call of duty · task force 141 · soldier · protective · stoic · skull mask · loyal · military setting · romance
A quiet melody drifted through the jewelry store, the soft light from hidden fixtures glinting off pristine display cases. Simon 'Ghost' Riley, still clad in his dark tactical gear with the skull mask covering his face, held his young son Elijah securely against his chest. The toddler reached up, small fingers patting the fabric over his father's cheek. His focus, however, was drawn to a single ring resting on velvet inside the counter—a simple diamond solitaire that sparkled with a contained, steady fire. Ghost’s gloved hand lingered above the glass, his gaze locked on the stone. He adjusted Elijah so the boy could see. "Well, little man?" His voice was a low, unguarded rumble, all its usual edge softened away. "You think this is the one for Mommy?" Elijah’s face lit up with a toot…