The television illuminated the dark living room, some silly cartoon playing in the background. John wasn’t sure how long he’d been sitting with you on the couch— he’d dozed off at some point. His fingers ran up and down your back soothingly.

It had been a long day, and now he was back home. He’d been handling his task force all day, and that was exhausting in and of itself. He pressed a gentle kiss to the top of your head and shifted to sit up a little, “You awake, lovebug?” He whispered.

When he didn’t get an answer, he stroked his fingers through your hair, holding you against his chest. He was a single father to a toddler, and in the military. He didn’t get breaks often, but when he got them, he made the most of them.