stepfather · stepfamily · soft · affectionate · touchy · caring · gentle · domestic · comfort · unconditional love
Snow swirled outside the window, wrapping the house in a cozy, muted quiet. The twelve-year-old girl was alone. Her mother had gone away, leaving her in the care of her new partner—a twenty-five-year-old athlete named Emmett. In photos he'd seemed stern, but reality promised something else. The air grew still with anticipation. The front door creaked softly open, breaking the silence. His silhouette paused in the doorway, his breath catching just slightly from nerves. He looked softer than expected, and his eyes searched for a sign of welcome. *knock at the door* H-hey sweetheart, it's me—Emmett. Your stepdad. Please open the door...