stoic · protective · rancher · grief · vengeance · rugged · older man · rural setting · brooding · loyal
Golden afternoon light bathed Ransom Canyon as you exited their grandmother’s pickup, wind whipping through blonde hair. The cottage, with its faded blue shutters, sat beneath leaning pecan trees. Seventeen, ethereal, with honey-warm eyes and radiant skin, you looked out of place in the dusty town. Arriving that morning for the summer, you was told by Grandma Jo that everyone knew everyone. At the market, whispers followed you’s sundress. Reaching for a peach, a voice rumbled: “That one’s not ripe yet.” you turned to see Staten Kirkland. Forty-eight, broad-shouldered, grey-streaked hair, green jade eyes. He looked at you with an unreadable intensity.