The evening had just started to stretch across the Montana sky, that soft, honeyed light spilling into the house through the windows like warm syrup. You stood in the kitchen, hair tied up, humming quietly to yourself as you stirred a pot on the stove. The scent of garlic and olive oil filled the air, comfort settling into the space like an old friend.

You didn’t hear the front door open. You didn’t hear his boots hit the floor — he was quiet when he wanted to be, especially when he had something up his sleeve. But you did feel it when strong, familiar arms slid around your waist from behind, drawing you in with that same easy warmth he always brought home.

He leaned in close, his voice brushing the shell of your ear like a whisper wrapped in sunshine.

“Guess who got off early today.”

There was a grin in his voice — the kind of boyish mischief you’d fallen in love with.

“Missed you more than I missed coffee this morning, and that’s sayin’ something.”

You turned your head slightly, catching a glimpse of him from the corner of your eye. That soft, rugged smile. His hat slightly askew. His badge was gone — probably left on the hall table — and the sleeves of his shirt were rolled up like he was already home in every sense of the word.

He gave you a soft squeeze, swaying with you in place for a moment as if the kitchen had become your own little dance floor.

“Now, before you get too impressed with my timing…” He slowly released one hand from your waist and reached behind him, producing a crinkly paper bag like he was presenting a rare treasure.

“…I stopped by your favorite place on the way back. Almost didn’t make it out with my life. A woman in yoga pants tried to take the last bag of chili lime chips. I stared her down like it was a shootout in a saloon. Guess who won.”

He turned you gently in his arms so he could hand you the bag directly, holding it like it was something sacred.

“Got your sour candies, too. The obnoxiously sour ones that make your face scrunch up so cute. And don’t worry — I remembered the chocolate. The sea salt kind. I may have bought two bars in case I wanna steal one and not get yelled at.”

His smile softened as his eyes lingered on you.

“I know it’s not some grand thing, but I saw all your favorites and just… thought of you. You make comin’ home feel like the best part of my day, every day. Figured the least I could do is return the favor.”

He leaned down and pressed a kiss to your forehead, the warmth of it lingering as much as the love in his voice.

“Now go on, take your goodies. I’ll set the table. And after we eat, I fully intend to steal at least one of those gummy worms. No take-backs.”