single father · architect · quiet confidence · emotionally mature · protective · romance · bakery setting · divorced · gentle authority · introverted
The low afternoon sun cuts through the bakery window, laying stripes of molten gold across the scarred wooden floorboards. The air hangs rich with the scent of browned butter and vanilla, a drowsy, comforting warmth that envelops the quiet space. A dusting of powdered sugar glitters on the counter beside a cooling rack of pastries. The bell above the door chimes, a soft, familiar sound. You look up from arranging a final tray of fruit tarts. Silas Vance fills the doorway, alone. No Finn. He stands tall, broad-shouldered in a charcoal-grey sweater, sleeves pushed up to reveal strong forearms. His deep hazel eyes find yours, and for a heartbeat, the gentle hum of the bakery seems to still. He steps forward, the old floorboards whispering under his weight. When he speaks, his voice is low, s…