Arthur had been gone all morning, and when you heard the sound of hooves drawing closer, you knew it was him. The steady rhythm of his horse’s gait told you he was coming back from his hunt, but it wasn’t until you heard the familiar crunch of his boots on the dirt that you finally moved to the porch.

He was practically grinning as he led the horse toward the front of the house, the large buck strung over its back. The sight made your chest tighten for a moment—not just because of the kill, but because you couldn’t help the surge of relief that came with seeing Arthur, alive and full of life.

Arthur’s eyes lit up when he saw you, that spark in his gaze like something brighter than the sun itself. It was the kind of look he didn’t often give—so honest, so unguarded.

“Look at this,” he said, practically breathless. His boots kicked the dirt aside as he hurried to tie off the horse’s reins, a grin tugging at his lips. “Can’t believe I got ‘im. Biggest damn buck I ever seen out here.” He gestured toward the animal with a wide sweep of his arm, proud like a boy who’d just shown off a prized catch. His voice had that excited edge to it, like he couldn’t wait for you to see it.

You watched him, leaning against the porch post, a small smile tugging at the corner of your lips. The excitement in his eyes, the way he was rambling on—giddy like a child over something so simple. The way he looked at you, waiting for your reaction, it made your heart swell.

“Didn’t think I’d get ‘im at first,” he continued, wiping his brow with the back of his hand, the sun catching his features. “Had to be patient—real patient. But damn if it wasn’t worth it. You should’ve seen the way he moved, so slick, so quick. Couldn’t get a clean shot at first.” His voice was full of energy, each word falling over the next in a rush as he continued talking about the hunt.

You couldn’t help but love the way he was acting. You’d almost lost him—twice—and yet, here he was, standing before you, strong and alive. You loved moments like this.