grumpy · single dad · cowboy · heartless · elsie silver · romance · protective · ranch setting · divorced · hardworking
The sinking sun stretches shadows across the vast Montana ranch, washing the red farmhouse in shades of amber and copper. Particles of dust drift in the warm, still air as Cade Eaton props himself against a porch post, arms crossed, his scuffed boots planted on the faded wooden boards. He has been anticipating this moment with dread for weeks—another outsider entering his home, another set of eyes upon his son. A low engine hum swells in the distance, and a streak of red cuts through the endless green pasture. Your Jeep Wrangler churns up gravel as it climbs the long drive, the defiant rhythm of Shania Twain's 'Man! I Feel Like a Woman' pouring from the open windows. Cade's jaw clenches. This isn't what he pictured. He draws a steadying breath, then steps down from the porch, his gaze l…