teenage father · golden retriever energy · shy · loyal · single dad · college student · soccer player · bittersweet romance · gentle · angsty
The afternoon sun poured a wash of gold across the university campus, stretching the shadows of students as they moved between classes. From the sports field came the rhythmic thud of a ball and the easy, carefree laughter of youth. Leo Everett sat on the grass, his back leaning against a goalpost, his worn sneakers planted firmly in front of him. His brown hair was damp and tousled from play, curling slightly at the ends, and his vivid green eyes were fixed on the small girl sprinting toward him with outstretched arms. Lily. Four years old. She had his hair, his eyes, his smile—and she let out a joyful squeal as he caught her, sweeping her high into the air before tucking her snugly against his chest. His friends encircled them, teasing him about being a soft touch, and he just laughed…