baby," Kellie said brightly.

"You're more than welcome to go in and meet her," the nurse said. "Your mom won't be awake for a while."

Kellie hurried inside, settled into a rocking chair, and held out her arms. The newborn was placed carefully against her, violet-blue eyes flickering open.

"Hi, my baby sister," Kellie whispered. "I've been waiting forever. Why'd you take so long? I can't wait to play Barbies with you. I'll show you barrel racing too. You're gonna be the prettiest girl in the world, and I'll have to protect you from all the boys. I promise—I'll always be right here."

The baby wrapped her tiny fist around Kellie's finger, and she beamed.

"You don't have a name yet, but I love Ava Gardner," Kellie said softly. "And you're just as beautiful. Ava Gardner Tate."

End of Flashback

"You all right, Kell?" Clay's gravel-thick voice broke in, his arm wrapping around her like a shield.

"I'm fine, honey," Kellie said, smiling faintly up at him.

In Stella's room, Johnny sat like a man whose bravado had been stripped bare, clinging to her hand as though it were a lifeline. The cocky Eagle Fang sensei, and former Cobra Kai fighter was gone—what remained was a husband terrified of losing the woman he loved.

"Johnny?" Stella's voice was weak but searching. Nathan was instantly on the other side of the bed, taking her free hand.

"Hey, princess. I'm here," Johnny rasped, forcing swagger into his voice, but it cracked under the weight. "I'm right here. Your dad and grandmothers are here too." He kissed her knuckles, eyes red.

"Hi honey," Nathan said, kissing her forehead with the tenderness of a father reliving the day she was born.

"Hi daddy," Stella whispered. She turned toward her grandmothers. "Hey grandma, grams."

"Hey sweetpea," Janette said, kissing her granddaughter's brow.

"Hi honey bee," Abilene added warmly.

"Johnny, the baby..." Stella's breath caught.

"Is just fine. She's healthy and strong, just like her mother," Johnny said quickly, bravado cracking into raw truth.

"Hi my little angel. Hi my little sweet pea," Stella whispered, kissing her daughter's head. "I'm your mother, and that's your dad." She cradled Montana close, then passed her carefully into Nathan's waiting arms. "And this is your grandfather."

Nathan's breath caught as he looked down at his granddaughter. His voice trembled, but his hands were steady.

"Hey there, little Montana," Nathan said softly. "I'm your grandfather."

"She's tiner than I thought she would be." Johnny said, his hand laced with Stella's.

"All newborn babies are," Janette smiled. "But just wait—they change before you know it. Time goes by so fast."

"How fast?" Johnny asked, still staring at the tiny girl.

"Well, they grow when you're not looking. Blink, and you might miss it," Abilene said.

A knock sounded. Robby and August stepped in.

"Hey, is it alright if we come in?" Robby asked.

"Of course," Stella said warmly. "Besides, there's someone who wants to meet y'all."

"She's beautiful, sis," August said, smiling as Janette passed him the baby.

"Thanks, hon," Stella replied.

"Hey Montana," August said softly. "I'm your uncle August, and this is your big brother Robby. I know Johnny and Robby expect me to teach you karate, but that's their job. If you want barrel racing, Mom's your girl. Me? I'll teach you rodeo—how our uncle Lane became a household name." He passed the baby into Robby's waiting arms.

"Hey kiddo," Robby whispered, kissing her forehead. She clutched his finger tight. "Dad and I will be teaching you karate before you can walk. You'll need it so you can defend yourself. I promise, as your big brother, I'll always protect you. I love you already."

Montana was placed back into Stella's arms. Violet-blue eyes blinked up at her mother, as though she already knew the bond that had been sealed. Johnny leaned in, his arm around them both. Robby hovered protectively close. Nathan stood steady on one side, Janette and Abilene on the other, Clay at the door like a sentinel.

A family forged in love and ready to defend its own.

For there is nothing stronger than the love of a parent.