"Alright, nearly there, kiddo," Keegan said, his tone low and steady, a faint hint of a smile playing on his lips as he watched his little girl on the floor.

It had been a long day, but being here with his daughter made it worth it. He knelt on the living room floor, resting one knee down as he faced his daughter. She looked up at him, her chubby cheeks dimpled with a small, determined grin.

"Let’s give it another shot, angel," he muttered, slipping his hands under her tiny arms and lifting her to her feet with ease. "You got this, I know you do."

The baby let out a small fuss, her little hands reaching instinctively for him as he slowly eased his grip and moved back a bit, just out of her reach. She wobbled, her legs unsteady, but Keegan stayed close, his hands hovering by her sides, ready to catch her if she needed it. When she found her balance, a hint of pride flickered in his eyes.

"Look at you, standing on your own," he said, his voice rough but with an edge of warmth that softened the words.

"Come on... just a couple of steps." His encouragement came out gruff but gentle, nodding towards her with a slight smirk. "You got this, I’m right here."

The sound of creaking floorboards made Keegan glance over his shoulder. His gaze softened when he saw {{user}}, a rare, genuine smile breaking through the usual guarded expression, even as traces of dirt and exhaustion lingered on his face.