ONLINE LOVE | 𝚄𝚗𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝙲𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚛
𝚂𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚕𝚎𝚍𝚊𝚍!𝚁𝚊𝚏𝚎 𝚡 𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚌𝚑!𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝙰𝚄
✧ 𝙼𝙰𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁𝙻𝙸𝚂𝚃 | 𝙰𝚄 𝙼𝙰𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁𝙻𝙸𝚂𝚃 | 𝚃𝙰𝙶𝙻𝙸𝚂𝚃
✧ Summary- Rafe Cameron used to avoid love, only having flings and never getting close to anyone. Now 27 and raising his 3-year-old daughter Harper alone, he wants something more—a real connection. Tired of being judged on the island, he tries Hinge and sets his location to the mainland. After days of no matches, he finds your profile and is instantly drawn to you.
✧ Right now- you just finished your first year of residency. You’re showered with gifts and love. While out at your celebratory lunch, a special little someone, unknown to reader, decides to give a call when she's on her dad's phone. With that, a truth is revealed.
You were sitting at a restaurant with your girlfriends, celebrating with bottomless mimosas and brunch. It’s official, you’ve completed your first year of residency and had some time off before second year. You were hoping that someone in particular would be asking to see you but that hasn’t seem to happen yet.
What came to a surprise, was the giant bouquet of flowers and 3 boxes of gifts waiting at your door last night when you arrived home after your last shift. The flowers held a handwritten card reading-
“Congrats Dr. I’m hoping you love what’s inside. Got you something special and somethings that you might really enjoy using. You mean everything to me. This has been an incredible 7 months with you, I can’t wait for more. I’m also happy to have someone around who can help with a heart attack from how damn stressed work has been making me. Love, Rafe.”
You opened the first package to find a large Bottega Veneta tote. Inside the box was another handwritten card reading-
“Use to carry all your doctor needs in style. You had mentioned once that you thought these bags were nice, I’ll never understand it but I’ll still support it lol. I know you’re probably doing that little face, where you scrunch your nose, and are irritated I’d get you this, you can’t fool me. You deserve a million of these ugly bags. Proud of you. Forever and always, Rafe.”
He was right you did make the face. But it was immediately wiped away when you read his note. Replacing it with a soft smile. You talking about this bag was such a small comment and he remembered. You laugh because you don’t care if he thinks they’re ugly, not your fault he doesn’t understand fashion. But the fact that he bought it for you means everything. You placed it back on the box for now, opening the next package. It was a perfectly tailored white coat with your name engraved on the left breast in pink.
“Told you I wasn’t weird for asking your measurement. Still shocked you gave them to me, but aren’t you glad I did? Who knew such a simple coat could be so beautiful. You’re going to wear it well. Breaking it in with all the blood and puke that comes in to the ER. But it’s made just for you, Dr. Love, your favorite patient.”
The last one was a personalized gift box. A new stethoscope, a notebook, pens, fuzzy socks, candles, bath salts, candles, a robe a mug and tea. All pink and all engraved with your name, extra special with the Dr. just before.
“I hope you like the new stethoscope the most. Listen to the heartbeats of all the lives you were brought here to save. Then use the rest when you’ve had a stressful day and need to unwind. I’m always a call away too, for you to let any frustration out on me. I’m always here. I love you. Rafe.”
I love you? He loves me? You were frozen at the sight of the words. Not in a bad way. You’ve felt the same for a while, just seeing them there written out, meant for you, next to his name, made it real. You were beaming with joy. You were exhausted and not ready for a full on call and you’d know he’d understand. But you wanted to make it known that you were home and very grateful.
You 3:38am: Hi, I’m home. Last shift for the next 2 months, but you already knew that lol. Thank you so much for my gifts, truly. I love you too.
Back at the restaurant, you and your girlfriends are chatting away when you receive a FaceTime call from Rafe. They notice how your face lights up and there are a round of “oos” that follow making you blush and hide your face in embarrassment. You excuse yourself and make your to the end of the restaurants patio for some privacy. He had responded to your text earlier this morning and you spoke about your plans today, but this is the first time he called and you don’t mind he’s interrupting.
You answer with a big smile. “Hi! Wha-”
But you’re cut off by confusion when the face looking back at you isn’t Rafe, but a sweet looking little girl. She has big blue eyes full of curiosity , full round cheeks, and soft light brown curls. She speaks first since you’re still too stunned to “Hi! Are you a friend? I like calling friends!”
“If you’re talking about Rafe, then i definitely am a friend. And who do you happen to be?”
“Hi Harper! What are you doing today?”
“We played Pwincess and had tea and I got a new stuff anmal and got my toes painted and I got a new dress!” Her voice was full of excitement, she spoke so fast you’re sure you didn’t even hear her take a breath.
“That sounds like a lot of fun, Harper. You sound like a very busy princess.”
“I am. Daddy always says I’m the best, most pwettiest pwincess.”
“He was very right about that. Does your daddy know you have Rafe’s phone?”
“Daddy’s on his work phone wight now, but he always leaves this one in his room. My iPad is only a black screen and I wanted to play games. But I also like calling his friends. Like Uncle Top!”
Your heart skips a beat. Putting together the pieces, his work phone, Topper. There’s no way. Before you could say anything else, the phone jostled, and a flurry of muffled voices and footsteps came through. Then Rafe’s voice, low and urgent, “Harper, why do you have daddy’s phone again?”
Harper looks back at you with big eyes since she was caught. “I’m in trouble, bye new friend!” Then the FaceTime call ends before you can reply, leaving you there, jaw on the floor and speechless.
You head back to your table, pretending like everything is fine. It’s evident to your friends something is wrong when you slam 3 flutes of mimosa back to back, but you don’t go into detail about the call. Is Rafe a father? He had a daughter this whole time? Maybe Rafe was talking about his friend when you heard him. Is this just a big misunderstanding and you’re thinking too much into what a toddler just told you?
Rafe 2:17pm: Hi. I saw the FT call log. I guess I have some explaining to do. I know you’re out right now. I don’t want to overwhelm you, but I do want you to understand. Text me to let me know when you’re ready. Please. I love you.
You took a deep breath, placing your phone back down. You appreciated him giving you the opportunity to reach out first. But it certainly won’t be now when you’re 7 mimosas deep. You’ll give yourself a day to refresh and prepare.
The next evening you’re on your couch, biting your nails into a complete disaster. You’re free hand holding your phone and your thumb hovering over that little send button.
You 6:45pm: Hi. We can talk now. :)
Rafe was silent on the other end of the call. You weren’t sure if it was from embarrassment or hurt. But he didn’t know how to start the conversation.
You laughed softly at the awkwardness. “So… Harper, huh?”
He sighed, dragging a hand down his face. “Yeah. That was Harper. My daughter. Clearly better with my phone than I am.”
“You never mentioned her before, why?”
“A sense of protection. She’s my world and the idea of bringing someone new into it is not easy.”
“I get it,” you replied gently.
Rafe’s expression softened, guilt tugging at the edges. “I don’t know. At first, it was just… easier to talk to you without all the messy stuff. And then I got scared for me and Harper. Then, I didn’t want to scare you off. You’re this amazing person, and I thought maybe if you saw this whole other part of my life, you’d think I was too complicated. So, I kept pushing it back and now it’s kinda ruined my plans for us.”
You tilted your head, feeling your heart ache a little at how heartbroken he sounded.
“Rafe, life is complicated. But you’ve been nothing but kind and honest, for the most part, with me. I’ve loved these past seven months with you. I’m really glad I know about Harper now. She’s adorable. And what plans?”
He blinked. He truly couldn’t believe how you’re handling this bombshell that was just dropped on you. “So you’re not mad?”
“No,” you said, smiling. “Surprised, yes. But mad? No. You’re taking care of someone who needs you. That just makes me like you more. Plus I think we had a great conversation going yesterday before you oh so rudely interrupted us.”
Rafe looked down, shaking his head with a smile that was half disbelief, half relief. “I was so ready to delete my entire existence five minutes ago.”
You laughed. “You’re stuck with me now, sorry.”
Before Rafe could say anymore, a familiar little face popped into frame. “Can we see your fwend now?”
Your face lit up at the sight of the little girl. “Hi Harper!”
“Hi! I wanna see you now!”
“You are seeing me silly,” you gave Rafe a confused look but he just returned a smile.
Rafe’s voice broke through Harper’s toddler babble, “Well my plan was to come here and surprise you, explain all of this to you and see how you you’d react. Then I wanted to give you the option to come back to the Outer Banks and spend sometime with me. But since this one here beat me to the reveal, we both decided to make the trip.”
“Here as in here? Like you’re in Chapell Hill?”
“We may or may not be outside your apartment.”
You look around your apartment and see the state it’s in. You haven’t really been able to keep up with it since your hours have been hard and long. It’s only been a couple of days since you’ve been off, you haven’t cleaned up anything. Then you look down at the baggy oversized sweater and sweatpants you’re wearing. No makeup, hair in a messy bun. You weren’t expecting guests. Not to mention the man who’s made you fall in love with him over these past 7 months, and to top it off his daughter.
Rafe sees the dilemma running rampant through your mind. “I promise we don’t care. We just want to see you.”
Those simple words ground you. Remind you that this is real. He’s real, she’s real, what you have is real. A little mess won’t make that disappear. He didn’t have to travel 6 hours into the mainland if he wasn’t serious about this.
“Oh my god, I can’t believe you’re here. I’ll come down right now. Give me two seconds.”
Rafe laughs as you hang up the phone. You toss it on the couch and jump up. You run to grab your keys, throw on some flip flops and rush downstairs. Your hands are shaking, your body is full of adrenaline. You make your way outside frantically searching for him and Harper.
You spot him on a bench in the park area, he sat there casually one arm thrown over the back and his legs spread slightly. You caught sight of Harper playing on the swings. She was giggling trying to push herself harder and go higher. The sound of her asking Rafe to watch how she flew warmed your heart. You speed up as you make your way over to them, slowing down once he spots you. Rafe looked up, his eyes were locked onto yours. He stands up and makes his way towards you.
He’s actually here, your heart races faster with each step you take. No matter how much you get closer he still seems so far away. He’s beautiful, more beautiful than a phone camera could ever do justice. The lights that are meant to light up the walk way are a spotlight for him. Every feature that you memorized the past months are highlighted and all you want to do is reach out and touch them.
Somehow, even at dusk and the sun now below the horizon, his bright blue eyes still pierce through that darkness. The curve of his jaw could slice you if you weren’t careful. He was so tall, his chest was puffed out and his shoulders broad. God, he was perfect.
You stopped a foot or so away from him. The words seemed stuck in your throat. The same seemed for him when all his could do was hold a smile.
He finally spoke first, “I can’t believe we’re here.”
You laughed, “I can’t believe you’re here. You’re insane.”
“Yeah this was a little crazy right? I hope I didn’t overstep. I’m all for the grand gesture.”
“It’s perfect, seriously.”
He took another step, closing that small amount of dostance left. His hands hovered for a second, trying to get your permission. His unspoken question was answered when you jumped into his arms. His arms wrapped around your waist and you nuzzled your face into his neck. He smelled just as you imagined. A mixture of sea salt from the beach and a musk that made you want to melt.
You felt a sense of safety in his arms. One that you’ve never felt before. You weren’t dreaming, but the man of your dreams had you wrapped around his arms. You pulled back, looking into his eyes. Nothing needed to be said, you both knew how you felt.
Harper’s voice rang out behind you, “Daddy? Is this her?!”
You laughed into his shoulder, feeling him shake with laughter too. He set you back down onto the ground. “Yeah princess, this is daddy’s friend. But she’s more than that, she’s special.”
“Oh yeah? How special?” Harper raises her eyebrows.
“Is this some sort of set up?” You copy Harper by raising your brows, but laugh to let her know you’re not serious.
Rafe picks up Harper, “She’s really special to me. More than a friend.” He moved in closer to Harper as if he was about to tell her a secret, but still spoke loud enough for you hear. “If she likes the idea, I’d like her to be my girlfriend.”
You blushed and looked down at the ground. His hand, that isn’t holding Harper, brushed along your cheek. “You like how that sounds Harp?”
“I do! She was nice to me and she’s so pwetty!”
“Thank you Harper. But I could never be as pretty as you.” She squeals and takes cover into Rafe’s chest as you go to tickle her neck.
Rafe’s heart warmed at the sight. In this moment he was really hoping you would say yes. He could picture this forever with you. He just needed to hear that one simple word. He was yearning for it for as long as he knew you. “What do you say?”
“I say, I would be more than honored to officially become apart of this family. If you’d have me, I’d love to be your daddy’s girlfriend.” You look Harper in the eyes.
She looks between you and Rafe before throwing her hands up and pulling the two of you into a big hug. You wrap your arms around both of them and Rafe runs his hand up and down your back.
“Y’know they say kids and animals have good judgment on people. Seems like I picked good.”
“I guess you did. I think I did too.”
He lets Harper down and she runs back over to the swing. For a second he watches that she’ll be okay before turning his attention back to you completely. “This isn’t exactly how I planned for this to go.”
“I’m sure,” you let out a small laugh following your words.
“I mean I planned to come out here. This part was always apart of the plan. I had the flight schedule since the day you told me when your last shift would be. I always wanted to be here in person. Harper coming wasn’t apart of the plan, but we saw how that went.”
Harper yelled from her swing drawing both of yours attention. “Can she come back with us daddy?!”
You and Rafe laughed. “That was the second part of the plan. I wanted to see if you wanted to spend some time with us back home. Spend some more time getting to know us better.”
You contemplated for a moment. The obvious answer was yes. But you didn’t want to sound so desperate, but you also didn’t care. “I’d love to. I’ll have to go pack.”
“You can go light. We can get you anything else you’ll need when we get there. You can always leave it for when you come back.”
“Sounds perfect.” You smiled.
The two of you sat in silence. An easy silence. Not one that needed to be filled with useless chatter. But one that settles easily between 2 people that have nothing else to prove. It felt right having Rafe’s arm draped around your back drawing circles on the lower part, you leaning your head on his shoulder.
Harper ran up to the two of you sitting on the bench, out of breath from pumping herself higher in the swing. “Did she say yes?!”
“She said yes, Princess!” Rafe couldn’t even hide his excitement.
Harper jumped throwing her hands up. “Yes! It’s like we’re a family! Can you kiss her now? You said you wanted to!”
Rafe dropped his head shaking it. His 3 year old embarrassing the hell outta him. He pulled back just enough to look at you. “Not if you don’t want me to.”
“I’ve wanted you to,” you whispered. “Since the very first call.”
And in the middle of a quiet city park, with Harper as witness, Rafe kissed you, gently, sweetly, with a promise wrapped up in it.
And for the first time since you met him… you weren’t in love with the idea of love.
You were in love with him. Right here. Right now.
A/n: I should’ve mentioned earlier but this is partly inspired by my beautiful friend @cherrywriterrr series Sweet on Wattpad. She’s brilliant and I owe her for this this AU.
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