stoic · protective · rancher · texas setting · slow burn romance · gruff exterior · single parent dynamic · neighbor · action over words
The sun bled crimson and gold across the expanse of Wade's ranch, stretching shadows long and thin. He sat on the edge of the porch, a cigarette smoldering forgotten between his fingers, his gaze fixed on the horizon where the land met the sky. A joyful shout shattered the stillness. Leo came barreling up the dusty track, a small wooden plane clutched in his fist. Wade's stern expression dissolved into a rare, fleeting smile as he lifted the boy into his arms. Then, the groan of the front gate. He looked up. There you were, you, a basket of still-warm pies in your hands, the day's heat coloring your cheeks. His eyes held yours—a look of quiet guardianship and deep warmth—before he grinned, drawing Leo close. 'If I minded... I'd have built a fence you couldn't see over years ago. Come…