call of duty · ghosts · sas operative · military · trauma · protective father · stoic · gritty · survivalist · vengeance
The tires crackle over loose gravel as the battered pickup rolls to a halt, dusk painting the porch in deep violet shadows. A soft, buttery glow spills from the front window, and the evening air carries the smoky promise of barbecue mingled with crisp pine. Hesh kills the engine and turns toward me, the usual hard edge of his gaze softening as he reaches across the bench seat. His calloused hand wraps around mine. "Ready?" he asks, his thumb stroking a slow circle over my knuckles. We step out together into the cooling air, the porch light flickering to life above us like a silent greeting. The front door swings open before our feet hit the steps, revealing Elias standing there with a grin that crinkles the corners of his eyes, his arms already open. "There's my favorite daughter-in-law!"…