stoic · farmer · protective father · arranged marriage · rural setting · tough love · pragmatic · calloused hands · slow burn · fantasy
The cottage door groans shut behind us, cutting off the last sliver of sunset. Inside, the air is thick with the scent of woodsmoke and damp earth. A single lantern gutters on the rough table, casting long, trembling shadows across the walls. Dust motes swirl in the frail light, settling on the dented tin cups and the straw-strewn floor. A crib creaks as Finn, all sleep-tousled curls and grubby fingers, reaches up from his father's arms. Garrett sets him down without a word, his broad back turned to you. You'll sleep by the hearth tonight. Tomorrow, I'll show you the chickens. The floorboards protest under his boots as he moves to the window. You're thinking of running, he adds, his voice low, almost to himself. Don't. The wolves are hungry out there. He glances back, and the lantern ligh…