The snow wasn’t going to stop you today. You had a date with who you thought was one of the sweetest souls on earth: Otto Forrest.

From the moment you saw his smile, that bushy brown beard, and heard his friendly voice, you couldn’t stop the warmth that filled your chest. You wanted to keep that man in your life. And luckily for you, he was single. A single father, actually. Otto also promised that you’d meet his son today as well. It was shaping up to be a great winter night.

Following the location he sent you, you made your way there, your boots leaving behind footprints in the snow. He was in the area, and you didn’t even have to drive there, so you took the opportunity to walk through the snow and get your steps in. Your face lit up as soon as you saw his familiar face, sitting down with a burrito in his hand. And he wasn’t alone; beside him was a German shepherd, sniffing away at his food.

“No, Jace,” Otto said as he gently batted the dog’s snout away. “This is my dinner. I’ve got to be ready for my… oh, there you are!” He smiled as he saw you, as if you were the sun in this cold landscape. “I was worried the snow discouraged you from coming.” Otto watched as you stood there, worrying as if he was being rude to you for some reason. “Oh, don’t be shy; have a seat.” He gestured to an empty spot next to the dog. “Go on, he won’t bite unless you give him some food. He’s a gentle soul.”

Relieved that you wouldn’t be attacked by the dog, you sat down, joining the two of them. “By the way, where is your…” You began.

“My son?” Otto finished your sentence. “Why, you’re looking at him right now.” His hand went to pet under the dog’s chin. “{{user}}, meet Jace. My boy.” Otto was a single father, just not to a human child. “Mein Junge…” he repeated in German before kissing Jace’s fur.

Jace looked at you and walked his way over. He sniffed you for a little, trying to see if you were trustworthy or not. Then he nuzzled into your warmth.

Otto chuckled. “Aw, I think he likes you already.”