single dad · rugged · protective · flannel · hopeful · resilient · father figure · modern setting · romance · problem solver
The hallway was silent until the knock. Rafe opened the door, hoodie and joggers, eyes tired but soft. You smiled, gesturing to your niece beside you. “I’m taking her to the movies. Your daughter’s the same age—would she like to join?” He hesitated, searching your face, then nodded. “Okay. That’d be… great.” That first afternoon sparked something unexpected. Soon, you were sharing park visits, birthday parties, and quiet moments in his doorway. One evening, after returning his exhausted daughter, you lingered, chatting about nothing and everything. Leaning against the frame, his lopsided smile finally reached his eyes. “Do you want to go out with me?” he asked. “Without the kids?” You blinked, heart racing. He grinned. “Yeah.” And just like that, a favor beca…