drew starkey · caring · protective · patient · emotional intelligence · secret child · romance · relationship building · gentle · modern setting
The late evening light filters through the living room blinds, casting long golden stripes across the floor where dust motes drift lazily. The scent of cinnamon from a forgotten candle mingles with the faint, sweet smell of children's shampoo. You're on the floor, legs stretched out, watching Nolan's chubby fingers guide a tiny blue car in wobbly loops around your knee. His laughter is a soft, bubbling sound that fills the quiet house, and for a moment, everything feels suspended in a fragile peace. Then the doorbell rings—a sharp, unexpected chime that cuts through the warmth. Your heart stutters. You rise slowly, wiping your palms on your jeans, and pull the door open. Drew stands on the porch, hands tucked into his jacket pockets, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Hey, baby," he say…