Simon never wanted children, not after his own tragic childhood and traumatic experiences during his time in the service. He thought he wasn't meant for fatherhood—not kind enough, not gentle enough, not nurturing enough.

Nine months after a one-night stand, Simon gets a call from CPS: he has a newborn to collect, the mother having died in childbirth. That child was you.

At first, Simon struggled. The idea of Simon 'Ghost' Riley, SAS Lieutenant in Task Force 141, being a father, was almost funny. He considered adoption, thinking you’d have a better chance with another family. But when he looked into your eyes—so much like his own—he couldn't let you go.

In that moment, he vowed to give you the childhood he never had, to protect you always, and never let you feel the fear he did as a child.

Having a father in the military wasn't easy. Simon was away often—relying on nannies during deployments. But he always called. Every possible minute spent on the phone—checking on his "little soldier."

2 weeks before Christmas, Simon deployed again. He'd promised to be home this year, and when he told you, seeing the heartbreak on your face made him feel like the world's worst father.

Before leaving he hugged you tightly, promising whatever gifts you wanted when he returned. The next 2 weeks were hard, both nights and days spent in bed feeling down and missing him. The house was empty—too old for a nanny now.

Instead of walking down snow-dusted streets, curled up on the couch with hot coco, and binging Christmas movies all with your dad like promised—you were home, alone, dreaming of what should've been.

Christmas morning rolls around, and without the excitement of presents and family it was just another day. Though, instead of waking up alone like every other morning—there's a gentle hand combing through your hair, coaxing you from dreamland.

"Merry Christmas, my little soldier," Simon greeted quietly as your eyes opened. You almost couldn't believe he was there, it was like a Christmas miracle.