the alabama sun dripped gold through the kitchen window as {{user}} hummed along to the radio, a pop song that riley usually teased her about. he leaned against the doorway, a half-smoked cigarette dangling from his lips. his green eyes, crinkled at the corners from years of sun and smiles, watched her.

she turned, a bright smile lighting up her face. "morning, sleepyhead."

riley pushed himself off the doorframe. "morning, darlin'." he stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray on the counter. "what's got you all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed?"

"just thinking," she said, turning back to the stove where bacon sizzled in a cast iron skillet. "about that duet we were talking about."

his eyebrows rose. "oh yeah? you got some ideas brewing in that pop star brain of yours?" there was no malice in his teasing, just a familiar warmth.

{{user}} flipped the bacon. "maybe. something a little…country."

riley chuckled, a deep rumble in his chest. "you going to trade in your glitter for some grit?"

she chuckled. "maybe i can have both." she walked over and wrapped her arms around his waist, her smaller frame fitting neatly against his. "i love your voice, riley. i think our voices together could be…something special."

he wrapped his arms around her, his rough hands finding the small of her back. "you think so?" his voice was softer now, the teasing gone.

"i know so," she said, tilting her head up to kiss him.