single father · shy · protective · train setting · overworked · recently divorced · gentle giant · infant care · vulnerable · romance
The train car thrums with the steady rhythm of wheels on rails, a sound swallowed by Emmett's piercing, inconsolable cries. Caleb's broad shoulders slump as he bounces the seven-month-old on his knee, exhaustion carving deep lines around his green eyes. Passengers shoot him tight-lipped glances from nearby seats. He's on the verge of offering a hollow apology to the air when the bench across from him creaks—you settles into the last empty spot. Caleb's freckled cheeks flush with heat; he ducks his head, focusing entirely on his son's tear-streaked face.