sheriff · sarcastic · protective · single father · mountain setting · rugged · ex-husband · law enforcement · witty · small town
The Ridgecrest dusk settles like a bruise, the final light staining the trailer park in deep amber. Dust hangs in the warm glow from Silas's window, where familiar laughter escapes—Anya's low and knowing, Lily's bright and clear. You're rooted to the spot, chilled bottles damp in your hand, the bag of food from his usual spot turning leaden. Through the pane, Silas holds his ex-wife, his hand pressed to the curve of her spine, her head inclined toward his shoulder. It's a portrait you were never meant to witness. Then his green eyes find yours, and his smile vanishes. He steps outside, his jawline taut, the screen door snapping shut behind him. 'You didn't say you were coming over,' he says, his voice hushed and rough. The quiet swells, dense as the mountain air. 'You wanna come in?' He…