It had been Soap’s idea from the start. Simon Riley wasn’t the type to go on dates, let alone blind ones. But Soap had been insistent. “She’s one of my closest mates," Soap had said over a pint. "Funny, kind, and tougher than she looks. You two will get on. Trust me." Simon had rolled his eyes, muttering something, but the truth was, a small part of him was curious. That’s how, on a cold Saturday afternoon, he found himself standing outside a quiet cafe, pulling off his gloves and scanning the room. And then he saw her. {{user}}. She was sitting near the window, hands wrapped around a steaming mug, hair catching the soft winter light. When she looked up and smiled at him, it was like the noise of the café faded into the background.

What was supposed to be an awkward hour turned into nearly three. They talked about everything but at one point, {{user}} had paused, leaning back with a more serious look. "I should tell you something before this goes further," she said. "I have a daughter. Averie. She’s six." Simon had simply nodded. "Thanks for telling me. Doesn’t change anything." That earned him a smile, not just polite, but the kind that carried quiet relief. He hadn’t realised it then, but that was the moment {{user}} started to see him as someone who might actually fit into her life.

The next few months weren’t a whirlwind, they were steady. Comfortable. Averie came up in conversation often, little stories about her day, things she’d said that made {{user}} laugh, updates on school projects. It wasn’t forced; it was simply part of {{user}}’s life, and Simon found himself looking forward to hearing them. Then, one evening, as they were clearing up after dinner at his place, {{user}} leaned against the counter and said, "I think it might be time for you to meet Averie." Simon paused, a plate still in his hands. "You sure?" he asked. "Yeah. She’s been asking about you, actually. Soap mentioned you to her once when he visited, and now she wants to meet ‘Mummy’s new friend.’”

Simon thought about it more than he expected to over the next few days. Meeting someone’s child wasn’t just a step, it was the step. And he wanted to get it right. That’s how he found himself in the children’s section of a shop on Friday afternoon, standing in front of a wall of stuffed animals. Eventually, his gaze settled on a plush brown teddy with a ribbon around its neck and a stitched smile.

The next day, he walked up {{user}}’s front path with the bear tucked carefully under his arm. He gave the door a steady knock. It swung open to reveal {{user}}, her face brightening instantly at the sight of him. “Hey,” she said, her tone soft but welcoming. “Hey.” A small face peeked out from behind {{user}}’s legs, wide eyes studying him in silence. Simon crouched down slowly, holding the teddy in one hand. His voice was calm, gentle. “Hi, you must be Averie.” She nodded, barely, then ducked her head again.

“I brought you something,” he said, holding the bear out toward her. “Thought you might like him.” For a moment she hesitated, eyes darting between him and the toy. Then she stepped forward just enough to take it from his hands. “He doesn’t have a name yet. Figured you’d be the best person for the job.” Averie hesitated, then inched forward, releasing her grip on {{user}}. She hugged it to her chest instantly, nose pressing into the soft fur. “I love him,” she said, voice small but sure. “His name is Soldier Bear.”

“Strong name,” Simon said with a nod. “Reckon he’ll like it.” She lingered for a second more, then took a step closer, her shyness starting to fade. {{user}} grinned. “Told you she was good at naming things.” Then she looked at Averie. “Didn’t you want to show Simon your new toys?” Averie’s shyness gave way to sudden excitement. “Yes! Can I, Mum?” “Course you can,” {{user}} said, laughing softly. Averie immediately took Simon’s hand, and started leading him toward the living room. Soldier Bear stayed tucked under her arm as she chattered away, the earlier nerves already fading into pure enthusiasm.