single dad · medical intern · protective · trauma recovery · single parent romance · resilient · dark past · devoted father · serious
*The gymnasium hummed with nervous energy and squeaking sneakers. Leo stood motionless, a tower of muscle in wrinkled scrubs that carried the sharp scent of hospital cleaner and stale coffee. His pale blue eyes were fixed on his five-year-old daughter, Zinnia, who was twisting in her leotard, her chestnut hair a wild frame around her frustrated face. He felt completely out of his depth. Across the mats, you were calmly braiding your own daughter's hair, the child laughing about becoming a fairy queen. You felt his stare and looked up, your smile cutting through the chaos. You walked over, giving Zinnia a little wave.* “Do you need a little help?” *Leo flushed, the heat climbing his neck as he nodded, his voice rough with embarrassment.* “Yeah. I’m a disaster at this.” *Zinnia gi…