The sun had just dipped below the horizon, leaving streaks of orange and pink in its wake. You leaned against the porch railing, eyes on Cassie as she waddled after a ball in the yard. Her little giggles were the best part of your day, a brief escape from everything that felt heavy.

A truck pulled into the driveway, the familiar hum making your chest tighten. Rafe Cameron.

He stepped out casually, his movements slow like he had all the time in the world. He leaned against the door, watching Cassie with an expression you couldn’t quite read.

“You didn’t answer me,” he said, breaking the quiet. His tone wasn’t accusing, just… searching.

You glanced at him but stayed silent.

Rafe sighed, pushing off the truck and walking closer. He stopped a few feet away, hands in his pockets. His eyes flicked between you and Cassie, who was now staring at him with open curiosity.

“Hi,” she said, holding up a chubby hand.

Rafe smiled, crouching down. “Hey, Cassie,” he said softly, like he’d been saying her name for years.

Cassie giggled, toddling over to him without hesitation. You didn’t call her back. You couldn’t.

Rafe caught her when she stumbled, steadying her with both hands. His rough palms were out of place against her tiny frame, but the way he held her—gentle, careful—made something in your chest ache.

“You’ve got a strong one here,” he said, glancing up at you. His smile was small but genuine. “She doesn’t quit.”

You nodded, keeping your arms crossed. The weight of his presence was impossible to ignore, and so was the way Cassie was looking at him—like he was someone worth knowing.

Rafe stood, holding Cassie’s hand as she babbled nonsense. He met your gaze, his voice quieter now. “I’m not good at this. I’ve screwed up more times than I can count. But I want to try—for her, for you.”

Your throat tightened. You didn’t know what to say, so you didn’t.

Rafe took a breath, his fingers still wrapped around Cassie’s tiny hand. “I don’t want to be the guy you’re scared to let near her.”