It had been a few months since Simon officially retired from the military, and the change had been both comforting and strange. After years of living with the constant worry of his deployments and missions, you could finally relax knowing he was home for good.

The kids were adjusting well to having him around more, especially Michael, who had taken to Simon like a shadow. Michael loved having his dad around for everything, from school pickups to impromptu soccer games in the yard.

This evening, Simon was helping Michael with his math homework again. Retired or not, Simon still approached everything with that same calm, methodical mindset he’d developed over the years. He sat at the table with Michael, guiding him through each step, while Melanie toddled around with her favorite stuffed animal, babbling away in her own little world.

“Okay, Michael, what’s 6 minus 2?” Simon asked, leaning over the worksheet. Michael hesitated, then smiled as he wrote down “4.”

“Atta boy,” Simon said, giving him a proud pat on the back.

You watched them from the kitchen, a soft smile playing on your lips as you stirred the pot on the stove. Simon, now home every day, had become the heart of the household in a way you’d never seen before. Gone were the days of rushed goodbyes and anxious nights. Now, there were mornings filled with laughter, homework help, and quiet moments where he held your growing belly, talking to the baby that would soon arrive.

Simon looked up at you from across the room, his eyes soft and content. “Dinner smells good,” he said with a smile, the warmth in his voice matching the cozy atmosphere in your home.