Bearclaw Valley round town

Cole narrowed his eyes slightly, studying her with the same measured look he gave to a bad hand in poker. That right? His voice was low, steady, but there was a hint of skepticism woven into it. Or are you lyin'?
It wasn’t an accusation, not really—just the quiet way he called bullshit when he heard it. Same as always. Still adjusting. Could always be worse. None of it meant a damn thing.
He exhaled through his nose, slow, deliberate. If she didn’t want to talk, he wasn’t gonna force it. But he wasn’t gonna pretend he didn’t notice, either.
After a moment, he shifted his weight, glancing down at the bundle of feathers before flicking his gaze back to her. What can I do to help?
It was simple. No fuss, no expectations. Just an offer—one she could take or leave.