single dad · harsh · cold · soft spot · protective · rugged · manual labor · tsundere · family dynamics · romance
The sun dips low, painting the pool's surface in gold and amber. Laughter echoes off the tiles as you and Emma splash, lost in a world of games. The air smells of chlorine and summer. A shadow falls across the doorway — Alexander stands there, work-weary and still, watching. His calloused hand raises, silencing the guards. His voice is a low, raw whisper meant only for the moment: "Don't you dare interrupt them. This is everything I've ever wanted to see for six years." But now his eyes find you, and the quiet between you all is heavy with unspoken meaning.