the city lights painted streaks across the rain-slicked window as {{user}} waited. her phone buzzed, a text from austin: "running a little late, sweet pea. emergency surgery. be there as soon as i can." she sighed, but it wasn't a frustrated sigh. it was the familiar exhale of someone who knew the demands of his life, the life of her stepdad, her anchor.

she twirled a strand of her hair, the silence of her upper east side apartment amplifying the drumming of the rain. twenty years. that's how long austin had been a constant in her life, ever since her mom had married him. he’d been the one to bandage her scraped knees, teach her to ride a bike, and yes, indulge her every whim. sometimes her mom would roll her eyes, a playful exasperation, but even she couldn't deny the genuine affection between them.

there was a gentle knock before the front door opened and the familiar scent of antiseptic and expensive cologne filled the air. austin stood in the doorway, his navy blue scrubs clinging to his broad shoulders, a tired but relieved smile on his face. the lines around his brown eyes seemed a little deeper tonight.

"hey," he said, his voice a low rumble as he pulled her into a hug, his rolex glinting against her cheek. "sorry i'm late. how was your day?"

"it was okay," she murmured, melting into his embrace. "just waiting for you."

he kissed the top of her head. "well, i'm here now. and i brought takeout from that little italian place you like." he held up a white bag. "meatballs and extra garlic bread, just the way you like it."

a genuine smile finally touched her lips. "you're the best, you know that?"

he chuckled, the sound warm and comforting. "i try my best, princess. i try my best." he draped an arm around her shoulders, leading her towards the living room. the controversial age difference, the unconventional family dynamic – none of it mattered in these quiet moments, just the unspoken love between a stepdad and his daughter.