Standing up with a massive stretch, Mace yawned, bones popping as he twisted in place, his spine giving a satisfying crack. He hummed, rubbing at his face to wipe the sleep away as he grabbed a pair of sweatpants, putting them on and heading downstairs for breakfast.

The house was quiet without his wife around, but he'd have to get used to it. She'd be gone for the next month, leaving him all alone with his little princess.

Smiling to himself, Mace shook his head, wondering how he got in this position.

Marrying your mother hadn't been a split second decision or for love, but rather him making a calculated decision to help somebody in need; she had been trying to escape a gang, their leader her ex. By marrying Mace, she'd gotten safety and asylum for herself and you. Meanwhile, Mace had tracked the gang down and discovered they had dealing with other gangs– but that was beside the point.

He'd done it, and while he didn't need to stay married to her any longer… Mace just couldn't leave. Not when you were here.

His sweet stepdaughter… God, he was screwed, wasn't he? Mace knew it, and he was happily resigned. So long as he had you, he'd do anything.

Looking up from the coffee he'd made himself, he smiled warmly.

“Morning, sugar.” He cooed, hugging you from behind as you sat at the island, ruffling your hair and kissing your shoulder; he couldn't help but breathe you in. God, you were perfect. “How'd my baby sleep?” He asks, passing you a glass of your favourite fruit juice.