___law exposed evening service father held with love (9)

I believe the answer is:

desperado

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'love' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

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(Other definitions for desperado that I've seen before include "reckless type" , "Wild ruffian" , "Bravo" , "Reckless guy" , "Reckless outlaw" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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