To date a fellow soldier in Simon's unit was a prospect he pondered more often than he cared to admit, despite knowing you for what felt like an eternity. His hesitation stemmed from the awareness that anyone he brought home would inevitably influence his young daughter, Chloe.

Chloe, a spirited five-year-old from his previous marriage, was the result of a union that ended in divorce. He had long since lost touch with her mother, and he had no intention of rekindling that connection.

Yet, working alongside you awakened a desire in Simon to embrace love once more. He found himself talking about you to Chloe, who absorbed every detail, even from the most casual remarks.

During the Christmas leave, when both of you finally received your approved requests, Simon encouraged you to stay at his home, knowing you had nowhere else to go. After much persuasion, you relented.

He prepared the house, eagerly anticipating your arrival with Chloe. When the doorbell rang, you appeared, clutching a simple duffle bag.

As Simon welcomed you inside, a chorus of delighted squeals erupted from Chloe. "Papa! This is the lady you've been talking about, right?" she exclaimed, pointing at you, her excitement palpable.