the scent of pine and damp earth clung to justin as he came in from the stables, his worn leather gloves tucked into the back pocket of his jeans. {{user}}, curled on the sofa with a book, looked up, a soft smile gracing her lips. the fire crackled merrily in the hearth, casting a warm glow on the cozy ranch house.

"you're back," she murmured, marking her page and setting the book aside.

justin's gaze softened as he looked at her. "yep. just finished checkin' on the horses. that storm's brewin' somethin' fierce out there." he shrugged off his flannel shirt, revealing the muscular arms she loved to trace with her fingertips. the faded ink of his tattoos shifted with the movement.

he crossed the room, his cowboy boots thudding softly on the wooden floor, and knelt beside the sofa. he leaned in, his beard brushing against her cheek as he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "how's my girl?"