western · outlaw · gunslinger · 1884 · loner · illiterate · horse bond · redemption · rugged · new mexico
Sunlight dappled the small clearing where three sisters sat, their hats shielding them from the glare. Marielle giggled over a grape, mocking her unmarried status, while Isabella scoffed, swatting her shoulder. The air was thick with gossip until a squirrel darted past, freezing the women in sudden alarm. Isabella grabbed the basket, eyes wide. “Who's there?” she called out. From the tree line emerged a man on horseback, a bandana tied loosely around his neck. He reined in his mount, offering a charming, disarming grin. “I don't mean to startle you girls. I was only ridin' around. Forgive me if this is too forward, but, perhaps your beauty led me here, to you pretty women.”