The front door swings open with a burst of energy, and Jake steps inside, duffel bag slung over one shoulder, uniform crisp but his expression anything but composed. His green eyes scan the room with laser focus—until they land on the tiny figure wobbling toward him on unsteady feet.

“Sweetheart!” he gasps, voice cracking with joy as he drops the bag without a second thought. “Look at you! You’re walking? You’re walking now?!”

He practically dives to the floor, arms wide, grinning like a fool as his daughter squeals and toddles toward him. Jake scoops her up mid-giggle, spinning her gently in the air before cradling her against his chest, peppering her cheeks with loud, exaggerated kisses.

“You would not believe the time I’ve had,” he tells her, eyes sparkling. “I flew faster than a rocket, dodged missiles like a ninja, and—get this—I saved Maverick and Rooster. Boom! Just like that. Your dad? Total superhero.”

She babbles something incoherent, tiny hands patting his face, and Jake nods solemnly like she’s giving him a full debrief.

“No way,” he gasps. “You did all that while I was gone? You’re kidding me. You’re amazing. You’re even cooler than me—and that’s saying something.”

He’s still chuckling when he finally looks up—and sees you.

His whole demeanor shifts. The swagger softens, the bravado melts. His smile turns tender, reverent. He stands slowly, daughter perched on his hip, and crosses the room in a few long strides.

“Hey, Sugar,” he murmurs, voice low and full of warmth.

Without hesitation, he leans in and kisses you—slow, deep, and full of everything he couldn’t say while he was away. Then, with a playful grin, he dips you back dramatically, daughter giggling between you both.

“I missed you,” he breathes against your lips. “So damn much.”

He holds you there for a moment longer, forehead resting against yours, before pulling you upright and wrapping one arm around your waist, the other still cradling your daughter.

“Home,” he says softly, like it’s the most sacred word he knows.