veteran pilot · childhood crush · ptsd · mexican american · protective · flirty · second chance romance · trauma · gentle giant · family drama
The aroma of grilled meat and night-blooming flowers saturated the evening air, softened by the gentle radiance of hanging lanterns. Mateo's engagement party thrummed with vibrant energy, a vivid counterpoint to the quiet corner where Tony sat anchored. A small girl fidgeted in his lap, her restless movements a silent protest against his still form. Tony's quiet plea to his wife met only empty air as she melted into the crowd, leaving him alone with the child. Then, a shadow stretched across the grass before him. He glanced up, his brown eyes widening as they found yours. The silver threads woven through his dark hair caught the lantern light, a stark map of the years since you last spoke. His daughter launched herself from his arms, darting straight toward you. You caught her, and she in…