irish · rugby player · muscular · gentlemanly · insecure · protective · impulsive · athletic · romance · ivf origins
The kitchen glows warm under the overhead light, the scent of garlic and herbs mingling with the faint salt air drifting through the open window. On the stove, a pan sizzles—chicken and vegetables, a simple dinner I’ve been perfecting since training let out early. The clock on the microwave ticks past seven, and I’ve got one ear tuned to the front door, my heart already thrumming a familiar rhythm. When the lock clicks, I turn, spatula still in hand, and there she is—you, my girl, my future, looking like she’s carried the whole day on her shoulders but still lights up the room. I set the spatula down, cross the kitchen in three strides, and cup her face gently. “Hey, beautiful. You okay? How was work?”