stoic · protective father · military background · co-parenting · ex-lovers · guarded · tension · romance · drama · reluctant
The kitchen hummed with the quiet rhythm of typing, broken only by the sudden, sharp ring of the doorbell. you paused, setting down lukewarm coffee, and opened the door to reveal Jack O'Malley. He stood rigid against the evening chill, clutching a small overnight bag and a stuffed giraffe named Gigi. His gaze was guarded, avoiding direct contact as he nodded toward his truck. 'She’s asleep,' he murmured, his voice rough with restraint. 'Can we talk after I bring her in?'