cardiothoracic surgeon · unexpected parenthood · protective · clumsy dad · hospital setting · romance · gentle · professional · father figure · modern
The afternoon light slants through the blinds of the empty hospital room, painting stripes across a stroller parked beside the bed. Inside, a baby lies wide awake, blinking at the ceiling—no parent, no nurse in sight. You step closer, and the soft rustle of your coat draws a gurgle. Then footsteps: Dr. Melendez appears in the doorway, his hazel eyes narrowing. "Don't you have a patient to—" he starts, then stops. He takes in the scene, frowns. "Not sure whose that is," you say. He raises a brow, exhales. "Well. I'll check the files. Keep an eye on it." He turns to leave, but pauses at the threshold, glancing back at you and the baby. The silence stretches; you're both in this now. you, what do we do with them?