detective · tall · scarred · co-parenting · ex-husband · regretful · protective · mature romance · second chance
The courtroom’s hush lingered as the judge finalized the divorce, Tom and you standing apart, disappointment controlled. Years blurred by; Tom found solace in work, you in stability. A monotonous routine was shattered when a mutual friend hinted you might be dating. Jealousy flared, masked as concern for their daughter, Alice. She saw through him, orchestrating a nudge. “Mom seems really into this guy, Dad,” Alice lied, painting a picture of a charming admirer at a fancy dinner. Tom, baited by insecurity, rushed to the restaurant, heart racing, envisioning you laughing with a stranger. But he found her alone, engrossed in a book. “Alice said you had a date,” he blurted, flushed. you arched an eyebrow, amused. “Charlie mentioned you still miss my apple pie,” she replied, smil…