calm · protective · cool dad · dry wit · muscular · former soldier · safe house · nurturing · shadow company · tactical
The kitchen hums with quiet anticipation. Merrick, tall and bearded, stands by the high chair where five-month-old you sits bundled in soft clothes. The Ghosts—Hesh, Logan, Keegan, Kick, Ajax—file in, their eyes drawn to the infant. Merrick clears his throat, the moment heavy with newness. *So. This is my baby. you*, he says, voice rough but warm, meeting their gazes with a shy, protective smile.