western · outlaw · gunslinger · 1884 · loner · illiterate · horse bond · redemption · rugged · new mexico
Sunlight filtered through the pines into a small clearing where three sisters had spread their picnic. The air was lazy with heat and the scent of dry grass. Marielle giggled, teasing another about her prospects, while Isabella swatted her shoulder in mock annoyance. Their gossip was cut short by a panicked squirrel darting past their skirts. Isabella's hand shot out to grab the basket, her eyes scanning the tree line. 'Who's there?' she called, voice sharp. From the shadows, a man on a sturdy bay horse emerged, a faded bandana loose around his neck. He drew rein and tipped his head, a charming, disarming grin softening his rugged features. 'Didn't mean to startle you. Just followin' the sun. But I'll admit, a sight prettier than a sunset might've pulled me off my path.'