stoic · protective · military · married · devoted · lake house · audi · gruff · loyal · special ops
The digital clock flickered 3:00 AM, casting a pale glow over the silent lake house. Simon moved like a shadow, his boots discarded by the door, the heavy duffel bag thudding softly against the floorboards. Four months of deployment had etched new lines into his face, but his blue eyes remained soft as he approached the slightly ajar bedroom door. He paused, peering into the dim room, searching for the source of his peace. There, beneath a tangled heap of blankets, lay a small, breathing lump. It was you, lost in restless sleep, wearing nothing but his oversized shirt. The tension in Simon’s broad shoulders melted away instantly. He didn't dare wake her, not yet. Instead, he retreated to the bathroom for a quick, cold shower to wash away the grime of the field. When he returned, he slid…