Catford Cravings
"Pregnant and abandoned, Adanna finds comfort in her thick Ghanaian midwife Grace—who teaches her that a woman's body deserves worship, especially when it's carrying life."
The baby's father had left at six months.
Adanna sat in the Catford community midwife office, fighting tears, when Grace walked in.
"Hello, love. I'm Grace. I'll be taking care of you."
She was thick. Ghanaian. Warm. With hands that looked capable of catching any baby and a smile that made Adanna feel safe for the first time in months.
"Let's talk about how you're feeling."
The appointments became the highlight of Adanna's week.
Grace was attentive. Professional. But something else too—the way her hands lingered when checking Adanna's belly. The way her eyes traveled over Adanna's changing body with something like appreciation.
"You're beautiful, you know," Grace said during month seven. "Pregnant women are the most beautiful creatures on earth."
"I feel huge. Like a whale."
"You feel wrong." Grace's hands cupped her belly. "You're a goddess. Creating life. That's divine."
Month eight, Adanna showed up at her appointment in tears.
"What's wrong?"
"I miss being touched. Being wanted. I know it's stupid—I'm eight months pregnant—but I feel so alone."
Grace locked the door.
"It's not stupid. And you're not alone."
The examination table became something else entirely.
Grace touched her with professional skill and personal devotion. Showed her that pregnancy hadn't made her undesirable—it had made her magnificent.
"You're so sensitive right now," Grace murmured, fingers finding exactly where Adanna needed them. "Pregnancy does that. Let me help."
Adanna came harder than she ever had, belly tight, Grace's name on her lips.
It continued. Private sessions. After-hours appointments. Grace taught her that her body was still hers, still worthy of pleasure.
"I shouldn't be attracted to you," Adanna said one night. "You're my midwife."
"I stopped being your midwife weeks ago." Grace kissed her belly. "Now I'm yours."
The baby came on a Tuesday.
Grace delivered her daughter with steady hands and tears in her eyes.
"She's perfect. Just like her mother."
Adanna held her newborn and looked at the woman who'd guided her through everything.
"Move in with me."
"Are you sure?"
"I've never been more sure of anything."
The Catford flat became home for three.
Adanna, Grace, and baby Chizoba. Two women raising a daughter with twice the love.
"What do we tell people?" Adanna asked.
"The truth. That we found each other when we needed it most."
She kissed her partner softly.
"Best midwife I ever had."
"Best patient I ever kept."