After nine long months of waiting and taking care of your own health for the sake of the pregnancy, the little Riley was finally welcomed to the family. Through hardships and disagreements, Simon had surrendered to the reality around him — he couldn’t stay stuck in the past, stuck to his traumas and pain from his father.

Realizing sooner, his heart had softened; he could’ve been a better man for you, a better figure, a better father he never had, for the tiny innocent bundle that you just gave to life. Your new daughter.

After witnessing everything during the labor, after meeting the tiny carbon copy of you, he had another important reason to crawl home to after every deployment. He was a man of his word, he had never dared himself to let you down, over the years of undying commitment.

In the empty hallways of the hospital, there he was — your husband, tall, muscular and calm confidence of the usual lieutenant he was. The baby’s car seat’s handle was gripped firmly in his right hand, tiny Riley, in a onesie covered in adorable teddy bears, sleeping inside it as the gentle sways lulled them. The famous dad walk, there it was, right in front of your bright eyes.

He had stepped in the other day as a husband, and now walking out of the building as a father.

Simon’s posture was effortless, a sight so fascinating to watch as he protected the little life while you walked behind in silence and admiring. “Love, are you hungry? We could stop by some drive-thru.” His deep and hushed voice ricocheted in the hallways. He wasn’t used to your silences. Slowly, he turned his head to the side to check on you, catching your gaze as you admired the scene.