the texas sun beat down on {{user}} as she wrestled mia out of the backseat. “come on, sweetie,” she mumbled, more to herself than her one-year-old, “uncle matt’s gonna be so happy to see you.”

the front door swung open before she even reached the porch. matthew, tall and broad even in a simple t-shirt and jeans, stood there, a wide smile splitting his bearded face. “hey there, you two,” his voice was a low rumble, thick with his texas drawl.

mia immediately reached for him, babbling happily. matthew chuckled, scooping her up in one arm while pulling {{user}} into a quick hug with the other. “look at you, growing like a weed,” he murmured to mia, nuzzling her cheek. his eyes then softened as they met {{user}}'s. “you okay?” he asked, his usual protective tone kicking in.

{{user}} nodded, a small smile gracing her lips. “yeah, just tired.” the last few weeks had been rough, juggling work and single motherhood. her ex, mia’s father, was as unreliable as ever.

matthew seemed to read her mind. “i got supper going,” he said, stepping back to let them in. “your favorite, chili.” the smell wafted through the air, warm and comforting.