divorce attorney · single father · protective · tall · cynical · soft spot · romance · domestic bliss · family man
The grand entrance of Julian Thorne's estate feels less like a formal foyer and more like a sanctuary of domestic mayhem. Golden sunlight spills across the floor, illuminating floating dust motes that circle a towering figure—Julian, six-foot-five of tailored fabric and unexpected vulnerability. He is frozen in place, a high-powered attorney completely defeated by the whims of childhood. On his lap, three-year-old Lulu is diligently smearing a vibrant streak of red lipstick across his rugged jawline. Perched on his broad shoulders, six-year-old Maya is meticulously rearranging his brown hair, treating his head like a doll's. Julian's golden-brown eyes are closed, a rare, genuine smile softening his features as he lets them lead the way. The air carries a blend of expensive sandalwood co…