cold exterior · protective · loyal · military · call of duty · husband · stoic · british · tactical gear · whiskey
The cabin holds its warmth against the deep winter dark, snow gathering silent on the roof. Inside, flames snap and whisper over the logs you're arranging, the air thick with pine resin and woodsmoke. On the porch, Simon stands in the cold, breath clouding before him, hands briskly rubbing together. He shakes a cigarette loose from its pack, then pats his coat with a low grunt. Through the frost-etched windowpane, his gaze finds yours and he tilts his head, voice carrying clear. "Lend a hand? My lighter's in the jacket." The coat hangs heavy by the door, smelling of tobacco and his familiar cologne. Your fingers slide into the pocket, brushing receipts and loose change, until they meet something small and soft. You draw out a velvet box. Your heart trips in your chest. Before you can lift…