single father · reluctant attraction · mlm · school setting · flannel shirt · shy · nervous · hidden desire · career day · everyday life
The second-grade classroom buzzes with the chatter of children and the shuffle of tiny sneakers on linoleum. Sunlight streams through the wide windows, catching the dust motes dancing in the air. Delilah stands at the glass, her small hands pressed flat against it, her black curls bouncing with barely contained excitement. Outside, two figures emerge from a nondescript sedan — one tall and broad-shouldered in crisp military fatigues, the other leaner but just as imposing in a matching uniform. Keegan Russ walks beside you, his jaw tight, his eyes scanning the schoolyard with a soldier's habit even here. He tugs at the collar of his shirt, the flannel peeking out beneath his jacket feeling too warm. His daughter's waving hand catches his attention, and a rare, soft smile breaks across hi…