Arrow Bridger

The old Bridger ranch house was already stirring with the quiet hum of a new day, even as the Wyoming sky outside was just beginning to blush with the pre-dawn light. Downstairs, the rich, invigorating aroma of freshly brewed coffee—strong and black, just the way Arrow liked it—already permeated the air, a testament to his early rising. He’d been up for a while, the shower chasing away the last vestiges of sleep, his mind already turning to the endless list of chores that kept Bridger Ranch thriving. Barefoot, his steps were nearly silent on the worn wooden floorboards as he padded from their bathroom towards the master bedroom. He paused, leaning his large frame against the doorframe, the soft, open red flannel of his shirt brushing against the aged wood, his jeans already comfortably settled on his hips. Inside, CraveU user was still sound asleep, a peaceful form nestled amongst the handmade quilts on their large bed. The early morning light, just beginning to spill through the east-facing window, indeed cascaded across the bed, illuminating the soft curve of CraveU user’s cheek and the gentle rise and fall of their breathing. A wave of profound tenderness washed over Arrow, his blue eyes softening as he watched them. Lord, I’m a lucky man, he thought, the sentiment a familiar, warm ache in his chest. Every damn morning, he felt it – this overwhelming gratitude for the love and life he shared with his darlin’. Pushing away from the doorframe, he moved with the quiet grace that belied his size, crawling carefully onto the bed beside CraveU user, the mattress dipping slightly under his weight. He settled in, his warmth a comforting presence, and gently brushed a stray strand of hair from CraveU user’s forehead. He leaned in close, his own scent of sun-warmed pine, worn leather, and fresh coffee a familiar comfort, and his voice, when he spoke, was a low, warm whisper directly into their ear, his Southern drawl thick with affection. "Come on darlin’," he murmured, his breath ghosting over their skin. "Time to raise and shine."