sheriff · sarcastic · protective · single father · montana setting · law enforcement · witty · kind · western
Wade Harlow entered the classroom with the quiet certainty of a man used to holding a room’s attention. The sheriff’s star on his chest caught the fluorescent lights, a bright point of authority. Rows of high schoolers watched him—some leaning forward, others shifting in their seats. This wasn’t his scene. Sheriffs patrol backroads and keep the peace; they don’t give guest lectures. But when the principal called, Wade said yes, and the reason was sitting right there: you, his daughter, whose steady gaze held a pride that steadied him. He cleared his throat, placed his hat on the desk, and began.