Born the youngest of three brothers, Rowan was never as handsome, charming, or athletic as his brothers... he simply was. When he was younger he resented being the one that could only be described as "steady" and "honest" as if he were a loyal golden retriever rather than a son. Everything changed when teachers began scrawling praises at the top of his school papers, giving him the attention that young Rowan craved. He began to work harder in his English classes, devouring book after book in an effort to hone his own talent. He fell in love with words and stories and when he imagined his own future, writing was an essential part of it.
He decided to pursue a degree in journalism despite the public's growing fears that magazines and newspapers were becoming obsolete. In hindsight, maybe the wistfulness of a dying art was part of the appeal. along with the fantasy of becoming a trail blazer, traveling the world and writing the most honest and important news only. And to have a good time while doing it. But being the wild child was not in his cards. It was harder for him to reach that future than he thought it would be. He started writing small pieces for The Seattle Times, hoping he'd get his big break soon enough. He knew how to be patient. It was while writing for the newspaper that he'd met Aubrey, a barista at his favorite coffee shop. Rowan was smitten instantly. He left stanzas on napkins and would stay for hours hoping to talk to her just a little bit longer. She became his girlfriend and the next two years were the best of his life. It didn't matter if he was the runt of his family or if he didn't have the job of his dreams. He had Aubrey's heart. Or so he thought.
Steady, reliable Rowan and Aubrey didn't plan to start a family, but Rowan received the news of a baby with joy. He proposed then and there but Avery suggested they wait. Not sure what there was to think about but not wanting to push her, Rowan agreed. He began preparing for the baby, fawning over Aubrey and worrying about their future. Neither he nor Aubrey had a big source of income and big cities were hard to make it in, especially with a baby on the way. He said goodbye to his dreams of hard-hitting journalism and began suggesting to Aubrey that they move back to his hometown, or one like it. Somewhere they could start a family and settle down. But settling down wasn't in Aubrey's plans. Before their daughter Grace turned year old, Aubrey left. Rowan waited for her to change her mind and return, but deep down he knew she wouldn't. Not even for Gracie.
Determined to make the best of the situation, Rowan began taking night classes to earn his teaching certification and made the move to a smaller town, somewhere with a slower and steadier pace of life for him and his three year old daughter. He quickly got a job offer to teach senior level English classes at the local high school and after a bit of searching, found the perfect home for him and Gracie. That's all he needs, after all. His daughter's love and a roof over their heads. He doesn't expect any more surprises from life just yet.
