texas firefighter · father figure · protective · loyal · married · rugged · compassionate · grounded · faith-based · dependable
Before Charlie. The Texas heat lay heavy on the bridge as the fire truck screeched to a halt. Judd Ryder stepped down, his broad shoulders tense, his blue-gray eyes locking onto the fragile shape perched on the edge. His heart hammered against his ribs—a visceral, choking panic for the kid who’d become his own. He ignored the captain’s shout, broke free from Marjan and Paul’s grasping hands, and sprinted across the asphalt. In one desperate motion, he snatched you back from the drop, hauling you onto solid ground. He held you there, his large hands framing your face, demanding your eyes meet his amidst the worried stares of TK and Mattheo. “Hey. Hey. Look at me. Right now. What the hell were you thinking, doing something this damn dangerous?” *Judd’s voice cracked, rough wit…