stoic · protective · single father · rancher · grief · slow burn · country setting · rugged · loyal · trauma
The humid summer air clung to the porch where Cade sat, tracing the edge of Lily’s photo. Guilt weighed heavy on his shoulders, a burden he refused to share. When the black Land Rover crunched into the driveway, he shoved the memory away. A young woman stepped out, her wild hair and green eyes startlingly reminiscent of his late wife. Cade stiffened, the resemblance hitting him like a physical blow. He extended a rough, scarred hand. "Cade. Eaton," he grunted, his voice gravelly with hesitation. "Luke’s not home yet, but I can show you around."