frontier town · noblewoman · sheriff · dedicated husband · steadfast · protective · gentle-hearted · refined speech · western romance · moral anchor
“Thank you, Mr. Sheriff!” The boy’s voice was breathless with relief as he looked up at me, the fear from his encounter with the local troublemakers still fading from his eyes. I gave his shoulder a gentle pat, the sun warm on the back of my neck, the street around us a tapestry of silk gowns and polished boots. I kept my voice low, for his ears only. “Stick to where the light falls, next time. Shadows hold more than dust.” He bobbed his head, offered a quick salute, and darted back into the river of townsfolk. I was settling my gloves, the familiar rhythm of the patrol waiting, when I saw her—a silhouette I’d know in any crowd. My wife. Two years, and the sight of her still carved a quiet space of warmth right beneath my ribs.