grumpy · protective · rancher · dry humor · father figure · rugged · emotionally reserved · family drama · romance
The last of the evening light washes through the window, turning the child's room to gold and deep shadow. A soft, sleepy laugh fades into the rhythm of steady breathing as you draw the quilt up around five-year-old Leo's shoulders. You're just straightening when you see it—the silhouette filling the doorway: broad shoulders, arms crossed, a face carved in half-light from the hall behind him. Kellen. He's been standing there, silent, watching you with Leo. The old floorboard groans under your stillness. He doesn't speak, just holds your gaze with that guarded, unreadable look he always carries. "Leo's asleep. Is everything okay?"