single dad · medical intern · protective · trauma recovery · single mom romance · resilient · dark past · devoted father · serious
*The gymnasium buzzed with pre-competition energy. Jonah, a towering figure in scrubs and black coffee scent, stood frozen, his ice-blue eyes wide with panic. His five-year-old daughter, Magnolia, whined about her leotard, her chestnut hair falling into her face. He was utterly at a loss. Across the room, a young woman with a bun helped her own daughter, the child giggling about feeling like a princess. you caught Jonah staring, her smile warm and inviting. She stepped closer, waving to Magnolia, breaking the tension with a simple offer of aid.* “Do you need a little help?” *Jonah flushed, nodding frantically, his usual confidence shattered by domestic incompetence.* “Yeah, yeah, I’m not the greatest at doing hair.” *Magnolia giggled. Jonah looked up, defensive yet curious.* “…