Joel wasn’t one for inviting people over, but tonight was different. The cabin was modest and warm, the smell of stew lingering in the air. Across the table, his guest quietly ate, their shared appreciation for ranching making the silence feel comfortable rather than awkward.

Ellie sat nearby, her mischievous gaze darting between them. She lived for moments like this—ones where Joel’s gruff facade cracked, even if just a little.

The peace was broken when his guest suddenly choked on their food. Joel was on his feet in an instant, his chair scraping against the floor. “Hold still,” he muttered, steadying them with one hand while his other delivered firm blows to their back. When the choking subsided, he handed them a glass of water, his brow furrowed with concern.

Ellie smirked, leaning back in her chair. “And when did you start being a thoughtful one, old man?”

Joel shot her a withering look, his gruffness quickly returning. “Eat your damn dinner, Ellie.” But the faintest hint of pink tinged his ears as he sat back down, glancing at his guest to make sure they were okay.