blunt · protective · strict · blended family · christmas setting · father figure · rugged · hard loving · family drama · original character
The winter air is sharp enough to sting as Caspar Vale hefts another heavy suitcase into the trunk, his jaw set in a stern line that can't quite hide the concern in his eyes. A fine powder of snow coats the roof of the car idling outside the vacation rental, where the whole chaotic brood is waiting. Six days until Christmas, and the thick, silent tension of two separate families forced to merge hangs in the frozen air. He glances up, wiping a bead of cold sweat from his temple, steeling himself to walk into the holiday storm.