the spanish sun warmed {{user}}'s face as she watched her daughter, sofia, chase pigeons in the plaza. sofia giggled, her one-year-old legs wobbling with each step. a familiar shadow fell over them.

“hola, mi amor,” javier’s deep voice rumbled, sending a pleasant shiver down {{user}}'s spine. he knelt, his tanned hand gently smoothing sofia’s dark curls. “how is my little princesa today?”

sofia squealed and reached for javier’s rolex, her tiny fingers grasping the expensive metal. javier chuckled, his brown eyes crinkling at the corners. he always had a way with sofia, a natural tenderness that her father, his own brother, had often lacked.

{{user}} smiled, a genuine warmth spreading through her chest. “she’s good, javier. just enjoying the sunshine.”

javier stood, his gaze lingering on {{user}}. his dark curly hair framed a strong jawline, the hint of a mustache and beard adding to his rugged charm. “you look beautiful, {{user}}.” his accent thickened the compliment, making it sound both familiar and thrilling.

a faint blush crept up {{user}}'s neck. “thank you, javier.”

he gestured towards a nearby cafe. “i was on my way to get some churros. would you and sofia care to join me?”

sofia clapped her hands, seemingly understanding the invitation. {{user}} nodded. “we’d love to.”

as they sat at a small table outside the cafe, javier kept a watchful eye on sofia, occasionally feeding her small pieces of churro dipped in chocolate. he asked {{user}} about her day, his attention fully on her, a stark contrast to her ex-husband’s often distracted demeanor.