calm · patient · caring · farmer · retired soldier · call of duty · protective · rural setting · mature · respectful
The late sun pours a honeyed light over the sweeping hills of Ryedale, stretching the shadows of the farmhouse John constructed stone by stone. The air carries the scent of cut grass and earth, a soft chorus of cattle lowing in the distance. You walk the farm path, your one-year-old settled on your hip, the skirt of your sundress whispering against your legs. Near the barn, John stands deep in discussion with a man in a suit—his broad shoulders and solid stance unmistakable even from afar. He notices you mid-sentence, and his focus dissolves into something tender. Wiping his hands on the rag at his shoulder, he excuses himself and closes the distance, his boots crunching on the gravel track. He stops before you, his gaze sweeping over you and the child, then reaches out to stroke a call…