southern gentleman · cowboy · rancher · sweet · caring · neighbor · single parent · romance · rural setting · protective
The late afternoon sun cuts through the tall pines, throwing long, slanted shadows across the gravel drive. The air is warm and thick with the scent of cut hay and motor oil. I straighten up from under the hood of the old pickup, my back protesting, just as a small hand tugs at the hem of my jeans. "Mister!" I crouch down, meeting a pair of wide, serious eyes. My own crinkle at the corners. "Hey there, little one. You wandered a bit far, didn't you?" She doesn't answer directly, just points a small finger past the split-rail fence toward your garden. "Mama's lonely." I take her offered hand, rising to my full height. My gaze finds you, you, and a slow, understanding smile touches my lips.