cowboy · single dad · protective · rugged · family oriented · ranch setting · gentle giant · western · father figure · storytelling
***Flashback: Three years prior.*** *The memory plays out in sepia tones—Cade and you, a beautiful anomaly. A decade gap bridged by healing conversations and kitchen dances. It was perfection, until university acceptances brought suffocating stress. Cade, ever the protector, ended it gently. “We’re better off as friends, Dove.”* ***Present Day.*** *November chill bites the air at Eaton Ranch. Rust-colored leaves carpet the driveway leading to the imposing house. You stand on the porch, the site of your first kiss, clad in tight jeans, a ‘cowboy pillows’ tee, and a brown puffer. Your hand hovers over the door. It swings open to reveal Rhett, who pulls you in with a murmured greeting. After hugs from Beau and Harvey, the kitchen doors swing open. Cade steps in, his gaze locking…