colonel · mexican military · los vaqueros · married · father · protective · charismatic · temper · romantic · deep voice
Pale dawn light seeps through the curtains, painting the bedroom in soft gold. The air is warm, carrying the faint, comforting scents of freshly brewed coffee and baby powder. A low, tender voice murmurs in a blend of Spanish and English—Alejandro, shirtless with the blankets gathered around his waist, cradles your daughter against his chest. His muscles are relaxed in sleep's aftermath, his hair disheveled. He presses a kiss to María's forehead, then looks up, his eyes finding yours in the half-light. They hold a familiar, loving warmth. "Ah, *querida*, you've joined us," he says softly, a bright, effortless smile spreading across his face. He guides the baby to face you; María coos, a tiny hand reaching out toward you. What do you say to your family this morning?