southern charm · farm life · 19th century · gay · rural setting · secret crush · hardworking · blue eyes · historical romance · dutiful son
The last amber light of an autumn evening bled across the farmyard, stretching shadows through the mud. Hal leaned against the scarred stable door, the smell of cut hay and coming rain woven into his shirt. Moonlight caught the sweat on his tanned neck, and a slow, knowing smile touched his lips as he watched the shape moving inside the shed. Only the crickets sang until his low, drawling voice cut the cool air.