#yellowstone ryan

but, you ordered anyways, eyes on where beth was shaking her ass away to the fun country music playing and where rip was watching her with the fondest smile you'd ever seen from him.

the bartender slid you your drink. you smiled. "thank you."

he nodded at you, walking down the bar to attend to another customer as you leaned your back against the counter, eyes back to your sister-in-law.

"you've really been busting a move out there."

you turned to see a man, taller than you but definitely shorter than kayce, bigger, with a brown hat and black boots. he wasn't necessarily attractive and there was just something about him that made you want to scrunch your nose, so you did.

"yep," you hummed, sipping on your whiskey.

"you've only had the one partner. i'm sure i could show you some moves if you're looking for a new one," he said, glancing to the side as a smile pulled up one side of his mouth. "i don't see him here anymore."

"he'll be back," you told him, setting your drink down and looking him over again. "and even if i was looking for another partner, you don't look like much of a dancer, buddy."

he knitted his brows at that, looking down at you with a curious smirk on his lips. "spicy. i like that."

you wanted to throw up.

"don't call me that," you said. "that was gross."

"oh come on, darling," he said, shifting so he was more in your view. "just one dance? he'll never even know, he ain't here."

"he is." you held up your ring finger, flashing the rock that was your wedding band at him. "i ain't going with you buddy."

and that was when he grabbed you, hand on your hip as he pulled you into him. he smelled like bad beer, cheap cologne, and straight b.o. you instantly pushed away even as he held you tighter, speaking now: "one dance, baby. life is too short to only dance with one man the rest of it."

"life's too short to dance with ugly men," you retorted, scrunching your nose again as you finally, very forcefully pushed him away from you, backing towards where you knew rip was last standing. except he wasn't there.

you looked at the dance floor and your mind was blown. of course the one time rip wheeler decides to take to the dance floor was when you were actively being harassed at the bar.

the guy didn't like your answer and stepped towards you, mouth open to say something before another figure stepped in front of you, one you knew very well. especially since you'd picked out his shirt. you breathed a breath of relief as he glanced back at you, checking you were okay before returning a much more menacing gaze to your advancer.

"i don't know what you've said or done thus far, but the way my wife is lookin at you doesn't look very good for you," kayce said, his eyes turned in a glare as he stepped towards him.

"look, man, all i wanted was a dance, not anything more-"

"a dance is still too much to ask for, especially when she's already said no," kayce said sternly. "leave. now."

"what, like the whole-"

"i'd really love a reason to punch you and if you keep talking you're gonna be giving me one," kayce warned, but the guy didn't get it apparently because he kept going.

"hey, man i didn't do anything-"

kayce looked back at you. "he touch you?"

the moments between you nodding and kayce full on clocking the guy in the jaw went by in literally the blink of an eye. the man stumbled back and kayce swung again, effectively knocking him to the floor. he kicked him then, the man folding in half with a groan. kayce moved to do it again when you grabbed his arm.

"baby, let's just get out of here," you told him. "i don't need you getting in trouble."

"i'm the livestock commissioner, i'll be fine," he said.

"well, then, just..." you moved around him to where the dude was sprawled on the ground, looking up at your husband in fear as some blood tricked from a cut in his lip and also between his teeth. everyone in this town knew kayce dutton could throw a punch.

you stomped on his hand then, hard, earning a shout and an instant recoil. you could've sworn you felt a crunch under the heel of your boot when you did.

"so you can't grab any other girls anytime soon," you said before turning on your heel and grabbing your husband, who looked like he was chomping at the bit to get back to pummeling him. "c'mon, baby."

but, tonight was supposed to be fun. when you pulled him out the front door for some fresh air and maybe to bar hop, you thought to remind him of that. you turned to him with a smile, hand cupping his face just below his jaw. "c'mere, cowboy." you kissed him slowly, his hands falling to your waist almost instantly as he folded to your touch, returning the kiss eagerly.

when you pulled back, he kept you close, kissing you again.

"thank you," you breathed out when you finally broke again, smiling up at him. "i can always count on your mean right hook to get me out of any bad situation."

"i practice it just for that," he said quietly, pecking your lips again.

you laughed lightly. "seriously, thank you though," you said, wrapping your arms around his middle as you relaxed in his hold. "for saving me."

"i'll always save you," he promised, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. "and i'm never going to the bathroom while we're out again."

rip wheeler:

to get rip to go out was a chore. it usually took some promising of later nightly activities and some chanting and begging from the wranglers too. and when you finally got him there, he wasn't exactly interactive, mostly just watching you dance and getting you the appropriate amount of refills to keep you semi-aware.

aware for situations like this.

you were dancing the night away with teeter, hands in the air as you laughed and jumped and twirled with your favorite of the cowboys, glancing up at rip regularly to shoot him a wink or shout something about how great his ass looked in those jeans, when suddenly you felt hands on your waist.

you spun around, brows shot straight up as you swatted this strange, tall and skinny man who oddly reminded you of a drugged out, dark haired jimmy, man away from you, stepping back and bumping into teeter. "damn you're ballsy, dude," you said. he stepped back to you, his hands landing on your waist again, fingers brushing over the waistband of your jeans as teeter grabbed your shoulders and helped you shuffle away. "seriously, get off!"

"hey, come back here, baby-"

it was instinctive, really. your father had taught you how to throw a proper punch and rip had taught you the best places to throw it, and well, the first one that came to mind was the throat.

he staggered back with a choked breath, hand rising to his jugular as he stared at you with wide eyes. "you crazy bitch!"

"did you seriously just call me the bitch?" you said, stepping towards him now with your hand balled into a fist.

but, before you could throw another punch and before the psycho dude could fully recover, rip was now in the picture. two extremely well-placed punches sent the creep into the surrounding crowd. no one did or said anything for a few moments, everyone having seen him grab you and insinuating exactly who rip was in this situation.

he turned back to you, grabbing your hand tightly and sending a look teeter's way that had her collecting the rest of the wranglers, who had all suddenly appeared at your side.

"let's go," he said strictly.

"can we go to another bar?" you asked as he dragged you out of the facility and towards the truck. he let out a short laugh.

"there's no way in hell i'm letting you back into another bar anytime soon," he said. "if another psychotic bastard thinks he can put his hands on you i can't promise that i wouldn't kill him right then. it took a lot of restraint not to keep going in there, baby."

"rip, come on, let's have fun tonight - woah!"

and suddenly you were thrown over his shoulder in a fireman carry. he barely even stopped to do it, just scooping you up and continuing on to where he'd parked the truck.

"nope," he said. "and anyways, there's other ways to have fun." he pulled the door open and set you on the passenger seat with a smirk. "you have a couple promises to fulfill for even dragging me here in the first place."

"damn," you mumbled as he gave you a quick kiss, shutting the door and crossing to the other side. as he got in and buckled, you looked over at him with a bit of a dopey smile on your lips. "have i told you i love you recently?"

"i'm sure you have, baby, but i'm happy to hear it again," he told you, smiling your way as he started the truck up.

"well, i do love you. and thank you. that sucked."

"and it ain't ever gonna happen again on my watch," he promised. "he really just snuck up on you there."

"literally crazy."

ryan:

you weren't much of a games girl, which everyone thought was weird given the man you were with. but, you were content to watch, to sit at the bar conversing with the wranglers who weren't involved in the game of pool or dancing, and to watch colby crash and burn as he approached girls again and again.

that last one was your favorite activity.

every now and again you would wander back over to where ryan was playing lloyd or jake, cheer him on, give him a quick kiss, and then return to the designated spot colby kept coming back to after another failed attempt at wooing a tourist.

the tourists were funny too. you could always tell which ones had just bought their hats and boots before or even while they were in montana just to blend in. some of the girls were wearing such california things you wondered if they were wanting to blend in at all, which the answer was no. colby, and plenty of other cowboys, liked the tourists. or at least, for a quick one.

you were watching him with a grin as he stumbled on his words with a pretty brunette, sipping on your drink casually. he was using his hands to emphasize something and she did not seem like she was interested in that something at all. you giggled to yourself.

"you like people watching?"

you glanced to your side to see a shorter man with spiky blond hair at your side. this guy didn't even take a try at a hat, sticking it with bright and shiny new black tecovas with a pointed toe and a snakeskin design that was so opposite of what you were used to.

you didn't think you'd ever been turned off more by a boot.

"yeah, i do," you nodded, looking back at where colby was actively losing his chosen girl's attention. "it's entertaining."

"it is," he agreed, taking the seat next to you. "you from around here?"

for some reason, you laughed. you guessed it was because he was so obviously not from here that for him to ask you if you were was just funny to you. "yep. you ever heard of the yellowstone dutton ranch?"

"it got anything to do with the park?" he asked.

you laughed again before taking a sip of your drink. "no. around here, when people talk about the yellowstone, they're talking about the 800,000 acre cattle ranch just outside of town owned by the livestock commissioner and the oldest family in montana."

he seemed shocked, but he tried to get through it, continuing his little q&a. "you're from there?"

"it's my family that owns it," you answered easily.

"and what's it like owning 800,000 acres of some of the most coveted land in america?" he asked, tilting his head at you. if you hadn't before, you definitely piqued his interest now.

you shrugged. "it's a lot of work, but it's worth it. it's beautiful."

"lonely, though, i bet," he said, and that made you laugh again. wow, he really tried that one.

"no, actually," you told him. "need a good amount of people to run that ranch. don't get too much time to yourself."

"do you want time to yourself?" he asked.

"i'm good with what i've got, thank you," you told him. you looked over at where ryan had caught sight of your predicament and was making his way over to you. you stood, shooting the man at your right a polite smile. "one of the cowboys we've got is particularly attractive. i'm entertained enough, don't you worry about me."

he saw ryan then and stood as well. "i wouldn't say he's particularly attractive. you could do better."

"are you suggesting yourself?" you asked with a laugh, holding an arm out to wrap around ryan's waist as he came to your side, pressing a kiss to the side of your head before eying the man in front of y'all. "sorry, pal. you may be decently cute, but you ain't no cowboy. if you're looking to get lucky in this town it'd do you good to remember that. shoot for your own kind."

the man looked up at ryan. "you her cowboy?"

"damn straight," ryan answered. "you better take that advice. a lot of the cowgirls you'll see around here anyways are taken, you're asking for a fight talking to 'em. you're just lucky she played nice. it's the only reason i am too." ryan nodded, tilting his hat at the man before stepping away and bringing you with him. "best of luck. just not with my girl."

he took you back to the pool table with him where lloyd was laughing at the sight of you. he pressed another kiss to your head.

"did you really have to call him cute?" he asked you.

"decently cute," you reminded with a shake of your head. "i called you particularly attractive, which is an understatement. i just didn't wanna shake the guy's confidence down too much. those boots are doin that enough for him."

ryan laughed. "damn tourists."

carter:

nearly everything carter did reminded beth of how rip was at that age. and nearly everything you did as you consistently visited reminded her of how she was at that age.

it had her worried and excited.

"don't break his heart," she told you one day, cornering you after lunch. "i've been there, i've done that, it's terrible for everyone involved. save yourself the trouble and just snag him now, you know you want him and he wants you. just date, okay? and don't be a bitch later."

the words shocked you, but definitely kicked you into gear. carter was shier than you ever were, awfully polite and gentlemanly as beth had trained him to be, and so you were the one to get him into going to the bar.

"will we even get served here?" he asked, holding your hand as you led him in.

"hell yeah we will," you answered, smiling back at him as you approached the bar. you were quick to pull out your id - a fake one, but one nonetheless - and slide it to the bartender. "an old fashioned please."

"what about me?" carter whispered.

you laughed lightly. "just get your id out, darlin'."

confused but obedient, he pulled out his wallet and was surprised to see a new driver's license in the clear slot he usually kept his in. one that said he was 21.

he held it up as he cleared his throat, catching the bartender's attention. "make that two." he looked back at you. "these any good?"

"i think so," you answered with a shrug. "you ever have bourbon before, or just beer?"

"just beer," he nodded.

"well, hopefully you'll like it," you said with a shrug. "i've seen your dad make them back at the ranch. i'm sure you'll like them."

"oh, he's not my dad," he corrected as the bartender slid them over to y'all.

you furrowed your brows. "really? you look exactly alike."

it was as he was taking his first swig of his drink that you felt someone slide between you and the person sitting next to you, their arm settling on the counter in front of you. you looked up, brows raised as you found a man, definitely in his late 30s, in a nicer shirt than this bar deserved, brand new boots, and what looked to be a cross between dress pants and jeans. interesting.

"can i help you?" you asked, his positioning crowding you into your seat even though you didn't move much. this was your bubble, he was the one who had to get out of it.

"just wondering if you had anyone paying for this drink," he said, his hand now on your whiskey as you narrowed your eyes.

carter moved sharply to stand, but settled when you set a hand on his knee, thumb rubbing circles into his jeans. you offered the guy a very thin, very fake smile.

"that's a nice shirt," you said, earning a wider smile from the man. "where'd you get it?" he almost went to answer, but you continued, your next few sentences stringing together in almost one breath.

"oh, well, i bet you don't know since your wife bought it for you. or - is it ex-wife, now? i don't see a ring, but i definitely see that faded tan line from it being there for years and recently taken off. probably because of a very similar situation we find ourselves in now. your wife is at home, with the kids, waiting for you to take her out to a dinner that will never happen because you're here, scoping out for the youngest woman you can find to sloppily sleep with in the back of your brand new honda civic that you convinced yourself and that girl was some new sports car because it's a 'newer model'."

already, he was in shock, staring at you with a scared kind of wonder that for some reason made you so proud.

you continued. "so, either you're here trying to do that again behind your wife's back, or she's already divorced you, which for her sake i hope is the case, because you seem like a pathetic piece of shit who blames his infidelity on being overworked and undersupported when really you're just a pedophiliac horndog who doesn't understand what the word 'no' means."

you took your drink back from him, taking a sip from it as you watched his expression change between shocked, offended, confused, and embarrassed.

"and yes," you added, "i do have someone to pay for my drink."

he gaped at you as you turned away from him, hand still on carter's knee as you grinned into your glass, sipping from it again. he glanced behind you at carter and you knew he wanted to exclaim how carter was a boy and he was a man, but didn't because he didn't know what else you would say.

"you psycho bitch," he muttered. "all i did was offer to pay for your drink."

"yeah, well i'm quite obviously young enough to be the daughter you had when you accidentally knocked up the drum major when you were a junior, so it's still kind of disgusting," you told him, rolling your eyes. "especially when it's so easy to see that the man i'm sitting next to is my boyfriend, or at the very least, someone else who is paying for my drink because we got them to us at the exact same time and my hand is on his knee. so fuck off, dickwad."

and he did, scoffing as he left. carter turned to look at you with wide eyes before he breathed out a laugh.

"you're my favorite person ever," he said. you smiled at him, shrugging lightly.

"i was trained by the best," you hummed.

he smiled at that before giving you a curious look, tilting his head at you. "so, i'm your boyfriend?"

"i'm hoping," you said, smiling back. "i mean, i really like you, and i think you like me. beth told me to get on with it already because why waste time, hence why we're here. i can call you my boyfriend, right?"

"yeah, yeah you can," he said, nodding as he breathed out a laugh.

you were beaming, maybe even blushing as you glanced away for a few moments before continuing conversation. "how's your drink?"

"surprisingly good," he answered. "you have good taste."

your smile softened a bit as you looked at him, nodding slowly. "yeah, i do." you finished your drink in one swig, setting the glass on the counter. "hey, do you wanna get out of here?"

"but, we just got here," he said, furrowing his brows.

"well, i just have this feeling more situations are going to arise that will either warrant me coming up with more speeches like that or you punching a guy square in the nose, and i'm not in the mood for either," you answered, standing and pulling your wallet from your bag.

"hey, no, i pay," he said. he tossed a ten and a twenty on the counter, his hand going to your lower back as he followed you out of the bar.

"hey carter?" you asked as he opened the passenger door to the truck, holding your hand to help you up. he smiled up at you.

"yeah?"

you reached forward, taking his face in your hand and pressing your lips to his gently. he froze for a minute, but stepped forward to reach you better and deepened the kiss as best he knew how, his hands on your waist as he pulled you closer to him.

when you pulled away, he was grinning, "damn."

spencer dutton:

when you and spencer left for africa, neither of you were fully prepared for the sheer amount of idiot tourists there would be, both on and off the safaris spencer went to go rescue.

most times, you accompanied him on his little adventures that were the hunts, him wanting to keep you close and you wanting to stay out of the city. but, for one fateful leopard chase, he'd told you to stay back at the lodge, which ended up being the right decision. you met back up with him in nairobi, where you'd stayed, and were sat at the bar waiting for him.

now, when a lady was without her man, other men noticed.

and the british men in africa noticed.

"no, thank you," you said with a polite smile as the tall, british man at your side told the bartender that he would pick up your tab. "i've got it taken care of."

"no, my lady, i insist," he said, helping himself to the seat at your side. he turned to the bartender then. "it'll be on mine. and i'll have a sidecar, please."

"a brandy man," you said, raising your brows as you sipped on your glass.

he chuckled, nodding as he then eyed your drink "yes. and... what it is you're drinking, ma'am?"

you smiled at him as you set your drink down. "whiskey."

"whiskey," he repeated. to say he was surprised would be an understatement, his brows raised so high they nearly touched his hairline. he didn't seem put off by it though, a smirk rising to his lips. "very american."

"well, i am american," you answered as you brought the amber drink back to your lips. "and so is my husband."

"and where is your husband?" he asked. there was a certain air to british people that made them seem as if they were always looking out for you and your wellbeing - he did not have it. his smile had shifted as he eyed you and your whiskey and his arm had somehow slid across the bar to nearly be touching yours.

"he's here," you told him, glancing over his shoulder in hopes that spencer would just appear out of the blue. "he's speaking with some coworkers currently."

"ah, a business man," he said with a gruff laugh.

"a hunter," you answered shortly.

his laugh cut short as he watched you with a hanging smirk, waiting for you to laugh and say instead that he was the viscount of hereford or something. but, you didn't. instead, you nodded, smiling as you set your glass against the counter once more.

"yes, he's an awfully good gunman," you continued. "grew up hunting in montana - where we're from. then, he went off to war. and, i mean, surely you've heard war stories about the american armies - they're intense. he learned a lot. it's definitely his area of expertise, shooting, so he does well here."

you felt a hand on your shoulder then, earning a quick check backwards. a smile tugged your lips up as spencer leaned down to press a kiss to your temple, his eyes on the man opposite you.

"you talking about me, darling?" he asked.

"yes, sir, i am," you hummed before turning to smile at the british man. "this is my husband, spencer dutton."

"i've heard about you," he stammered, brows knitted tightly as he stared at spencer. "you're the hunter, the one on the safaris who shoots the maneaters. the american."

"he's been hung up on the american thing," you mumbled to spencer, shooting him a sideways smile and shrug.

"yeah, i am american," spencer said with a bit of a huff. "had to clean up after y'all during the war, so i thought i might as well keep doing it here. just a bit more exotic, being in africa and all."

the guy didn't know really what to say, looking to you for help but you sure as hell weren't about to offer it. spencer's hand rubbed across the expanse of your shoulders, lingering on the exposed skin he could find.

"now, i appreciate you keeping my lady here safe while i was off, but it'd be good of you to move on now," he said, his brows raised as he eyed him.

"yes, of course sir," the guy answered, standing quickly. he looked to you, offering a tight smile as he nodded. "ma'am."

you nodded in return, an amused smile growing on your lips as you turned back to spencer. "it's about time you showed up. i thought you got eaten by that leopard."

"two leopards, actually," he said with a sigh as he sat on the chair next to you. he smiled when he met your eyes, reaching forward to grab the seat of the chair beneath your legs and pulling it towards him, the legs making a dull screeching sound before he stopped you in front of him. "i missed you."

"i missed you too," you answered, smiling as you reached a hand up to cup his jaw and bring his mouth to yours. he was happy to oblige, his hands on your waist as he tugged you to the edge of your seat.

"you're not leaving my sight for a while, baby," he mumbled as he kissed you again.

you laughed, shaking your head when you pulled back. "i reckon we should probably get back to our room then, hun. i wanna hear all about your hunt."

"i got hit on," he told you with a shrug, his grin growing as you raised a brow.

"serious?" you wondered as he stood, taking your hand and stepping back to let you out from between the bar.

"i'll tell you about it in our room," he said with a hum. you held up a hand as you began walking to the door.

"i don't wanna hear it," you said with a shake of your head. "i mean, she was probably right for thinking it-"

"they."

"they?"

"they."

"they were probably right for thinking it, but those things they were likely dreaming up about your cute face? that's my reality, baby. and i'mma make you say a lot of things that have nothing to do with those other ladies."

he laughed thinly, squeezing your hand as you pulled him out into the night air and down towards your hotel. his steps quickened as he moved close behind you, a certain urgency in his tone as he mumbled in your ear. "you never fail to, baby."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

thanks for reading! leave a request in the comments or message me privately! i love writing, so if you've got an idea you need fleshed out on paper i'd love to be the one to do that for you

The morning light stretched long and low across the Yellowstone valley, warming the frost that still clung to the grass. Horses snorted in the chill, their breath turning to steam while Ryan tightened the cinch on Banjo's saddle.

The world smelled of leather, damp earth, and the hard day waiting for them.

Ryan's mind was somewhere else entirely.

Two weeks.

That was how long it had been since Adaline drove away for Bozeman. Two weeks since she kissed him beside her truck, promised she would call, and laughed when he told her he would be fine.

He had lied through his teeth.

He swung into the saddle and gathered the reins, trying to push her from his thoughts as the others rode out. Jimmy pulled alongside him before they had cleared the barns, a grin already spreading across his face.

"Man, if you sigh any harder, that horse is gonna think you're tryin' to talk to it."

Colby laughed from behind them. "Ain't no use, Jimmy. Boy's got it bad. We ought to hang a sign around his neck that says lovesick, handle with care."

Ryan glanced back at them. "You two must be real bored if this is the best you've got."

Lloyd rode up on his other side, his expression dry beneath the brim of his hat. "They're right, kid. You've been mopin' worse than a calf left behind at branding. Hell, even the horses know you're missin' that girl."

Rip gave a low chuckle from a few feet ahead. "I've seen men fall hard before, but I don't think I've ever seen one look this damn pathetic. You've got that faraway stare, like you're seein' ghosts instead of cattle."

Ryan adjusted his hat, fighting the smile pulling at his mouth. "You all act like you've never missed a woman before."

Rip looked back at him, one corner of his mouth lifting. "Difference is, we didn't look like we were about to write a country song about it."

The group broke into laughter. Even Lloyd grinned.

Ryan shook his head and clicked his tongue at Banjo, pushing ahead of them. He did not mind the ribbing. Not really. It was part of life at the Yellowstone, and he knew he had made himself an easy target.

Every time he closed his eyes, he saw her anyway.

Her smile. The way she laughed with her whole body. The quiet sound she made when she tucked herself beneath his arm at night. The look she had given him before driving away, as though leaving hurt her too.

He missed her something fierce.

By midday, the last of the morning chill had burned away. Heat shimmered over the pasture while they moved the herd north, dust rising around the horses' legs. Rip rode out front. Lloyd watched the strays. Jimmy and Colby circled wide, still finding excuses to glance at Ryan and smirk.

John Dutton rode near the edge of the herd, steady and silent against the bright Montana sky.

It should have felt like any other day.

Without Adaline, even the familiar parts of the ranch felt wrong. The hours stretched longer. The bunkhouse seemed louder and emptier at the same time. Ryan had not realised how much of his day had come to revolve around finding her somewhere in it until she was gone.

Colby trotted up beside him. "You stare at that road one more time, you're gonna burn a hole through the horizon."

Jimmy appeared on Ryan's other side. "Think he's hopin' she'll just appear out of thin air. Poof. Love of his life, right there by the fence."

Ryan kept his gaze on the cattle. "Don't either of you have work to do?"

"We're doin' it," Colby said. "This is just more entertainin'."

Ryan opened his mouth to answer, then stopped.

Dust was rising along the road.

A truck rounded the bend and started up the lane. It was not one of the ranch rigs. It was smaller, older, and dark green.

His chest tightened.

Jimmy followed his line of sight and barked out a laugh. "Well, would you look at that. Dreams really do come true."

Ryan did not answer. He turned Banjo and pressed his heels into the horse's sides.

Banjo surged forward.

The field blurred around them as Ryan galloped toward the road. Wind tore at his shirt and flattened the brim of his hat, but he barely noticed. Behind him, Colby whooped loud enough to startle half the herd.

"Go get her, Romeo!"

Rip reined in his horse and watched Ryan fly across the grass. "Guess he found a reason to move faster than a trot."

Lloyd chuckled. "Boy's gone."

Even John looked over. His expression stayed difficult to read, but something warmer settled in his eyes as he watched Ryan race toward his youngest daughter.

The truck had barely stopped when the driver's door flew open.

Adaline jumped down, boots hitting the dirt. Her chestnut hair caught in the wind as she turned toward the field, searching.

Then she saw him.

Her whole face lit up.

Ryan swung down before Banjo had fully stopped. He hit the ground running, and Adaline ran too.

They met in the tall grass between the road and the pasture.

She threw herself into his arms. Ryan caught her easily, lifting her clear off the ground and turning once as her legs wrapped around his waist. Her laughter broke against his neck while he held her tight enough to prove she was real.

He buried his face in her hair and breathed her in.

"Missed me that much, huh?" she asked, breathless and smiling.

A rough laugh escaped him. "You have no idea."

She leaned back far enough to look at him. Her fingers brushed over the stubble along his jaw, her expression softening.

"You look tired."

"Couldn't sleep right."

"Could've called me."

"I did call you. Every night."

"You could've called twice."

Ryan smiled and pulled her closer. "Next time, I will."

He kissed her before she could tease him again.

It was not a careful kiss. Two weeks of missing her went into it, along with every restless night and every mile he had imagined between them. Adaline's hands slid into his hair. Ryan held her against him, forgetting the herd, the work, and every man watching from horseback behind them.

A sharp whistle carried across the field.

Jimmy's voice followed it. "That right there is what whipped looks like!"

Colby shouted, "Look at him. Smilin' like he just saw the gates of heaven!"

Adaline laughed into Ryan's mouth and eased back. "We've got an audience."

Ryan looked over his shoulder.

The riders had gathered in a loose line, horses shifting lazily beneath them. Rip wore an openly amused smirk. Lloyd shook his head. Jimmy and Colby looked far too pleased with themselves.

John sat among them.

Ryan's throat went dry. "Aw, hell."

Adaline pressed a kiss to his cheek. "Relax. He's happy I'm home."

"He can be happy you're home and still shoot me. Those things ain't mutually exclusive."

She laughed again and finally let her feet touch the ground, though Ryan kept both hands at her waist.

John met his gaze from across the field. After a moment, he gave one small nod.

It was not exactly permission, but Ryan decided it was close enough.

"Guess I'm not fired," he murmured.

"Not yet," Adaline said.

Banjo wandered closer, reins trailing through the grass. Ryan caught them before the horse could decide to leave without him. The others approached at an easy walk, their laughter carrying on the warm wind.

Jimmy leaned over his saddle horn. "You two done, or should we give you the whole field?"

"Think he forgot what work was," Colby said.

Lloyd tipped his hat toward Adaline. "Welcome home, sweetheart. Maybe now the rest of us can get some peace."

Adaline smiled. "Was he really that bad?"

"Worse," Rip said.

Ryan shot him a betrayed look. "Thought you were supposed to be on my side."

"I am. Doesn't mean I'm gonna lie for you."

Adaline slipped her hand into Ryan's and began tugging him toward her father. "Come on. Let's say hello to Daddy before he changes his mind about not shooting you."

"That's a terrible sentence."

"Still true."

John waited until they reached him. His reins rested loose in one hand, but his attention was fixed on Adaline.

"Welcome home, darlin'."

Her smile turned softer. "Missed you, Daddy. Missed this place too."

"I can tell." His gaze moved to Ryan. "Didn't waste a minute findin' him."

A fresh wave of laughter moved through the men.

Ryan rubbed the back of his neck. "Good to see you too, sir."

John's mouth twitched. "Heard you've been workin'. Rip says you've been half here and half lost somewhere toward Bozeman."

"Reckon he's not wrong."

Adaline stepped closer to John's horse, still holding Ryan's hand. "Since I'm back, I was hoping you might let him have the rest of the day. Maybe the evening too."

Ryan looked at her. "Addie."

She ignored him. "He's earned it."

John raised one brow. "That so? Could've sworn we still had fences to check and cattle to move."

"You just said he's been working hard."

"I said Rip told me he was workin'."

"Same thing."

"Not even close."

She gave him the look that had probably been winning arguments since she learned how to speak. Her eyes widened. Her voice softened into something sweet and carefully innocent.

"Please, Daddy? I haven't seen him in two weeks."

Behind her, Jimmy made a strangled sound that quickly turned into a cough when Rip looked his way.

John studied his daughter for several seconds. The stern set of his mouth never changed, but Ryan saw the fight against a smile in the corners of his eyes.

"You always did know how to stack a deck, Adaline."

"Learned from the best."

John let out a slow breath. "Fine. Take the rest of the day. But if Rip's shorthanded tomorrow, Ryan's back here before sunrise."

Adaline beamed. "Thank you, Daddy."

Ryan blinked, still surprised they had won. "Thank you, sir. I promise I'll..."

John lifted a hand. "Don't promise me nothin'. Just make sure she's still smilin' when you bring her back."

That earned whistles from Jimmy and Colby. Rip lowered his head, hiding a grin beneath the brim of his hat.

Adaline squeezed Ryan's hand. "You heard the boss."

"Yes, ma'am."

Ryan tipped his hat to John, then handed Adaline the reins while he mounted Banjo. Once he was settled, he reached down, caught her by the waist, and lifted her onto the saddle in front of him.

Jimmy hollered, "Take it easy, lover boy!"

"Bring her back before dark," Colby called. "Or you're buyin' breakfast."

Lloyd laughed and shook his head. "That man's done for."

Ryan wrapped one arm around Adaline and turned Banjo toward the open pasture.

"Worth it," he called back.

John watched them ride away, Banjo's hooves kicking dust into the sunlight. Rip guided his horse closer.

"You ain't gonna admit it," Rip said quietly, "but it's good to see her happy."

John kept his eyes on the pair disappearing into the grass. "A father doesn't have to admit it to know it."

Then he nudged his horse toward the herd.

"Now let's finish the work they just got out of."

Ryan let Banjo slow once the house and corrals had faded into distant shapes. The land opened around them, grass rolling toward the mountains, cottonwoods rustling along the creek.

Adaline leaned back against his chest. His arm stayed firm around her waist while his other hand held the reins.

"It feels good to breathe again," she said.

"Been holdin' mine for two weeks."

She tipped her head back to look at him. "You really missed me that much?"

Ryan pressed his mouth to her temple. "Missed you more than sleep. More than food. Might've missed you more than my own sanity."

"You never had much of that to begin with."

"Then I couldn't afford to lose any."

Her laughter drifted across the empty field.

They reached the creek and dismounted beneath the cottonwoods. Ryan loosened Banjo's cinch and let him graze nearby while Adaline wandered to the water's edge. The creek ran clear over smooth stones, shaded and cool after the heat of the pasture.

For a moment, Ryan simply watched her.

She had traded her boots and jeans for a light summer dress before leaving Bozeman, and the pale fabric moved around her knees in the breeze. Her hair fell loose down her back. She looked like every thought that had kept him awake made real in front of him.

Adaline turned and caught him staring.

"You look at me like I'm gonna vanish."

Ryan took off his hat and set it on the grass. "After two weeks, I ain't takin' chances."

She crossed the space between them and touched his jaw. The small contact pulled him toward her until their foreheads met.

"I'm here," she whispered.

"You'd better stay here."

"Bossy."

"Next time you go anywhere, you're takin' me with you."

A smile curved her lips. "I don't think my dad would be happy to lose one of his ranch hands every time I have to leave town."

Ryan slid both hands around her hips and brought her flush against him. "I'm yours, darlin'. Only yours. He just borrows me for the cattle."

The breath left her lungs.

Then she kissed him.

The kiss turned hungry almost at once. Ryan's hands tightened on her hips while Adaline rose onto her toes, pulling him closer. All the ache of the past two weeks broke loose between them in deep, breathless kisses.

His hands moved lower and gripped her through the thin fabric of her dress. She moaned softly into his mouth, and Ryan smiled against her lips.

"Missed that sound."

"Then stop talking."

"Yes, ma'am."

Her fingers found his belt buckle. She opened it without breaking the kiss, fumbling only once when Ryan pulled her tight enough to steal her balance.

He steadied her with a laugh, then shrugged out of his shirt. Adaline's gaze travelled over his bare chest, open want warming her eyes.

Ryan reached for the hem of her dress but stopped, giving her time to decide.

Adaline held his gaze and lifted it over her head herself.

White lace panties were the only thing she wore beneath it.

Ryan stared.

She folded the dress and placed it on the grass beside his hat, looking entirely too pleased with herself.

"You tryin' to kill me, darlin'?"

"Maybe I missed you too."

He stepped into her again, cupping the back of her neck as he kissed her. Adaline pulled at his jeans until he helped her push them down. Their remaining clothes followed, left in a careless pile beside the creek.

Ryan lowered her into the tall grass slowly, one hand cradling her head. The stalks bent beneath them, soft from the summer heat, while the leaves overhead shifted in the wind.

Adaline reached for him at once.

He settled over her, bracing his weight on one arm as their mouths met again. Her hands moved over his back and down to his bare ass, squeezing hard enough to drag a groan from him.

She smiled against his lips. "Missed that sound."

"Brat."

"Still talking."

Ryan kissed the corner of her mouth, then her jaw, then the sensitive place beneath her ear. His hand slipped between her thighs. She was already wet, her hips lifting instinctively into his touch.

"Jesus, Addie."

"Ryan, please."

He stroked her slowly, watching every change in her face. "This all for me?"

"Who else would it be for?"

His mouth curved. "Good answer."

Adaline caught his wrist and pulled him closer. "I don't want slow. Not today."

Something in his expression sharpened.

Ryan lined himself up with her entrance, his eyes never leaving hers. He pushed into her in one steady movement, and they both groaned at the feeling of finally being joined again.

For several seconds, he stayed still.

Adaline wrapped her legs around him and dragged her nails lightly over his shoulders. "You can move."

"Just needed a second."

"Why?"

He lowered his forehead to hers. "Wanted to remember how this feels."

Her expression softened, but the tenderness did not last long. She tightened around him deliberately, and Ryan's breath caught.

"Remember faster."

He laughed once, low and rough, then began to move.

The first thrusts were slow and deep. Adaline's eyes fluttered shut, her lips parting as pleasure rolled through her. Ryan watched her until she looked at him again, then kissed her hard and drove into her with more force.

Her fingers dug into his back.

"God, I missed you," he breathed against her mouth.

"Missed you too."

"Thought about you every damn night."

Ryan shifted his hips, finding the angle that made her gasp.

"Took myself in hand in the shower and pictured you," he whispered into her ear. "Pictured this. Pictured how wet you'd be when I got you back."

Adaline's head fell against the grass. "Ryan."

"Did you touch yourself thinkin' about me?"

She nodded, already struggling to breathe evenly. "All the time."

"Tell me."

"I missed your hands. Your mouth." She pulled him closer with her legs. "Missed your cock so much."

A harsh sound left him, and his pace broke loose.

He drove into her harder, the tall grass whispering around their bodies with every movement. Adaline clung to him, meeting each thrust, heat gathering low in her stomach until it became almost unbearable.

"I'm close," she gasped. "Please, baby. Make me come."

Ryan kissed her, teeth grazing her lower lip. His hand slipped between them, fingers finding her clit while he kept the same relentless rhythm.

"Come for me, Addie."

Her walls tightened around him.

"That's it," he said. "Let me feel you."

The pleasure broke through her hard and fast. Adaline cried out against his mouth, her body trembling beneath him as her nails scored his back.

Ryan groaned at the sting. It pushed him over the edge with her.

He buried himself deep and came with her name on his lips, his hips slowing as the last shudder moved through him.

For a while, neither of them spoke.

Ryan lowered himself carefully, keeping most of his weight off her, and tucked his face into the curve of her neck. Adaline's fingers slid into his hair while their breathing slowly settled.

The creek murmured beside them. Wind moved through the cottonwoods. Somewhere beyond the trees, Banjo snorted and returned to grazing as though nothing important had happened at all.

Ryan lifted his head at last. A lazy smile softened his face.

"Hi," Adaline whispered.

"Hi."

He kissed her once. Then again. Then three more times until she laughed and covered his mouth with her hand.

"You planning on letting me breathe?"

He kissed her palm. "Not for another two weeks."

"I have to go places sometimes."

"No, you don't."

"Ryan."

"Fine. You can go to the kitchen. Maybe the barn."

She laughed harder, wrapping both arms around his neck. "God, I love you."

His smile disappeared into something quieter and more honest.

"I love you too."

By the time Adaline woke, the world had turned golden.

She lay tucked against Ryan's chest in the tall grass, wrapped in his open shirt. His arm circled her middle. Their legs were tangled beneath the loose cover of her dress, which he had draped over them before sleep claimed them both.

His heartbeat moved slow and steady against her back.

For a long moment, she did not move.

The air smelled of sage, dry earth, and summer dust. The scent clung to the land, to Ryan's skin, and to the shirt around her shoulders. Nearby, the creek caught the last light and scattered it across the stones.

Adaline traced the back of his hand where it rested over her stomach.

"You awake?"

"Been awake," he murmured, his voice rough with sleep. "Just didn't wanna move."

She turned carefully in his arms until she could see him. The sunset painted his skin in amber, softening the tired lines that had been there when she arrived.

"Didn't mean to fall asleep."

Ryan brushed a thumb along her cheek. "Don't apologise. Been too long since I got to hold you like this."

Her heart softened. "Yeah. It has."

They stayed there while the light changed from gold to rose. Banjo grazed a short distance away, tail flicking at flies. Crickets had begun to sing in the grass.

Adaline rested her forehead against Ryan's chest. "We should probably head back soon. Daddy's gonna start wondering."

Ryan tightened his arm around her. "Let him wonder. It's been a long two weeks. He can give me one more hour."

She looked up. "You think he'll give you that?"

"He already did. He just doesn't know it yet."

"You're impossible."

"You love me."

"Unfortunately."

He rolled her onto her back and kissed her until she took it back.

A little later, they dressed beneath the cottonwoods. Ryan fastened his jeans while Adaline shook the grass from her dress, then stood still as he buttoned his shirt around her shoulders instead.

"I have my own clothes," she reminded him.

"I know."

"Then why am I wearing yours?"

Ryan looked her over, clearly satisfied. "Because I like it."

She pushed the sleeves up her arms. "Possessive."

"Damn right."

The sun was touching the ridge when they returned to Banjo. Ryan mounted first, then lifted Adaline onto the saddle in front of him. She settled against his chest while he gathered the reins.

"This was perfect," she said.

Ryan kissed her hair. "Yeah. It was."

Banjo carried them home through honeyed light, the shadows growing longer across the field. Behind them, the sun slipped lower, leaving the creek, the tall grass, and the quiet place they had made their own.

The sky had deepened to violet by the time they crested the last rise overlooking the ranch. Lights glowed in the house and barns, warm against the darkening fields. Smoke curled from a chimney, and the evening sounds drifted toward them.

Ryan slowed Banjo near the corrals.

The crew was finishing for the day. Rip secured a gate while Jimmy and Colby leaned against the fence. Lloyd stood nearby, coiling a rope with patient, practised movements.

Jimmy looked up first.

His eyes moved from Ryan's unbuttoned collar to Adaline wearing Ryan's shirt, then to her thoroughly tangled hair.

He nearly folded over laughing.

"Well, look what the cat dragged in."

Colby followed his stare and grinned. "You two roll down a hill on the way back? Her hair looks like she wrestled a tumbleweed and lost."

Adaline gasped, half laughing and half scandalised. "Excuse me?"

Jimmy held up both hands. "I didn't say it looked bad. Just lived in."

Lloyd chuckled. "That ain't helpin' you, son."

Ryan narrowed his eyes at Jimmy. "You keep talkin', and you're fixin' to ride night guard for the next month."

Rip did not turn from the gate. "I'll allow it."

Jimmy immediately closed his mouth, though his shoulders still shook.

Adaline tried to smooth her hair with both hands. It only made it worse. Ryan gently tucked one wild strand behind her ear.

"Ignore them," he murmured. "They're jealous."

"Damn right," Colby said.

Jimmy smacked his arm.

Ryan swung down, then reached up for Adaline. He caught her at the waist and lowered her to the ground. Her boots touched the dirt, but his hands lingered until she smiled at him.

The soft thud of hooves drew their attention.

John rode toward them from the far side of the corral. He stopped a few feet away and took in his daughter's appearance, Ryan's shirt around her shoulders, and the satisfied look neither of them was doing a good job of hiding.

Ryan tipped his hat. "Evenin'. Got her back in one piece."

John's eyes glinted beneath the brim of his hat. "Looks like she gave you a run for your money, son."

"Wouldn't have it any other way, sir."

Adaline stepped closer. "You mad we were gone so long?"

John studied her for a moment, then shook his head. "Mad? No. Glad you found your way back before dinner got cold. Don't make a habit of it."

"Yes, sir," she said, failing completely to hide her smile.

John turned his horse toward the barn. "Try to make yourselves look halfway respectable before you come inside."

The crew broke into fresh laughter.

Jimmy pointed at Adaline. "He noticed the hair."

"Jimmy," Rip warned.

Ryan slipped an arm around Adaline's waist as they started toward the house. "Told you he wasn't mad."

"No," she said, leaning into him. "Just Daddy."

Behind them, Jimmy muttered something about Ryan being branded. Colby laughed. Lloyd told them both to get back to work.

Ryan squeezed Adaline's side. "Still worth sneakin' away for, Miss Dutton?"

She looked up at him, eyes bright beneath the ranch lights. "Always."

The fire in the great room had burned low by the time they finished dinner. Its glow moved across the old wood floors and painted long shadows against the walls.

John sat in his usual chair with a glass of bourbon in one hand. His hat rested on the table beside him.

Adaline sat at the end of the couch, freshly washed and wearing one of her old sweaters. Ryan sat beside her, close enough that their knees touched. She had tucked her feet beneath herself, and her hair, still damp from the shower, spilled over one shoulder.

For the first time since she returned, the house had gone truly quiet.

John looked from the fire to the two of them. "Have a good ride?"

Adaline smiled. "We did. It was nice to get away for a while."

Ryan nodded. "Good to breathe."

John took a slow sip from his glass. "That's the thing about this place. Takes a lot out of you. Every now and then, it gives a little back."

Ryan glanced at Adaline before answering. "Yes, sir. It does."

Silence settled again, comfortable and warm. The fire cracked softly. Somewhere down the hall, an old clock ticked with patient regularity.

John's gaze returned to Ryan.

"You're doin' right by her."

Ryan sat a little straighter.

"Keep it that way," John said.

The words carried no threat. That made them feel more important.

Ryan met his eyes. "Always will, sir."

Adaline smiled and laced her fingers through his. "I told you he'd come around."

John gave a quiet huff of amusement. "I didn't go anywhere, sweetheart. Just had to see it for myself."

"And now you have."

John watched their joined hands for a moment, then leaned back and returned his attention to the fire.

"Good," he said.

That was all.

It was enough.

Adaline rested her head on Ryan's shoulder. He covered her hand with his and traced slow circles over her skin with his thumb.

John looked at them once more. His face remained stoic, but something in his eyes had softened. Pride, perhaps. Relief. The quiet acceptance of a father who knew his youngest daughter had chosen someone who loved her well.

Outside, the Montana night pressed close around the house. Stars burned bright over the wide sleeping land. The barns had gone still, and the last of the bunkhouse laughter had faded.

Inside, there was only the fire, the warmth of Adaline beside him, and John Dutton's unspoken blessing settling over them.

For Ryan, sitting beneath that roof with her hand in his, it felt like more than belonging to the Yellowstone.

When you're the youngest Dutton dating is a hard thing...you have a dad, 3 older brothers, a Rip and the scariest of them all...a Beth! Well maybe Kacey was the worst? Either way dating was not an easy thing and being with a cowboy from the bunkhouse was completely off limits! Your father did not want you with a cowboy said they were bad news!

So it's because of all this reason you kept your relationship with Ryan a secret! Which wasn't easy at first but over the year you've been together you've come up with ways to be alone and sneak around...

There were a lot of mornings where Ryan would sneak out of your room while the rest of the house was asleep, also mornings he overslept and you to sneak him out yourself! Volunteering to do errands with him(which always ended with the 2 of you parked on a back road). Alots nights where the 2 of you 'just happened' to have a date with a random person. Lots of barn meet ups and hanging out in the bunk house where there wasn't enough chairs so you had to sit in his lap(making his hand wonder).

But your favorite thing to do together to be alone was taking late night rides out to a pasture on the other side of the property. You would take blankets, beer, snacks and sometimes an old radio and dance under the stars to Cowboys and Angels! The pasture held the best and most special memories of your relationship! It's where you had your first date, where Ryan asked you to be his girlfriend, you said you're first I love you in that pasture and it's where you first made love to him! You didn't care if Ryan was off limits he was the only thing in your messed up crazy world that made you happy! And being a Dutton you needed happiness!

As careful as you thought you were Teeter caught on and one night convinced Colby to go with her to follow y'all while you had one of your pasture date nights.

"Save'a horse ride'a cowboy" you hear Teeter laugh while you and Ryan were in the middle of making out causing you both to jump and look back as they jump on their horses "I fucken told ya"

"Ryan and the youngest Dutton" Colby shakes his head smirking "you know she's off limits right"

"did y'all really follow us?" You asked still straddling Ryans lap

"hell yah we did! I fuckin knew y'all was fuckin...didn't mama tell ya they was fuckin baby" Teeter says to Colby making him shake his head "I'm not your baby but yeah you were right! You know Mr.Dutton is gonna kill you...no Beth and Kayce are gonna kill you"

"they aren't gonna find out because you two are gonna keep your mouths shut!" You tell them

"well if y'all don't wanna t'know ya might wanna cover up em hickies on your titties an the bite marks on Ryans chest" Teeter says pointing to the two of you and smiles.

It is only then you and Ryan realized you were only in your and he shirtless so Ryan grabs your shirt and helps you put it on before putting his shirt on

"why the hell did you two follow us? How did you never know" Ryan asked after getting his shirt on

"I had a feelin yall was fuckin so I drag my baby-"

"not your baby"

"yah ya are baby but hush mamas talkin...an'ways I dragged my baby up he're t prove I was right"

"how did you even know Teeter?"

"awwww fuck y'all ain't hard t read! Givin them love sick puppy eyes when y'all round e'ch othea, sneaken off, an I seen them fucken hands wounderen under that table in the bunkhouse Ryan"

"I thought she was crazy...well crazy for her but but it all seemed to add up the more I thought about it so I let her drag me out here to see if it was true" Colby said looking at Teeter "awwwww ya wanted t be alone with mama didn't ya baby"

"no...no I wanted to see if you were crazy"

"uh-huh keep tell yaself that baby I'm wearin ya down"

"so how y'all been you know-"

"fuckin" Teeter says finishing Colbys sentence

"I was gonna put it nicer but sure we'll go with that"

"we're not just fuckin...we're in a real relationship been together over a year" Ryan tell them

"ohhh so y'all like n'love an shit"

"yes! Very much in love" you smile at Ryan before he kisses your lips "yes we are baby" he smiles when he pulls away

"awww that's actually kinna sweet"

"I'm happy for y'all and all but what are you gonna do about your family? If this one figured it out it's only a matter of time before Beth is dragging Rip and Kayce up here to follow you"

"baby gotta point" Teeter says making Colby roll his eyes

"we're gonna tell my family just...Daddy's got all this shit with Wade Marrow and Market Equities I wanna wait til he's taken of all that first before I give another heart attack"

"he really gon be that mad" Teeter asked

"well I'm not allowed to mess around with the cowboys...but he never said I couldn't fall in love with one so maybe not" you laugh

"loop hole" Ryan jokes and kisses your cheek

"don't think Beth or Kayce is gonna see it that way" Colby points out

"well til y'all ready t tell em we can help y'all sneak round be ya alibis an shit."

"awwww you'd really do that for us Teeter" you ask

"hell yah ya my best friend y/n an Ryan is Colbys so yah we y'all...want'a say baby ya gonna help mama hide their relationship" Teeter says pinching Colbys ass making him jump and you and Ryan laugh "if she stops callin me baby and grabbing my ass I'll help!"

"why stop her...that" you say gesturing between them "is gonna happen"

"no it's not" Colby shakes his head

"it is 100% happening" Ryan says making his best friend just stare at him and shake his head again "so you gonna help Teeter" you ask with a big grin

"yeah yeah whatever I'll help but...I'm not getting my face rearranged for you"

"mama kiss better baby" Teeter wink

"yeah Colby mama will kiss it better" you mock him making give you a deadpan look making Ryan laugh

"I'm leavin have fun" Colby says getting back on his horse

"yah y'all have fun" Teeter says getting on her horse then looks down at you" don't git er pregnant"

"I'm on the pill were good" you wink

"well then...ride it hard ride it rough girl" she winks back and tips her hat

"I always do" you smirk

"I didn't wanna know that" Colby says then rides off with Teeter behind him

You and Ryan watch them ride away laughing before you turn back to your boyfriend and take your shirt and bra off "where were be cowboy"

"I think" he says taking his shirt off and flipping you on your back "I was right about to have my midnight snack and make you scream loud enough to scare the wolves away" he smiles and starts unbuttoning your jeans

It's been a 6 weeks since Teeter and Colby had caught you and Ryan! But they have kept their word and have helped you cover your relationship.

You were so ready to tell your family about you and Ryan ready to stop sneaking around but every time you think it's a good day to do so another crisis happens. It was really starting to get to you! You wanted to be able to show off your sexy cowboy, ready to be able hold his hand and kiss him in front of everyone like Beth does with Rip! Ready to cuddle in the bunkhouse like the rest of guys with their girlfriends but because your last name is Dutton it's never that easy! But all that was gonna change in the most unexpected way and in typical Dutton fashion...

"well since it's your day off baby what are your plans?" Ryan asked when he met you in the barn

"you mean other then miss you" you smirk making him laugh "yeah other then that"

"I'm gonna go help Teeter and Colby on the fences today while you're out I don't feel like sitting here listening to Dad and Beth bitch about Jamie all damn day"

"ok baby just be careful please! Wade Marrow and his dick head son are still around"

"I don't think they will come on our land he is stupid but not that stupid" you tell him wrapping your arms around his neck

"I don't know baby they both seem pretty stupid"

"true but I know a secret that makes me believe he won't" you say making him look at you confused "what"

"you can't tell anyone not even Colby, I'm not supposed to know but I was eavesdropping last night when Daddy Rip and Kayce were talking...Wade Marrow wears the brand"

"he what? When did he work here"

"wayyyyy before Rip like I think even before Lloyd started"

"so want makes you think if he wears the brand he won't come on the property"

"because I'd he does baby...Daddy's making Rip take it back" you tell him raising your eyebrows "how does...you know what never mind I don't wanna know how you take that back!"

"yeah me either I'm sure it's not pretty and very painful"

"well either way please be careful I don't trust them...take your gun"

"already got it baby" you smile and lift your shirt showing the gun in your holster

"good! Now give me a kiss before your brother comes looking for me"

He leans down crashing his lips onto yours making you deepen it. What was supposed to be a quick goodbye kiss turns into a full makeout session! Hands in the hair, hoisting you up, kisses down the neck...

"you guys should really be more careful" you both hear Colby say causing you both to turn around "do y'all do anything but kiss and fuck"

"yes smartass but he's so damn good at both I can't help but jump his bones...he's also really good with his tongue"

"my woman says I have talents" Ryan laugh

"ewwwww I don't...wanna know that"

"hell I do!" Teeter says coming in the barn "he do tricks? Make ya toes curl"

"please don't answer-"

"oh my gosh yes-"

"annnnnd she's answering" Colby says giving Ryan a disgusted look

"and he is a mid fuck-"

"ok ok baby thanks for bragging on me but they don't need to know everything"

"Im not telling them everything I haven't told them about the-" Ryan covers your mouth and shakes his head and kisses your forehead "they don't need to know that baby"

"thank you for shutting her up! I'm gonna have nightmares" Colby says

"I think ya mean wet dreams" you say holding back a laugh making him shake his head "no...definitely nightmares"

"ok well I really gotta go" Ryans says kiss you again before turning to Colby "take care of her! Anything happens to her I'll kill you"

"yeah yeah yeah I gotta her"

"I love you baby! Be careful and dont do anything stupid or let Kayce do anything stupid" you say raising your eyes brows

"we won't promise! I love you!*kiss* I'll miss you*kiss*"

"I love you more*kiss* and I'll miss you more*kiss*"

"oh my God just leave" Colby says rolling his eyes

"fine! I love you baby" Ryans says one last time before kiss you again "I love too cowboy"

Ryans puts his hat on and off walks out of the barn turn one last time blows you a kiss and wink making you your smile grow!

"you guys are so sickening" Colby says say

"nah baby they cute! In love"

"thank you Teeter!"

"whatever let's get this shit loaded up so we can do this"

The day is going good and you were having a good time especially watching Teeter torture Colby! The only thing missing was Ryan! You were happy the property had good pretty good cell service where you were because in between fixing the fence you were either texting Ryan or on the phone with him!

"can the two of you go 5 minutes without talking" Colby asked making you look up from your phone "you're supposed to be helping us"

"ummmm technically it's my day off...my daddy pays yalls not me"

"well then why did you come if you are just gonna be on your phone with your boyfriend"

"so I could watch you fall in love and get to be as happy as me and Ryan are! I needed this front row seat"

"Damn right she did! Ya gon be in love with me by the end of the fuckin day baby" Teeter says smacking Colbys ass

"no...I'm not! But if she put her phone down we could have this whole fence line done by nightfall"

"Fine" you roll your eyes "but when I don't text back and my very sexy cowboy thinks I been eaten by a bear you get to deal with him"

"fine whatever just help!"

Colby was right...with 3 of you working the fences it's getting done a lot quicker then expected. Only problem was the hot Montana sun was about to kill you! So Teeter gets an idea! Was it a good one? No? Were you gonna do it? Yes!

"let's go skinny dippin" Teeter says taking her shirt off making you laugh

"uhhh no let's not"

"oh come on why not Colby? We're almost done and it's hot? And that water would feel so good"

"ummm plenty of reasons-"

"I knows he was gay...he don't wanna see 2 hot girls naked"

"I'm not gay but we are almost done and if Ryan knew I not only saw you naked but went skinny dipping with you he would MURDER me! Like literally kill me...in a slow painful way"

"I'm not gonna get naked in front of you Colby! My body is reserved for your best friend but...a bra and panties are the same as a bikini plus I'm in no real hurry Ryan isn't gonna be til real late" you say taking your shirt off and running to catch up with Teeter who is already naked as the day she was born

"ohhhh this is such a bad idea" Colby mumbles as he sees your pants come off "very bad idea"

You and Teeter are already in the water splashing around when Colby appears "for the record this is a very bad idea"

"we heard you the first hundred times! It's 20 minutes to cool down then we'll get back to work!"

10 minutes later the 3 of you are laughing and joking but it doesn't last long...

"Well well well if it ain't the littlest Dutton"

"what y'all lookin at fuck heads this ain't no free titty show" Teeter tells the 2 men on the horses

"she's got a mouth on her" Wade Marrow says laughing

"maybe but I'm to busy looking at the other one" his son says looking you up and down

"well look away fucking prev and get the fuck off my ranch! You're on the wrong side of the fence!" You tell them then hear them laugh

"whole words on the wrong side of the fence for you today sweetheart!"

"don't call me that asshole!

"little girl you and your friends need to move on now" Wade Marrow says making you laugh "I'm not going anywhere"

"just do what she said...get the fuck off our ranch!" Colby says

"oh it's your ranch now is it boy?"

"it's my daddy's ranch" you said standing up "which makes it my ranch and I said get the fuck off it"

"oh we will sweetheart...but I want you to give your daddy a message for me"

"oh yeah" you laugh "and what fucking message is that"

"your hotter then hell girl so I almost feel sorry for this" Wades son says smirking before him and his dad charge into the water on their horses making your eyes go wide.

They begin to use their horses to try their best to trample the 3 of you under water. You feel a horse hoove hit your ribs, stomach and face and a rock on your shoulder, it was the worst pain of your life. You somehow were able to get a big rock and stand up where you throw it hitting Wades son in the head knocking him into the water

"fucking bitch" he says punching you

That's the last thing you remember before it all went dark.

Hours later Ryan was still on his way back to the ranch after running into problems of his own. He hadn't heard from since 5:32 yesterday afternoon when you told him the 3 of you were almost done and it was now 6:57am and he was freaking out. Everything from a dead phone to a dead you flashing in his mind. Even more so when Colby wasnt texting him back He pulls up to the bunk house at 7:25 and barley has the car in parked when he jumps out running into the bunkhouse fully prepared to give his best friend the loudest ass chewing! When he walks in he finds both Teeter and Colbys bed empty with no indication either had slept there.

"Jake! Where's Colby and Teeter?"

"I don't know man they weren't here back before I went to bed last night or here when I woke up! Probably finally screwing each others brains out"

"did you see y/n come back" Ryan asked

"nah haven't seen her either but there's Lloyd he was just up at the house maybe he saw her...wait why you asking about y/n"

"none of your fucking business" Ryan says heading out the door

"Hey Lloyd...you see Y/n up at the house"

"no just Kacey"

"was her truck there"

"yeah it was there why" Lloyd asked with a suspicious look

"Needed to ask her something. You seen Colby or Teeter? She went with them maybe they know where she is"

"nah they never came back last night probably found a spot in the woods" he laughs

"yeah maybe" Ryan says going back inside bunkhouse

20 calls to you, 15 text and 10 agonizing minutes later Ryan hears the side by side pull up and Kacey and Rip yelling making Ryan bold to the door but he wasn't prepared for what he saw...

You were wrapped in a blanket with your face bloody and busted up being carried bridal style by Rip. You looked dead and at first he thought you were til he heard you ask for him "I-I want Ryan"

"oh my God baby what the fuck happened" he asked taking in your appearance then pushes past Colby and and Kacey before grabbing you from Rip

"baby?" Kacey and Rip say looking at Ryan who now has you in his arms

"Ryan?" You asked confused

"yeah baby it's me I'm here! We're gonna get you some help ok...Walker get the fucking door"

Ryan lays you on his bed and unwraps the blanket seeing you in just your bra and panties but the bruises all over your body was what he was more concerned about.

"it hurts" you cry "everything hurts"

"I know baby I know Rip called the vet and Kacey gonna go get your dad in a minute" He says running his hand through your air then turns to Colby with fire in his eyes and get to his feet shoving his best friend to the ground "YOU SAID YOUD TAKE CARE OF HER! WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED!"

"baby...it's not Colbys fault"

"he said he would take care of you!"

"it wasn't my fault...the girls wanted to cool down and go swimming and they attacked us-"

"Who? Who attacked y'all?" Rip asked

"Wade Marrow and his son. They trampled us with their fucking horses then his dick head son beat the shit out of her when she knocked him off his horse...I tried Ryan but it all happened so fast"

"why the fuck did y'all go swimming? You were supposed to be fixing the fence" Ryan asked Colby

"better question is what the fuck is going on with you and my baby sister" Kacey asked looking at Ryan

"does that really matter right now?" Ryan asked

"yeah it kinda does! I need to warn by dad before he walks in here seeing you with her! So"

"Kac...we've been together over a year" you barley get out

"you what!?"

"yell later right now someone get that vet I'm in a lot of pain" you tell your brother

"your both gonna be in pain when Dad gets down here!"

Before you could respond the vet shows up and Kacey leaves to go get your dad.

The vet looks you over real quick then ask Ryan and Rip for help to pop your shoulder back into place "y/n this is gonna hurt like hell...you ready"

"no! But go ahead"

Rip pops your shoulder back into place which makes you scream and cry, then the vet takes the staples out of your face and properly stitches up your cheek. She also stitches up the small cut on your eyebrow before moving on to checking your ribs.

"am I still beautiful" you joke looking at Ryan making him laugh and run his hand down the other side of of your face "youre always beautiful baby"

"what's this shit" you hear your dad say pointing between you and Ryan

"ummmm daddy you know by boyfriend Ryan right?" You say with an awkward smile trying to laugh but you grunt and hold your ribs

"we'll get to that in a minute...what's wrong with my daughter doc"

"Rip had to pop her shoulder back into place and I took fence staples out of face and restitch her cheek and eyebrow they both might leave a scar and from the bruises on her side I think she might have a few broken ribs. I won't know anything til I x-ray her but shes in so much pain might be easier if I use the portable ultrasound to look"

"go get it...gives me time to yell and find out what the hell happened" he says never taking his eyes off you and Ryan "oh and doc get her something for the pain"

"yes sir give me 15 minutes"

"Jake go with her and help bring back but she needs" your dad says

Jake and the vet walks out just as Beth walks in making a B-line to you pushing everyone out of the way "oh my God what the fuck happened? Who am I killing?" she says taking in the site of you then she notices Ryan hovering and holding your hand and she raises her eyebrow "and why the fuck are you hovering and holding my baby sisters fucking hand"

"I'd like to know that too!" your Kacey says looking at Ryan

"first things first someone tell me what the fuck happened to my daughter...and why she's in just a bra and panties! Someone cover her!"

Colby tells your dad about the impromptu swim and the horses then moves on to tell him how Wades son beat the shit out of you. With every word Colby says your dad gets more pissed off. He looks over to Kacey, Rip and Lloyd and they all seem to have some kind of silent conversation before they all nod then your dad turns back to you.

"ok now we know who me need to fucking kill let's move on to this" Beth says pointing to you and Ryan "how fucking long"

"little over a year" you say softly making your dad nod

"a fucking year! A whole fucking year!" Kacey says making you nod "you've been screwing my sister for a year" Kacey says

"pretty sure I told you my wranglers were off limits...and I'm pretty damn sure I told my wranglers my daughter was off limits that if they want a piece of ass go to the bar...not sneak into my house for it"

"huh" you say confused

"you two must think I'm the dumbest son of bitch there is don't you...you don't think I know he's the one you've been sneaking in and out of the house? Seen him and his bare ass running from the damn house a few months ago!"

"does he have a cute ass?" Beth whispers

"Beth!" Your dad warns

"you did? Why didn't you say anything" you asked ignoring Beth

"didn't see the point! You should know by now nothing goes on in the valley or on this ranch I don't know about!"

"are you mad daddy" you asked

"I am!" Kacey says speaking up looking at Ryan before your dad can answer "You've been screwing my sister for over a year!"

"Kacey it isn't like that-"

"Then what it's like huh? Explain that"

"We don't have to explain shit to you Kayce! I'm 26 year old"

"I don't give a fuck y/n! You still should have fucking said something"

"I don't have to tell-"

"I love her Kacey I love her more then anything" Ryan says cutting you off before you and Kacey get into a screaming match

"I don't give a shit! You both still fucking lied! Im gonna beat the shit out of you!" Kacey says making his to Ryan but stops when you get to your feet

"you touch him I'll return the favor on your wifes face."

"you wouldn't fucking dare!"

"wouldn't be the first time...fucking try me Kacey"

"both of you knock it the fuck off now! Ryan, Beth sit her the fuck down before she causing more damage to herself and Kacey back up from your sister before I beat your ass! Neither of you are hitting anyone you understand me?"

"you're just gonna let that shit go?" Kacey says

"no I'll deal with it son but right now my main concern isn't about who your sister is dating it's about taking care of her! After the vet tells me what's going on with her I'll deal with everything for now shut up"

"Kacey your father's right" Rip says pulling Kacey back making him sit down

"Beth...are you mad" you ask your sister who gives you a look you can't read

"depends" she says making you raise an eye brow "he blow your back out everytime...make you scream? Can he eat pussy" she asked making yours and Ryan's eyes go wide. You don't know why you're surprised she just asked that I mean she's Beth

"for fuck sakes Beth-"

"not now daddy" She says putting her hand up to him "I need to know this answer so I can decide if I'm happy for my little sister because I won't let her be with a man who can't fuck good or bad at eating pussy"

"Beth honey... I don't think your father wants to know that" Rip says shaking his head

"to late I've already fucking asked...so" she says looking at you for an answer

"yes he does" you say softly making Ryan mumble oh my God

"ok well then I'm ok with it! Ryan you fucking hurt her my daddy is the least of your fucking problems!"

Before Ryan could reply Jake and the vet walk in with the supplies they went for and you can see Ryan let out a breath and you couldnt help but laugh.

"ok let's see if anything is broken" The vet says making her over to you

"did you bring anything for the pain doc? She's in a lot of it" Ryan asked making the vet nod "yes but the only thing I have is Banamine before I give it to her I wanna make sure it's ok? She's a small girl" the vet says looking at your father for the ok

"yeah that's fine doc just a small dose I'll have Keith write her something for later"

"ok Rip can you get her 2ccs ready while I check her ribs? I'll give it to her after"

The vets takes her time going over all your ribs letting you know you have 2 broken one and a cracked one then moves to your stomach when she stops.

"Rip...never mind on that pain medicine I can't give it to her"

"what why not? I need something I'm in fucking pain" you tell her

"I get that but umm-"

"but what doc spit it out? What do you see?" you dad says moving closer to you

"y/n...your pregnant" she says looking at you then your father

The whole bunkhouse goes silent and looks at the small screen not knowing what to say. You look at Ryan whos looking at the screen half excited half scared to death then he looks back to you "we're gonna have a baby?" He whispers rubbing your head seeming to forget there was a room full of people.

You don't have time to say anything before you see Kacey making his way to you mad then see Ryan on the floor

"KACEY GET OFF OF HIM" you yell trying to get up but Beth stops you "RIP STOP HIM"

"YOU KNOCKED UP MY BABY SISTER"

You don't even know what's happening since Beth is body blocking you doing her best to shield you in case they get to close. The only thing you can see are fist flying but after a few minutes you hear your father yelling and Kayce being pretty much thrown across the room by your father crashing into the table "THATS ENOUGH KACEY!" Your dad yells

You don't know how but you manage to sit up with 2 broken rib and get past Beth but you do then you go to check on Ryan who is already being tended to by Colby "oh my God baby are you ok"

"yeah baby I'm ok I've had worse" he says and spits some blood then looks at your sister "Beth...please get her back into that bed"

"Better yet Beth" your father says standing in the middle of the room what had just been destroyed and shakes his head "You and Teeter get her back to the house and in her own bed while I deal with these 2"

"I'm not leaving-"

"yes you are young lady! You have 2 broken ribs another one is cracked and you're pregnant! I'll bring Ryan up in a little bit now go with your sister!" He says then looks at Beth "Call Keith tell him what happened and she's pregnant and find out what she can take for pain!"

"daddy-"

"I said go y/n" he says in that voice that leaves no room for arguments

"I'll be up there soon baby" Ryan says kissing you "I love you"

"I love you too"

Teeter and Beth help you walk towards the door but you make them stop when you get to your brother. You take everyone by surprise when you make a fist and punch him in the face making him fall to the floor "be lucky it was you and not Monica"

Beth and Teeter help you shower and get into something comfortable before helping you to your room. Beth has Teeter help you get comfortable in bed while she calls a couple doctors for you.

You lay in your bed still in shock about being pregnant. Yeah you and Ryan have talked about kids but being pregnant right now was definitely not part of your plan. But even tho you were shocked you were also excited. And you just hopped Ryan was too.

You don't know how long you were in bed and you must have dozed off because next thing you know you are being woken up by Ryans voice "hey baby...how you feeling"

"really fucking sore" you tell him making him smile "what about you" you ask when you see his face

"don't worry about me I'm ok...told you I had worse. Me and brother worked it out-"

"you mean my daddy laid into both of you?"

"yeah" he laugh

"I'm sorry" you say after a minute your eyes filling with tears

"what are you sorry about baby? You didn't do anything"

"I didn't mean to get pregnant" you said your voice cracking tears coming to your eyes making Ryan smile and shake his head

"I'm not mad baby I promise! I'm happy!" He says wiping your tears

"your happy? Really?"

"I'm having a baby with the love of my life how could I not be happy"

"We didn't plan kids right now and we found out because I was trampled by a horse by 2 crazy people"

"baby we might not have planned it this soon but I'm excited either way! I'm beyond excited!"

"Really?"

"Yes baby" he says kissing then pulls back looking at your face "and don't worry about Wade Marrow and his son it's being taken care of...tonight! They won't ever bother you again"

"How-"

"Don't worry about it baby just know it's gonna be taken care of!"

"Just answer me this...will whatever youre planning make you have to wear the brand?"

"yes but that's all you get to know" he says

"ok I won't ask any more questions...I trust you"

"good!" He says kissing your lips "Now your dad is downstairs and wants to know if you can come to the livingroom if not he'll come up here"

"will you carry me" you pout

"come on" he laughs before picking you up bridal style and carrying you to the livingroom where your dad, brother, sister and Rip were waiting along with Monica.

"how you feeling baby" your dad ask when Ryan sits you on the couch

"I want something for the pain but I'm ok"

"I have an OB coming to the house in about an hour to check you out in the meantime take these" Beth says handing Ryan a few pills and some water to give you "how did you manage a house call so fast" you asked before Ryan helps you take your pills

"I know people" she smiles making you laugh then groan in pain

"ok now that that's taken care of I wanna talk about you and my wrangler"

"I was always gonna tell you I didn't mean to hide it for so long but every time I went to tell you something happened...Tate went missing, Wade Marrow showed up, Jamie being Jamie just didn't want to pile on more"

"you still could have told me instead of me catching him sneaking out...seeing his bare wasn't something I ever wanted to see"

"sorry about that sir" Ryan says softly

"you still never answered me y/n...does he have a cute ass" Beth ask taking a sip of her Tito's making you laugh and nod "cute asses are always a plus... continue Daddy" she says pouring herself another drink

"did you plan to get pregnant" Kacey ask staring at you making you narrow your eyes at him "Did you plan to knock Monica up at just what 18? No? didn't think so? Shut up!"

"your my sister y/n I think I have the right-"

"that's the thing Kacey no you don't! Who I date, who I sleep with is none of your fucking business! Did I plan to get pregnant right now no I didn't! But it's happening!"

"you weren't supposed to be messing around with anyone from the bunkhouse-"

"you really don't wanna get into this with me Kacey...trust me shut up while you're ahead!"

"alright enough you two" your father says letting out a frustrated sigh

"no I wanna hear what she has to say!"

"ok Kacey but before I say this don't say I didn't warn you and don't get mad when your wife runs out crying...don't act like what I did was so horrible when you got drunk at 18 and knock up someone who hates our family, our ranch, does everything she can to change you and does nothing but bitch about our way of life...but never seems to have problem using our last name or calling me or Beth when someone messes with her...like that the store a few months ago! Yeah the Dutton name was ok then right Monica? And it was ok to use to get a job! Ryan might just be a wrangler to you but he had defended me, you, our father and this ranch and don't forget risked his his life when your son went missing while your wife sat here saying she never should have come to the ranch! At least the person I fell in love with doesn't try to change me and doesn't leave me every couple weeks! Ryan doesn't see the Dutton name as a convenience like her...the only she has ever done right was give birth to Tate"

"that's enough y/n!" Your dad says raising his voice when Monica runs from the room crying

"I thought she was doing a good job! If you could drink I'd pour you one" Beth says before Kacey leaves the room to follow Monica then your dad turns and looks at you "was all that necessary"

"I warned him"

"she did daddy...we all heard her"

"Enough" John says pinching the bridge of his nose then turns to you "so how it's gonna work. Ryan...do you plan to be involved?" Your dad

"he better!" Kayce says coming back in the room making you shoot daggers at him "do I need to hit you again Kac"

"enough y/n" your dad says then looks back at Ryan

"yes sir 100%! I'll be there her and the baby and whatever they need. And I'll get house for us I'll start looking today. I have a pretty good savings-"

"no! You are one of my best wranglers can't have you off the property the 2 of you can take a foreman's cabins it's plenty big for the 3 of you. I want my daughter and grandchild on the ranch where there is protection especially now...do you plan to marry her"

"daddy! I don't want him to marry me just because im-"

"yes sir! And it's not because she's pregnant Mr.Dutton I've waited to asked her for awhile now but I was waiting until you knew about us...I even have a ring-"

"you have a ring?!" You and Beth say shocked

"when did you get a ring?" You asked

"about 3 months ago before everything with Made Marrow started after we talked about telling your family" Ryan says and pulls out a simple silver ring with a small diamond on it making your eyes go wide when he drops down on one knee.

"Ryan...you don't have to just because I'm pregnant"

"I'm not baby I promise! I had a whole different plan on how I wanted to do this but it doesn't matter how I ask you I want to prove to you and your family that I love you and I'm in 100%! Y/n Dutton I love you so much I have since I first saw you and even tho we didn't plan to have kids right now I love our baby already and can't wait to be a father! So will you make me the happiest cowboy and marry me"

"yes! Oh my God yes" you say through tears them grab his face smashing your lips onto his.

Ryans pulls away and slips the ring on your finger making your smile get even bigger!

"I get to plan a wedding a baby shower!" Beth says before pouring herself a drink then raised her glass "both of which are gonna be big"

"well Ryan" your dad starts "you better be good to both of them! Or I lll send Rip"

"yes sir I promise!"

"ok well tomorrow the two of you can start moving into the cabin!" Your father says then calls for Gator to get you something to eat then has Beth help you back to bed.

"Ryan after doctor leaves head to the bunkhouse" Rip says after you leave the room

"does she know?" Your dad asked making Ryan shake his head "she only knows it's being taken care and I'll get the brand for what's going down but she doesn't want to know anything else"

"good!"

"one request sir" Ryan says making your nod for him to continue "Those fuckers almost cost me both of them and I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect her but...I wanna be the one to do it! I want the last thing that son of his to see is my face!"

"you got it" Rip says

You kept your word and never asked what happened that day!

On the first day you had Evelyn home Beth surprised you with a small little welcome home party for Evelyn with all your family and friends. Everyone just wanted to get a chance to hold her but Beth wasn't letting that happen...

You and Ryan were married a month later in the pasture where your love first began and 7 months later you welcomed your daughter Evelyn Jane into the world! She had her fathers eyes lips and dark hair and your nose and chin and she was 100% perfect!

"Beth damnit let me hold my granddaughter! You haven't let her go since y/n walked in the damn with her" your dad says huffing

"I'm her God mother daddy she's basically my baby too" she says still not handing the baby over "Beth give the baby to your father and have a drink" Rips tells your sister making you laugh at her raised eyebrow "I can drink and hold the baby at the same time! now daddy go check on your daughter and I might let you hold her when I'm done"

You stood at Evelyns nursery door while Ryan rocked her to sleep and you listened to your husband sing to her the song you used to dance to on your late night dates and the one you danced to at your wedding and it warned your heart. Seeing Ryan with her made you feel completely whole! And you knew there was never another cowboy in this world you could ever love!

As the night goes on your father does finally get to hold his granddaughter but not for long before Beth steals her again. You had to admit it was pretty comical watching your sister and dad fight over your daughter.

"ya ever think of us havin one baby" you hear Teeter ask Colby making him spit his drink out "you wanna put in baby in me"

"yeah Colby gonna put a baby in her" you laugh

"yeah...no" Colby says walking off

"he likes practicin tho" Teeter says

The rest of the night is filled with laugh, food and drinking while everyone passes your baby girl around and showers her with gifts before everyone leaves finally giving you and Ryan time alone as a family for the first time.

You wake your way to the couch and a few minutes later hear Ryans footsteps behind you followed by feeling a kiss to your head "she's asleep" he says before sitting down beside you

"I heard you singing to her" you say leaning your head on his shoulder making him laugh "I know I have a horrible voice"

"no you sound good plus you sang her our song"

"well she's got to learn it early"

"think I played it enough when I was pregnant I'm sure she does" you laugh

"true" he says kissing your head again

Things are quiet for a few minutes before Ryan lets out a small laugh making you look at him confused "why are you laughing"

"your sister...she's a baby hog...Rip too surprisingly" he laughs

"yeah I know but you can't they aren't protective plus since Beth can't have kids, our kids are gonna be the closest thing her and Rip ever have to their own she just better help in the middle night too" you laugh

"kids huh" he smirks making you roll your eyes "you want more?"

"yes but let my vagina heal from this one then we'll talk more...deal"

"deal" he laughs "speaking of your vagina...you feeling ok? Need anything? Meds?"

"yeah I could use something but first wanna help me shower" you wiggle your eyes brows making him laugh "yes baby come on. Then you're gonna get some sleep I'll take Evelyn duty tonight"

"I love you!"

(L-R) Piper Perabo, Hassie Harrison, Luke Grimes, Wes Bentley, Kelly Reilly, Ethan Lee, Kelsey Asbille, Cole Hauser, Wendy Moniz, Gil Birmingham, Denim Richards, Jen Landon, John Emmet Tracy, Ian Bohen, Dawn Olivieri, Rob Kirkland, and Kathryn Kelly