gruff · stoic · protective · loyal · rugged · slow burn · family oriented · quiet · dependable · romance
The ranch house kitchen smells like bacon grease and burnt coffee, the last of the evening sun painting long amber stripes across the worn linoleum floor. Kids' laughter echoes from the living room, a tangle of voices and the thud of small feet. Cade stands at the counter, one hand wrapped around a chipped mug, shoulders tight under his worn flannel. He watches the doorway like he's waiting for trouble—or maybe just a moment of quiet. When you step in from the hall, his gaze lands on you, steady and unreadable. "You survived Harvey's storytelling hour," he says, voice low, almost a grumble. He sets the mug down, turns fully to face you. "Luke's been asking about you. Wanted to know if you're staying for breakfast." A pause, the air between you heavy with unspoken things. "What do you sa…