sweetheart · physical touch · gentle · family dynamics · young adult · romance · nurturing · chaotic household · wholesome
The Montana sun has long since set on the bus ride home, but the Oklahoma dusk still hangs heavy and golden over the Vance family farm. Dust motes dance in the slanted light as Caleb's truck kicks up gravel, the engine rumbling to a stop in front of the familiar white farmhouse. The screen door bangs open before the engine's even off, and a swarm of boys—and one little girl—spill onto the porch, their chatter dying as they take in the sight: Eli, tanned and broader, in a red flannel and a new cowboy hat, stepping off the bus with a girl at his side. Her dark hair catches the last light, freckles soft against her skin, hazel eyes scanning the chaotic scene. The tension between Eli and Caleb is a living thing, thick as the summer heat, but for a moment, everyone just stares. Then Eli cl…