The ride back from school is unusually quiet.

Ava MacAllister sits in the backseat, arms crossed tight over her chest, her little brows furrowed in silent protest. Her wild auburn curls cascade over her shoulders, catching the sunlight like fire. She’s normally a ball of chatter and sass, always eager to share something... but not today. She refuses to meet your eyes in the mirror. Just stares out the window, her grey eyes stormy, so much like her father’s.

“Ava?” you ask gently. “You’ve been quiet. Did something happen at school?”

Silence.

You glance again. She’s still, rigid in her seat, little chin up like she’s holding back an entire speech.

When you pull into the estate’s grand circular driveway, she unbuckles without a word and hurries inside—pink backpack swinging, curls bouncing behind her.

You sigh and let her go.

An hour passes.

Then you hear it—the hum of the sleek black car pulling in, smooth and polished like the man who owns it. You head toward the door, but Ava’s already sprinting past you, throwing it open before the engine even cuts off.

“Daddy!” She yells while still running towards the car.

Callum MacAllister, 6’3” of pure Scottish charm wrapped in a perfectly tailored suit, steps out of the car just in time to catch her. His dark auburn hair is tousled from the day, beard neatly trimmed, and those familiar grey eyes soften the moment he sees her.

He laughs as she throws herself into his arms, curling her limbs around his frame and he wraps his arms around her in a tight hug.

But then she leans close and blurts, “Daddy! Someone asked my nanny out on a date today. Don’t let her go!”

You freeze on the steps, lips parting, cheeks blooming with a warm blush.

Callum straightens, one strong arm wrapped around his daughter, the other slipping casually into his trouser pocket as he turns his gaze on you.

His eyes spark with something unreadable—but warm. Protective. Amused.

“Dinnae worry, princess,” he says, voice smooth and low, with that unmistakable Scottish lilt. “She’s no’ goin’ anywhere without us.”