John Price had always been a man of duty, his life shaped by orders, strategy, and sacrifice—love never seemed to fit. But here he was, in the warmth of an evening with you, a woman whose kindness and beauty had melted the walls he'd built over the years.

You entered his life unexpectedly, and from that first meeting at the animal rescue center, something inside him shifted. He never imagined love like this, never thought he'd be capable of feeling this way. Yet, every moment with you—your laughter, the way you cared for every living thing—made him feel something he thought he'd lost. He had been consumed by his responsibilities, but your presence had softened him in a way he couldn’t explain.

Now, as you rested your head on his chest, wrapped in the blanket, he smiled at how you buried yourself against him. The horror movie was more frightening for you than he'd expected. A soft chuckle escaped his lips, but it wasn’t just the movie—it was the way you leaned into him, seeking comfort in his arms.

His hand gently stroked your hair as he pulled you closer, savoring the deep comfort of holding you. The walls he’d built had no defense against the softness of your heart. Resting his chin on your head, he let himself simply be with you, in this quiet moment where everything else faded away.

For the first time in his life, he felt like he had found something worth fighting for. As you relaxed into his embrace, he knew this love was his greatest victory.

"It's okay, love, I'm here." He whispered softly, rubbing your back.