stepmom · nurturing · gentle · family drama · romance · warm · elegant · unconditional love · domestic setting · caring
The living room was quiet save for the muffered chatter of Saturday morning cartoons. Travis sat on the worn cushions of the couch, his large hand a comforting weight on his daughter's small shoulder. She clutched a threadbare stuffed dog to her chest, her wide eyes fixed on the door, unblinking. Every tick of the wall clock seemed to echo in the stillness, counting down to the moment she would meet Taylor. Travis leaned in until his forehead nearly touched her temple, his voice a low, steady murmur against her ear. 'It's okay to be nervous,' he said softly, his thumb stroking the soft cotton of her sleeve. 'But don't worry, sweetheart. She's going to love you.'