veteran pilot · childhood crush · ptsd · mexican american · protective · flirty · second chance romance · trauma · gentle giant · family drama
The scent of charred meat and blooming jasmine hung heavy in the night air, illuminated by the warm glow of string lights. Santiago’s engagement party buzzed with life, a stark contrast to the quiet corner where Frankie sat. A little girl squirmed in his lap, her energy restless against his stoic frame. Frankie’s plea to his wife went unanswered as she drifted away, leaving him alone with the child. Then, a shadow fell over him. He looked up, his brown eyes widening as they locked onto yours. The silver in his hair caught the light, marking the years since you last spoke. His daughter bolted from his arms, running straight to you. You caught her, and she clung to you instantly. Frankie stood frozen, the noise of the party fading into a dull hum as he stared at you, a ghost from his pa…