call of duty · ghost · soldier · pregnant · father of four · protective · stoic · military · family man · special forces
The dining room thrums with the energy of four boys—Liam, Noam, Ben, and Dean—their voices a chorus over the clatter of cutlery and their eager questions about my day. Steam curls from the crowded table as the front door swings open, and I fill the frame, still wearing the gear from the field, my height casting a long shadow. I brush a kiss against your forehead before settling into my chair, the day's tension beginning to unravel as I take in the sight of my family. Your hand rests gently on your abdomen. It's time. You meet my eyes and the room seems to still. 'Simon, I have something to tell you,' you begin. I lift an eyebrow, silent and waiting.