"Careful!" Rhett calls out, his uneasy heart mirrored in the concern glinting in his eyes.
Neva—heavily pregnant, nearly eight months along—twirls barefoot on the sun-warmed grass, her bare arms outstretched, steps light despite the roundness of her belly. She skitters down the sloped, elevated grassland, skipping over glistening rocks slick with green algae.
He exhales a breath he hadn't realized he was holding—just watching her dance with wild abandon.
Slowly, she crouches by the plunge pool at the base of a high waterfall, her mellow hand swirling through the cold, clear water, its crystal touch rippling around her fingers.
"Rhett! Come here," she calls, her voice bright and airy.
She gasps, ticklish as her hands accidentally sway the brave, colourful tiny fishes in the water.
Then the corners of his lips lift at the sound of her laughter, echoing through the shadowy, soothing woods. She's always been this way—ludic, wild-hearted, one with the Earth. She thrives where nature blooms freely, bare and bold beneath the sky.
He follows her and sets down the bulging bag—packed mostly with Neva's needs—on a shelf of shriveled rocks where moss, weeds, and pink-purple creeping phlox blossom in spring cleaves.
"You've got to be gentle with your steps, Angel," he warns, pulling off his pale heather-colored t-shirt.
"Don't worry," she replies, glancing up at him with flushed cheeks. "I've got great command over my body."
Warmth stirs in her, rising like sunrays under skin.
Her husband's chiseled frame steals her breath—broad muscular shoulders, a tight waist, his chest strong and defined, arms thick with burly biceps she so adores.
Her heart flutters, ears burning, fragile against the power he carries so easily.
He glances down, catching the trail of her gaze, and smirks. Eight hard abs ripple beneath her eyes.
"Lusting after what you see?" he teases.
She meets his gaze, then shyly looks away, body warming. "So?"
His deep chuckle rumbles out. She's bolder now, but still sweet and sheepish. "Then have your way. I'm all yours."
She places her small hand in his as he helps her up from the rocks.
"Well, you do take great care of your body," she murmurs, looking down at her rounded tummy.
"And I've just turned into a sleepy dumpling."
He chuckles. She's still gorgeous—cuter than ever with her baby bump. That belly, round and full with their unborn child, overwhelms his heart with tenderness.
"You're perfect," he says, kissing her pouting lips and rosy cheek with a love so dizzying it almost aches.
Desire rushes through him—unexplainable, electric, intense.
More and more, each second—he's falling even deeper than ever possible, hopelessly in love with her.
"You're such a buttercup." She grins, pinching his cheek with affection.
"Ow," he chuckles, rubbing it. "What does that even mean?"
"It's a flower. It means you're a flirty flower." She giggles, pulling off her beige coquette top and maternity shorts, damp from the heat.
Now she stands in just her white lace bra and matching underwear—seductive, radiant.
He tilts his head and blinks, torn between defending his new flower identity and swooning over her near-nakedness.
"I'm diving in!" she calls, dipping a toe into the icy water, then slowly sliding in, cooling her overheated skin in bliss.
He watches her sway—hips sensual, smile blooming across her lips as she looks at him over her shoulder. Then she turns to the waterfall, floating deeper into the emerald pool, and he follows, still in his black shorts.
"You're really just going in with those two tiny pieces?" he shouts, the roar of the waterfall softening his voice.
"I could even be naked!" she laughs. "If you're worried, stay there and keep watch."
She releases her bun, letting her hair spill like a blooming flower. She sighs, her scalp exhaling in the breeze.
"I'm not worried about strangers," Rhett says, catching her from behind, chest to her back. "I'm worried about myself."
His hands cradle her bump from beneath, taking its weight into his arms.
She smiles. "You better not act on your impulses."
He chuckles. "Only one more month." He strokes her belly, her cute little belly button poking out.
"I know. Where did the time go?" she whispers.
"My heart is full," she breathes. "This moment feels... beautiful. Surreal."
She melts into him, his warmth her own safe cocoon.
Before her, the waterfall tumbles—gurgling, bouncing, blessing the woods with its rhythm. The water glitters blue and green in the shifting light. The forest breathes with them—mystical, soothing, alive.
Summer sun filters through rustling leaves. Birds chirp in gentle harmony. Neva's face glows.
It's a miracle. A dream.
Once, she had been trapped within four cold, colorless walls. Now, she lives in the whispers of heaven.
She inhales deeply, her chest rising with gratitude—for the wondrous God who never let go.
A cool, darling breeze circles them like a divine kiss.
Rhett's hands slide gently from her belly to her waist, lifting the weight for her again.
She moans softly, eyes closing... relaxing, her head resting on his chest.
"Feel better?" he asks, brushing a kiss on the corner of her lips.
"I do," she hums, eyes locking with his sparkling ones.
And he, hopelessly in love, dives in for her soft, blossoming lips—savoring their saccharine warmth, a kiss they'll remember all their lives.
They are assured, standing in the water, her back resting against his warm chest, his chin nestled atop her head.
The portrait of their love gleams—kissed by the soft ripples of sun and mist.
In the serene stillness of this while.
In the hush of the mind,
Where birdsong echoes with the waterfalls,
And the leaves gently rustle.
"I want to swim," she says, turning to face him, hands in his.
"Let's dive on three," she says, smiling.
"Alright," he grins.
"One, two, three!" they shout together, holding their breaths, pinching noses—and plunge in.
They dive deep, limbs brushing, laughter bubbling. They swim and swirl, playful and alive, souls cleansed in nature's arms.
When they emerge, utterly refreshed, hair dripping, the sunlight dances in crystal droplets.
The trees above sway, shadowing them in artful grace.
Rhett combs his soaked hair back. Neva splashes water at him.
He gasps, grinning.
She turns to swim away—but he catches her.
She squeals, legs kicking freely.
He showers her neck and shoulder with deep, ticklish kisses, her laughter echoing in the peaceful forest.
The mother Earth smiles upon them.
And a heavenly August gifts them this one miraculous day—where everything blooms and breathes and sings of love.