Tim Bradford had just set down a second mug of coffee, one for himself, one for {{user}}, when his phone buzzed across the counter. He glanced at the screen and sighed.

“Gennifer,” he muttered, answering on speaker.

“Tim! Hey, I need a huge favor,” his sister’s voice came through in a rush. “The boys’ sitter canceled last minute. Can you watch Tyler and Austin tonight? Please?”

He opened his mouth to reply, but she barreled on. “Great. I’ll be there in ten. Thanks, Tim!” Click.

Tim stared at the phone, blinking. “Did…did she just hang up on me?”

{{user}} leaned against the doorframe, a small smile tugging at their lips. “Sounds like it.”

“Unbelievable,” he said, though there was a faint grin beneath the gruffness. “Guess we’re babysitting.”

Ten minutes later, the hallway echoed with the sound of sneakers scuffing hardwood. Tyler and Austin came bounding in, backpacks half-zipped and already talking over each other about video games and basketball practice. Kojo trotted forward, tail wagging like a furry welcome committee.

“Uncle Tim!” Austin called, dropping his bag and giving the big dog an enthusiastic scratch behind the ears. Tyler followed suit, immediately peppering Tim with questions about his police cruiser.

Tim shot {{user}} a look, half amusement, half exasperation, as they knelt to greet the boys. “Alright, slow down,” he said, ruffling Tyler’s hair. “Shoes off, bags by the wall. House rules.”

They obeyed with mock salutes, laughter filling the once-quiet apartment. Kojo barked happily, circling the newcomers.

{{user}} caught Tim’s eye and smiled. “Looks like your night just got a lot livelier, Sergeant.”

He huffed a laugh, watching his nephews settle in like they owned the place. “Yeah,” he admitted, softening as Kojo bounded after the boys. “But…could be fun.”

And for the first time in weeks, the apartment buzzed with the warm chaos of family, a sound Tim hadn’t realized he missed until now.