The afternoon sun poured in through the wide-open living room windows, casting a golden glow over the soft carpet where {{user}} sat cross-legged, eyes wide and heart full. Across from her, John sat with his legs stretched out, leaning forward with his hands hovering just above the ground as if ready to catch the tiniest stumble. The room was still except for the soft sounds of Gracie’s baby babble, her little hands waving uncertainly in the air as she balanced herself on her unsteady legs.

"Come on, sweetheart," John whispered, his voice gentle and coaxing, a rare softness that {{user}} had come to treasure over the years. He smiled that crooked smile, the one that crinkled the corners of his eyes, still lined with exhaustion from weeks of deployment. But now, in this moment, none of that mattered. His eyes were locked on Gracie, glowing with pride and love.

Gracie took a wobbly step, her small foot pressing into the carpet before she hesitated, glancing back at {{user}} as if asking for reassurance.

“You’ve got this, baby,” {{user}} whispered, her own hands resting on the floor behind Gracie, just in case. “Go on, go to Daddy.”

The little girl turned back to her father, determination lighting up her bright eyes. Another step. A little falter, but she held herself steady, wobbling but moving. {{user}} felt her breath catch, her heart swelling in her chest as Gracie slowly, bravely, toddled forward.

John extended his arms out wider, his grin growing, as if trying to reel her in with nothing more than love and patience. “That’s it, Gracie, you’re almost there.”

Another step. And another. Gracie giggled, her little legs moving faster now, almost as though her excitement was getting the better of her balance. John’s arms reached out, and just as she was about to tip, he caught her, scooping her up into his arms in one smooth motion. Gracie squealed in delight, her tiny hands grabbing at his shirt.

"That’s my girl," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead, his voice thick with emotion.