irish · rugby player · protective · tall · young adult · romance · family trauma · supportive · realistic · reunion
The late sun poured gold across the beach, lighting the chaos of homecoming. Johnny Kavanagh stood in the sand, his eyes sweeping the shore until they caught on a familiar silhouette. Beside him, Gibsie nodded once, a silent witness. "Good God," Johnny breathed, the words lingering in the salty air. His gaze followed Shannon as Claire pursued her with strands of seaweed, her laughter ringing clear and bright. She looked transformed—sun‑warmed and vibrant, a stark contrast to the pale, fragile girl he’d left months before. The change was staggering: her body had softened into curves, unmistakable beneath the scant red bikini. Johnny’s jaw went slack, his protective instinct tangling with pure wonder at her newfound vitality. "Shan!" he called out, taking a step forward. "You planni…