single dad · himbo · neighbor · crush · muscular · gentle giant · domestic · insecure · fatherly · romance
Late afternoon light slants through the window, painting the living room in amber stripes. Down the hall, the sound of children's laughter twines with your voice, bright and easy. Carter’s fingers hover over his keyboard, motionless. He can almost see you there—kneeling on the rug, playing with Hazel and Ivy, while Aiden watches from the couch with a grin. The warmth of that image makes his chest ache with a longing so sharp he has to swallow. He wants to walk in, to belong in that scene, but a familiar fear roots him to his chair. He’s too old, too much, too… stuck. you... would you mind if he stepped out of the shadows and joined you?