#Kayce Dutton x OC

[fanficforlife]

Chapter Nine

Even though it was the middle of August, the air was cool. It probably had something to do with the fact that you were sitting on the back porch at four-thirty in the morning. 

"There you are, baby." Kayce sat down on the steps next to you. His arm slid around your back while he kissed your temple. "What are you doing out here?"

You looked ahead of you so he followed your gaze to a bald eagle sitting in a tree. Lee. His hold on you tightened. "I was talking."

"About what?"

"You," a smile pulled at your lips. A comfortable silence settled between you while you watched the bird fly off. "Lee knew I left California to get away from Nick. A few weeks before he died he found me sitting back here. The sun had just started coming up and he asked why I was up so early. I tried to hide it but he knew I was crying. He sat down and made me tell him what was wrong." You took a breath. "I get nightmares sometimes about Nick. Sometimes they're just memories of what he did, other times it's him finding me."

"Baby," the hand that wasn't around your waist reached for your hand, "why didn't you tell me?"

"I don't get them when we sleep in the same bed."

"You should move in with me then."

"Kayc."

"I know. Just me and Tate, for a while at least. Did you have a nightmare tonight?"

"No. I just woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. I didn't want to wake you." Your fingers played with the button on the cuff of his sleeve. "Lee always told me I was safe here." You let out a small giggle. "And, that even though you hadn't asked me out yet, you wouldn't let anyone touch me."

Kayce chuckled. "He was right about that. I wouldn't have let your ex or anyone else near you. I still won't." 

You smiled at him before looking out at the trees. 

"Letty?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you feel safe here?"

"Yes." Your eyes met his hazel brown ones. "You make me feel safe." 

He smiled and ran his hand across your jaw, pulling you in for a kiss. "I love you, Letty."

"I know." You smiled. "I love you too."

"I gotta drive around and check some fences. What do you say we grab some coffee and you come keep me company? And, instead of sleeping in your bed again because Tate wanted to spend the weekend having a sleepover with his grandpa, we could spend the night at my place?" 

"Yes and yes." 

"Tate will be here with Dad so we have the whole day and night to ourselves." His perfect grin formed before he kissed you. "Go get changed. I'll get the coffee." 

"Meet you in the kitchen in five minutes." 

After going inside, you both walked through the living room to the hallway. As you went to walk passed the kitchen to your room, he stopped you. "Baby, are you okay?"

You looked up at him and smiled softly. "You worry about me too much."

"I worry about you just as much as I should be. Now answer the question, beautiful." 

Your hands came up and rested against the sides of his neck, your thumbs running across his stubble-covered jaw. "I'm okay. Just missing your brother."

"Me too."

"He would be so proud of you, Kayce." 

"After kicking my ass for waiting so long to ask you out." 

You giggled. "Yeah, that's probably true." 

"Thank you for being there for me through that and every day since then." 

"You're welcome. But, you don't have to thank me. I wanted to and I needed you just as much as you needed me."

His hand ran across your cheek. "I still need you." 

"Right back at you." You rose to your toes and kissed him before going to change. 

*

You leaned against the fence post watching Kayce while he finished securing a section of barbed wire that he had to replace. 

"There," he straightened up, "that- What?" 

"Nothing."

"Nothin'?" He came up behind you and wrapped his arms around your waist. "What are you thinking about?" 

A smile pulled at the corners of your mouth. "You." You leaned back against him while you both looked out over the pasture to the mountains. 

"Yeah?"

"Mhm." 

"Is that all I'm gonna get?" He chuckled and turned you to face him. 

"I just..." your hands rested on his chest, "I can't believe I'm here with you. You are the most hardworking, caring, understanding man I have ever met." Tears pricked the back of your eyes. "I would go through everything in California again if I knew that it led me here." 

In response, he grabbed your face and kissed you. "I love you more than anything on this earth, Letty. Well, you and the kid." 

"I love you too." You giggled and slid your hands over his shoulders, clasping them behind his neck as your lips met his. When the kiss started to grow heated, you stepped back. "You need to work."

"I just finished the last one." 

"Yeah?"

The smirk that drove you crazy, in the best possible way, formed. "Yeah, now get back here." His hand slid into your hair pulling you in. As the kiss intensified, he picked you up and carried you to the tailgate of his truck. It was already down with tools sitting on it so he pushed them to the side before setting you on it. His eyes met yours and you smiled. 

While you unzipped and shimmied out of your jeans, he unbuckled his belt and pushed it down. "Kayc," you moaned when he slowly thrust into you. 

"Fuck, baby." His fiery eyes met yours. "You're fucking perfect."

Your hips rolled to meet his with every thrust. "Yes," you moaned when one of his hands left your hips and went between you to your clit. "Yes. Yes. Kayce." It didn't take long for heat to start pooling. 

When your orgasm had passed, he took your hands which had been gripping his shoulders and lay you on your back. "I want one more, baby." You nodded as you looked up at him, making the smirk you love form. He put your legs over his shoulders and started pounding into you. 

You could feel a rough section of the tailgate scrape your ass cheek but you didn't care. He had you at the perfect angle and you started to clench around him. "Oh, god. Kayce." 

"Yes, baby. Give me one more." His smirk reappeared. "Come for me, Letty." That put you over the edge and you fell apart. He came seconds later, spilling into you. 

"You good, baby?" He asked as you lay there trying to catch your breath. 

"Mhm," you mumbled with a smile. 

He chuckled and zipped his jeans up before putting your underwear and jeans on you as far as he could get them with you still lying down. 

After carefully getting to your feet, you pulled them up the rest of the way. 

"Hi." Kayce smiled down at you, his hands going to your waist. 

"Hi." Your fingers brushed his hair off his forehead. "That was...wow."

His smirk formed before he kissed you. "I'm gonna have to agree with you on that. Now get your sexy ass out of the way so I can clean up." 

You giggled as he squeezed your sides. "What do you have to do now?" You asked as you leaned against the side of his truck. 

"I gotta go to town to pick up a few things." He informed, closing the tailgate. "Where do you think you're goin'?" His hand wrapped around yours, stopping you from going around to the passenger side. 

"Maybe I don't want to sit beside you." You teased. 

He backed you against the truck and pressed himself against you, keeping you in place. "You don't, huh?" The smirk that drove you crazy formed.

"Don't look at me like that we both know because we both know what comes next." 

"You. Once, sometimes more." 

"Kayce!" You gave him a shove so you could slip free. 

His laugh followed you as you climbed into the truck. "You're cute when you blush." 

"Oh my god." You groaned, burying your face in his shoulder while he buckled his seatbelt. 

"Even cuter when you come."

Your jaw dropped as the red on your cheeks darkened. 

He reached across your lap when you tried sliding across the seat. "I'll stop." 

"Says the guy with the mischievous grin on his face." 

"Get back here." 

You gave in with a smile and settled in next to him. "You're lucky I love you."

"The luckiest." His lips pressed against your temple before he started the truck. 

When you got closer to town, you looked in the rearview mirror and started taming your hair. "You should leave it." 

"It's a mess."

"You have that just had sex look."

"I did just have sex."

"Yes," he squeezed your knee, "but everyone else will see it and know you're mine." 

You giggled, "I'm pretty sure everyone will know that without advertising what we just did. You always hold my hand when we go to town, or have your arm around me, your hand on my back." After smoothing the last tangled strand, you leaned back against the seat. "I'm guessing you don't hold Ryan or Colby's hand when you go to town to pick stuff up." 

"Definitely not." His laugh echoed through the cab. 

A comfortable silence settled between you as you rested your head on his shoulder and thought about how much your life had changed in the last seven and a half months. You escaped from Nick and the nightmare he put you through and ended up meeting a man so good you didn't think could even exist. Going through hell had brought you to the most amazing version of heaven on earth. And, you would endure it all over again so you could end up with the cowboy sitting beside you and his son. 

*

"What are you thinking about?" Kayce asked as he joined you on the porch of the foreman's house. You had made his mom's stew and biscuits for dinner so he offered to put the leftovers away. "You've been kind of quiet since I got back from helping Dad in the barn before dinner. I told you it would just be us today, I'm sorry."

"No, it's okay. It's not that." 

"Then what is it?"

Your fingers picked at the cuff of your sleeve. "When you were with your dad and I was inside with Tate making the biscuits, Tate...he told me he loves me. He's said it before but it's always just been love you. When the biscuits were in the oven we were talking about what he and his grandpa did today. I was leaning back against the counter, when he was done telling me he came over and wrapped his arms around my waist. He looked up at me and he said I love you." Tears started to pool in your eyes while you stared down at the ends of your sleeves. "He told me he was happy I came here because I'm kind of like his mom. Then he rested the side of his face against my stomach and hugged me. He laughed and said I make you happy so you're not as grumpy anymore so I can never leave."

Kayce chuckled, "he's right, you do make me happy." When you continued staring at your hands, he took hold of your chin and lifted it, making you look at him. "Hey, talk to me." Concern was evident in his voice when he saw tears start to trickle from your eyes. "Was it because he thinks you're his mom? I'll tell him not to call you that."

"It wasn't that."

"Nick?"

You nodded as you drew in a shaky breath. "If he finds me he said he would kill whoever helped me."

"Baby, it's been almost eight months since you got away from him. He would have found you by now."

"But, what if he's still looking? What if he does eventually find me?"

"If he does, he's not going to get a chance to kill anyone."

"What if you're all gone and just me and Tate are here? What...Tate-" A small sob cut you off. 

Kayce wiped away your tears. "I know what you're thinking and you're not leaving. Tate loves you, I love you. Hell, everyone on this ranch loves you. You belong here." His fingers tucked your hair behind your ear before going back to try and dry your cheeks. "I'll tell you what. Tate's closet in the main house is five times bigger than it needs to be. Since we spend most of the time there anyway, especially you and him when I'm working, we'll close in part of the closet so he can hide in there. I'll make the door look like part of the wall so no one will know any different. Okay?"

You sniffed. "Okay." 

"Come here." You stood up and he guided you onto his lap so you were straddling him. His hand rested against the side of your neck. "Tate's not the only one who thinks you're kind of like his mom. You are beyond amazing with him. I know we've only been together for three months but I know that God sent you to me. We belong together, Letty."

"Kayce." A smile finally formed before you pressed your lips against his. It didn't take long before you both needed more. He stood up taking you with him and carried you to his bed. 

After setting you on your feet, his hands went to work on your jeans. As he pulled them down, his hand ran across the scrape you got from the tailgate making you flinch. "Did I scratch you?" When you both looked you realized what it was from. "Shit. I should've put a blanket or something down."

"It's not that bad... if you kiss it better it will be as good as new."

"I can't have my baby hurt." He smirked, sinking to his knees and doing what you said. But, he didn't stop there. He kissed his way across your hip before taking off your underwear and jeans and gently pushed you onto the bed. 

"Kayc," you moaned as he buried his face between your legs. 

His hands slid under your thighs and gripped your hips, securing you in place. "You taste so damn good." He groaned before going to work again. 

"Oh, god." After a couple of minutes of just using his tongue, one of his hands left your hip. His fingers dipped inside you while his mouth focused on the bundle of sensitive nerves. Your hands dove into his brown wavy hair. It took only minutes for your stomach to begin to tighten and waves of intense pleasure coursed through you. 

When you came down from your high, Kayce's lips crashed against yours. He ushered you backwards, away from the edge, so he could climb between your legs. You could taste yourself on him as his tongue danced with yours. 

He slowly thrust into you. His hand went to the back of your neck and he lifted you. "You're mine." His eyes pierced yours.

Whenever Nick told you that you were his it would make you feel hopeless and scared. Hearing Kayce tell you that you're his drove home the fact that this is where you were meant to be, with him and his son. "I'm yours." You breathed out, your eyes never leaving his. 

*****

You parked one of the Dutton's work trucks in front of the grocery store as a patrol car was making its way down the street. While you got out, the police car parked behind the truck, blocking you in. 

"Ma'am," one of them greeted as they walked up to you.

"Hi."

"Can I ask why you have the Dutton's truck?"

"I'm umm, getting groceries. I work for them." You swallowed nervously as memories of Nick in his police uniform filled your head. 

"We've never seen you around town before."

"I've been here since the middle of February."

"Uh-huh." They exchanged doubtful looks. Sweat covered your palms. "Can I see your license, please?"

Panic set in. "I-I didn't steal it."

He nodded. "Let me just run your license and we'll get this cleared up."

"You can call John. He'll tell you I work there."

"We will after we check your license. Is it in 

there?" He asked as he stepped forward and dumped the contents of your purse onto the driver's seat. You were frozen in fear. After opening your wallet, he pulled out your driver's license. "Well, Violet Smith from Los Angeles, I'll be right back."

Your heart rate was out of control, you were trembling. The officers could tell you were guilty of something so the other officer stood in front of you, corralling you between the open truck door and driver's seat, while the other went to the car. 

Seconds later, the officer returned from the car. "I think it's time you tell us your real name because it isn't Violet Smith."

"I-I-"

"Cuff her."

"No."

"Put your hands behind your back."

"Please. Just call John. Please!" Tears started falling from your eyes. 

Once the handcuffs were secured, the officer took hold of your arm and put you in the back of the car. People were standing around watching as the other officers locked the truck. After they both got in, they drove to the station. 

*

"No! No!" You pulled against the two officers who had uncuffed you and were trying to take your fingerprints. "Please, don't. Please!"

"What the hell is going on here?" Sheriff Haskell came out of his office. 

"We're trying to take her fingerprints but she's resisting."

"Please, don't. Call John Dutton. He'll tell you I work for him. Please!" You begged with tears streaming down your cheeks. 

The sheriff looked at you for a few seconds. "Put her in one of the cells."

"But, we haven't even started with the paperwork or anything yet."

"I'll take care of it." He took your license off the counter. "Just put her in a cell."

"Just call him, please. I'm not lying!"

The officers took you through a door and your pleas died off. They brought you down the hall, putting you in one of the cells that lined the wall. 

The door shut behind you with a clang, making you flinch. You went to the bench lining one wall, buried your face in your hands and cried. John would have to tell the sheriff who you were. Nick would come get you because he would see it on your file after the sheriff put your information into the computer. You mourned for the life you had here, for the friends you made, for the Duttons, for Tate. And, for Kayce. Nick would do whatever he wanted to you once he brought you back. But, the thought of never seeing Kayce again made your heart hurt so much that it was hard to breathe. Death would be better than having to live without him and his son.

*

"Where is she?!" Kayce's voice echoed down the hall. 

When you heard it, a sob left your lips knowing it was only a matter of days before you would never hear it again. 

"Violet!" As soon as the sheriff unlocked your cell, he flung the door open and ran in. You stood up and his arms wrapped around you, crushing you against him. You clung to his shirt as a fresh wave of tears spilled down your face. "I'm here, Letty. It's okay. You're coming home."

"N-Nick- He-he knows- I can't g-go back." 

"He doesn't know, baby."

You pushed on his chest so you could look up at him. "He will! My name-he-"

"He won't know you're here because your name is Violet Smith." John finished from where he and the sheriff were standing outside the cell. 

"But..." your eyes went to the sheriff.

"I've known John a long time." The sheriff informed. "He filled me in on everything. You're safe here, Violet. And, as far as the two who brought you in, and everyone else working here know, you're hiding from an abusive ex who's a cop, hence the fake ID. That's all they need to know." You looked at him unsure. "Nick and everything about your old life is safe with me. I won't be telling anyone." You gave a small nod of your head and a warm smile formed on his face. "I think it's time to get you out of there and back home." 

"Come on, baby." Kayce kissed your hairline before putting his arm around your waist and guiding you out. 

"I'm sorry, Vi," John said as he squeezed your shoulder. "I should've known it would be a matter of time before one of the knuckleheads working here stopped you."

"It's not your fault."

He smiled. "Let's get outta here."

*

The second you climbed into bed Kayce pulled you into his arms. You burrowed into him as close as you could get. "I was scared." He admitted into your hair after a couple of silent minutes. 

You shifted so you could look up at him. "You were scared? Nothing scares you."

"Losing you scares me." His brown eyes were watery. "The sheriff called Dad while we were working in the barn. All Dad said was it's you and to get in the truck. I think he drove faster than I've ever seen him drive before. If they would have booked you in...I would have been sitting in that cell right next to you." He slid his hand into your hair and rested his forehead against yours. "I can't lose you."

"I can't lose you either." You sniffed, fighting back tears. "I thought I would have to go back."

"Baby, you are never going to lose me. No matter what. And, he is never, ever getting you back. I love you with everything I am, Violet."

"Kayc," tears started trickling over, "I love you too." Your lips met but this one felt different than all of the other ones. This one captured the last lingering thoughts you had of having to leave, of not getting too close. He took them all along with the last brick you had guarding your heart and you gave yourself to him, all of you. This was your home and he was the man you were supposed to be with.

…………………………………………………………………………

@saintnourah

[annepsilvaauthor]

Begin Again - Lee Dutton

Pairing: Lee Dutton x OC (Natalie WentWorth)

Summary: The life of renowned lawyer Natalie WentWorth was quiet in Boston, but everything changed when she received a call from a former Harvard colleague, Jamie Dutton. After reflecting a lot, Natalie agreed to solve some problems at the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, but she did not imagine that her life would change completely when she arrived in Montana. One of the reasons for this change was Lee Dutton, the eldest son of John Dutton, cowboy and livestock agent, who would represent all the comfort she needed to have in the midst of the chaos of the Dutton family. Natalie could begin again at that ranch.

Warnings: Subtle sexual innuendos, brief language, alcohol consumption, angst, smut, fluffy.

Fix the law after you break it

A few more kilometers and she would finally arrive in Yellowstone. Her Volvo XC40 exceeded the thousands of miles at a speed fast enough to make a journey of thirty-six hours of travel in less than thirty hours. Yes, she liked speed. It was one of the few things she allowed herself to "lose control". Her life experience and her profession had taught her to take care of her own control. If anyone would lose their mind, it would be the other side and not her.

She looked at the folder on the bank next to her. There was her name engraved on it: Miss Natalie WentWorth. She smiled proudly. She had not chosen the law, the law had chosen her. And her last civil hearing had proved it.

Natalie's thoughts were interrupted when she observed a movement a few kilometers ahead. There were men mounted on horses, armed, wearing bulletproof vests, on one side of the fence, and other men without any armament, but with unfriendly expression were on the other side of the fence. Natalie reduced her speed and a lawyer's sense of curiosity did not allow her to move forward, stopping on the shoulder.

Looking more closely, she realized that the men on the other side of the fence were indeed armed, some police officers and other civilians. She also noticed that there was a huge herd of cows on the side of the fence and she soon considered a problem. Natalie got out of the car and put her high heels on the dirt floor, something she wasn't used to.

"You should move on, ma'am. The thing here will soon be very bad." One of the cowboys warned her by jogging next to her.

"What's going on?" She asked ignoring his request.

"What happens every day here in Yellowstone: big dog fight." The cowboy waved his hat and trotted towards the discussion that was forming.

Natalie noted that the fence was free of barbed wire, so it would not be very difficult for cattle to go from one place to another. However, she doubted that the cowboys of that ranch had left the fence like that, just as it would be almost impossible for the cattle to take a different direction from what they took every day, unless someone attracted them with food. She got closer to the scene and noticed the remains of hay on the other side. Wow, a crime scene right on her first day in Montana.

"Madam, I'll ask you to leave, please." A serious and deep voice echoed behind her and she turned around. One of the men in the bulletproof vest was in front of her and at that distance she could read Livestock Agent on his chest. He carried a powerful rifle between his hands.

"As far as I know, the road is public." She responded without being able to see him right, because the strong light of the sun prevented her.

"This one is not. It belongs to the Reservation."

"Well, then they should take me out of here and not you...agent." Natalie replied pointing to the police and heard a low laugh coming from him. "Besides, I'm much more helpful here."

"I doubt that."

"OK, agent. I can tell what I know to the police officers of the Reservation and so they can win this fight." Natalie crossed the fence and walked a few steps on the pasture, but his voice came up again.

"I could get you out of there with little effort, ma'am!"

"Try it! Let's see what happens to you after that."

Natalie turned her back on the agent and approached the Indians of the Reservation, but seconds later a heated argument began. One of the Indians insulted one of the cowboys and he crossed the fence to attack him, but the Indian quickly knocked him out on the ground. The scene was transformed without Natalie being able to keep up. The police officers lifted their weapons, as well as the cowboys on the other side, but soon the agent came up with the rifle and threatened the Indian with his barrel on his head.

"Whatever happens next happens to you first." The agent threatened in a loud and deep voice.

"Son of a bitch." The Indian released the cowboy under his hands and faced the agent with danger in his eyes.

Tensions were stifled with the arrival of a helicopter on land. Natalie managed to read Yellowstone Dutton Ranch in the helicopter body and smiled playfully. What an unusual way to meet the boss. He got off the vehicle dressed as the good landowner he was, with simple clothes and a hat. The livestock agent went to meet him and exchanged some words that Natalie could not hear due to the distance and noise of the helicopter propellers.

The two men approached the fence and John exchanged glances with Natalie, surprised by her presence there, but he had more urgent matters to deal with than to know why a white woman dressed in a white satin blouse, navy blue pencil skirt and high heels was on the other side of the fence. She soon found out that she was on the wrong side of that fight, so she walked slowly towards the track, and she had difficulty walking due to her high heels sinking into the grass.

"This is a tribal issue, John. Livestock commission's got no authority here." One of the police officers informed John with caution.

"Those look like livestock to me." He pointed to the cattle on the other side of the fence and kept walking.

"The Chief's at Commencement, but I'm calling the shots."

"I'm impressed you said that with a straight face, Ben." John mocked with a smile and continued walking on the tribal ground until he approached a gentleman sitting on the hood of the truck that was among the cattle.

"If you know anything, it's better to say it now. Things won't be more friendly between us and them for much longer." The agent approached Natalie again and she remained looking at John's back, wishing to hear what he said, but it was too far away.

"If I say what I know, I lose the letter in the sleeve I have, don't you think?"

"Look, ma'am, I don't know where you come from, but here in Montana we solve the problems in two ways: either we follow the law, or we break it." The agent responded politely after a brief pause, as if he were thinking about what he should say. She liked it, he didn't want to push her away, he thought she was important enough to try to insist on the subject.

"I come from Boston...and from what I see now, you will need a good lawyer."

"I don't think we'll win this fight through laws, ma'am."

"You really won't go, so you'll need a lawyer: to fix the law after you break it. I have my card in the car, if you want."

The agent smiled openly, showing his white and big teeth. Very perfect for a cowboy and livestock agent, she thought. Either he spent all the money on dental appointments or...

"Lee Dutton." He supported the rifle in one hand and offered her the other. "Can I know your name, Madam from Boston?"

"Natalie WentWorth." She accepted his greeting and had her small hand engulfed by his big hand, tanned and full of calluses in a strong but gentle grip. "Don't worry, I'm on this side of the fence."

He just kept smiling and Natalie could watch him at that moment, since he covered the sunlight from her face. Lee was tall, although any man taller than one meter and seventy was taller than her, he wore a cream hat that covered most of his hair, and he wore a grown beard, blonde, and looked well cared for. And there was that smile that besides being beautiful, was cheerful. How could he be happy in that situation? She didn't know, but she was curious.

"Lee!" John Dutton's voice sounded authoritarian when he crossed the fence. "Clear everyone out."

"You know, there was barbed wire on this fence a week ago." Lee explained to his father.

"I know. Clear them out."

"Alright! Move on!"

While Lee gathered his men, Natalie hurried the step to accompany John Dutton, but her high heels did not help, so she removed them.

"Mr. Dutton! Mr... Dutton!" She called feeling her feet pincing due to the tall grass. After a few seconds, he stopped and waited for her to approach.

"It wasn't a good choice to wear these shoes today, ma'am." John mocked with a smile as he observed the high heels in Natalie's hands.

"I'm a newcomer to Montana, sir. I can get used to it." She put on her shoes and extended a hand to him. "My name is Natalie WentWorth. Your son Jamie told me that you were in need of help."

"All the help I need is in my house, ma'am. I don't need another lawyer." John seriously informed without accepting her hand.

"But I came here from Boston. Jamie told me that..."

"I don't know what Jamie wanted with you, miss, but it certainly has nothing to do with me or my ranch." He stared at her in a mixture of pity and anger. "If you want, we can take you back in the helicopter."

"I've been driving, sir."

"I'm sorry for what Jamie made you go through. I hope you have a good trip back." John put his sunglasses on his face and walked away from her with slow steps towards the helicopter.

Natalie was planted in the same place for so long that the police officers of the reserve had left, as well as the tribals and most of the cowboys. She couldn't believe that. After all the effort to get there, after thinking long before getting close to cowboys again, she was rejected. Natalie didn't know who else she was angry with, if it was Jamie, Mr. Dutton or herself.

"Miss WentWorth, is everything okay?" Lee appeared next to her and she had to control herself so as not to shrook another Dutton next to her.

"It'll be." She started walking again and heard his steps following her. She rolled her eyes and growled softly. "Go back to your work, Mr. Dutton. You're going to need a lot of work."

"What do you mean? Hey, wait!"

Natalie was already used to walking with high heels on the grass and was already approaching her car on the side of the side. However, to her misfortune, one Dutton was determined to leave her away while the other did not leave her alone.

"What did you mean?" He put himself between her and the driver's door.

"I need to go now, Mr. Dutton. Can I get in my own car?" She asked impatiently, but Lee remained in the same place.

"Only answer the question." Lee asked kindly, but Natalie was too angry to notice.

"I am not obliged by law to answer anything. And if you don't get out of the front of my fucking car now, I'll sue you for so many things that you'll never have a penny in your cowboy pants again." She threatened him fervently and Lee took a few seconds thinking to then clear the way. "Thank you, Agent."

"Aren't you going to give me your card?" He asked at the window when she got in the car.

"It will no longer be necessary."

Natalie started the gear and started the car, causing the tire to leave stains on the asphalt.

[jungle-angel]

Out in the Middle: Part 3 (Rhett x Reader)

Summary: While the kids are running wild around the ranch, the grown ups get some much needed time to themselves

The grown ups rode along the trail, the horses carrying them on their backs through the trail that was littered with autumn leaves and foliage that made it look more like a postcard from New England. The air had grown crisp and cool, perfect for harvest season that would soon be imminent. Wes, Nora and their band of brats had joined them later the previous day, adding to the little group that now occupied the Dutton Ranch. 

“You think the kids are tearin the place up?” Rhett chuckled as he and Rip went ahead of the others. 

“Oh probably,” Rip answered. “I heard Teeter gave’em hell for whacking each other’s asses with sticks.” 

Rhett laughed. “Remember all the stupid shit we used to do as kids?” 

“Don’t even bring that up,” Rip told him. 

“It was us, Wes and the other ranch and reservation brats all beatin the shit outta each other,” Rhett reminisced. 

“You probably wouldn’t remember it,” Beth said to the both of them, loud enough for everyone to hear “But remember that time we were all playing leapfrog with the fences?” 

There was a collective groan throughout the group. “Beth c’mon,” Kayce groaned. “I still have PTSD from that.” 

“The hell did you do?” you asked. 

“Ya’ll never heard this story, (y/n)?” Beth asked you. 

“Rhett’s told me many things, but not about this,” you chuckled. 

“Ok so,” Beth began, trying not to laugh. “Whenever numbnuts up there would come and visit, we’d always play leapfrog by jumping over the fences instead of each other. Well, us being the dumb-as-shit kids we were, we all decide to see if we can jump over a chain link fence.....” 

“Beth don’t you tell her!!” Kayce said loudly. 

“And Kayce was at the very back end of the group......” 

“I’M WARING YOU!!!” 

“He runs at full speed,” Beth continued, ignoring her brother completely. “Leaps over the fens, rips a giant hole in the back of his jeans and then lands and skids in a wet mud puddle so it looked like he shit himself. Dad was laughing for hours after that.” 

Kayce groaned and pitched the bridge of his nose, but you were snickering at the thought of a long haired, little blonde cowboy running home with a giant hole in his pants. 

“Remember the time we all went up to Flathead Lake and had that monster rager party?” Rip said. 

“Bro, we were stoned the whole fuckin time!” Wes exclaimed. “You honestly think we’d remember that?” 

“I do,” Kayce laughed. “The Flathead Lake party was I caught my first boob.” 

You, Monica and Beth rolled your eyes. The three of you had thought most of the guys would have embarrassing stories about each other, but as the three of you knew all too well.....men would be men. 

Your little group crossed through the river and wended on over the trails, crossing over onto the Broken Rock Land. You and Rhett felt strange crossing over the river and seeing the sign, almost as though you had all stepped into another world. 

“Haven’t been here in years,” Wes said. 

“You have family who lived here?” Rip asked him. 

“My grandma lived here for years before she got married,” Wes told him. “Then she moved to Wyoming after my grandfather got back from his tour in the Pacific.” 

“She a war bride?” Beth asked him. 

“Yep,” Wes answered. “Great lady though. Ornery as hell, but a good woman.”

“She taught us all the plants, all the animals,” Rhett added. “God, I swear that woman was a horse whisperer.” 

“Remember Grandpa though?” 

“Oh God,” Rhett chuckled. 

“Oh another story?” you chortled. 

“Darlin had ya’ll met Wes’s grandfather you would’ve shit yourself,” Rhett half laughed. 

“That’s a story for another day though,” Wes said. 

Over the hills and through the forest you went, occasionally stopping to take a few pictures and to take in the view. There was no doubt in your minds that in these two places, hard work met equally hard living. 

Rhett soon began to notice a look in his best friend’s eyes, one that spoke of longing for the two most important people in his life. “You gonna dance for’em next week?” 

“Hell yeah I am,” Wes answered. “And I’m gonna win that damn relay for’em too.” 

Rhett gripped his friend’s shoulder assuringly before Wes made the Sign of the Eagle, giving it to the wind in the hopes that wherever his grandparents were, they would be with him. When everybody turned their horses back towards home, you and Rhett lingered behind a little longer. 

“You ready for next week?” you said, scratching his stubbly chin. 

“Ready as we’ll ever be,” Rhett said before leaning over to kiss your cheek. “We’ve got a hell of a year ahead of us.” 

[wereallmadherebabez]

I’ve been watching Yellowstone for the past two weeks and I’m in love with the show. I’ve literally fallen in love with Ryan’s character and so I’ve decided to make a fanfic for him.

[c0wgurlz]

Trouble On My Left, Trouble On My Right

Chapter 2: Operation, Find Caroline a Cowboy

gif by @bodybebangin

Kayce Dutton x Reader/OC - Friends to Lovers

He doesn't even have to take half a step to catch back up with me. “Come on Caroline, you know I’m just teasing you.” He pats my back as a peace offering. “Although,” Okay, maybe not. “I have it on good authority that I can please the ladies, so save a horse and all that.” Winking flirtatiously, he belts out a laugh, finally removing his hand from my bare back. And what a blessing that is, because if he had kept touching me while talking about… that, I’d be liable to combust.

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Chapter 1

Sorry it took me so long to update! I'm a teacher and my free time is fairly limited. We're at a point in the school year now though that is much less stressful, so expect fairly regular updates, at least for the next few chapters.

Comments are so appreciated! I'd love to know what ya'll like and what ya'll think I could improve upon.

As always: I do not own Yellowstone (2018) or any of its characters. This work is not monetized.

THIS FIC IS CROSSPOSTED TO AO3. It is not posted to any other site. I am lookingcold on AO3 and that is all. I do not give permission for my work to be posted by others to any other platform.

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We don’t talk for the rest of the walk, but the silence is comfortable, like it always is between us. Kayce and I have never asked too much of each other, have always read each others’ moods as if they were our own, and that apparently hasn’t changed from the five years we’ve spent apart. It’s glaringly obvious to us both that neither is up for idle chit chat. 

And while I’m really not up for small talk, the silence does, unfortunately, give me entirely too much time to overthink. What felt like such a natural decision, what felt like fulfilling my duty this morning, now feels foolhardy, and quite possibly too risky. Now this isn’t to say that I’m doubting my choice. Helping Mr. John, helping Kayce, helping the family and ranch that raised me, that picked up my pieces and glued me back together over and over, is a no brainer. Helping the people and the place I love most in the world feels as natural as breathing. But smoothing over a murder? That’s- No, I’m not doubting my choice, but I’m sure as hell doubting my sanity. When I said the Duttons needed a criminal defense lawyer, not a PR specialist, I wasn’t exaggerating. And if I’m being honest, this job feels more like that of an accessory than a public relations consult.

The front porch of the big house comes into view well before I’m ready. This dinner may be a reunion of sorts, but it’ll undoubtedly be a business meeting as well. Steeling my nerves for such talks doesn’t come quite as naturally to me as it once did. I feel like a knight with rusty armor. Weak at critical points, weak where it matters. More aptly, I feel like a little girl again, staring into the headlights of a train with no way to move and no way to stop it. I’m no coward, please don’t think that of me, but you know that feeling of impending doom? The one that makes your spine tingle and your stomach drop to your knees? Dread is probably the best word. That’s all I can feel as I stand at the bottom step of the Dutton’s porch. 

I must hesitate for too long, or stare off into space, or look absolutely fucking terrified, because in a flash Kayce is back down the two steps he’d already taken and by my side. He doesn’t say anything, you’d think we’d taken a vow of silence, but just looks at me imploringly, resembling a curious puppy so much I almost crack a smile. And then Kacye, sweet Kayce, wraps his calloused hand around mine and tucks it against his chest, over his heart, before tipping his head, ushering me up the stairs. Once I’m half way up I get a fond, “Atta girl,” and what woman doesn’t love being praised like an obedient mare. I snort in response and kick out my foot to trip him, but only a little bit, on the last stair. Can’t have hime getting too full of himself.

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Dinner is nice, but rather awkward if I’m totally honest, mainly due to the fact that Beth and Jamie are in attendance. Let’s just say Gator clears the table well before dinner should truly be over. To my surprise, we don’t talk business, but rather I’m questioned, interrogated really, over what I’ve been up to the past five years and why haven’t I called and would it really kill me to send a text every few months. Beth is the one who leads this inquiry. Jamie and I were never particularly close, so he remains silent for the most part, and he leaves in a huff shortly after Beth throws a fork like it’s a trident directly at his forehead. Can’t say I blame him, even I can only handle so much of Beth when she’s at her worst.

My interrogation is blissfully, or so I thought, cut short by Mr. John when he asks, “So, ya’ll have any plans tonight?” He folds his napkin meticulously, trying to look nonchalant but missing the mark by a shameful amount. If I thought that feeling of dread had left me, I was wrong.

I narrow my eyes and prepare to defend myself against an interrogation of a different kind. Before I can grit out a suspicious, “No, why,” however, Beth pipes up. “Actually Daddy, since you asked,” at this she turns to me, “Caroline, how do you feel about heading into town and getting gloriously drunk and then gloriously fucked? You’ve been gone far too long, so you’ve got to be re-initiated, re-tainted if you will.” She looks me up and down, assessing. “You’re far too shiny, like a little cherub.”

Jesus Christ, I think she’s suggesting I fuck a townie. And Mary and Joseph I haven’t even so much as kissed someone since my divorce - ok, well maybe a peck or two here or there, but that’s besides the point. Here I was, so worried about talking business, about skirting around the subject of murder, only to be blindsided by an age old Dutton scheme. Operation: Find Caroline a Cowboy. Well if Beth thinks I’m about to get biblical with some rando she is absolutely, positively looney tunes. Now, how to communicate all of that in a tactful way? Taking a shallow breath, I part my lips and prepare to spout some placating, buzzword bullshit. Something along the lines of, “Well, as fun as that sounds, I’m actually really tired. Maybe later this weekend?” or “How about we just kick back in the bunkhouse tonight, save the salaciousess for this Saturday?” Before I can even utter a word though, Kayce butts in on my behalf.

“Do you maybe think you could save the corruption for later, Beth? I’ve already promised the boys that I’ll bring Caroline around for cards tonight.” While his voice is calm, casual even, Kayce gives himself away the moment he begins to bounce his leg, the tap tap tap of the heel of his boot loud in the otherwise quiet room. He’s uncomfortable, maybe even irritated, which aren’t we all at least a little bit when speaking to Beth, but there’s something else. A boyishness to his demeanor that I haven’t seen since high school. There’s also the fact that we had decidedly made zero plans to visit the bunkhouse tonight. So. Interesting.

I’m certainly not the only one to notice his odd shift in behavior, as Mr. John’s lips curl into a smirk and Beth’s face arranges inself into a pleased, self-satisfied expression. She frequently wears the look of someone who knows enough to destroy literally any given person’s life, but this look is more playful, one of a cat that’s pinned a mouse by its tail. Ignoring Kayce, she turns her attention back to me. “Caroline, sweetheart, don’t even think about screwing any of those cowboys. I know old habits die hard, but trust me when I say not a single one of them is worth a ride.” Now, to be clear, Beth knows, I know, Mr. John knows, and even Kayce knows that Beth has only ever screwed one of said cowboys out in that bunkhouse, still, her dig elicits the desired reaction from Kayce. And furthermore, she makes it clear that she’s not just trying to set me up with any old cowboy. I’m on to her. Operation: Find Caroline a Kayce.

With a cringe of disgust and a flushed face, he exclaims, “Fuck’s sake Beth, I’m not taking her out there to pimp her out.” He’s stopped smoothing the tablecloth, but now he’s exasperatedly running his hand through his still damp hair. Shit, Kayce. You think he’d have learned by now how to not play into Beth’s hand. Some people just have to learn the hard way I suppose. 

Beth’s eyebrows lift and the corner of her mouth quirks. “Well you’re not a very good bestfriend then, are you?”

“Fuck you.” Kayce mutters, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms petulantlly.

“Maybe you should be saying that to her.” Beth points at me with her napkin, dropping it onto her plate as she rises from the table. “This has been fun. Possibly the best family dinner we’ve had all year.” Planting a kiss on Mr. John’s cheek she says, “Love you Daddy, have a drink with me later, will you? I think we should talk.” Then, rounding the table to me, she strokes my hair, almost motherly, “Caroline, sweetheart, clear your schedule Saturday. Me and you are going to paint the town red.” Finally, reaching Kayce, she sighs, “Goodnight, dummy. Let me know if you’d like help finding your balls.” And just like a tornado, she’s there wreaking havoc one moment, and gone the next.

The dining room is uncomfortably silent for a beat after she exits, until Mr. John blessedly breaks the awkwardness yet again. “Beth’s antics aside, I don’t think ya’ll should be going out anywhere tonight. We’ve got several important meetings lined up tomorrow morning and I need both of you sharp. Especially you Kayce, tomorrow will require you to tell a very particular version of events and I can’t risk you fucking that up. Alright, Son?”

Looking slightly cowed, Kayce nods his head in agreement. “Alright.”

Having determined this hell of a dinner has gone on long enough, I begin to make moves to excuse Kayce and myself. “Dinner was delicious Mr. John, thank you for having me. And thank you for such fine company.” I may be lying out of my ass, but my momma didn’t raise me to be rude.

Mr. John exhales a dry laugh and rises from the table. It’s moments like this where his and Beth’s resemblance is striking. “No need to thank me, honey. You’re family, you’re welcome at my table anytime.” Pushing in his chair he surveys Kayce and I with calculating eyes. “Why don’t you two head on home, you both look like you’ve been put through the wringer.”

Gee Mr. John, I wonder the hell why?

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Our walk back isn’t nearly as silent as our walk to the house. To say Kayce is pissed would be putting it lightly. “What in the actual fuck was all that? I mean, Beth was no surprise, but what shit is Dad trying to pull?”

“Kayce, your daddy barely said a word.” I’m more focused on the words left unsaid.

“He didn’t have to say anything Carrie, he sat there like a smug bastard and let Beth say it all for him.” Kayce may as well be pitching a fit the way he kicks at the ground, arms hugged tight to his chest like a wronged toddler. Honestly, the image is kind of amusing, so much so that I have to stifle a laugh. I must not do a good enough job, because I can feel the glare that Kayce shoots through the side of my head. “What?”

Not wanting to add fuel to the fire, I’m quick to hide my growing grin. “Well first off, I’m gonna overlook the fact you pulled out my forbidden nickname. But second, do you remember that Christmas when we were thirteen? How Beth hung mistletoe from literally every single doorway, and how your daddy actually enforced the kissing rule?” I raise my eyebrows high, daring him to conveniently “forget” an awkward moment from our childhood as he often pretends to do.

The tips of his ears turn pink, but he sighs his agreement. “Yeah I remember, we must’ve kissed two dozen times. At the time I thought dying would’ve been a kinder fate.”

Asshole. I punch him in the arm, hard. “Wow. Thanks a lot. The sentiment is shared.” Rolling my eyes and checking for invisible dirt beneath my nails, I continue. “Anyways, what they’re doing now, Beth and your daddy, is just an enormous escalation of what they did then. I don’t think Mr. John will rest in his grave until I give him a grandbaby - with you.” I look at Kayce pointedly. It’s no secret that Mr. John, and Beth by extension, have been holding out hope that me and Kayce would fall madly in love and have lots of babies. When Kayce married Monica the teasing and hinting stopped, after all Mr. John would never disrespect their marriage in such a way, and when I married Judd it was almost like a fence went up between us, between myself and the Duttons that is, but now that both of our spouses are out of the picture? I’m certainly not surprised the trouble has started back up.

I expect Kayce to splutter and turn a darker shade of red. Despite his gruff exterior he’s always been reserved and easy to embarrass. He surprises me though when he mutters, “Maybe we should just give him what he wants then. Get him and Beth off our backs.”

I shock myself with the cackle that bursts its way out of my body. It bubbles out partly because of the utter glee I get from Kayce having a sense of humor for once and partly from the insanity of such a suggestion. “So you’re telling me, that your solution to getting your daddy and Beth to leave us alone, is to have a baby together? Yeah, because they definitely would have no interest in our love lives after a stunt like that.” I bump his hip with mine. “I can just hear Beth now, ‘I’m thinking a Fall wedding, you look horrible in bright colors and nobody wants to wear a suit in eighty-eight degree weather.’ We’d never hear the end of it.”

Kayce shrugs, shooting me a wry grin. “Hey, if we marry each other at least we’ll know what we’re getting into. No surprises.”

“Yeah, and no sex,” slips past my lips before I can swallow it down. What a stupid fucking thing to say. Good job Caroline, talk about fucking, or not fucking, your best friend some more why don’t you. Now I’m the one who’s blushing. Pink from the roots of my hair to my chest. And what a fatal mistake I’ve made by opening my fat mouth. My whole life I’ve had to be one step ahead of Kayce, embarrassing him before he can embarrass me worse, yet here I am giving him a golden opportunity.

His grin only widens. “I hate to break it to you Carrie, but to make a baby people have to have sex.” He slings an arm around my shoulders, adding insult to injury. “You know when a man loves a woman…”

I elbow him in the ribs before he can continue. He laughs at my embarrassment just as much as he groans from the pain. “Oh shut up.” Now I cross my arms, increasing my stride so that his arm falls from my shoulders.

He doesn’t even have to take half a step to catch back up with me. “Come on Caroline, you know I’m just teasing you.” He pats my back as a peace offering. “Although,” Okay, maybe not. “I have it on good authority that I can please the ladies, so save a horse and all that.” Winking flirtatiously, he belts out a laugh, finally removing his hand from my bare back. And what a blessing that is, because if he had kept touching me while talking about… that, I’d be liable to combust. If Kayce had always been shy and reserved in his day to day life, where I had been bright and obnoxious in mine, the topic of sex is where we switched places. I think calling myself a prude may be a tad harsh, but I certainly have never been one to broadcast my sexual business. Kayce on the other hand has never shied away from flirting, or kissing, or having sex in nearly every one of Mr. John’s pastures - you don’t get someone pregnant at nineteen by keeping it in your pants after all. 

Playing the game I had with Kayce in the bathroom earlier today had felt safe, probably because I was the one in control, but this battle of wills feels altogether different, like someone is poking at an insecurity, at a bruise I didn’t even know I had. It’s confusing at best and humiliating at worst. Throwing his words back at him, I huff, “Now Kayce Dutton, you know this conversation is entirely improper, so I suggest you drop it. And also,” I whirl around on the step I’ve just taken. Thank God we’ve reached the foreman’s house because I don’t know how much longer I can participate in this back and forth before I’m forced to will myself out of existence. “Who says I’d even want to have a baby with you? Good authority or not. I know ya’ll’ve gotten new ranch hands since I’ve last been here, all of whom I haven’t gotten to size up yet. You never know, maybe one of them is babydaddy material.” I poke him firmly in the chest. “Don’t assume I haven’t got options.” Before Kayce can respond I storm up the remaining steps and into the house, kicking my boots off perhaps a bit too aggressively before striding into the kitchen. What I plan to do in the kitchen, I don’t know, but I still don’t know which room I’m staying in and the living room feels too cozy to stew in, so the kitchen it is.

Kayce saddles in much more calmly, but his fierce expression gives his true feelings away. “Are you serious?” He grunts, and if I wasn’t so embarrassed, mad, confused, hurt - for some reason that alludes me, I might have found the rocky timbre of his voice sexy. 

“Serious about what?” I avoid his gaze petulantly, pouring myself a glass of water for a lack of anything better to do.

“You’ve gotta be fucking kidding me.” He groans, tipping his head back and rubbing at his eyes. “Are you really picking a fight over whether or not we should get imaginary married, have imaginary sex, and have an imaginary baby? You do hear how crazy that sounds?”

“So now I’m crazy?” My voice is cool, and serious, even though at this point I realize I’ve lost the argument. Even though I’ve realized there never should’ve been an argument in the first place.

Any fight Kayce had left in him drains away. I see the moment that it leaves his body, his eyes softening and his shoulders relaxing. “Caroline, honey, what’d I do?”

Almost as if there’s an invisible string connecting us, my body relaxes too. I blow out a breath, dump my water down the drain, and come to stand in front of him. No island between us. “You didn’t really do anything, just poked at a sore spot, that’s all.”

Sensing that this may be a conversation best saved for later, Kayce graciously changes the subject. Scratching at the back of his neck with one hand and gesturing towards the bathroom with the other he murmurs, “Well uh, if you still wanna have that spa night we should probably get going, we’ve got a early morning tomorrow and if I’m gonna let you take my spa virginity we’ve gotta do this thing right.” That earns him a hard exhale, the ghost of what could’ve been a laugh. But he must know not to expect much else, that I’m still nursing my bruised ego, because he carries on. “So why don’t I go get that bubble bath started and you can sort through your uh lotions and potions, decide on how best to pretty me up. And then maybe we could talk, about anything you want.” He begins to walk backwards, making his way towards the bathroom. It’s odd to hear the soft pad of his socked feet on the hardwood and not the click of his boots, but also kind of nice, endearing.

“Okay,” I breath, “Yeah, that’d be - that’d be nice.” I move to walk past him, into the hall where I’d left my bags. “I think you’ve got a bit of a sunburn so I’ll see if I’ve got an aloe mask for you. If you plan on putting yourself back on the market you’d better start taking care of your looks.”

I’m very purposefully facing away from him, so I don’t see the melancholy on his face so much as I hear it in his voice. “Yeah, I don’t think that’s likely to happen. My days of chasing tail are definitely over.” I don’t reply, not too keen on opening that can of worms further, and so an uncomfortable silence settles over us. It’s only broken when Kayce sighs, “Well, I’ll uh, I’ll be in the bathroom whenever you’re ready.”

Still looking down, I pause the mindless shuffling I’d been doing through my bags, “Alright, just give me a few minutes.” Having found the masks I was looking for well before now, I finally rise from out of my crouch, left knee popping in protest. “Like you said, you deserve a proper first spa night,” I turn my body to reveal my profile, pretending to check the label of the plastic tub in my hands, “I’ve gotta make sure I pull out all the stops. You know I don’t half ass anything.” Feeling generous, I finally offer him a small smile, turning to fully face him.

The relief in his eyes catches me off guard. “Don’t I know it.”

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I don’t know what I expected when Kayce said he’d go run a bubble bath. Too absorbed in my own thoughts, I didn’t consider that such an activity is typically done alone, certainly not with a friend, and even more certainly not with a totally platonic, albeit sexy, boy bestfriend. When I finally make my way into the bathroom however, I’m greeted by the sight of Kayce settled into the comically large clawfoot tub, chin tucked to his chest so that bubbles cling to his beard, eyes unfocused and contemplative. “Didn’t realize I invited Santa Claus.” I joke, at a loss for anything else to say. Too scared to say the wrong thing or ask the wrong question.

At the sound of my voice his head jerks up, the sudden movement sloshing water just shy of the lip of the tub. “Santa Claus?” He furrows his eyebrows. He really does look like a puppy.

“You’ve got bubbles,” I gesture to my chin, miming a full beard.

He chuckles, “Oh, yeah, I guess I just got bored and,” he shrugs, “I’ve gotten used to playing with Tate in the bath. You’re lucky I didn’t break out the bubble mohawk.”

“The bubble mohawk?” I giggle, “I don’t know, I think I’d like to see that actually. Just make sure I’ve got a camera on me when you do break it out, yeah?” Lining my “lotions and potions” up on the counter, I look away, still trying to figure out what exactly is going on here, or what Kayce expects me to do, to say.

He must sense my hesitancy because he volunteers, “I hope I got the water hot enough. I know how you women like to scorch your skin off, but I’m afraid I’m just a bit too delicate.” He’s pushed himself into a full sitting position now. The water pools just under his chest and it takes everything in me to meet his eyes.

“So we are taking a bath together then?” I huff. “Because that’s not weird at all.” Still, I move to pull my blouse up and over my head, clipping my hair up so that it no longer hangs down my back. “And if you’re not actively in pain, then no, you don’t have the water hot enough. But that’s alright, I’ll manage.”

Ignoring my comment about the water, his eyebrows furrow once again in confusion. “Why’s it weird? You’re the one that suggested it.”

“No. I didn’t.” I shoot some side eye at him, because who in their right mind would suggest such a thing. Hopping around to remove my socks before balling them up and tossing them into the hall so that they don’t get wet, I continue, “And it’s weird because usually when grown adults take a bath together it’s only because something else is gonna follow.”

Rolling his eyes, he insists, “Yes. You did. You said you normally take a bubble bath for spa nights, so here we are, taking a bubble bath. And it’s not weird. I’m wearing my underwear, and I assumed you’d wear yours too. It’s no different than going swimming together.” He sounds way too exasperated for a conversation that is this stupid.

Remember how I said Kayce and I have never had trouble reading each other? Yeah I take that back. Closing my eyes and taking a deep breath, I sigh, “That was not a suggestion. That was a statement. But thank you for the clarification. Now before I literally die of embarrassment, would you like the lavender hair mask,” I forcefully lift one colorful jar into the air, and then another, “or the apple?”

Looking as fed up as I feel, Kayce responds gruffly, “The lavender.”

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Tag List: @cheneyq @targaryenpower @starset21 @darlingmunson30 @ilovemrytleturtle @screechingtriumphtiger @chlo-feigh @twoheartedfool @softi92 @hannahufflepuff @its-moonblr

[brooklynislandgirl]

10 Fandoms / 10 Characters / 10 Tags

Tagged By: my loves @kylo-wrecked and @tangleweave Tagging: Anyone who feels like they need one more Sunday this weekend.

~*~*~*~

I. Marvel: Beta-Ray Bill, Eddie Brock/Venom, Doctor Strange, Phil Coulson, Vision, Groot, Spider-Man {Peter Parker}, Gambit, Doctor Morbius, Bucky Barnes. M'Baku {Hate the moniker of 'Man-Ape'}. Magneto. Loki. Night Crawler. Frank "Punisher" Castle. Colossus. Danny "Iron Fist" Rand. Foggy Nelson. Ghost Rider {Both Johnny Blaze and Robbie Reyes, "Caretaker" Carter Slade}. I know that's more than 10. Whatever, I do what I want. >.> II. DC: Lex Luthor, Nanaue {King Shark}, Martian Man Hunter, John Constantine, The Joker, Jonathan Crane, Morpheus {Dream of the Endless}, Death of the Endless, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, Bane, Swamp Thing, Green Lantern. Cisco Ramon. Hunter Zoloman.

I absolutely blame @nightmarefuele for at least two of these.

III. Star Wars: Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader. Admiral Piett. Kylo Ren. Wedge Antilles. Kit Fisto. Han Solo. Chewbacca. Jocasta Nu. Darth Rivan {not to be confused with Darth Revan}. Jos Vondar. Jango and Boba Fett, and of course, all my 10,000,000,000 Clone children. No I will not be taking questions.

IV. Star Trek: Worf, Martok, Gowron, Chancellor Gorkon, Kurn, Dr McCoy, Uhura, Sulu, Chekhov, Chris Pike, Ortegas, Nurse Chapel, Geordie La Forge, Riker, Data, Lore, Chief O'Brien, Q, Benjamin Cisco, Garak, Gul Dukat, Quark. V. Firefly: Mal Reynolds, Jayne Cobb, Hobun Washburne, Zoe Washburne, Shepherd Book, Kaylee Frye, YoSafBridge, Adalai Niska, Badger, Jubal Early Take my life, take my land, take me where I cannot stand. I don't care 'cause I'm still free, you can't take the sky from me. {{My coat has always been a little...brownish.}

VI. The Walking Dead: Shane Walsh, Daryl and Merle Dixon, Michonne Hawthorne, Abraham Ford, Glenn Rhee, The Governor, Bob Stookey, Ezekiel, Dwight, Aaron, Morgan Jones. VII. Justified: Raylan, Boyd, Ava, Art, Rachel, Tim, Dewey Crowe, Johnny Crowder, Loretta McCready, Robert Quarles, Ellstin Limehouse, Mags Bennett, Devil, Jean Baptiste, Boon, Willa, Carolyn, Sweety... oh so many. VIII. Yellowstone: John, Jamie, Beth, Kayce Dutton, Rip Wheeler, Jimmy Hurdstrom, Thomas Rainwater, Mo Brings Plenty, Lloyd, Colby, Teeter, Jake, Ethan, Angela Blue Thunder, Malcolm Beck. IX. Law & Order- Alphabet Soup: Captain Cragen, Lenny Briscoe, Mike Logan, Anita Van Buren, Jack McCoy. Rey Curtis, Ed Green, Arthur Branch, Cyrus Lupo, Kevin Bernard, Frank Cosgrove, Jalen Shaw. Elliot Stabler, Olivia Benson, Odafin Tutuola, John Munch, Chester Lake, Melinda Warner, Amanda Rollins, Rafael Barba, Dominick Carisi, Peter Stone, Bobby Goran. I have seen literally every episode of the American Law & Order franchise Original, SVU, CI, OC, etc...with the first three watched multiple times. While I often wouldn't call it my most favourite show...it's probably my most favourite shows.

X. The Lord of the Rings: Boromir and Faramir, Éomer and Éowyn, Theoden King, Theodred, Gimli, Pippin, Sam, Meriadoc, Fangorn {Treebeard}, Beorn, Celebrimbor, Bard the Bowman, Dwalin, Celeborn, Denethor, Gil-Galad king, Fingolfin, The Watcher in the Water, Maedhros, Finwe, Manwe...and I could go on for years. My first true fandom as we know it {probably Arthurian Legend was my first and truest fictional love}, and one I have been faithful to for over 25 years. Honestly never please talk to me about it, because I have rabid opinions about literally everything. And lastly, I only included tv/movies here because books and rpgs would require an entire three or four Long Ass Posts all of their own. Much Love.

[shameless-girl]

Masterlist

Bts

Midnight lovers : series

Jungkook x oc

Parts Intro part1

Yellowstone

Love on the ranch * walker x oc *

Love like yours * kayce Dutton x oc

Stanger things

Kisses and whiskey * billy hargrove x oc

All that I need * billy hargrove x oc

Shameless

You look happier * carl Gallagher x reader

Keep it in your pants * carl Gallagher x oc

[fanficforlife]

Chapter 5

You leaned back against your headboard and pressed number one on your speed dial. Your old neighbors, James and Anna, picked up on the first ring. "Hi, hun." Hearing Anna's voice caused a smile to immediately spread across your face. 

"Hi!"

"Just a sec. I'll put you on speaker... Okay, can you hear us?"

"Hi, Vi."

"I can hear you. Hi!"

"How are you doing? I know you said that you're good over texts but you haven't been able to update us on where you are. You’ve been busy the past two months. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad we've been texting back and forth lots but I miss the sound of your voice."

"But, it is best you don't text where you are. No trail." James added.

"Yeah, I'm sorry I haven't called sooner. I can’t believe it’s been two months. Time has gone by so fast here. I'm in Montana and the place I'm staying at is incredible. It's a huge ranch with mountains surrounding it. They keep me pretty busy. I clean the main house and do school runs for the owner's grandson, Tate."

"Oh, it sounds like a great place. The owner's grandson lives with him. Do the boy's parents also stay there?" Anna asked.

"His mom is dead but she was never in the picture, it's just him and his dad. He lives here too. The owner's other kids also live here. They are all upstairs, I'm on the main floor. Their cook has a room next to mine. All of the other wranglers and cowboys live in a bunkhouse."

"By the sound of it, you really like it there and finally found a place to settle down."

"I do really like it here." You agreed with Anna. "And, yeah, I think I am going to stay. The owner even gave me a horse. Well, technically it's still his but I got to name her. The guy who had her before was horrible to her and someone rescued her, they brought her here. She's so skinny and has scars all over. She's too weak to ride and even when she gains weight she might not be strong enough but she's beautiful. She's different shades of gray and has spots in some areas and solid gray in others. I named her Storm."

"She does sound beautiful...and you two have a bit in common."

"I um, I told the owner and two of his sons about Nick. His son's a lawyer and said I was hiding something, he was going to call the cops if I didn't tell them. The owner believes me and said I can stay here as long as I want. He said I'm safe here."

"Oh, honey, that makes me so happy." You could hear the relief in her voice.

"If he ever wants to talk to us just call," James said. "So, you can't ride your horse but have you seen the other ones or gotten on a different horse yet?" 

"I go out and see them a lot with Tate, he likes bringing them sugar cubes. You would love him. He's the sweetest kid. I help him with his homework and he helps me make cookies."

"What about his dad? What's he like?" Anna's voice was soft. 

"His dad...he's nice."

"Just nice? What's his name?"

"His name is Kayce and...and he's more than nice." You admitted as heat started to creep across your cheeks. "He's easy to talk to and kind."

"Is he cute?"

You giggled before answering James. "Yes, he's cute. He was going to teach me how to ride a horse but I chickened out."

"He's kind, good-looking, takes care of his son. He sounds like a good man."

"I think he is a good man..."

They knew by the sound of your voice that you thought you did something wrong. "Violet, honey, it's okay to like someone. You might have lived with Nick for the last six years but you haven't been in a relationship with him for almost two years. You were a prisoner." James informed softly. 

 "Nick...I'm scared..."

"I know, honey. Oh, I wish I was there to give you a hug."

His wife's voice broke so James took over. "I know you went through hell with the last one but they aren't all like that. This one could be good."

"Yeah..."

"Does he know?" James asked.

"No, I haven't told him."

"Violet!"

"Tate's calling me. I should go."

"Alright, sweetie." Anna sniffed. "We're here whenever you need to talk, anytime. I love you."

"Love you too, kid."

"Love you guys. Now that I'm settled I'll call again soon." You smiled as you hung up on the two people you loved the most in the world. 

There was a knock on your door as Kayce stepped through the open doorway. "I'm not interrupting am I?"

"No, I'm done." You set your phone on the nightstand and got up. "I'm guessing Tate's done his homework and is ready for s'mores."

"You heard him hollering from outside." He laughed.

"I did." The two of you headed for the kitchen. "Everything is ready to go. I have a travel mug with hot chocolate for him on here but would you be able to carry the mugs and thermos?"

"No problem." He got the five mugs and thermos full of coffee you had set out while you picked up the tray that held Tate's drink and everything you needed to make s'mores. You were supposed to all sit around the fire and roast marshmallows just over a week ago, Lee included. Now that his funeral was over, everyone was trying to get back to normal so it was time for Tate's s'mores night. 

After handing out coffee to John, Beth, and Rip, John's right-hand man on the ranch who Beth had a thing for, you went and sat on the bench next to Kayce. 

"Hey."

"Hi." You handed him one of the two mugs in your hands. 

"Were you on the phone with your family?" 

While you were helping Tate you got a text from your neighbors asking how you were. Since it was math homework and you hated math, you asked Kayce, who was sitting across the living room chatting with John, if he could help. You excused yourself and went to your room before calling your neighbors, instead of texting. "Yeah, kind of." A giggle left your lips when he cocked an eyebrow at kind of. "They were my neighbors. They're an older couple and kind of like adopted grandparents."

"Ah, got it. Everything's good?"

"Yeah, it is."

"I uh," he swallowed. "I gotta ride up to the ridge to check one of the pastures out. I was wondering if you'd like to come with me. Tate's spending the day with my dad so..."

"So, it would just be us." You finished when he died off. He looked at you while nervously running his thumb up and down the handle of his cup. You remembered your conversation with James and Anna and buried your fears. "Y-Yes." 

A shy grin tugged at his lips. "Good. Great." 

Tate came over holding two s'mores. "Here. I made you one." He handed one to you and the other to his dad. 

"Thank you."

"Thanks, bud." Kayce took a bite of his. "Just the right amount of burnt marshmallow." Tate laughed and went to John, who had another two marshmallows waiting on sticks. 

You took a bite of the gooey marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker sandwich as you watched Tate roasting the ones his grandpa gave him. Rip, Beth, John, and Kayce were laughing about something Beth said and you smiled. Maybe I can finally stop running. 

*****

Kayce's horse was the only one saddled and waiting in the corral when you walked over the next afternoon. "Does he have a name yet?" 

"Not yet." The cowboy turned to you with a smirk. 

"Some cowboy you are." You giggled as his horse nuzzled his head into your arms while you scratched his face. 

His smirk grew when you teased him, and it caused your stomach to flip flop. "I know we haven't had a chance to get out here so I can teach you how to ride yet so..." he jumped onto the horse's back. His hand reached out to you. "Do you trust me?"

You swallowed nervously. "Yes." His perfect crooked grin formed and you couldn't help but smile back. He glanced down at his hand and you placed yours in it.

"Alright, put your foot in the stirrup and I'll pull you up in front of me." You did what he said and he effortlessly helped you up. Once you swung your other leg over so you were properly seated, he reached around you with the reigns in one hand. "To get him to stop, sink on the saddle, lean back a little, and firm up your legs. Say woah and pull back gently on the reigns and he'll stop." 

"Okay."

"To get him moving, sit relaxed in the saddle and keep the reigns fairly loose. Give him a gentle squeeze with your lower legs. If he's feeling lazy and doesn't move, give him a couple of soft bumps with your heels." Kayce did and the horse started walking. He could feel you tense up and he automatically put his free arm around you. You immediately grabbed onto it. "I'm not gonna let you fall, Letty." 

"Uh, are you sure you wanna take him?" John asked as he and Lloyd leaned against the fence. "Blue Jeans might be better. A bit calmer."

"Yours' got a wild streak in him." Lloyd agreed. 

"With everyone on this ranch but her. He loves Violet."

John nodded in agreement. "True, but she's not the only one up there." 

You reached out and pet the horse's neck. "I trust him. And, you can't be a real cowboy without getting bucked off a horse at least once, right? If that happens, Kayce can break my fall."

John and Lloyd laughed as Tate came running over. 

"Grandpa, come on. I got the fishing rods like you asked."

"I'm coming grandson."

Tate looked at you and Kayce and grinned before John and Lloyd headed back with him. 

"Okay, let's get this show on the road." You relaxed slightly so he went to move his arm but you continued to hold on, keeping it in place. "I trust you and him but..." I'm still nervous as heck you finished silently. 

"No worries. I got ya." 

*

The farther the horse walked the more at ease you felt. Part of it might have had something to do with the cowboy sitting behind you though. Kayce pulled back on the reigns after fifteen minutes and slid off. After helping you down, he tied his horse to a low-hanging branch so it could graze. 

You walked past a few trees, reaching the edge of a small meadow. Kayce appeared next to you but quickly squatted down, grabbing your arm and pulling you down with him. Before you could ask what was wrong, he held his index finger up to his lips for you to be quiet and pointed past the rock you were hiding behind. In the middle of the tree-lined clearing were a doe and her fawn. Your hand went to the cowboy's arm in excitement. Being in the city your whole life, this was the first time you had ever seen a deer in person. 

Kayce smiled as he watched you. The amazement in your eyes, the grin on your face, it drew him to you even more. After a few minutes, he shifted, accidentally breaking a stick beneath his foot in the process, and the deer ran off. 

You watched them run off before turning to him and finding him looking at you. His gaze made the butterflies in your stomach dance while making you equally as nervous. His eyes went to your lips and he slowly started leaning in. You quickly stood up and hurried back to his horse "Aren't we uh, supposed to be checking a pasture or fence or something? We umm, we should-" 

Kayce came up behind you and placed his hand on yours, which was on the saddle horn about to pull yourself up. "Letty, wait. Please."

After taking a shaky breath you turned to face him. 

"I'm not imagining things, am I? There's something here, you and me." 

You swallowed and gave your head a quick nod. Your eyes left his and, since he was standing so close and couldn't go to the ground, went to the buttons on his shirt. 

"Yesterday when you were helping Tate with his homework and got a text, I stayed to help him but...but only for a minute. You left so fast, I was worried."

Your eyes widened. "H-how much did you hear?"

"Everything." He admitted sheepishly.

"I...I..."

"I've done things..." he trailed off before clearing his throat. "I might not be a good man when it comes to some things, most things. But, when it comes to you, I will be the best man I can be. I don't know who Nick is and how he hurt you so badly. But, I want you to know that I never would. I've never met someone who's made me feel like this before. You're kind, beautiful, you're amazing with Tate. I love spending time with you. You make me happy." He hooked a finger under your chin and tilted it up, revealing tears welling in your eyes. "You don't have to be scared, Letty. When you're ready, you can talk to me. No matter how long you need before you're ready and no matter what you say, I'm not going anywhere." 

The fierceness in his hazel eyes told you that he was telling the truth and a few tears started to slip from your eyes. His hands came up and cupped your face, his thumbs gently brushing the tears away.

"Can I kiss you?" He asked cautiously. 

You couldn't get out any words so you nodded. When his lips softly pressed against yours, every thought, every horrible memory of your ex disappeared. It was only the kind, caring cowboy and you. And, you kissed him back. 

When you parted, his eyes searched your face and found a shy smile. He let out a silent sigh of relief as he tucked your hair behind your ear. "We better get going and actually check the pasture I'm supposed to. Hop on." When his hand left your jaw, you instantly missed his touch but you climbed up and took your foot out of the stirrup so he could get on. His left hand held the reigns. His right arm wrapped around your waist, holding you close. The fingers on your right hand mixed with his while the other held onto the saddle horn. 

As you continued to your destination, you thought of how right it felt; living at the ranch, being with him, kissing him. Fear crept along the edges bringing the what if's but you knew Nick, he'd come to get you the second he knew where you were. The longest it took him to find you was two weeks. It's been four months since you left so instead of the fear seeping further inside, it was replaced by a calmness and you leaned into the cowboy and relaxed for the first time in years.

*****

"Violet, can I talk to you for a second?" John called from inside his office. 

You walked in holding the laundry basket you just emptied and sat down across from him. "Did you need something else washed?"

"No. No. You are always on top of that. I know I've said it before but you are the best damn housekeeper we've had. It's amazing what you get done in a day, even when you spend time with those two." His eyes went to the window where Tate was trying to tackle Kayce to the grass. 

You followed his gaze and smiled as you watched the two of them laughing on the ground. Your eyes lingered on them before returning to your boss, who was watching you intently. 

"They're pretty fond of you. Kayce told me he finally asked you out last week."

"Yeah." Heat crept across your cheeks but it quickly vanished. "I should have asked you if it was okay first, I'm sorry. I don't want to cross a line or umm, with Nick...I don't know..."

"Violet, it's okay. I'm not mad." He smiled softly. "You said if he knew where you were he would come get you right away. You left almost four and a half months ago. You don't have to worry about him. Even if he did come here, he wouldn't touch you." 

You searched his eyes and saw nothing but the truth so you nodded. 

"I've seen you with Tate. You're definitely his favorite person here." He chuckled. "And, my son, I haven't seen him this happy and engaged since I don't know when." His eyes went to the folded American flag nestled in a case on the shelf under the window. "The Navy took a lot out of him, and raising Tate on his own, it's been hard. Then Lee..." He focused back on you. "I honestly don't know how he would've gotten through it without you." After taking a deep breath he went on. "Nick hurt you in more ways than one and I know you are still dealing with that. I don't want you to feel pressured in any way to spend time with Kayce or Tate beyond your job."

"I don't feel pressured. I love spending time with them." You swallowed. "No one else knows about Nick, what he was like. They just think I left California because of a bad breakup."

"And, it can stay that way until you are ready to say otherwise. Kayce included. When you do say something you don't have to worry about anybody here telling anyone. You're safe here." 

A grateful smile pulled at your lips. "Thank you."

"I hear it's movie night tonight."

"It is. Once I put this basket away, Tate wants to go into town to pick up some snacks because all that's left in the pantry are healthy ones apparently." You chuckled. 

"Well, in that case, I could go for some potato chips."

"I'll add them to the list."

He smiled. "I'll let you go now. Don't want to keep the kid waiting or he'll come track you down." 

"Yes, he will. See you later." You smiled back before picking up the basket and heading to the laundry room.

*

You walked down the porch steps and out onto the lawn where Kayce had just picked up Tate and hung him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Tate laughed the whole time. 

"Hey, beautiful." The hand that wasn't holding Tate upside down went to your waist, and he leaned in to kiss you.

You smiled shyly and a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Hi." Jeez, he makes me feel like a schoolgirl with a crush.

"Violet! Dad put me down." Tate struggled so Kayce set him on his feet.

"Hi, bud. Ready to go?"

"Yup! Did you grab the list?"

"I did." Tate cheered and ran towards the driveway. "Do you have any requests for the movie tonight?"

Kayce's arms slid around your waist. "As long as you sit with me, that's all I need." You blushed again and he chuckled. "God, you're cute."

"Stop!" You pressed your forehead against his chest to hide your bright red cheeks. 

He chuckled again before kissing your hair. You lifted your head and gave him a wary look. "I'm done...for now." His hands went to your waist and tugged you close when you groaned. He dug in his pocket and pulled out his keys. "Here, you can take my truck."

"Really?"

"Really. I know the ranch ones are pretty big plus, you've been bugging me to let you drive it."

"Yeah, but I figured if there was ever a chance that you did let me drive you would have to be there."

"I trust you." He grinned and handed you the keys. 

"I promise I won't hurt your baby." You giggled when he squeezed your waist. 

"Violet!"

"I gotta go and you should probably get back to work and get done what you need to so you can actually watch the movie with us after supper."

"Yes, ma'am." He leaned in and pressed his lips against yours for a long slow kiss, leaving you with a smile when he pulled away. "Have I ever told you that you're fucking adorable?"

Red stained your cheeks. "Ugh, stop! I'm leaving now." You gave him a playful shove before turning and heading towards a waiting Tate. You could hear Kayce chuckling behind you and you smiled.

"Not that one." You told Tate who was about to open the work truck door. He looked at you and you held up Kayce's keys and shook them. 

"Dad's truck?!" 

"Mhm. We better hurry before he changes his mind."

He grabbed your hand. "Run!" His infectious laugh filled the air as he pulled you toward Kayce's truck. 

*

You glanced over at Tate and found him looking at you for the fourth time since you left the ranch. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"My dad really likes you."

"Oh, really. Why do you think that?"

"Because he let you drive his truck. He never lets anyone drive it, not even grandpa. Aaannd, because he stares at you all the time. Like, all the time." He giggled. 

Your cheeks darkened as you looked back at him and saw a huge grin on his face. "Well, umm..." You had nothing.

"You like him too, don't you?" 

"I uh, I...yeah. Yes. Your dad is...he's really nice."

Tate's smile grew and he went back to looking out his window. 

Your gaze lingered on the little boy who had quickly earned a place in your heart. As you focused back on the road, your thoughts went to his dad. The handsome cowboy with shoulder-length wavy brown hair and brown eyes that you could lose yourself in. His charm and kindness were rapidly earning him a place right next to his son. 

*

"I got these." Tate took the stack of four bowls off the counter.

"Thanks, bud. I'll be right there." He hurried out of the kitchen and headed for the living room while you poured the bag of potato chips into a bowl. You carried it out and placed it on the coffee table which was already overflowing with treats. "Tate and I may have gone a bit overboard." 

"We couldn't decide so we got it all." Tate looked at the spread with excited eyes. 

John, who was sitting with Tate, handed him an empty bowl before taking one for himself. "What will it be grandson?" Tate and John started filling their bowls with snacks. 

Kayce reached for you and tugged you down next to him, leaving you giggling. His arms wrapped around you. "I got what I want," Kayce whispered next to your ear. Heat crept across your cheeks as he pulled you onto his lap and kissed your temple. You smiled at him before leaning forward and filling a bowl with a bit of everything for the two of you. Once you settled back into his arms, John looked over. 

"Ready?" He smiled at the two of you across the coffee table as he held the remote control. 

"Ready," Kayce answered while a light shade of pink colored your cheeks. 

As the movie started playing, you cuddled against him and it was like Nick never existed. It had only been a week since Kayce had asked you out but every time you were with him all of the horrible memories, the doubts, the fears you had were replaced with happiness, excitement, and a feeling of normalcy that you hadn't experienced in years.

[countrymusiclover]

40 - Newest Dutton Baby

Country Rancher

This is the final chapter ❤️ thank you for reading

Tags @whateverthecostner @rosie-posie08 @kayceduttonn @kcloveswrestling @the-morning-star-falls @kaymudd @hcwthewestwaswcn

I gasped seeing water coming from between her legs since she was wearing just a dress and some socks after her shorts were tighter. “Oh my god. I think the babies coming.”

Kayce and I frantically turned our head towards one another sharing the same terrified look that we weren’t expecting this yet. Her due date wasn’t supposed to be until the rest of the family got back in town. “Call the helicopter!”

Kayce carried his first born daughter in his arms while we had someone else flying the helicopter for us. Carter had grabbed the baby bag. With the rest of our kids piling into the truck. “I’ll follow behind ya’ll. You stay with our baby girl.” Kayce told me when I climbed into the helicopter shutting the door behind me.

“Mommy, I’m scared.” Bree winced reaching for my hand when we rose off the ground flying as fast as we possibly could.

Grasping her hand in mine I sniffled through tears, remembering what it was like when I had her around my early 20’s. I still felt like I was a kid back then but nowhere near as young as she is. “I’m here, B. I’m always here. It’s you and me against the world.”

She sucked in a breath closing her eyes. And she remained that way for the rest of the flight. Finally we landed on the hospital building. Some medics rushed outside, rolling her into an elevator. I never let go of her hand even when her doctor came into the room. “Ms. Dutton, you are almost ready to push. But we will check up on you in a few hours.”

“Thanks doc.” I told her simply before she left the room leaving us alone.

Bree croaked through tears when she had some more contractions in her lower back. “Mommy, what if I can’t do this?”

“Don’t worry, baby girl.” Brushing hair out of her face I blinked through tears. “You are the strongest person I know. Heck when you were five years old you fell off my horse for the first time. But you wanted to get back on the second it happened.”

The door opened where I saw Carter and the others coming in. Kayce shut the door gently behind him. “How’s she doing? I called my dad and told him what’s going on. Unfortunately he can’t be home until the end of this month. So it will be a few weeks before he sees the new grandkid.”

“The doctor said she’s almost ready to deliver. But it would a few hours before she��s fully given the green light.” I shrugged my shoulders at my husband.

Carter went to her other bedside taking her other hand that I wasn’t holding. “Bree, I’m here. Uh…whatever you need from me.”

“Thanks Carter.” My daughter mumbles squeezing his hand.

Tate was helping Dallas and Elsa playing some games on the iPad we had got recently. Kayce walks over to me removing his hat where I got to my feet since he clearly needed to say something privately. “Little B, we’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Bree just nodded where we stepped out into the hallway shuttling the door behind us as we went. Wrapping my arms around myself I sighed heavily. “So what’s going on, Kayc?”

“I just needed a minute. Cause when I look at her right now I…it makes me think back to when I left you and how scared you probably were.” He ran a hand down his face.

Holding my hands I shake my head not being able to handle him crying right now. “Kayce, please don’t cry right now. Okay we’ve gone past this. Was it hard, yes. But you are here now. And I know you’re scared for our girl. But you aren’t alone. We’re in this together.”

“I just….feel like such an ass. For abandoning you for years because I chose Monica first over you. When it’s always been you who holds my heart and no one else will ever be that for me.” He sniffs through tears until I tug him against my chest. He buried his face into my neck where I ran my fingers through his hair.

“Kayce, I’ve forgiven you. Now we have to be there for Bree.” Breaking the hug we went back into the hospital room and just waited for about two more hours before the doctor came back in and said we had the green light.

Bree had asked that me and Kayce be in the room while she delivered even though we knew she loved Carter. So he stayed outside with Tate and the twins. “Alright Ms. Dutton. I need you to start pushing for me.” The doctor instructed her while she clasped our hands in hers.

She bared her teeth down while she began pushing as hard as she could until she threw her head back needing to rest. “I can’t do this, daddy…” She began panicking with her chest heaving up and down.

“Hey, hey, Little B. You are as strong as your mama. If she could get through this, so can you.” Kayce kisses her forehead holding back tears hating to see his daughter in pain and he could really do anything about this.

She gulped, gripping our hands tighter than she already had. She screamed while she was pushing with everything she had left in her. After a few more long pushes she threw her head back in relief hearing a baby’s cry filling the room. “Ohhh…” Leaning forward I kissed her forehead, smiling through tears.

The doctor handed the crying infant over to a nurse. She wrapped the baby in a soft blanket before he delivered the news. “Congratulations Ms. Dutton, you have a beautiful baby boy.”

“Have you all picked out a name yet?” The nurse asked Carter and her.

Carter chuckled nervously. “Uh no we haven’t.”

The nurse nodded gently, handing their baby boy over to them. “He’s perfect.” Bree began crying while she held her baby closer to her chest crying through happy tears.

Covering my mouth with my freehand Kayce moved around the bed. He wrapped his arms around me crying through tears. “Looks like we’re grandparents now huh Kayce. I…I can’t believe it. We’ve got a grandson.”

“Our little girl is just as strong as you are, darling.” He kisses my forehead watching the doctor and nurses leave the hospital room giving us time alone together.

Carter shifts his gaze down to the infant in his girl's arms. “He’s so tiny…”

“Can we meet the new baby now?” Dallas burst into the room.

Tate came in with Elsa dragging him behind her. “Are you going to name it after grandpa or daddy?”

“Kiddos enough with the questions. Alright your sister has been through a lot tonight. Let’s let her get some rest now.” Kayce looks down at the rest of our kids who were being impatient.

Tate dropped his smile. “Awe come on, dad.”

“Tate, don’t push it.” I warned him with a glare.

Bree cleared her throat causing all of us to turn our attention to the teenage couple. “Mommy, I think I might actually have a name for this little guy. Because I have been reading some letters from 1923. And I found a name I rather liked.”

“Honey , you don’t have to rush into this. It took me a while before I found the perfect name for you.” I reassured her by squeezing Kayce’s hand in mine.

Bree shook her head glancing over at Carter. “It’s okay, mom. The name I want is Spencer. Spencer Kayce Dutton.”

“Are you two going to get married at some point?” Kayce asked his daughter, blinking through tears while a grin was plastered on his face at hearing his name being the boy's middle name.

Carter rubbed the back of his neck avoiding his gaze before Bree sent him a grin. “Uh no sir. But I ain’t going anywhere, Mr. Dutton.” I laid my head on Kayce’s shoulder where he tugged me closer to his embrace, happy that we were all okay.

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[onlydevilsleft]

KNOWING YOUR PARTNER WELL CAN POTENTIALLY MAKE WRITING TOGETHER A LOT EASIER. ( REPOST DO NOT REBLOG ! )

○    name: Morgan

○    pronouns: she/her

○    preference of communication: tumblr IM, asks, discord if we’re mutuals

○     name of muse(s): too many! but here, the Dutton Clan, some select OCs

○    experience/how long (months/years?): at least 15 years but it’s like i just started yesterday. time flies!

○    platforms you’ve used: tumblr, discord, a couple forums, email, and texting as well.

○    best experience: on this blog, it’s had it’s ups and downs but meeting the few new friends i’ve made here has more than made up for it. the world deserves the friends i’ve made here.

○    rp pet peeves / dealbreakers: godmodding, holier than thou complex ooc, unreadable formatting, disrespecting me, my rules, or my muse. more than anything coming at me with romantic plots/pregnancy things/intimate things muses should have chemistry for, without benefit of that chemistry or plotting it out with me first.

○    fluff, angst, or smut: all three of them are amazing; they’re all three facets of any and all relationships a muse can make.

○    plots or memes: both. memes are always cool to start or to get ideas but plots are what i thrive on. world building! woot woot!

○    long or short replies: both. when i’m looking at all the drafts in my queue and they’re all novella length, it gets a little overwhelming, but it’s always something i can manage. one way or another. medium length are superior. short ones are ok but i notice they don’t move forward the plot very often.

○    best time to write: whenever i find muse is high and inspiration to match.

○    are you like your muse(s): not all of them. i think the ones i’m closest with here, are Kayce and Cara.

tagged by: stolen from: @savedpeople​ tagging: @alltheangelsaregone / @blxsscd-x-fxrsakcn / @xgoldxnhour / @muse-collection / @thatslayer /

[annepsilvaauthor]

You Belong With Me - Jamie Dutton

Pairing: Jamie Dutton x OC (Ava North)

Summary: Ava only wanted one thing: to be a horse tamer. And when she had the chance, she took it. Ava became the new horse tamer of Yellowstone, a totally different ranch from the others she met, either because of its immensity or because of family problems. Ava thought her problems were big, but when she met the Dutton family that thought dies. However, there is a Dutton who is a point out of the curve, a lawyer mistreated by the problems and by his own family. Meeting Jamie Dutton may not have been the work of chance, after all one broken understands the other.

Warnings: Subtle sexual innuendos, brief language, alcohol consumption, angst, smut, fluffy.

Author's note: Can someone tell me how I put the "read more" by app? Please, help me!

Part III

Someone I can't have

The days went by and Ava became more and more connected with the cowboys and especially with the foreman. They didn't have another moment as intimate as that, since Ava no longer showed any interest beyond the conversations and Lee seemed to understand this. She respected him and liked to see that he respected her equally. This fact alone could have made him even more attractive, but something got in the way. He was kind, capable and kissed very well, he was a man. Why didn't she feel attracted to him?

One day the Duttons invented to have a family reunion on top of the horses. She could see Lee, Jamie and another brother she later discovered was Kayce, John's youngest son. There was a boy with him and from the way John looked at that boy, he was his grandson. But there was no sign of Kayce's wife, if he had any. Ava knew there were more children, a woman, but she didn't leave the House much and she certainly wouldn't share that moment with them.

Ava rode on one of the horses and joined the other cowboys, waiting for the Duttons to gather on the horses. Lee was the first and stood next to her at a distance considered far enough not to cause suspicion, but close enough to take care of her. Ava can observe Rip's look on himself, curious and mocking. She knew he understood what was happening between them, but had let her bear her own decisions. And she would thank him for that.

Jamie was the second to climb the horse. That stallion was one of the most docile and calm in the stable, which made it clear how far Jamie was from the farm and the routine of the cowboys. He certainly wasn't a landowner. At least, Jamie didn't get out of balance and managed to guide his horse to where Lee was, keeping his eyes fit, of course, on John Dutton. He helped his grandson to climb on his horse with satisfaction and love, with a look that she had not yet seen launch even to Lee, let alone Jamie.

Jamie, at a rare moment, looked away from John to Ava. It was a quick moment, maybe milliseconds, but she can glimpse a look of sadness. He fixed his gaze on Kayce, calling him to ride, but Ava kept watching him. Once again he had dressed differently from the suit and tie, wore boots, jeans, a white shirt and a cream jacket. However, as much as he dressed like a cowboy, he wasn't one. The well-aligned hair was certainly not from a cowboy. Jamie represented everything that Ava never managed to stay close to, that she never saw in that small town. He represented a class very far from her. Still, her body kept burning whenever she saw him.

Kayce finally joined the rest of the family and everyone headed to the countryside, where they guided the immense buffaloes from one valley to another. They did that from time to time to give the land time to recover while the buffaloes fed on the other part. The land trembled with the noise of the strong footsteps of the animals, both buffaloes and horses and Ava admired the beautiful and raw landscape of Yellowstone. The clean air, green and blue of the sky enchanted her every day as if it were the first time.

"I'll get him going for you." Kayce informed Lee with a playful smile.

"Race you!" Lee took the challenge and rode next to his brother, pairing the speeds in the middle of the herd.

"Men." She laughed alone when she watched the two brothers increase their speed more and more and the buffaloes follow them downhill.

"Think they should hold here." Jamie announced to his father, who ignored him for a few minutes.

"Kayce might be the only man who can outride him." John replied calmly as he watched the two sons ride through his land and then walked away from Jamie taking Tate with him.

The cowboys continued with their work and followed John, but Ava took a few seconds to watch Jamie. He stood there after hearing that from his father, with a sad and disappointed expression. John had said with all the letters that Jamie was not good enough to defeat Lee. And that statement didn't seem to be just about the race. Jamie was destined to be just the family's lawyer forever, at least according to John Dutton.

Before following the same direction as the others, Ava noticed a mucca on the back loins of Jamie's horse and rode to him. Jamie received her with a question mark on his face, after all, their last meeting had not been so friendly for her to want to approach him again.

"There's a mucca on your horse, sir. Don't move. I'm going to remove it." Ava informed respectfully when she got close enough to him. Jamie was reluctant for a moment, as if he didn't believe she was helping him, but gave in with a nod. If that mucca stung the horse, God knew how far he would take Jamie.

"Be quick." Jamie ordered by observing that the herd and the cowboys were distancing themselves. Ava rolled her eyes without him noticing and stretched towards Jamie's horse, pushing the mucca away with the thick gloves.

"Quick enough?" She didn't contain the sarcastic comment. "Oh, sorry...sir."

Jamie shook his head in front of her comment and left towards the others without looking back.

"Thank you, Ava. You were very kind." She replied to herself and rode quickly in the direction of the other cowboys.

After they guided the herd to valley nine, the Duttons took a different turn on the way back. They took a turn and rode towards the river. Ava and some cowboys remained at the top of the hill, waiting for the bosses to fish in the river. They prepared the baits and hoisted them over the water while still riding the horses. They seemed to be having fun and for a moment Ava wished she wasn't a cowgirl and could just had fun in that river.

Lee was the first to catch a fish and handed the fishing rod to Kayce, who gave it to Tate. John Dutton had gone up with the other cowboys to solve landowner problems and left his grandson with his father. Tate was an adorable boy who didn't seem to have much contact with nature, at least not like that.

"I got a fish!" Tate exclaimed excitedly to his father.

Ava observed that Jamie had positioned himself in the center of the river and after a few minutes he hooked a fish as well. Then Jamie got off the horse in a cumsy jump and wrapped the nylon thread of the fishing rod.

"Lee, get my horse. Whoo!" Jamie exulted when he could catch that fish as if he were a child, almost as excited as Tate. "Little late in the year for that!"

"Do they have the habit of coming here?" Ava asked Ryan, one of the cowboys who had been left behind.

"Not in recent years." He responded by watching the family downstairs. "Only Lee still shows up here from time to time."

"You can tell that."

Ava watched Jamie lift his huge fish from the river with a smile of satisfaction. He seemed very proud of his feat, it almost seemed that he had never done something so good that he deserved to be proud of or that someone had never given him due recognition. One thing or another, the fact was that Jamie seemed happy. It was the first time Ava saw him smile, most of the time Jamie was frowing, sad or worried. She could almost see every line of expression of his no longer so young face from above. He raised the fish so high that she thought he wanted to show her his big fish too. She laughed without warning.

"Oh, she's so beautiful." Jamie admired the dead fish in his hands.

The Dutton brothers lit a small bonfire by the river and roasted the two fish they had caught. They were more comfortable at that moment, taking off their jackets and sitting on small tree trunks. The moment seemed so intimate that Ava felt bad for having to watch them. She, more than anyone, knew the value of privacy and they deserved it.

"You're gonna raise him on a reservation?" Lee asked his brother about Tate while eating some of the roasted fish.

"People do it every day." He responded in disdain while taking care of his son's fish.

"Cause they have no choice, Kayce." Jamie entered the conversation after eating another piece of the fish, carrying a small knife between his big hands.

"Yeah, looks like you're ready to eat." Kayce ignored the brothers' comments to pay attention only to her son.

"It's a good day." Tate sentenced by finally tasting his fish.

"Every day, just like this." Jamie reported excitedly, but Kayce didn't buy that.

"Who are you kidding? Bet you haven't fished here in years."

"Only thing we haven't done in years is seeing you, Kayce." Jamie replied looking for another piece of fish meat.

"Well, he told me to leave."

"He told us all to leave." Lee recalled with the most serious voice. "You were just the only one who did."

"It's different. You know that."

"So you're gonna raise him in that meth-filled desert to prove a point." Lee continued to debate with his brother.

"What I'm proving you'll never understand." Kayce explained and the brothers laughed.

"Shit, I miss being young. You wake up in the morning and you just keep right on dreaming, huh?" Lee mocked his younger brother.

"You're a 38-year-old bachelor living in your father's house, working 100-hour week for a nibble of his approval." Kayce countered directly in a heavy argument. "Is that the dream, Lee? Sure as shit it ain't mine."

Ava could see the brothers talking from afar without being able to hear them, but she could notice a certain repulsion and anger in Lee's always cheerful expression. She wonder what they were talking about? Suddenly, Lee caught a pebble and threw it in the direction of Kayce, who deviated before the piece hit his face.

"Hey! Don't throw things at my dad!" Tate screamed anrily and got up to throw, with all his childish strength, the fish he had caught on Lee. The brother fell back more scared than by the force of the object. "Fucker!"

The brothers laughed because of the boy's behavior and verbiate. Even Ava laughed from up there. It was something so unexpected that she couldn't hold back her own laugh even if she didn't know what it was all about. Lee was hit by a little boy. She would definitely make fun of him later.

And there it was again, his smile. It was more surprised than happy, but it was still a beautiful smile. Jamie had big and wide teeth, but crooked. She was sure he could have left them straight if he wanted to, he had money for it. Ava didn't understand why someone who apparently cared so much about appearance didn't care about their own teeth. However, she had to admit that it matched him. A sign of imperfection on that plastic mountain. She liked that, it was fucking charming.

The brothers remained talking for a long time until Tate seemed tired and they decided to return home. The Duttons reunited again with the cowboys and they rode back. Jamie didn't ride as fast as his brothers, not even the cowboys, so he always ended up behind the crowd. And this distance allowed him to see a red handkerchief stuck in one of the branches of the trees. Jamie recognized it and approached to pick it up, keeping it in his jacket pocket.

Upon arriving at the stables, the cowboys collected the Duttons' horses to feed them inside the barn and they all entered the house, at least that's what Ava thought. She took care of the last horse in the stable, combing the mane while he fed, when she saw boots appear at the door. Ava raised her head to contemplate Jamie Dutton.

"Is there a problem, sir?" She asked with a frown, since he had never entered there since she had taken over the job.

"My father cares about his men as much as about animals and the land, Ava. He gives you everything you need to take care of what is his." He began his report by crossing his arms over his chest and staring at her with disdain.

"We are grateful for that, sir."

"Is it really? It doesn't look like it. Where's your handkerchief, Ava?"

She continued to frown at his question and looked for the piece on her neck, but did not find it. Ava widened her eyes and looked under her jacket, in her pockets and even in the cabin, but she couldn't find it. Holy shit! She sighed strongly and closed her eyes for a second trying to remember where she could have left it. Damn, the wind was so strong that day that it could have fallen anywhere.

"I lost it, sir." Ava responded after realizing that lying would not be the best option.

"Good. You were honest." Jamie let out a mini smile and rummaged through his jacket pocket, removing the red scarf. Ava opened her mouth slightly in surprise and closed it immediately. "It was near the river. It looks like you got distracted."

"This is not going to happen again, sir."

Jamie didn't answer by just studying her entirely with those huge and bright blue eyes. She had never been so close to him as to see them like that. They were beautiful, although a little sad. Jamie extended the handkerchief towards her and Ava picked it up, but not before she felt a remnant of his warm skin between her fingers. Sparks exploded from that touch.

"I feel like I know you from somewhere." Jamie resumed talking after the brief shock.

"I don't think so, sir. I would remember, for sure."

"You would?" Jamie asked almost choking and Ava felt a little powerful for making him disassemble like that.

"We are from completely different worlds, sir. If I'm in a place where you are, or that place is poorly frequented or it's from high society." Ava acquired a seductive tone that she had no intention of having. Jamie swallowed it dry over and over again. "I would definitely remember someone like you."

"Someone like me..."

"Yes, someone I can't have."

Ava didn't understand why she did that, in fact, she knew well, she just didn't understand why she couldn't contain herself. He was her boss, just like Lee. If she continued like that, she would lose the respect of cowboys and bosses. But she couldn't help but like everything that Jamie threw at her at that moment, in complete shock, as if he had never heard something like that from someone, especially from a woman. Ava saw him as an imposing man, smart enough to rid the ranch of many problems, but she realized that Jamie didn't seem to have many experiences with women. He seemed naive, disconcerted and fucking surprised. Probably, Jamie had never been desired by a woman before, at least, not one as attractive as Ava.

"IIII, I need to go." He stuttered and swallowed dry several times.

"OK, sir. Thank you for returning the handkerchief to me." Ava maintained the malicious tone and opened an irresistible smile, which Jamie almost disassembled in front of her. "Have a good day, Mr. Dutton."

"Likewise, Ava."

Jamie squeezed the step away from the stable and if she wasn't looking maybe he would have run out of there. Once alone, Ava allowed herself to laugh at the situation and bit her lower lip.

"Did you see that, Leon?" She talked to the horse that squeamed.

[jungle-angel]

Out in the Middle: Part 9

Summary: The old ways are strong with this one

Notes: So I did a little bit of research into what the Indian Relay Races are and watched video footage, if you guys wanna see how crazy this gets, let me know and I’ll edit this with a link to some footage

Music/Soundtrack piece: “Tryouts” by Jerry Goldsmith (from the film “Rudy”)

Tagging: @tallrock35​ and anybody else who loves this series

Wes bit his lip nervously, his leg restless as ever and the anxiety creeping into the back of his head. It was only the second day of the rodeo and already he was twitchier than a rabbit during mating season. 

“I can’t do it,” he said. 

“Wes.....” Rhett said, almost as though he was warning him. 

“Do you not understand the words that are coming outta my mouth?!” Wes questioned.  

“I understand alright,” Rhett retorted. “But I’m sparin myself a lifetime of your bitchin and moanin if ya’ll don’t commit.” 

“Oh, making commitment jokes now are we?” 

“Hush your mouth dumbass,” Rhett told him. “That there’s a one hundred and fifty thousand dollar cash prize, enough for ya’ll to build your mom and dad a spare house and repair the existing one. So what’s it gonna be?” 

Wes gritted his teeth and placed his hands on Rhett’s shoulders. “You always knew how to talk people into doing stupid shit,” he muttered. 

Rhett gave him a naughty little cackle before the two of them knocked heads, shook hands and spat in the dirt for good luck. “You’re gonna do fine,” Rhett assured him. “(Y’n), Nora and the rest of us’ll be watchin in the stands. Just promise if ya’ll get kicked by the horse you wan’t go cross-eyed.” 

“Bruh, I make no such promises,” Wes laughed. 

The call to ready the horses was made and Rhett left Wes to tend to his horse and the rest of his team. Deep down, he was nervous as hell for his best friend, but Wes had years and years of horse riding experience under his belt, to say nothing of the fact that years of generational and historical roots that ran as deep as the Yellowstone River. 

He met you in the stands, not fifteen minutes later with all the kids and the rest of the family close by to watch. “He good?” you asked as Frankie crawled into your lap. 

“Nervous as hell but I don’t blame him,” Rhett answered.  

“He’ll do fine,” you assured him. “Wes knows what he’s doing.” 

Rhett put his arm around you and drew you close, just happy to have you and the others around to support his best friend. 

The voice of the MC announced the entrance of Wes’s team into the ring, the crowd cheering them on as he read off the names and where they were all from, your voices joining in with theirs. 

Down in the ring, Wes and the rest of the team lined up, all of them burning with the anticipation of the race to start. They had come from all over the US, from the Dakotas, the Plains and from the Navajo lands in Arizona and New Mexico, all of them hoping to compete and show their skills. His horse scratched the dirt with his hoof, snorting with nervous anticipation. 

“Nervous Wes?” Casey Begay asked him. 

“You have no fuckin clue,” Wes answered. 

“We’ll do fine,” Casey told him. “Just hang on and don’t let go no matter what.”

Wes nodded and took a deep breath. “Alright Red,” he said to the horse, gripping the reigns a little tighter. “It’s just you and me bud.” 

The sound of the horn and they were off, the competitors thundering across the dirt, each one trying to get ahead of the other. The hoofbeats of the horses were deafening as they rode on, clouds of red-brown dust kicking up all around them like a dusty fire. Wes rode well ahead of the other competitors, coming back across the line and jumping onto the back of another horse as quick as he could, his teammates close behind him......

“And well in the lead comes Wes Redwood of Wabang, Wyoming, Casey Begay of Santa Fe, New Mexico and James Blue Thunder of Pine Ridge, South Dakota!!!” The MC announced. 

Up in the stands, you, Rhett, the kids and the whole family cheered the team on as they kept up in the race, your voices as loud as the riders. Barely anyone could be heard over the roar of the crowds and the thundering horses, let alone what the commentators were saying. 

“Look!! Look!!! Here comes Wes!!!” 

The entire crowd seemed to stand, you and Rhett along with the kids and your families, your nerves on their last edge, waiting to see who would cross the finish line first......

“AND WE HAVE OUR FIRST PLACE WINNERS!!!!! WES REDWOOD, CASEY BEGAY AND JAMES BLUE THUNDER!!!!!!” 

Rhett caught you in his arms and Cecelia caught Nora before the both of you could faint, the cheers growing louder as everyone chanted the names of the victors. 

“You see that?!!” Rhett called out. “THAT’S MY BEST FUCKIN FRIEND OUT THERE AND DON’T ANY O’ YA’LL EVER FORGET IT!!!!!!” 

[child-of-of-the-sunshine]

Highschool Sweethearts

Chapter 1

This fic is inspired by the song butterflies by Kayce Musgraves.

I don't know what drew me to the reckless cowboy and youngest Dutton. When I had just moved here from Texas my sophomore  for my dad's job. Maybe it was his smile or maybe his laugh. But all that is over since cheated on me with Monica and got her pregnant. While I was off at Army basic training. I was at the ranch for Lee's funeral knowing full well Kayce would here with his family. After Lee was in the ground John pulled me aside

"Taylor." John said walking with me

"Yes, Mr Dutton." I said

"I know asked you this before-" I cut him off "John I love this ranch it my second home." I said

"You didn't let me finish." He said looking at me

"Sorry." I said looking down

"You want to work for me?" He asked

"Yes." I said looking up at him

"You start training Monday." He said before walking w

"John what do mean training, I worked here during the summer when I wasn't doing rodeos." I said running up to him

"your going to my new livestock agent." He said smiling"oh." I said looking down

"You don't have to." He said

He pulled something out of pocket and handed it to me. I looked down and saw the badge

"It's if you want it." He said he

"I've been looking for a since I got out, but I did just get back into rodeo." I said looking up at him

Monday came quick and I went to the livestock office and started training after training I went to the Ranch with my bag and my horse stuff. I stopped at the barn when I saw John and got out of my Jeep and put in my hat

"Your hanging with Ryan." John said pointing at the cowboy

I walked over induced myself "Taylor Ramirez." I said holding my hand out

"Ryan." He said smiling

"I want her riding with until she get her card." John said before walking away

I heard horses riding up

"Boys she will give a run for your for money." Loyld laughed behind me

"I haven't been in horse since I've been out." I said turning around and smiling

"How about you grab your stuff and Ryan will show you the bunkhouse." Loyld said before riding away

I walked back to my Jeep and looked back at Ryan

"You coming?" I asked getting into my Jeep and looking at Ryan

He walked over to the passenger side and got and I drive to the bunkhouse and park my Jeep and get my bag out of my car and walk to the bunkhouse and Ryan showed me my bunkhouse

He walked over to the passenger side and got and I drive to the bunkhouse and park my Jeep and get my bag out of my car and walk to the bunkhouse and Ryan showed me my bunkhouse

[fanficforlife]

~

You stepped out of the cab in awe. A huge log house with a wraparound porch loomed in front of you. Across from the house, there were miles of fences along with three large barns and corrals. But, what really held your attention was the view past all of the buildings. Snow-covered mountains and trees surrounded the property, everywhere you looked the view was incredible.

"Miss?"

You spun around to see the driver waiting with your bag. "Oh, sorry." After taking your suitcase from him, you paid him a hefty sum. Since you didn't have a car and the ranch was quite a ways from the city, you were expecting it. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." The older man smiled before climbing back in the car and driving off.

Okay. Do I go to the house or... Your eyes left the front door when you heard talking behind you, three cowboys saddling up horses. One of the men was already watching you and when your eyes meet, you froze. Your heart stirred from the slumber that had plagued it for the past two years.

The other cowboys, a man who looked similar to the one who caught your eye and an older one with a grey mustache who had both been trying to get his attention, followed his gaze to you. The man who looked like he could be his brother grinned and swatted the guy who was staring at you. The tall, good-looking rancher smiled. You swallowed before quickly looking away.

"You must be Violet." A strong voice sounded from the porch.

"Yes, I am."

"John." He informed. "I can get that."

"No, it's okay. I can do it." You picked up your suitcase and started up the steps but he took the bag from you when it was within reach.

"So, Rick from the motel tells me you've had cleaning jobs in the past."

"Yes, at a few different motels."

He set your bag down as you walked into the large living room which was partially open to the second floor above. "How long were you at each one?"

"Umm, I've kind of been on the road the past two months so I've worked at each one for a week or two. Before I started traveling I lived in a big house and did all of the cleaning."

"So, are you looking for a new place to settle down or would we only have you for a week or two before you move on to the next town? Unless we're your last stop before going home. Rick said you're originally from California?"

"Yes, California. I'm not going back." Your hands wrung together tightly before you took a quick, calming breath. "I've been looking for somewhere new to stay and this is without a doubt the most beautiful place I've been."

John smiled as you both looked at the view through the glass patio door. "I've lived here my whole life and I'm still not tired of it." His eyes lingered on the mountains for a few seconds before turning back to you. "Sit." He motioned to the couch while he sat on a chair across from it. "Our original housekeeper, Mrs. Sanders, was with us for seven years before she got sick and had to leave. She did the normal housekeeping tasks: the floors, dusting, laundry, beds. She was also the one who took care of my grandson, Tate, when he was younger. His mom's never been in the picture and my son was in the Navy when he was a baby. I've raised my kids but I'm not as young as I used to be and that kid can be a handful sometimes." He chuckled. "His dad's name is Kayce, he works on the ranch and lives upstairs, and so does Tate. He's seven years old so he'll be in school most of the time. The only time we will really need your help is driving him to and from school. Is that something you are okay with? And, the cleaning?"

"Yes, the cleaning is good and I'm okay with school runs and whatever else you need."

"Good. Good. Well, from what you've told me and what Rick said, the job is yours, if you want it?"

"Yes, it sounds great."

He smiled. "We can get to the paperwork later this week but I can show you to your room. Rick told you it was a live-in position, correct?"

"He did." You stood up and reached for your suitcase but he beat you to it.

He grinned and lead you through the expansive main floor, showing you the dining room and kitchen on the way. "We have a cook so you don't have to worry about that. He lives in the bunkhouse with the wranglers. Help yourself to whatever you want in the fridge and pantry. If there is something that you want food-wise, you can add it to the running grocery list hanging on the fridge. Oh, that's another job you might get. Gator, our cook, hates grocery shopping."

"No problem." You smiled as he rounded a corner and opened the first door in the hallway.

"This will be your room." He set your bag next to the bed. "My other son and daughter also live here. Their rooms are upstairs. I should probably warn you that my daughter, Beth, is pretty particular. You will be the fourth housekeeper since our original one had to leave two months ago. Beth's made a list of tasks and what days to do them, hopefully, making it a bit easier on you. I hope you like it here because I'm tired of hiring a new one every other week." He chuckled. "My oldest son, Lee, lives on the property. You might have noticed the other two houses over the hill?" You nodded. "Lee is in the one closest to the main house. The other one is the ranch foreman's house. You don't have to worry about cleaning either of those. Did you need some time to get settled or...?"

"No, I'm good. I can start now."

"Alright. I'll give you a quick tour upstairs before I head out. I'll pick up Tate from school today and do the school run tomorrow so you can get used to the house then you can take over on Monday. I'll come with you in the morning and let ya know where you're going."

*****

"Violet, this is my son, Kayce, and my grandson, Tate."

You looked up from the clean pile of laundry you just finished folding to see John standing in the doorway of the laundry room with a cute little brown-haired boy. And, the tall, good-looking cowboy you had locked eyes with two days ago. He's even cuter up close but he's technically my boss. Plus, after everything... "Hi."

"Hi," Kayce said as his piercing brown eyes gazed into yours.

"I like your name."

"Thank you." You smiled at Kayce's son. "I like yours too."

"How did you get that scar on your face?"

Kayce gave his son a swat. "Tate."

"No, it's okay. I uh, fell off my bike when I was little."

"Ouch. I bet it hurt."

"It did." Your mind went to the night you got the scar that ran from your jaw up to your cheekbone...and how you actually got it.

"Grandpa said you're from California. Are you a transplant?"

"A transplant?"

Kayce's cheeks darkened and John stifled a grin, knowing what Tate was about to say. "Dad said a transplant is someone who moves here and tries to make it like the place they left. Rich people from California move here all the time. Are you rich? Do you want it to be like where you're from?"

"The last thing I want is for it to be like where I left." You replied quickly and Kayce's eyes searched your face. Your chest tightened. Why did I say that? And, I answered too fast. "And, umm, I'm definitely not rich." You smiled down at Kayce's son.

"So, she's one of us." Tate looked up at his dad.

Kayce's eyes surveyed your face as he smiled. "Yeah, I think she is."

Tate grinned before looking around curiously. "What are you doing?"

"Oh, I just finished folding some laundry."

"So, now what are you going to do?"

"Now I'm going to go put it away."

"Can I help?"

John and Kayce looked down at the boy with wide eyes. "You want to help put laundry away?" His grandpa asked in shock.

You smiled down at the seven-year-old. "I'm sure there are a bunch of other things you would rather do on a Saturday than put towels away."

"I wanna help. You're just going to check fences and I don't want to."

"I don't know if Violet's going to want to have to keep an eye on you, buddy. We're going to be gone for a couple hours."

"But dad, I'll be good."

John looked at you. "Feel free to say no. I know that when you were done with this you were done for the day."

"He can stay and hang out. I was actually thinking of making some cookies when I was done with this."

"Yay! I can help!"

You giggled at how excited he was, and your eyes left him and went to his dad. Heat crept across your cheeks when you found his eyes already on you.

"Alright then, I guess it's just you and me son." John clapped a hand on his son's shoulder.

"Are you sure you're okay with him getting in your way?"

You smiled. "Yes, I'm sure."

Kayce nodded. "I guess it is just us then. Do whatever she says, okay buddy?"

"I will." He left the doorway and came to your side. "Let's hurry and put this away so we can get to the cookies. Gator's a good cook but he sucks at making cookies. Do you make cake? He sucks at those too."

While Tate continued on, John left grinning. Kayce gave you a smile that made the butterflies in your stomach which had gone dormant long ago, begin to flap their wings. No. You gave your head a quick shake before picking up the laundry basket full of clean towels. "To the linen closet down the hall." Tate nodded and you followed him out of the room, answering his nonstop questions.

*****

"So, how were your first two weeks?" Kayce asked after pouring himself a cup of coffee.

You had just finished making chocolate chip cookies and set a plate of them on the kitchen island in front of him, Lee and Beth, had both filled a mug before him and sat down. "They were really good."

He picked up a cookie as John walked in with his other son, Jamie. "And, Tate, bringing him to school and back is going okay? I'm sorry he's been hanging around you so much."

"Bringing him there and back is good." You stepped out of the way when Jamie crowded in next to his dad to get a coffee. "You don't have to apologize. I like spending time with him, he's a great kid."

"I think you might be his favorite person on this ranch." John chuckled and grabbed a cookie. "And, if this is the outcome, he can spend all his free time with you. You're a great baker."

"Thanks but Tate's the one who should get most of the praise though. He likes to do most of it. I'm just in charge of the oven."

"Great, the heir of the ranch would rather bake than ride a horse." Jamie huffed.

Kayce's smile disappeared and was replaced with a scowl. "What the hell's your problem today? If Tate wants to spend time with Violet and make cookies instead of going for a ride, he can."

Beth rolled her eyes. "He's just a kid, Jamie. Besides, Violet is the perfect little cleaning fairy, she's always done everything before she goes to pick up Tate from school. It's a good thing too because she's been helping him with his homework when he needs it. Lord knows we're all busy enough during the day. By the time we can help him, he should be in bed and sleeping already."

"We barely know anything about her and you let your son spend more time with her than he does with you."

You swallowed while your hands started wringing together.

"Seriously, what the fuck is your problem?" Kayce snapped.

John placed a hand on his youngest son's shoulder. "Kayce, why don't you go find Tate? He's out by the corrals watching the guys work with some cattle."

He took a deep breath and nodded. Before he left he walked over and placed his cup in the sink. His hand wrapped around your wrist and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

Jamie scoffed. "She's not only got her claws in your son but she's also hooked you too."

You hung your head, staring down at your hands.

"You really need to shut your fucking mouth." Kayce spun around to face his older brother. When his fingers left your skin, you immediately missed his calloused touch, but you pushed it to the back of your mind.

"Kayce." John stepped in front of him.

"Come on little brother." Beth got up and went to Kayce's side. "I have a meeting I need to get to. You can walk me to my car." She gave you a soft smile. Every morning this past week, you had taken your cup of coffee out onto the porch while you enjoyed the sun beginning to peak over the mountain tops. Beth had joined you, whether you were visiting back and forth or just relishing in the quiet before your days started. You liked her and her tell-it-like-it-is, take-no-shit attitude.

Kayce gave a small nod. As he followed his sister out, a sympathetic smile pulled at his lips, and his eyes bore into yours. You looked from him to Jamie, who was glaring at you.

"So, Violet, where are you from? And, don't say a small city in California we've never heard of. We are also still waiting for your social security number."

Lee set his mug down with a scowl on his face. "Calm down, brother."

"I umm," your hands clenched together while your heart started to race.

"Well?!" Jamie snapped and you flinched.

"Jamie, that's enough," John said firmly. "Violet, why don't we go to my office?"

Unfortunately, Jamie was hot on your heels and the second you sat down in one of the chairs across from John's desk, he attacked again. "So, you won't tell us where you're from, you won't give us your social security number so we can add you to the payroll. What about why have you only stayed at your previous positions a week or two before leaving? Are you a thief? Did you steal from them?"

"Jamie," John warned.

"She's hiding something!" His voice rose while you sat staring at your shaking hands clenched together on your lap. "Where are you from in California? Did you get into trouble there? Why are you running?"

"Jesus, Jamie." Lee sat down in the chair next to yours.

"I looked you up. There's no one named Violet Smith matching your description from California."

Your heart began to pound out of your chest. "I-I-" tears started to prick your eyes, "I've never stolen anything or done anything illegal."

"She's obviously lying! She wouldn't have given you a fake name if she wasn't hiding."

"I...I am hiding but not from the cops, not really."

"Not really?" Jamie mocked.

"Violet, who are you hiding from? Maybe we can help."

"We can help ourselves and let the cops know she's here."

"No! Please, don't. He'll kill me!"

John's brow furrowed. "Who will kill you?"

"M-my fiancé, ex fiancé." You said quietly.

"Why would your ex want to kill you?" Lee asked, his voice full of concern.

"Probably because she stole from him."

"Jamie." John's voice was harsh before taking a deep breath. "Violet?" He urged.

"He...he hurt me. He had been for two years. I couldn't go to the cops because he is one, he's a detective. His uncle is the chief of police, he has cousins who are cops. His dad is the mayor. His family's everywhere."

"Tell us their names and we'll look them up and see if you're telling the truth."

You looked at John's oldest son with scared eyes.

John observed your trembling hands, the tears streaking down your cheeks. He noticed every time you flinched when Jamie yelled. "We won't tell him you're here."

You searched your boss's face and saw nothing but the truth. "His...his name is Nick Harrington. S-Southaven." Lee held a box of tissues out and you took one.

Jamie began his search on the laptop sitting on the desk. "Southaven. Okay...the chief of police is Mike Harrington. There is a Nick Harrington." He confirmed after a couple of minutes. "The mayor is Carl Harrington. There's a Larry Harrington who's a doctor and the head of the hospital and Eric Harrington who's an attorney. Jesus. A company, Harrington Incorporated, owns practically half the town. Apartment buildings, condos, houses, business property rentals."

"No wonder you couldn't go for help." John leaned back in his chair. "They own the city."

Jamie turned the laptop towards his dad. "An engagement announcement, Nick Harrington and Violet Hawkins."

Your heart started racing even faster than it already was. "I-I've tried running away before but he found me and brought me back. I can't-I can't go back again. You don't know what he's like. He-He'll kill me. I'll leave just please, don't tell him. You don't have to pay me. I shouldn't have come here. I'm sorry. Just please, please don't tell him." You begged.

"What? No, you can't leave. You'll be safe here." Lee said.

"We won't tell him." Jamie closed the laptop. "But, I have a meeting in town in an hour so I can bring you to the bus station."

"There's no need for that, she's staying," John looked across the desk with warm eyes. "I want you to stay. Everyone here loves you, even Beth and she doesn't like anyone." He chuckled. You glanced at Jamie who gave in and sighed. "Nobody is going to tell him where you are. And, we will let you tell everyone else here when you're ready."

"Umm, okay."

"Does your family know you're here? I know you have a cell phone..."

"I don't have any family left. Nick and I moved into a new house about a year and a half ago and one of our neighbors, an older couple, knew what he was like. They helped me run away a month and a half ago. The cell phone is one of those burner ones. They have one too that we use to keep in touch with."

"So, you do have family." John smiled. Your heart warmed at the thought of your sweet neighbors. "Like Lee said, you'll be safe here, Violet. We'll add an account to ours at the bank and put it under your new name, we'll get you a debit card, and you can stay as long as you want. But, if you and Tate keep making us cookies, we're all going to gain fifty pounds." A small giggle escaped your lips.

"Maybe throw in a few healthy ones or some granola bars, muffins," Jamie said with a faint hint of a grin.

"Violet? Violet?!" Tate's voice traveled down the hall, followed quickly by him. "There you are. Can you help me with my English homework? Dad said he could but you're smarter than he is."

Kayce came in and tousled Tate's hair. "Hey, that hurt you know?"

Tate laughed and pushed his dad's hand away. "Can you help me? Please?"

You nodded. "I'll go get us some cookies."

"Can I have some milk to go with mine?"

"Get." Kayce chuckled and gave him a gentle push down the hall. "Is everything okay?" He asked when Tate was out of sight.

"Everything's good. Just finished getting payroll stuff out of the way." John pushed his chair back and stood up. "Come on Jamie. Lee and I should get back outside and you said you had some stuff you needed to get done at your office. Have fun with the homework." He smiled at you before he left with Jamie. Lee followed them, giving Kayce a playful nudge with his elbow as he passed him.

"Are you okay?" Kayce asked as he stepped closer. "I'm sorry for before. Jamie can be an asshole sometimes."

"I'm good. Jamie was just making sure I wasn't a serial killer who was going to murder everyone here."

"And, are you one?" He teased.

"No, you're safe."

"Good. Are you sure you're okay with helping Tate? It's not really in the job description. You don't have to."

"I'm sure. Like I said before, he's a great kid. I like spending time with him."

His perfect smile formed. "He likes spending time with you too."

"Violet!"

You both laughed as Tate called you. "You're being summoned."

"It appears so."

"I might tag along since I have the rest of the day off. Maybe you can teach me a few things too." He gave you a crooked grin before stepping aside so you could walk past him.

"Would you like milk with your cookie or coffee?"

A chuckle left his lips as you walked into the kitchen. "Coffee. I can grab the milk."

You busied yourself with getting two mugs and a glass out of the cupboard before handing the glass to him. There was a comfortable silence that settled between you as you poured the drinks and went to the living room where Tate was waiting. A calmness filled you as the three of you started going over Tate's homework. Maybe I can stay here. Maybe I will be safe.