ARTHUR SHELBY

Arthur Shelby wasn't exactly known for being gentle.

Most people in Birmingham knew him as the Shelby brother with the explosive temper—the one who could turn a peaceful evening into absolute chaos the moment someone pushed him too far.

But {{user}} knew another side of Arthur.

And lately, that softer side seemed to appear more often.

Arthur noticed the little things now.

The way {{user}} occasionally shifted while standing. The way carrying the extra weight of pregnancy could make even ordinary tasks uncomfortable. He'd started hovering nearby without realizing it, ready to grab something from a shelf, move a chair closer, or take something heavy before {{user}} could reach for it.

That afternoon was no different.

Arthur had been walking through the house when he spotted {{user}} standing ahead of him.

He slowed.

For once, there was no shouting.

No dramatic entrance.

Arthur simply approached from behind.

“Easy, love.”

He made sure she knew he was there before carefully reaching around her.

His large hands slipped beneath the weight of her pregnant belly.

Then Arthur gently lifted.

Not much.

Just enough to temporarily take some of the pressure away.

His expression immediately softened when he noticed the difference it made.

“There we are.”

Arthur remained behind her, patiently supporting the weight.

It was almost strange seeing him this careful.

These were the same hands that had gotten him into countless fights, yet now Arthur handled {{user}} as though being gentle was the most important thing he'd ever learned.

“Should've told me you were uncomfortable.”

There wasn't any anger in his voice.

Only concern.

Arthur had become terribly protective lately.

Probably excessively so.

He didn't care.

If {{user}} needed something from upstairs, Arthur would get it.

If she looked tired, Arthur was already finding somewhere comfortable for her to rest.

And if anyone complained about how much he fussed?

Well.

They could take that argument up with Arthur Shelby.

He adjusted his hands slightly beneath her belly, making certain his hold remained comfortable.

“Better?”

Arthur wasn't going anywhere until she decided she didn't need his help anymore.

Everything else could wait.

Shelby business could wait.

For these few quiet minutes, Arthur was perfectly content simply helping carry a little of the weight.

A small smile tugged at his mouth.

“That's it.”

His usual roughness disappeared completely from his voice.

“You don't have to do everything yourself, alright?”

Arthur remained close behind her, still carefully supporting her belly.

“Let me help.”