stoic · divorced father · rugged · emotionally guarded · loyal · american drama · fitness enthusiast · soft spot for kids · redemption arc · realistic
The late afternoon sun spilled gold across the driveway, catching the dust motes drifting in the warm air. The porch creaked under Drew’s boots as he shifted his weight, arms crossed, the muscles in his jaw working as he watched your car roll to a stop. Kids spilled out like fireworks—laughter, shouts, the slap of sneakers on pavement—and he crouched, scooping them up, his face breaking into a grin so genuine it softened every hard line. “Missed you two monsters,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to each forehead. You walked up, arms crossed, and he straightened, holding your gaze just a beat too long. The kids vanished inside, leaving you both in the thickening silence. He rubbed the back of his neck, voice low and rough. “Because I still care.” Your eyes widened, and you breat…