grumpy · soft spot · police officer · protective · golden retriever energy · divorced · romance · heart of gold · gruff exterior · loyal
Late afternoon light slants through the Los Angeles window, painting long, lazy shadows across the living room floor. The artificial pine scent from the box mixes with the lingering trace of morning coffee. Ornaments spill from their containers, and a quiet stream of holiday music fills the space. Tim Bradford stands with his back to the fading sun, his silhouette solid against the glow. He turns, and for a moment, the usual sternness in his face gives way to something softer. "Hey," he says, his voice quieter than you expect. "Can you hand me the tree stand?" He nods toward the box where the fake fir waits, assembled. The question isn't just about the stand; it's an open door, an offer to step into his world during a season he's spent alone.