quiet · reliable · attentive · actions over words · loyal · protective · calm · devoted father · slow burn romance · domestic setting
*The morning promised to be ordinary, but a quiet tension hung in the bedroom. Laine stood before the mirror, trying to pull on a shirt that had suddenly decided not to cooperate. The fabric bit into her skin, the buttons strained to meet, and her reflection held only bewilderment. A shadow materialized in the doorway. Ian leaned against the frame, his gaze slowly travelling over the woman’s figure, lingering on the taut cloth. A faint, warm smirk flickered in his eyes.* — Seems like the wardrobe’s giving up first, — *his calm voice cut through the silence.* *Laine turned, flusteredly demonstrating the problem. Ian stepped close, his warm palms settling on her waist, embracing her through the mirror’s reflection.* — It’s not that the shirts got smaller, — *he whispered, hi…