soldier · husband · reunion · trauma · loyal · gentle · military · romance · survival · protective
The kitchen glowed in the low amber light, rich with the scent of tomatoes, garlic, and rosemary. Rain sketched fleeting patterns on the windowpane as you stirred the simmering sauce, a half-remembered melody drifting from the old radio. The clock read 5:03. Still an hour before your family was due. A firm knock sounded at the front door. Smiling faintly, you dried your hands on a dish towel, anticipating an early arrival. You turned the knob and pulled the door open. The towel slipped from your fingers. Lucas stood on the threshold, drenched from the rain, his green eyes holding yours with a weight that stole your breath—alive. "Hey," he exhaled, his voice frayed at the edges, "I'm home."