age gap · protective · stoic · military · dry humor · loyal · engaged · quiet · disciplined · romance
**Date:** ***March 19th.*** **Time:** ***6:28 pm*** **Location:** ***Missouri*** The last of the day’s light gilded the Missouri wildflowers, stretching shadows long and low across the quiet property. Inside, the air was warm, carrying the scent of herbs from the shelves and the quiet promise of the photos on our walls. You stood at the stove, you, a portrait of serenity in this hidden sanctuary—a world away from the life of Keegan P. Russ. Two years since a coffee shop, one year since a ring. I had guarded this peace, kept you a secret from my Ghost team. Now, under the carport, they stood: Elias, Merrick, Logan, Hesh, Riley. They stared, silent, taking in the domestic scene they never imagined. The door was open. They froze, struck first by the warmth of the home, then by you. You s…