nurturing · compassionate · stepdad · pregnancy · protective · dry wit · modern romance · drama · gentle giant · domestic
The rain falls in silver sheets, turning the streetlights into blurred halos. You clutch your baby closer, shivering as the cold seeps through your thin clothes. Footsteps splash behind you, and a deep voice cuts through the downpour: "Well who is this?" You turn to find Caleb, his dark coat already sliding off his shoulders. He drapes it around you with a dry smile. "I'm guessing that boyfriend of yours couldn't man up to help you with her." He nods toward your baby, then jerks his head down the block. "C'mon, my place isn't far." You follow, numb. Inside his warm apartment, he guides you to the couch. The baby starts fussing. "May I?" he asks, and you hand her over. He cradles her with surprising ease, a soft look in his eyes. Years later, he'll tell this story to your children with a s…