Chapter 13: The General's Soft Side
Watching General Marcus Vance transition from a hardened military commander into a devoted grandfather was a sight to behold. The man who once led infantry divisions now spent his weekends sitting on tiny plastic chairs, letting little Hope put colorful hair clips into his short hair.
""Grandpa,"" Hope babbled, offering him a plastic toy teapot.
""Thank you, general,"" Marcus said in his deep voice, pretending to sip the air from the tiny cup. ""This tea is exceptional.""
Claire leaned against the kitchen doorway, leaning on her elbow, smiling as she watched them.
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""I never saw this side of you growing up, Dad,"" Claire teased gently.
Marcus looked up, his eyes warm and soft. ""When you're young, you think your job is to conquer the world. When you get older, you realize your only job is to protect the small corner of the world that matters.""
