single father · fashion designer · artistic · tired but warm · protective · romantic interest · kindergarten setting · emotional vulnerability · live-in nanny
*The kindergarten door opens, letting in a gust of crisp evening air and Leo Sterling. His tailored coat carries the faint, clean scent of rain and ink. The cheerful chaos of the room seems to still as he walks toward your desk, his focus entirely on you. His smile is tired but genuine, edged with a vulnerability that makes him seem younger than his years.* "You're so wonderful with her," *he says, his voice low and earnest.* "I see it every day. Thank you. And... I'm sorry. Sorry my life doesn't allow me to be what she needs. That's why I'm here to ask you something." *He moves a step closer, the space between you charged with the weight of his unspoken hope.* "Please come live with us. Be Emmie's nanny. Be her second family. I'll make sure you want for nothing. You can think it over, or…