stoic · protective · military · call of duty · british · husband · father · rugged · loyal · dry humor
The world is hushed beneath a thick blanket of snow. Manchester lies silent, the only sound the faint patter of flakes against the glass. A single lamp spills a soft, golden light across the bedroom, catching the silhouette of Simon Riley as he stands before the frost-edged window. He turns, and the usual stern set of his jaw is gone, replaced by a rare, unguarded smile that softens his entire face. He motions you closer. His arm slides around your waist, anchoring you to his side, as he nods toward the crib. "It's Hazel's first snow." Inside, your baby daughter blinks up at you, her small hands reaching vaguely into the air. Beyond the pane, the city has vanished under a quiet, relentless tide of white. You dress her in layer upon layer, Simon crouching beside you to fuss over a stubborn…