#dutton ranch x reader

"Um, da... uh, Rip. Mr. Rip?"

"Yeah?" The man grunts, not looking back as he hammers a horseshoe back onto a horse's hoove. At her silence, he looks up with a squint. "What?" The young woman takes a deep breath.

"... after I'm done with school, I want to move out." He didn't say anything at first, staring at her. "... any reason?" "There is." She says, adjusting her stance, trying to feel brave. To look brave, like she knew what she was doing.

"You wanna tell me?" He retorts, letting the horse trot off contently. She doesn't look at him. "Kid, I don't have time for your p*ssyfootin' around. Talk." She still doesn't look at him, but speaks up.

"Because I don't belong here." She crosses her arms. "Says who?" He immediately asks, thinking she overheard something, or that someone said something stupid. He'd straighten it out- "Does anybody need to say it?"

She retorts. "I'm not stupid. I know you and Ms. Beth don't want to be stuck with me forever." "You're not stuck anywhere," Rip scoffs, a confused grin on his face. "Last time I check, Beth let you and Carter stay. You chose to stay-"

"Not anymore, I want to be gone." She interrupts, eyes blazing but voice shaking. "I didn't sign up for this. I want to be gone as soon as possible." He didn't know what to say, or how to say it. So, he just nodded. "... we'll see."

He watches her walk away, helpless to say anything. Which was his first mistake. His second was watching the girl walk away, knowing that something was wrong.

She walks into the house hours later, seeing everyone getting ready for dinner. Beth smiles softly at the sight of her, standing to meet her halfway. "Hey, honey. Where've you been off to?"

The girl gives a brief smile as her cheeks were cupped. It drops at one corner. "Just out with the bulls." Beth hums, eyeing her carefully. "Any reason?" "Mhm." Neither of them said anything else, Beth smoothing down her hair.

"... go wash up." And she does, but she eats in silence. Carter rests his foot on one of hers, but keeps quiet. Her foot nudges his, peeking up at him. He peeks back, his lips twitching upwards.

She fights the smile creeping up, looking back down at her plate. Carter then leans forward. "You pissed Rip off, I think." That's when the bright and sweet smile escaped along with a small giggle. "I didn't do anything-"

"Yes, you did! I know you did!" The two "whisper", nudging one another. "Hey." The two stop, freezing almost, looking over to an amused Beth. "What are you two sniggling about?"

Both of them mumble "nothing", turning back to their plates. Rip stares at them, silent but knowing somewhat. "... so," He started. "How's school?" Her smile slowly drops at the topic, Carter not noticing as he speaks.

"It's pretty bland, to be honest. But it's okay... I think I like gym the most." Rip stares directly at her, not even giving the boy a glance as he continued to speak. "Yeah?" "Yup." Carter nods. Beth notices the obvious stare, brows furrowing.

"Any idea what you wanna do after?" "Mm... probably work with you, if that's okay? I... like the ranch." Carter utters, cringing in anticipation at his answer. He didn't answer, leaning forward in his seat. Still staring.

"What about you, chick?" He questions, uncaring if he was being too direct. She shrugs. "Oh, come on, now. You gotta give me something better than that."

"Baby," Beth steps in, sensing the tension. "Let her eat." She gives him a look when their gazes meet. Rip huffs, but turns back to his dinner. The girl's lips twitch to the side, stomach churning... she wasn't hungry anymore.

But that was fine. Beth pretended not to notice and Carter was more than happy to eat her portion as well. As she goes to get up to clean up her mess, Beth stops her.

The girl looks up at her, lips twitching again. Beth smiles, tilting her head. "Come take a walk with me, honey. We need to have a girl talk," "... yes, ma'am." She mumbles, following with her head down.

The two walk in silence for a while, Beth casually stuffing her hands in her pockets. "... you wanna tell me what happened today?" Silence, Beth nodding slowly. "The silence treatment, got it."

The girl stops walking, Beth doing the same after she realized. She eyes the girl, letting her concern show. "What's wrong, babygirl?" The girl widgets and Beth lets her, patient.

"... Carter told me what you said the other day... when he called you ma." Beth nods. "That right?" The girl nods, taking a deep breath. "Yeah... so, I told Rip that I wanted to leave. After school and stuff." Beth frowns.

"... okay. That explains why Rip was pissed." She tried to joke, the girl not twitching. The woman sighs, stepping towards her. "Honey, what's going on in that pretty head of yours? Hm?"

The girl flinches back before she could cup her face like normal. Beth frowns, hurt more than anything. "Why do you want to leave-?" "Because why stay in a place where I have a mom and dad who don't want to claim me?"

Beth blinks, taking a few steps back. As of she'd been hit. "You two make it clear everyday that me and Carter can never be yours!" She snaps, it pouring out before she could filter anything.

"And it's unfair! Because you're the one that- that freakin' cares! You two are the only ones that cared, and protected me, and actually held me or my hand when I needed it and I- I-" The girl sobs, shaking her head so she could continue.

"I'm not like Carter. I'm not brave. I can't pretend that all of this isn't something I want- I can't live here knowing that you don't want me to be yours." She sobs at the last bit, hands shaking as she heaves with each inhale.

"I have enough of that from everyone else who told me they cared for me and that I would be safe. Why keep me safe if you're gonna throw me away-!" She's jerked into the woman's arms, too weak and full of grief to pull away.

She lets the girl sob, she lets her break down. She lets herself to feel the one thing she tried so hard to fight and avoid. "I'm sorry, babygirl," She cups the back of her head, rocking her.

Her lips brush her head, her own eyes watering at the sounds of her mourning. "I'm so sorry," "You two are so mean to me," She hiccups, her hands clinging to her own hands and wrists.

"Why aren't I enough to be yours?" Beth closes her eyes, holding her even tighter, if possible. "You are, baby. You and Carter both." She goes to pull away to look at her, getting a flinch and tighter grip.

She shushed the girl, pulling away and cupping her face. "Baby, I never want to erase any of our pain... yours, Carter's, mine, Rip's... and I'm sorry for doing what I thought was right."

She wipes her tears, not liking the sight on her. "But now... now, things are gonna change, okay?" She wanted her to listen, eyes pleading. "You're mine. Both of you are. If you want to call us mom and dad, that's fine. Just..."

Beth takes a deep breath. "Try to give me time, honey. I'm... I'm not good at any of this. None of it. But I will be. For you two, okay?" The girl sniffles, sweet eyes on her. "You're pretty good, Ms. Beth."

Beth smiles, trying not to cry some more. "... tha- thank you, honey." Her voice cracks, she didn't care. She pulls her close, against her chest, rocking her gently. The girl takes it, tired. Beth's mind wanders to the "what-ifs".

What if she could have this in the way she wanted? What if the girl just left without her ever figuring out what she did to damage her? She squeezes her at the thought, kissing her head. "I love you."

"... I love you, too, babygirl. Now, let's go home."

"You ever ride without a saddle?"

The boy looks down from his horse, hat shading his face from the sun. His lips twitch upwards. "Nope, never learned to." "Oh, boo," Carter chuckles at the tease, slowing the horse's trot down to a walk. "Sorry to disappoint,"

His girl sits on the railing, straddling so she wouldn't fall, legs swinging softly. "I'm just kidding, honey." "I know, you got that silly grin on your face." He retorts, stopping in front of her to adjust her sunhat.

"I gotta get it out someway." "There's no need to be nervous, they'll love you." She just hums, fidgeting slightly. "Hey," Carter playfully taps the rim of her hat. "You'll be fine. And if they don't like you, who cares? I'll be with you anyway,"

"Don't say that, Carter. They're your parents," She scolds softly, feeling a bit better. "I mean it, though. F*ck them if they don't like you," He leans down to kiss at her, tilting his head so their hats won't clash.

Her nose scrunches at the feeling, but pecks his lips back when he does so. He pulls away, cupping her chin. "You ready?" "To ride, or...?" She takes his outstretched hand, thanking him softly as he helps her onto his horse. "Both."

She takes a deep breath, holding onto him tightly. "I guess," "Okay, hold on." It doesn't take long for them to get to the house. "... actually, I change my mind." Carter laughs at her panicked tone, sliding off the horse.

"Come on, just 5 minutes!" "5 turns into 20 with you, baby." Carter just grins cheekily, helping her down. "Ugh!" She nervously fiddles with her hat. Carter grabs her hand, practically dragging her to the porch. "You ready?"

"No." Carter snorts again, but opens the front door. "I'm home!" His girlfriend nervously stays by the door, taking off her hat out of respect for the house. She soon hears footsteps, making her squeal internally. She'd be fine, right?

"Hey, baby," She pauses, as does the new woman who comes into view. "Who's this?" Carter introduces her with a happy grin, making her wave. "It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Wheeler," The woman eyes her before smiling. "Beth."

The girl nods at the correction. "Um, is it okay if I stay over for dinner? Carter said it was fine, but, he says a lot is fine without asking-" Beth's lips twitch upwards as Carter tries to shush her with a pout. Beth nods. "Sure, honey."

The girl nods slowly, slightly relieved. "... uh, do you do shoes off or... on?" "Do whatever you want. Off, preferably," She takes her shoes off soon after, hanging up her hat. Beth pats Carter's back, leaning in.

"I like her. Better than the last one-" "Mom." He sighs in embarrassment. "Come in, honey," She waves the girl in, guiding her to the living room. There, on the couch, Rip sat with a beer.

He looks up, confused. "Hi," The girl waves first, getting a nod back. "Who's this?" "This, is Carter's new girlfriend." Beth introduces, grinning big. Rip raises a brow, sitting up. "Girlfriend?" "Yes, sir." Carter nods.

"Met her my last year in school." He was glad to go back to school when Beth had said. Otherwise, he wouldn't have met her. "And how old are you?" "20." The girl nods. "I met him when I was volunteering for tutoring."

Rip hums. "... well, let's hope she isn't like the last one-" "Come on, really?" Carter complains, his parents laughing. Even his girlfriend's lips twitch a bit. "Nice to meet you, chick." Rip nods, before turning back to his peace and beer.

Beth smiles, turning to the girl. "How about me and you talk in the kitchen while these two catch up?" Carter steps in, suspicious. "Uh, why is she going to talk to you alone?"

Beth shrugs cheekily. "Girl talk." "I can-" "I'm okay, Carter." His girlfriend smiles. "Plus, if I'm not, you can name a horse after me or something-" "Not funny."

"It is, though," His girlfriend retorts, grinning before following Beth out of the living room. Carter slowly sits next to Rip, eyes darting towards the kitchen. "... should I be worried?" Rip thinks, taking another sip of beer.

"... maybe." Carter goes to stand. "Sit down, son. It's fine." "Sure doesn't feel like it." The boy mumbles, but sits. Minutes later, laughter was heard. "See? Fine."

Once dinner was done, Carter helps the girl into her seat before sitting next to her. "You okay?" "Mhm." She smiles softly with a nod. Carter squints. "... are you sure?" "Carter, honey, I'm fine. Nothing broken, bruised, or battered."

Beth holds in a laugh at that, making Rip squint. "What?" "Nothing, baby." Rip eyes the two women. "You two sharin' secrets or somethin'?" "Or somethin'." Beth retorts, both women eyeing each other with grins.

Rip shakes his head, turning to Carter. "Don't go starting anything, son, you hear me?" Carter throws his hands up. "I didn't do anything!" "You brought her, your mess." Everyone continues with dinner. He nudges her. "You okay?"

She smiles, nudging him back. "I'm good, honey. Promise." "... okay." He utters back, placing a hand on the back of her chair. Beth smiles at the sight, covering it with her glass of wine.

"At least he brought this one for dinner." Rip utters to his wife playfully, getting nudged. By the end of the night, it wasn't just Carter walking her out to the truck.

"You stay safe, you hear me?" "Yes, ma'am." The girl nods, Beth then turning to Carter. "Take care of her." "Yes, ma'am." He muses, helping her into the passenger's seat before closing the door.

"Thank you, Carter." Beth starts. "For sharing this with us." He shrugs, smiling awkwardly. "Why wouldn't I?" He gets into the truck, starts it, and drives off towards her house. The truck was silent, the girl closing her eyes.

He places a hand on her leg, thumb doing nothings against her skin. "You tired?" "Mhm... I had fun, though. Your mom's funny." He pats her leg gently. "Yeah?" "Mhm." She opens her eyes, peeking up at him. "You're good... better than I ever had." He smiles.