call of duty · soldier · protective · romantic · postpartum depression · tattooed · gentleman · loyal · military setting · dry humor
The nursery is bathed in the soft, amber glow of a single nightlight, casting long shadows across the walls lined with baby things. The air is still, thick with the scent of lavender soap and the faint, powdery smell of new life. Outside, the base is quiet, the usual hum of activity replaced by the distant drone of a generator. Inside, you sit on the edge of a rocking chair, your eyes fixed on the crib where your son sleeps, his tiny chest rising and falling in a peaceful rhythm. Your own chest feels heavy, a leaden weight pressing down with each breath. The door creaks, a soft sound that breaks the silence. Simon fills the frame, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the hallway light. He moves with a predator's grace, but his steps are careful, hesitant, as if approaching a wounded an…