#yellowstone imagine

[reevesdriver]

Mr. Dutton (NSFW)

Summary: You're recently single and living in hotels so when you get talking to your long-term friend, Beth Dutton, she invites you to stay at the Dutton ranch where you suddenly become close to the man you crushed on as you grew up, John Dutton.

Word count: 2535

Reader: Female reader

Character(s): John Dutton

Warning(s): NSFW / 🔥🔥🔥 / Smut / Unprotected Sex / Age-Gap (Reader is of legal age) / Best Friends Dad / Save a horse you know the rest / Oral Sex (M & F Receiving) / Dickhead Ex-boyfriend / John is a strong man I just know it /

Support Me: Kofi

Part 2

(AN: This man, well, this series has me in a chokehold at the minute and there's a serious lack of Yellowstone fics so here you go have some daddy Dutton🥵.)

Splitting from your useless excuse of an ex was proving to be the best thing you ever did. Even if you didn't have a place to stay and a boot full of your belongings your happiness was improving already. Your long-term friend, Beth Dutton, had invited you out for dinner and when she heard of your current hotel-staying situation she invited you back to her family ranch to stay.

You declined at first, not wanting to be in the way, but when she asked you for a ride back to the ranch and made you come inside for another drink you conveniently got talking to her father about the situation and when John Dutton said you could stay who were you to refuse?

“Thank you for letting me stay Mr Dutton."

“You can call me John, darlin’. We’ve known each other long enough to keep up the formalities.”

“Told you he wouldn’t mind.” Beth smiled as she looked up from her food. Gator had prepared a meal for the three of you since Jamie was working and Kayce and his family wanted to spend some time to themselves so John let you take his youngest sons seat next to him.

“It should only be for a few weeks. Until I can sort out a place of my own, if there’s anything that needs doing please let me know. I don’t wanna be wandering around doing nothing whilst everyone else is working.”

“We could probably use some help keeping the place tidy but I’ll see if Rip needs any help too.”

“Thanks Beth.”

Later in the day Beth showed you to your room and after John insisted on helping you bring the boxes of your belongings up you got settled for the night. The room that had been given to you was large, definitely the largest room you'd ever stayed in, and as you hung your clothes up in the double-wardrobe you peered out of the window and across the ranch taking in the sights.

It had been a few years or so since you'd had the chance to come back to the Dutton ranch. Between working and dealing with your ex it became almost impossible to have any time to yourself let alone with your friends. Fortunately you remained in touch with Beth and despite you not being able to meet up like you used to you were thankful that she was understanding.

You sighed. You hadn't thought about your ex since walking out of the relationship after you found out he was cheating and you were annoyed that after a few weeks he decided to plague your mind now when you were trying to start fresh. As if on queue your phone pinged with a text from said ex and you felt the tears start to well up in your eyes as you saw the brief begging message he'd said. A gentle knock on the open bedroom door brought your attention away from your phone screen.

"You alright?" Johns soft voice filled the room as he stood cautiously in the doorway.

You sniffled a little bit and wiped the corners of your eyes before nodding. "Yeah I will be." You turn to face him. "Thank you for letting me stay John, it really means a lot to me."

"You don't need to thank me darlin', you're welcome here anytime. I'm headin' to bed but if you need anything then come and wake me alright?" He says and you nod in understanding. "Make sure you get some rest."

John turned and left the doorway, closing the door behind him he left you in peace as you continued to put your clothes away. When you finished you picked up your phone, blocked your ex and climbed under the sheets after turning the light off.

The following morning the Duttons woke before you did and made their way downstairs. Beth made herself a drink and then sat at the dining table immediately digging in to the food that Gator had put out for them. Soon after, her father followed and took his seat at the head of the table with his own drink.

“Is she still asleep?” John asks, referring to you and Beth nods. “I was thinking of getting her set up in the stables, she was always good with grooming the horses so figured that’s a good place to start.”

Beth agreed and soon they fell into silence, silence that was soon interrupted by Beths phone pinging. When she checked it a smile crossed her face and soon she was standing up and excusing herself for the rest of the morning. Shortly after Beth had left you'd woke and quickly got dressed after checking the time. It was still early morning but you didn't want to start sleeping in especially since you offered to help around the ranch.

Exiting the bedroom you made your way through the house and eventually to the dining room where you saw John sat at the table on his own. "I was wondering when you would be making an appearance." He greeted you with a smile. Gator was bringing more plates of food to the table, toast, bacon, eggs etc and you felt like you were in heaven.

"That was probably the best night sleep I've had in a while." You smiled and took the seat that you had sat in the night before. "I hope I didn't get up too late."

John laughed. "Darlin' you're up earlier than I thought you would be anyway so it's fine."

"You got any jobs for me today?"

"Actually yes, i want you to groom the horses if you're up to it, they haven't been bathed in a while and even though the men in the bunkhouse are capable they never get them looking like you did."

You happily agree and think back to all the times you spent with Johns horses, brushing their mains and fur, bathing them and just overall paying as much attention to them as possible. John always watched you from a distance since he had other things to be taking care of but when you stopped coming around he started to notice that the horses looked dirtier and never seemed to be as clean as they used to be.

Finishing off your breakfast you started the day with choosing a horse and hosing them down before washing and drying them. You brushed their fur, main and platted their tail before mucking out their stable and then moving on to the next one. By the end of the week you'd cleaned up a handful of the horses and had been introduced to the new workers like Jimmy and reacquainted with the old ones like Lloyd and Rip who you'd come to miss. You helped out where you could but when Friday night hit you were glad to have been told to rest over the weekend by John.

Your old cowboy boots had rubbed your feet raw as it had been so long since you'd last worn them. When you entered the house you kicked off your boots and carried them upstairs to your room sitting on the edge of the bed you removed your socks and frowned at the redness of your feet. As the sun set you undressed and showered before returning to the bedroom and climbing into bed. Not a minute or so after your head hit the pillow your phone pinged.

Sitting up you were curious as to who could be texting you, that was until you saw the 13 missed calls and around 50 texts from an unknown number. Your stomach dropped, it was your ex and the messages ranged from "I miss you" to "Go fuck yourself" as well as. few others thrown in here and there for good measure. You skimmed the messages quickly when another one came through "I can see that you've read my messages, fucking reply to me." and with that you blocked the number and turned off your phone.

All the work you'd done over the past few days didn't seem to have affected you anymore since you'd gone from being on the verge of falling asleep to wide awake in a matter of minutes. You tossed and turned in bed trying to fall asleep but after 2 hours had passed you gave up.

Leaving the bedroom you stepped into the surprisingly warm hallway and made your way to the staircase. Peering over the bannister you saw John who looked comfortable for once, normally any time you'd seen him he was tense but now, sat in front of the lit fire with a tumbler of Whiskey on the side table and his feet up on the coffee table he looked relaxed. “What’re you doing up?” You ask after glancing at the clock on the wall.

“I could ask you the same thing.” He replies looking up from his book as you descended the staircase.

“Can’t sleep, mind if I grab a book and join you?”

“Help yourself.” He replies and you smile. John watches from his position on the couch as you turn and head towards the bookcases. He watches you skim the leather bound books for a title that piqued your interest. Reaching up for a familiar title and raising up onto your tip-toes makes your oversized t-shirt rise up your thighs and stop just under your ass. John struggles not to choke on his drink as he drags his eyes up your thighs and catches a glimpse of your laced underwear peaking from underneath the baggy t-shirt.

After grabbing a book you quietly made yourself a drink from the bar and took a seat on the couch next to John as he topped up his glass with the opened bottle of Whiskey next to him. “Whatcha reading?” He asks with genuine curiosity. You flashed him the cover of the book and he recognised the title. “Good choice.” He smiles and you smile back.

Sitting down on the couch next to him you made sure to leave some room between the both of you. Your legs were bent at the knee and tucked up next to you and it didn’t take long until you started rubbing at the sore areas of your feet. The action didn’t go unnoticed and soon John broke the silence. “Your feet hurting you?”

“Yeah, been a while since I’ve worn my boots. Think they need breaking in again or I need a new pair.” You laugh.

“Here, let me.” He says extending his hand out to you and you knew better than to argue with him. Lifting your feet you drop them into his lap gently, the fabric of his jeans rubbing against the backs of your legs. Suddenly it took you much longer to finish a page as your mind kept wandering to Johns calloused hand rubbing your feet as he continued to read his book, stopping occasionally to take a sip of his drink.

His lap was warm, his jeans felt nice and rough and as his hand traced the bottom of your foot up to your ankle you felt the growing rigid length of his cock press against the side of your foot. Your eyes were no longer focused on the book and instead you peered over the pages to look at your best friends dad as you gently tilted your foot towards his crotch. Johns breath caught in his throat, his rough hand grabbed your ankle and he looked over to you. "Be careful darlin', I don't want you doing something you'll regret." He spoke before moving your feet off of his lap so he could stand up.

You watched as John grabbed the now empty bottle of Whiskey and passed round the back of the couch, leaving the room and entering the kitchen. Thoughts raced around your head and after deciding on what to do you opted to go with the idea that would hopefully release the pulsing between your legs. Standing from the couch you shimmied your lacy underwear down your hips and let them drop to your feet before picking them up and walking over to the book that John was reading.

You dropped the flimsy fabric on-top of the closed book, grabbed your glass and walked past John to the kitchen as he made his way back to the couch. You poured another drink and barely had time to take a sip when heavy footsteps stopped at the doorway of the kitchen. “You forget something sweetheart?” John says and you smirk. Turning to face him you see your underwear gripped in one of his calloused hands.

“I didn’t forget anything sir.” You reply. He lets out a hoarse laugh and closes the distance between the pair of you. Your back is pressed against the counter and John is pressed up against your front peering down at you with a smirk.

"You're a little tease aren't you."

"Only for you." You reply and he laughs again.

"Beth'll kill you if she finds out, hell I think she'd kill the both of us."

"We best hurry up then whilst we have an empty house."

Lifting you up onto the counter John parts your legs and kisses the inside of your thighs before devouring your cunt. One of your hands found the back of his head and you ran your fingers through his hair as he continued to lap and suck at your clit, his rough hands that were delicately rubbing your feet moments ago now roughy grabbing at your thighs to keep you steady.

Your thighs threatened to trap his face as he made you cum with his tongue and soon you were jumping down off the counter and dragging John back to the couch. Shoving him down you dropped to your knees with a crack and made quick work at unbuttoning his jeans freeing his cock from the confines of his underwear. You licked the tip before drawing it into your mouth and using your spit to soak his shaft.

His hand is resting on the back of your head as it bobbed whilst you sucked his cock. You always assumed that since John was a tall man he would have the cock to match and you were pleasantly surprised to find that it was true. When your jaw started hurting from shoving his girth between your lips you stood and straddled his thighs wasting no time in lowering yourself down on his cock.

John lifted up your t-shirt and took a nipple into his mouth roughly sucking it as you bounced on his lap, his hands moved to grip your hips as your cunt swallowed his thick cock with every rise and fall of your body. Cumming on his cock John wasn't far behind you, his laboured breathing urged you to push through the burning sensation in your thighs to bring him to his high. Pushing you roughly against his thighs John held you in place as he came, pulsing thick ropes of cum deep inside you.

"Looks like you still have it in you old man." You laugh trying to catch your breath.

"I'll show you more of what an old man can do."

[topguncortez]

The Beauty fell for The Beast || Whumptober Day 20 - R. Wheeler

whumptober masterlist

synopsis: Rip has no idea what John saw in you to keep you at the ranch, but he quickly finds out that it's got nothing to do with how you cowboy

word count: 2.2k

@ailesswhumptober prompt: mutilation

warnings: domestic violence, mentions of scars and injuries, cursing, slight sexism

Rip wasn’t sure what John saw in you. Apparently, you had been picked up on the side of the road by Beth, literally shaking in your boots out in the rain. Somehow she worked her magic on John and agreed to let you earn your keep to stay on the ranch. You were weak, you were quiet, you were. .  . well, you were just you. You stuck out on the ranch like a sore thumb amongst the foul-mouthed, loud, adrenaline-fueled cowboys who walked around with their heads held high. You looked like a dog that had been kicked one too many times. 

“She’s weak, she’s slower than the rest,” John had barely been at the bunkhouse for an hour before Rip started in on his spiel on why you should get fired, “I have to tackle half her workload plus mine-” 

“Looks like you need to teach her,” John said, sipping his coffee casually. John had a soft spot for strays, it was clear by the misfits that he had on his ranch. He knew good and well that you were the weaker link, having watched you struggle to keep up with the rest of the cowboys. But it wasn’t very often that his daughter begged him for a chance. Begged him to give you a chance. You didn’t have to say the reason why you were standing on the side of the highway in the rain, John could tell by one look at you. 

“But sir-” Rip argued. 

John looked over his shoulder at him, “Make her take the lead with pushing the cattle to the north pasture.” Rip’s jaw dropped as John clapped him on the shoulder before sauntering off towards his truck. 

You hadn’t expected anyone to stop that night. All you wanted to do was get as far away from that house, from him, as you possibly could. You didn’t get very far in your car, breaking down only a mile outside of town. You knew that you couldn’t just sit there, he’d certainly find you. So, you ditched the car, leaving your phone in it, and took off walking. It was raining so hard that night, you could hardly see ten feet in front of you. Every passing semi and truck on the road made you jump, praying that you wouldn’t become roadkill. You just wanted to get away. Wanted to be somewhere safe and warm. That’s when a blacked-out SUV slowed to a stop beside you and a woman with a scar on her face rolled down the window. 

“Are you fucking insane?!” She yelled. The moment you turned to look at her, her hard facial features softened. She clenched her jaw and looked towards her driver, before reaching over and opening the car door, “Get in. And if you think about killing me, I’ll haunt your fucking ass until you die.” 

Beth had been the literal angel sent straight from hell. She had given you a place to stay, taking you to the bunkhouse and making all the men in there shake in their boots. She had given you fresh clothes and some toiletries, giving you a bunk with another female, Teeter, who reminded you a lot of your mother. 

“You’ll stay here, got it?” Beth said, and you knew better than to argue with her, “Run out on me and I’ll kill you,” You nodded your head. She then looked at Teeter, “Rip doesn’t find out about this until after I talk to my dad.” 

“I’ll hide ‘er,” Teeter nodded. 

Beth nodded and looked back at you, her heart cracking in her chest a bit, “Get some sleep kid.” 

Teeter had tried her best to ward Rip off, keeping him away from the bunkhouse that first morning, but there was no hiding the loud screams of terror that came from inside. Rip pushed away from Teeter, storming into the bunkhouse to find you, a small frail thing shaking and crying while Kolby and Ryan stood utterly confused. 

“What the fuck is that?” Rip seethed as he pointed at you. 

“Fresh blood!” Ryan smiled, while you were holding your knees to your chest and sobbing. You raised your head gently and looked into the warmest brown eyes you’ve ever seen. He clenched his jaw tightly, looking away from you, “Get her fed and saddled up. We got work to do,” Rip paused and turned back towards you, “And do something about the screaming shit. Gonna scare the fucking horses.” 

You got to work quickly, not knowing a single thing about being a cowboy. Hell, you couldn’t even remember the last time you rode a horse. But thankfully, Teeter and Kolby took you under their wings, almost as if they were your proxy parents. Ryan fell into the spot of being the older, annoying brother that you wished you had. The three of them looked after you and made sure that you were doing alright, eating well, and getting your workload done. The only thing the three of them could not stop was the nightmares. 

It was like clockwork, every single night. The same dream would plague you, the feel of his rough hands on your body, slamming your head against the wall, threatening to kill you, holding his hands tightly on your throat while black spots filled your vision.  You would wake up in the middle of the night screaming, sending the whole bunkhouse into a frenzy. Teeter would quickly jump down from her bunk, crawling into yours and holding you tightly, while Kolby made his way over. He’d always make sure that you were okay when there really wasn’t anything physical happening. Teeter would lay in your bed until you were asleep and then would crawl back into hers for the last few hours of shut eye. 

It wasn’t until about two weeks into your working on the ranch that you had another run-in with Rip. 

“You’re waking the bunkhouse,” He said gruffly. You looked down at your boots, trying to bite back the tears in your eyes, “My cowboys look like they haven’t had a solid night’s rest in weeks. I would fucking fire you if I could but. . .” You looked up at him, heart in your ears. You couldn’t get fired. You had nowhere to go. Nowhere to hide. Rip pinched his nose and sighed, “I can’t cause for some reason, John thinks your worth a shit.” 

“But you don’t?” You said softly. Rip had to hide his stunned expression cause he was starting to think you don’t actually talk. 

“No, I don’t,” Rip nodded, “So pack your shit and follow me.” 

“I-I. . . I have nowhere to go,” You weren’t sure why you had to say that, but it felt like if Rip was going to tell you to disappear, you might as well try to plead your case. 

Rip sighed, “Pack you shit. . . You’re coming to stay with me.” 

You had been staying in Rip’s house for the past two weeks, and you hadn’t woken up screaming at all. Yes, you still had the same recurring nightmare, but it wasn’t so terrifying that it had you screaming in the dark. You weren’t sure what the cause of it was, but there was something about knowing that Rip was under the same roof that helped you sleep easily. You had seen the way that Rip jumped to stop a fight between Kolby and some rowdy ranch hand at the bar. 

Rip had a soft spot for you, whether he liked to admit it or not. It made his chest hurt when he heard you whimpering and crying in your sleep from down the hall. He tried his best to ignore it the first night, but it got to the point that he couldn’t just lay in his comfortable bed, while you were fighting with something in your sleep on the couch. So, Rip found his way to the living room, gingerly lifting your head and laying it on his thigh. He would stroke your hair until you were back into a deep sleep. And then, he’d turn around and leave before your alarm sounded, going to the bunkhouse and telling John that he should fire you. 

— — —

There was one thing that you loved about being away from the city, and that was the calm serene mornings. Watching the sun poke its light rays through the dark night. Seeing the purples and reds fade into bright blue skies. You hadn’t been on the Yellowstone ranch long, but you already fell in love with the sunrises. It was getting a bit colder out, as the sweltering summer was fading into the brisk fall. The leaves turn from green to vibrant reds and yellows. You felt calm out here. You felt in control. You knew you were needed down at the bunkhouse, but you didn’t care at this moment. Not after what you faced last night. 

Rip was grumbling as he walked towards the stables, taking note of all the ranch hands walking around, seeing that you were nowhere to be found. You hadn’t come home last night after saying you were going into town with Ryan, Teeter, and Kolby. Rip hadn’t bothered to get your number, which he was starting to regret. He cursed himself for being worried about you, knowing you were a full-grown woman. But you were also a woman who looked to be scared of their own shadow. 

“Carter!” Rip yelled as the young boy was walking out of the stables, “Why aren’t you saddled up?” 

Carter paused for a moment, huffing up the heavy saddle in his arms, “I got a late start. I’m sorry Rip.” 

Rip cursed under his breath as he watched Carter continue to struggle with his saddle, “God didn’t add extra daylight to Tuesday, Carter,” Rip rolled his eyes at the boy, who started to break into a jog, “Where’s the other Kid?” 

“Still in the barn,” Carter nodded his head towards the white building, “She just got there.” 

When he spotted you, resting your head against your house, Rip’s blood was boiling, “Do we just show up whenever the fuck we want to now? Where the hell have you-” You slowly lifted your head and turned to face Rip. 

His jaw clenched shut tightly. His anger was now directed off of you and towards whoever the fuck bashed your face in. Your right eye was swollen shut, an ugly cut above your eyebrow. You had what looked like handmarks around your neck, and your nose was clearly broken. 

“Who did this?” Rip seethed. 

You shrugged, “It doesn't matter.” You grabbed your horse’s reins, going to walk out to the ring, but Rip grabbed your arm. 

“That wasn’t up for an argument,” He spoke lowly, “Who did that to your face?” 

You gulped and looked up at Rip, “My husband.” 

It took all the willpower in Rip’s body to hold back the shocked expression. Why hadn’t you said you were married? Is that why you ran away? Well, clearly it was why you ran away, but how long had this been going on? Did he not know where you went? Was he looking for you?

But none of that mattered to Rip. All Rip wanted to know was, “Where is he?” 

“I. . .” You closed your eyes and shook your head, “Dead.” 

Rip didn’t ask any more questions, releasing your arm and running a hand down his bearded face. He looked over his shoulder, taking in a quick glance of his surroundings, before grabbing your arm and pulling you into the stall. 

“Listen,” Rip whispered, “You’re gonna tell me where you left him and then you’re gonna go back to the house and stay there. I’ll handle this.” 

“But-” 

“Go put some ice on your face,” Rip didn’t leave any room for argument as he walked out of the stable, leaving you there alone. 

— — 

You did what Rip told you, leaving the stable and heading back to the house. You weren’t surprised that he didn’t have any ice packs in his freezer, so you were stuck with putting a frozen steak on your eye. The house was eerily quiet as you sat on the couch, frozen meat to your face as you waited for Rip to come back. You wondered what he thought about the house. You wondered what he was going to do to your husband’s body. You wondered if he was wishing that he had never agreed to help you. Maybe he was going to turn you in to the police as you sit. 

But all those worries melted away as the front door opened, and Rip walked in. You stood up quickly as he stood in front of you. 

“I-” 

“How long?” Rip asked. You bit your lip, “How long has he been fucking using you like a punching bag?” Tears filled your eyes as you looked down at the ground, “Jesus Christ.” Rip huffed and took a step closer to you. He gently grabbed your chin in his hand, “Look at me,” You looked into his brown eyes, “You should’ve said something. You should’ve not gone to the house by yourself.” 

“He was going to file a missing persons report,” You sniffled, “I thought that I should just go, get the rest of my things, and tell him that I’m leaving. But he got so mad and. . .” Cries fell from your lips and Rip pulled you into his chest. 

You felt secure in his arms, his chest strong and comforting at the same time. You melted into his touch as he held you. 

“You’ll never have to worry about him or anyone else again,” Rip spoke, making his chest rumble with the dip timbre of his voice, “You’re a part of the Yellowstone now.”

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[bellarkeselection]

I had an idea for rip. It’s kinda like the scene from season 1 where jimmy got beaten up by Fred but instead of Jimmy could it be the reader is rips wife and she’s secretly pregnant with their second child and she protects her stomach and then revel to rip she’s pregnant again. You can easily change bits to the story or even add a little bit of smut that’s fine with me .

The Rule Of Fighting…Especially my Wife

Threading my fingers through his black hair Rip broke the kiss pulling himself out of me where we laid under the covers naked. Running a hand over my face I began catching my breath. Moving my other hand over my growing pregnant belly until Rip grasped my hand in his. Rolling onto my side I whispered still not awake even though we woke up in a very pleasing way. “Do you have to go to work today. Can’t we just take a day and lay around the house?”

“You’re daddy wouldn’t like that. Besides I owe him everything for letting me work at the ranch.” He responded leaning forward and kissing me on the head gently getting up from the bed. He shrugs his jeans on and grabbed his black jacket with his hat off the hook.

Holding myself up on my elbow I held the sheet up against my chest even though he had seen me naked already. “Yeah you’re probably right, baby. Hey though where do you think our little Georgie is off too?”

“I ain’t too sure. He’s probably trying to sattle a horse or running around with his grandpa John. I’ll see you later tonight Y/n.” He placed his hat on his head coming over giving me one last kiss going to work.

Getting out of the bed, I ran my hands down my grown belly, looking myself over in the standing mirror we had in the corner of the bedroom. I slide on the pair of jeans that didn't press on my stomach, pairing it with a light orange flannel shirt that was tucked into them. With some light brown boots and a tan cowgirl hat on my head. Heading towards the barn, I grabbed the saddle for my horse about to throw it over until I heard someone make a remark about me entering the room. "Woah, I guess that Wheeler really couldn't let you go, so he just keeps knocking you up."

"I'm sorry do you have a problem with me?" Throwing the saddle over my horse I turned around on my feet with my boots kicking up dust.

My gaze met the appearance of one of the ranch hands who was named Fred if I remember correctly. "I've got a problem with you getting special attention from the boss."

"Your boss is my father, so.." Crossing my arms over my chest, I snipped in a slight tone.

Fred stepped closer towards me, glaring down at me since he was slightly taller than me. "I ain't talkin about your daddy, Dutton. You're sleeping with Wheeler and get off work early and still getting the same pay as we do. That isn't right in my opinion."

"First off, I get breaks more than you because of my five year old son Georgie and are you blind cause at the moment I'm pregnant again. Two, I'm heading to work now Fred - argh!" I screamed when he stomped up grabbing me by my hair yanking me backwards until I elbow him in the face.

He stumbled backwards holding his nose while I spun around on my feet. "You bitch!"

"You don't want to fight me, Fred." I warned him, getting in a fighting stance with my hands into fists ready to go.

Yet the ranch hand refused my warning and came charging straight for me. He tackled me to the dirt before I could really blink. He was throwing punches at me but I was blocking most until he gave a harsh one to my belly and I released a cry of agony. "God damn!" I cursed curling up in a ball for a second with him getting to his feet.

"You need to remember who is stronger here, Dutton girl." He spat down to me.

Sniffing through some tears i glared at him until I swiped my feet underneath his near mine where he topped to the dust. Forcing myself to my feet I held my stomach with one hand landing a good punch on his nose with the other. Fred came back trying to kick my stomach yet I buried my face close against it so he kneed me in the face. My nose begins bleeding where he quickly grabbed my arm throwing me over his back until we heard my son's sweet voice. "Mommy, why are you wrestling?"

"You're boys gonna see how weak you are - ohhh fuck!" Fred groaned in serious pain onto his knees when I kicked him in between his legs giving me the chance to rush to my son.

Grabbing his shoulders I croaked through tears and some pain myself. "Georgie, go find daddy now. Bring him here." He ran off when Fred started getting up until I charged tackling the man even though it was harder when I was pregnant.

Swinging a few punches at Fred I got some of his blood on my knuckles. He grabbed my wrists twisting them behind my back throwing me down again. "I told you I was stronger than you, bitch!" He growled in my ear where he about kicks me in the stomach again until someone harshly shoved his body against the wooden barn stalls.

Gasping for breath and some relief I sat upright seeing my husband Rip had him by the collar where he threw him against the stall and then did it again but it was down in the dirt raising his voice. "What's the rule about fighting, Fred. You wanna fight somebody, come fight me. I'll fight you all damn day!"

"That girl done started it with her saying that she deserves the same pay as we do but cuts out half the work. I guess you'll believe anything when you married a whore." Fred coughed looking at me when Georgie came over by my side.

Rip yanked the guy by his jacket holding him against the wall where he almost couldn't breathe by the choke hold he had on the ranch hand. "What did you call her!"

"She's knows I'm right that's she had to send in the little guy to get the big guns." Fred taunts until my husband kicked him harshly in the gut and he collapsed into the dirt.

He grabbed Fred up one last time against the wall for good measure croaking his deep tone with the words he declared. "If you ever hit or speak to my wife like that again I'll kill you, Fred! Are you okay, Y/n?" He released him from his grasp coming slowly over to me with his gaze softening.

"I hurt a little bit...here especially. But otherwise I think I'll be fine." I mumbled placing my hand in his with my eyes dropping to my pregnant stomach where he tugged me up to stand where he picked me up bridal style when I almost collapsed onto the dirt not able to stand on my own.

He carried me back to our cabin with Georgie following us and opening the door to the cabin, then our bedroom and finally the bathroom. "Georgie, go grab one of my shirts and the shorts off the foot of the bed for mommy." Rip spoke towards our son who quickly came back with what he asked.

"Is mommy going to be okay, daddy?" He asked with worry in his sweet voice.

Rip sat me down on the toilet lowering himself to his knees since I didn't have gotten my balance back yet. "She will be. I want you to go play with grandpa John while I help mommy okay little man." He nodded leaving us alone in the bathroom letting silence into the room.

He slowly tugged on my shirt shrugging it over and off my body giving him perfect view of my belly. "I'm sorry he did this to you..to our baby. I'll take him to the train station tomorrow morning if that's what you want." He placed his on my bump feeling me slightly pull away when he touched the sorest part of my body from the fight.

"Rip, don't blame yourself for this. Fred has always been a jackass from the day my father hired him. I'll go to the doctor and get the baby checked out." Resting my hands on his shoulders I sent him a half smile knowing he would start blaming himself for me getting injured.

He nodded, helping me remove my pants and slide the shorts up. He ran a hand through my hair once I slipped his shirt on that was like a dress on me. "I love you so much, darling. He will never touch you again I swear it." He softly took me into his arms carrying me into the other room laying me down in the bed.

He climbed in on his side and I snuggled up into his warmth knowing he would leave to deal with the rancher when I went to sleep and rested. "I love you, Rip and so will this second child of ours." Whispering up into his brown eyes I intertwined our hands together closing my eyes letting sleep overtake me.

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[fanficforlife]

Chapter Eight

Kayce was wrapped around you, pulling you back against his chest as you reached to turn your alarm clock off. "Mmm, no."

"Yes. We both have to go to work." You groaned as you rolled onto your side to face him. 

When he stretched, his back cracked. "I love waking up next to you but your bed is too small. My bed's bigger." 

"Your room is right next to your dad's."

"So?" 

"You know what usually happens when we stay in the same bed."

"He won't care."

"I know but it's your dad."

"He knows I've been sleeping down here with you a few times a week and I'm pretty sure he knows we're not just sleeping most nights." He tickled your side and you squirmed.

"Stop." You giggled. His fingers stilled so you stopped wiggling. "I know that he knows we're not just sleeping but...I don't know...it would just be kind of weird having sex in the room next to his while he's in there."

"Yeah, I guess you're right." He pulled your naked body against his. "Plus, I like hearing you moan my name so I'd hate for you to have to be too quiet." 

"Kayce." Heat crept across your cheeks. 

The smirk you loved formed. "Not quite like that."

"No? Well, this might help a bit." You pushed him onto his back and straddled him. 

His hands ran up your thighs while his eyes traveled up your body. "Fuck, you're perfect."

Blush stained your cheeks and you leaned down to kiss him. "So are you." You smiled against his lips as your hand went between you. 

"Fuck, baby." He moaned when you sunk onto him. 

You began to ride him, your eyes never leaving his. His hands gripped your hips before one slid up your stomach and palmed your breast. He pinched your nipple and you clenched around him. "Kayc." You ground against him. 

He let out a ragged breath and his hand quickly left your hip so he could sit up. Your lips crashed together as he effortlessly lifted you so you could wrap your legs around him. He pushed back into you and the two of you began grinding against each other, hitting the right spot over and over again. His arm slid around you and up your back, holding you close, while his other hand dug into your hip. 

"Mmm." You moaned. One of your arms wrapped around his shoulders, your other hand slid into his hair. 

"Baby." He groaned and you knew he was close. You nodded breathlessly, right there with him. "Come for me, Letty." And, you did, moaning his name. He was seconds behind you, watching while you came undone in his arms. 

You both collapsed, a thin layer of sweat covering your bodies. "Wow." You said between gasps. 

"Yeah. You are without a doubt the most amazing woman in the world." He rolled you onto your back and propped himself up on his elbow to look down at you. His perfect smile donned his face. "Seriously, how can every time with you be even better than the last?"

"I guess we were just made for each other."

"You're god damn right we were." He leaned in and kissed you long and slow. When he pulled back you could see a hint of concern in his brown eyes. 

"What?" Your hand came up and brushed his hair off his forehead. 

"Are you still good with...everything?"

You knew he was referring to sex and everything that went along with it. "Yes, I'm good."

"I try to be gentle but sometimes I can't help it because you're well, you. I don't hold you too tight or push you around or-"

"Kayce," you smiled up at the kind, caring man you loved, "everything you do is perfect. He is the furthest thing from my mind when I'm with you. And, to be honest, I kinda like it when you take charge and manhandle me a bit." 

"I don't hurt you or-or scare you?"

"No. I know you would stop if I told you to and I know you wouldn't hurt me. It's just me and you every time we're together. whether it's you grabbing me to give me a kiss while I'm not paying attention or when we're doing more than kissing." A smile finally pulled at his lips and you rose to kiss it. "I love you."

"I love you more." 

You giggled softly. "Come on. We need to shower and get dressed before Tate gets up." 

"Yes, ma'am." But, he didn't. He leaned back against the headboard and watched you stand up. "I am the luckiest man in the whole damn world."

Your hand reached for the sheet that was covering the lower half of his body and pulled it off the bed. "And, I am the luckiest woman in the world." You bit your lower lip before wrapping the sheet around your naked body. "Hurry up or I'll be done before you get in there." A sweet smile pulled at your lips before you opened the door and poked your head out, making sure the coast was clear before you dashed across the hall with the sheet draped around you. 

*****

"Ready, baby?" Kayce asked as the two of you stood inside the fence, next to his horse and a chestnut mare. 

"I'm ready." His eyes surveyed your face and you giggled. Your hands came up to rest on his chest. "Kayc, how many times have I gone riding with you? Lots. I don't even know how many times. And, every time you've shown me how to do it. You've taught me how to sit, how to stop, everything. I'm ready."

"Okay."

You rose to your toes and looked into his worried brown eyes. "You don't have to be nervous. I had the best teacher on the ranch. I'll be fine." Your lips pressed against his. "Let's go."

A smile finally formed on his rugged face. "Get your sexy ass up there then." He chuckled when your cheeks darkened. "God, you're adorable."

"Stop." You gave him a gentle shove before climbing up and settling onto the saddle. "Hurry up and get your sexy ass up there slowpoke."

"Jeez, woman. What am I gonna do with you?" He smirked at you while he untied your horse from the fence railing before working on his. 

"You have until we get to the meadow to figure it out." You smirked back at him before you got your horse walking, quickly turning it into a run. 

"Letty!" He yelled before jumping onto his horse and bolting after you. When he caught up to you, you slowed your mare to a walk. "What do you think you're doing?!" He brought his horse alongside yours and grabbed the reigns so you couldn't run off again.

"I told you I had the best teacher." 

"You could have fallen off." 

You looked over at him. "Kace, I'm not made of glass." 

"I know but you've never gone by yourself before." 

"I have actually." A mischievous smile formed. "When you've all gone out checking fences or moving cows, your dad's been showing me. We thought it would be fun to surprise you." 

"You almost gave me a heart attack."

"Sorry." A giggle escaped and he gave you a playful scowl. "Do you think Storm will be okay to ride soon? It's not that I don't love this one," you pet the mare's neck that you were riding, "but-"

"But, she's not yours."

"Will she be strong enough to ride or, after everything she went through..."

His hand let go of the reigns and squeezed your thigh. "She's stronger because of what she went through." You knew he wasn't just talking about your horse. "Storm's doin' really good. She's a hundred times better than when she first got here, she's strong enough now. Next time you take her out walking in the corral, I'll bring a saddle and we can see how she does with it." You smiled at him and he smiled back. "Wait a second. You said you had the best teacher at the ranch. Did you mean me or Dad?"

"Your dad obviously." 

A smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Uh-huh. Well, since you're such a good rider, let me see what ya got." 

"Race you the rest of the way?" Before he could answer, you and the mare were off. 

*****

"Violet?" Tate's voice drifted outside to where you were sitting on the porch. "Violet?!" The door opened and he stuck his head out. "Vi- Oh, there you are."

"Hi." You smiled as he stepped outside, followed by his dad.

Kayce leaned down and kissed you. "Morning, baby. How did ya sleep?" He sat down in the empty chair next to yours before taking a drink from his coffee mug. 

"Uh, Morning. I slept well. How about you?" You eyed the bruises on his face. 

"It coulda been better." 

Because last night he slept in his bed, not yours. The only time you, did see him yesterday was in the morning and he didn't have the bruises then so he had gotten into a fight with someone between then and now. He could see your wheels turning and he quickly took another drink. 

"What are ya doin'?" Tate looked down at your lap, which was filled with photographs. "Did you take these?" 

"Mhm." You answered shyly. 

"Wow! You're really good."

Your cheeks started to return red from Tate's compliment. "Thanks, bud."

"Shit. Babe, he's right."

"Dad."

Kayce chuckled at his son's serious tone. "Right. Sorry. No swearing." He turned his attention back to you. "You didn't tell me you liked photography."

"I umm, I took pictures for the yearbook in high school and of places around town. The city used some in travel brochures, the newspaper printed a few of them, I even sold some prints but after high school...life happened and I stopped. Being here, it makes we want to again." You looked at Kayce and who had a soft, knowing smile on his and you smiled back. "So, what are you up to today? Tired of summer holidays yet?"

"No! School sucks." Tate scrunched his nose in disgust. "Oh! Guess what?!" 

"What?"

"At breakfast, Grandpa said that since Dad's been working better, that me and Dad can move into the foreman's house."

Your eyes left Tate and went to Kayce, whose cheeks were a light shade of pink from embarrassment. "Really? That's exciting."

"Yeah! Wanna come help me pack up my room? I just need my toys and books, and my clothes. Grandpa said there's empty boxes in the storage room. Oh, wait. Do you have to work today?"

"I finished my work for the week yesterday so I have a three-day weekend. So, yes, I can come help you."

"Yay! I'll go help Grandpa get the boxes." 

"I'll be there soon."

"Okay." 

When the door closed behind him, you set the photos on the small side table nestled between the two chairs. "So."

"So." He reached for your hand and gave it a gentle tug. You went over and sat on his lap. "Uh..."

I won't start with his black and blue face then. "I thought Rip lived in the foreman's house."

"He does-did. Dad said, well, you heard Tate." Embarrassment flashed across his features again. "I've been doing better. I umm, I still get angry sometimes. I would never hurt you though. Never." He added quickly.

"I know you wouldn't." Your hand rested against the side of his neck, your thumb ran across his jaw carefully avoiding his bruised skin.

"I was the foreman but not really. I didn't act like it. I would lose my temper or not pay attention. Then you came. I wanted to be better, someone who was good enough for you because I sure as hell wasn't before."

"Kayc, you don't have to prove anything to me."

"Yes, I did. When I started getting back on track, Dad put me back in charge. Rip was doing it before."

Your eyes searched his face. "It was Rip."

"How..."

"The way you said his name." Your fingers trailed up and down his forearm while he held you.

His eyes went to your hand. "He just...he thinks he's always right. Especially, since he's been Dad's right-hand man since before I graduated. Then with everything that went on after...Tate, the navy." He looked up at you sheepishly but relaxed when he was met with your soft, caring eyes. "There's a rule on the ranch, no fighting and if you want someone to fight, it's the foreman. I admit Rip's been helpin' me work my way back up but yesterday he went off about something I said or didn't do, I can't even remember because it was stupid. I got mad and we fought. At least everyone knows who to fight now."

So he won. "Are you okay? Does it hurt?"

"I'm good, baby."

"So, I can kiss you?" You smiled.

A smile finally formed on his rugged face. "Come here." His hand slid into your hair and gently pulled you in. When you parted, Tate was standing there grinning. Kayce chuckled. "I guess it's time to start packing."

"I guess so."

"I get Violet!" Tate quickly grabbed your hand and you stood up.

"What if I want her to help me?"

"You wouldn't get anything done because you would just be kissin' the whole time." 

A light shade of red stained your cheeks. "Okay. Let's go." You grabbed your pictures before ushering the giggling boy inside, with his dad on your heels. 

"He isn't wrong though," Kayce whispered next to your ear before kissing the side of your head. 

You gave him a playful shove. "Get to work." 

"Yes, ma'am." He winked at you before grabbing the last two boxes that were sitting at the base of the stairs.

*

The second you crawled into bed, Kayce pulled you into his arms and you immediately cuddled against his side. "Mmm." You hummed in contentment as you rested your head on his shoulder. "This is nice."

"Mhm." His lips pressed a kiss on your forehead. "Thanks for your help today, baby." 

"You're welcome. How does it feel to be in your own house?"

"It feels good, except for the fact that you're not in the same house anymore."

You giggled and tilted your head to look up at him. "I'm only what, a one minute walk away?"

"Yeah, but we've been in the same house for the last six months." He held you tighter when you curled in closer to him.

"It's hard to believe I've been here that long."

"Do you still like it here?"

"There's nowhere else on earth I would rather be." You stated after looking up at him. 

He leaned in and your lips met for a long, sweet kiss before you settled back into his arms. "How come you stopped taking pictures? He was a piece of shit but even he couldn't have denied that you were amazing at it."

"After high school, I was going to work for a year to save up some money then go to school for photography. When Nick and I started dating he was okay with it. When I got back acceptance letters from the schools I applied to it was a couple weeks before my Mom died. She really wanted me to go. She was always really supportive." A sad smile graced your lips at the memory of her. "After she died Nick said he didn't want me to go. He said he would miss me too much, and he couldn't go with me because he just started working. And, it was too soon after she died so I wouldn't be able to focus at school. I should stay and move in with him because I couldn't afford a place of my own. I could apply again next year and he could come with me. When it was time to apply again he said he couldn't get transferred yet because it was still too soon."

"He could've though?"

"Yeah. When I found out I got mad but he said he did it for me. He said it was because I wouldn't make it through school let alone do it as a career. I wasn't that good. He told me it was because he couldn't leave yet so he didn't hurt my feelings. Then he went on about how I didn't have to work because his family was rich...I stopped doing it after that."

"Baby."

"It's okay. Being with him brought me here." You placed your hand on his cheek. "And, being here, being with you, it makes me want to again." 

"He knew you were great at it, he just didn't want you to go because he was scared and jealous. If you want to go back to school for it, you should. I'm not going anywhere."

A smile pulled at the corners of your mouth as you tilted your head to look at him. "I'm perfectly happy doing what I am now. And, with Nick...I couldn't if I wanted to." He would find me...

"If you wanted to, I wouldn't let him anywhere near you."

"I know you wouldn't." Your heart swelled. The blanket slid around your waist as you left his side and climbed on top of him. You bent down, keeping your face inches from his. "I love you, Kayce."

"You have no idea how much I love you, Violet. " His hand slid into your hair and pulled you in. Your lips met for a slow kiss. The longer it carried on the steamier it became. After a few minutes, you both couldn't wait any longer. 

Your hand pulled his boxers down just as far as they needed to before pulling your underwear to the side. A breathy moan left your lips when you sunk down onto him. He reached up and pulled you back down to crash his lips into yours. His lips parted so his tongue could explore your mouth. You continued to ride him and it wasn't long until you were close. "Kayc." 

"Almost, baby." He gripped your hips and pounded into you. 

"Mmm." The heat pooling in your core began to build rapidly. "Oh, god." His movements began to get messy and you knew he was on the edge. You ground into him once more before you both came together. 

When you both came down from your highs, you collapsed next to him. His arms wrapped around you and tucked you against his side. "You could move in here. We've been spending more nights than not together lately anyway."

"Kayc," you shifted slightly so you could see his dreamy hazel eyes, "I love you and love spending the night with you but I think it should just be you and Tate here. I can still come and spend the night sometimes but moving in..."

He knew what you were thinking. "I know you're still scared that he's going to find you and you'll have to leave. You don't want to get too close." He moved onto his side to face you. His hand slid across your cheek and into your hair. "Violet, even if he does figure out that you're here, he is never going to get within a hundred feet of you. Everyone here will make sure of that. You're safe."

You nodded. "It's not just that." Your tongue slipped out and licked your dry lips. "You make me happy, happier than I have ever been. I'm scared of getting too close because if it ends, if we break up- I don't know what I would do without you and Tate."

"Baby, you are going to be stuck with me for the rest of your life." He stated firmly, his brown eyes pierced yours. You sniffed as tears welled in your eyes. A smile pulled at his lips while his thumb ran across your cheek. "I love you more than I ever thought was possible." Your lips met for a thorough, heartfelt kiss before he pulled you flush with his body. He swallowed your moan as the kiss became more passionate. 

A sensual giggle left your lips when he climbed between your legs. You hooked your legs around his waist, pulling him closer.

"I can never get enough of you." 

"Right back at you." 

He smirked down at you before attacking your neck. 

*****

Kayce made you wait in the truck while he got out and came around to your side, opening the door for you. 

"Thank you." You smiled. 

His hand immediately wrapped around yours. "I know going to a bar when we both don't drink seems stupid but they have the best burgers around. And, I know they're one of your favorites." 

"You're the best." A giggle left your lips as you wrapped yourself around his arm. When you got to the entrance he let go of your hand and opened the door for you before placing it on the small of your back and guiding you inside. "I thought the ranch was cowboy, country-ish but this place..." 

There were wood beams and posts, the bar was wood and the walls were clad in wood paneling. That's where the similarities between the lodge and the bar ended. Bottles of beer were put in metal pails with ice and served to you, there were neon signs with the names of popular beer brands. A large American flag hung on the wall. The floors were sheets of plywood and had the occasional piece of straw lying around that had been brought in by the cowboy boots that adorned everyone's feet. 

"Yeah, it's nothin' fancy. We couldn't come here before because if we did come to town, Tate's been with us. I should've picked a better place for our first date off the ranch but you don't like fancy and food-"

"Food definitely wins." You finished with a grin. "Speaking of which, you mentioned something about burgers."

Kayce chuckled and slid his arm around your waist. "Let's find a table." As you moved through the crowded building towards a few empty tables, he kept pulling you closer and closer to his side. 

You assumed it was because it was date night but even after you ordered your food, he sat on your left instead of across the small square table you were at. He also kept moving his chair closer and touching your hand or arm. Not uncommon since he was touchy-feely but not while his shoulders were squared. It wasn't until a man with a plaid shirt and brown cowboy hat came up to your table that you realized why. 

"Kayce Dutton, is that you? I haven't seen you in god knows how long." He greeted even though his focus was entirely on you. "And, who is this fine thing? You're not from around here. I would've remembered someone as gorgeous as you."

Your boyfriend tensed up while he glared at the man. You placed your hand on Kayce's arm, silently begging him to calm down. 

"Now I know why we haven't seen you in town lately. You've been shacked up with this sweet little thing at your daddy's house."

Kayce stood up abruptly, his chair falling back in the process. "Watch your fucking mouth."

"Easy tiger." The man chuckled and turned his hungry eyes back to you. "We went to high school together. I'm Jesse Miller. And, you are?"

"Not interested." 

He clutched his shirt above his heart. "Ouch. You really know how to break a guy's heart."

"It's time for you to leave." Kayce fumed.

Jesse rolled his eyes before grinning at you. "I'll see you around, beautiful." 

Your boyfriend's chest heaved, his fists started to come up, but Jesse left, rejoining his friends at the bar. 

"Hey." Your hand wrapped around his fist, which unclenched. His fingers mixed with yours. You gave a gentle tug and he sat down on his chair that a server had picked up on their way by during the confrontation. 

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm good. Are you?"

"I should've hit him for how he talked to you, for ruining our date." He started getting tense again so you ran your thumb across the back of his. 

"He didn't ruin our date." You slid your chair closer to his and leaned in.

He did the same. "No?"

"No." Your lips pressed against his. When you pulled back, your teeth tugged on his lower lip. He let out a low growl and you giggled sensually. "Burgers first."

"And, you for dessert." His hand quickly slid into your hair and pulled you back in. This time you moaned when the brief yet toe-curling kiss ended. "Fuck, you're cute." 

Your cheeks flushed as your server set your burgers and fries in front of you. After you both thanked her and she left, you brushed your foot against your cowboy's denim-covered shin. "I have a feeling you're going to need your energy for dessert so eat up."

"Yes, ma'am." He smirked the smirk that drove you crazy before picking up his burger.

*

"Okay, you were right about the burgers here. They are amazing. I'm so full, I can barely move."

Kayce chuckled and slung his arm around your shoulders, pulling you against him. He was about to say something when a cocky voice cut in. 

"Leaving so soon, sweetheart?" 

Your hold on Kayce's hand tightened as you continued walking past Jesse.

"Awe, come on, baby." Jesse's hand wrapped around your wrist. "I'm a hundred times more of a man than this loser ever will be." 

"Get your fucking hand off her." Kayce spat. His old high school classmate released your arm and Kayce tucked you behind him. 

"Can we go?" You asked your boyfriend, who was rigid with anger and shooting daggers at Jesse with his eyes. 

"Run off and have your fun," Jesse smirked as he looked you up and down. "She'll be in my bed after because you couldn't satisfy her." 

Your boyfriend's fist connected with the smug cowboy's face. "Kayce. Kayce, stop." He hit him a total of three times before his friends, who were at the bar with him, rushed to his side. 

"I'm good. I'm good." Jesse said, stopping them from retaliating. He cracked his jaw and let out a chuckle. "The Navy taught you how to fight. I hear they taught ya how to kill too."

"Stay the fuck away from her," Kayce pronounced each word firmly, harshly. 

"You make it sound like a challenge," Jesse's eyes bore into you, "everyone knows I never back down from a challenge."

The look in his eyes made you cower against Kayce. "Can we go? Please." 

He immediately turned his attention to you. "Yeah, baby. Let's go home." His arm wrapped around your waist and pulled you against him when he saw you shaking. When you got to the truck, instead of going to the passenger door, he guided you to the driver's side. 

You climbed up and stayed in the middle of the bench, wanting to be close to him. He reached across your lap and pulled you flush with his side before starting the truck and driving off. 

"I'm sorry." The fingers on his right hand nervously fiddled with the hem of your dress. "What he said, the way he looked at you, grabbing your wrist; it wasn't right. He deserved it. I'm sorry if I scared you or if it made you think of him."

Memories of Nick had played through your head when Kayce got mad when he hit him, but he didn't need to know that. It would just make him more upset. "You don't have to apologize, Kayc." You wrapped yourself around his arm, reassuring him. "Jesse or whatever his name is creeped me out but that's it."

"You don't have to worry about him, baby. He's not going to touch you. I'll make sure of it." 

After kissing his cheek, you cuddled against him, letting out a content sigh. He kissed your head and the rest of the drive was spent in a comfortable silence.

****************************************************

Tag: @saintnourah

[basiccortez]

My Forever - R. Wheeler 

Pairing: Rip Wheeler x female!Dutton warnings: pregnancy, horseback riding while pregnant, protective papa Rip word count: 1.3k Note: my Yellowstone and Outer Range requests are open. If you saw me post this yesterday. . . ya didn't.

It has always been a dream of yours to become a mother. From the time you were a little girl, running around with Kayce and Lee on the ranch, you had always played “family”, your old brothers playing along with you. Every doll and teddy bear that you had gotten became your baby and you treated them as such. Your mother wanted more for you than to become some rancher’s wife and raise the next generation of Duttons, but it was what you wanted. 

Rip knew that that was your dream, and he was more than willing to help you achieve it. First thing though, was marrying you. John put the fear of god in him on what would happen if he knocked up his little girl before marrying her. So Rip did right by him, and married you in a small ceremony on John’s front lawn. You wore a simple white sundress and your boots. Kayce stood by your side as you exchanged vows with the love of your life. Everyone knew it was only a matter of time until you were sharing the news that you were pregnant. 

You were currently six months along and were bursting at the seams with excitement about the little girl you were carrying. Rip was terrified when you told him the baby was a girl. He didn’t know the first thing about raising little girls, and prayed that if she turned out anything like you or her aunt. . . God save the man who pisses her off. But there was one thing that you missed the most since becoming pregnant, was being able to ride your horse. 

It wasn’t that you couldn’t go ride, it was just strongly recommended that you don’t. You had asked at your first OB appointment if you could, and your midwife advised against it. And Rip took that like it was the word of God. Anytime he saw you getting anywhere close to the bunkhouse or the stables, he was directing you away. He was already protective of you, and now that you were carrying his little girl, it was amplified by a thousand. 

But somehow, you had managed to get around his ruling, and found yourself in the stables before anyone else, well besides Jimmy, who was cleaning the stalls. Your boots clicked on the cement as you walked by the horses, getting to the stall where your first baby was. The brown and white Appaloosa that had been gifted to you for your 18th birthday, stood up from his lying position and made his way over to you. 

“Missed me, huh,” You smiled and pet his nose, “I missed you too.” 

“Uh, are you supposed to be-” 

“Jimmy, shut up,” You said, “Saddle up ol’ Jesse here.” 

“Rip told us not to-” 

“Does it look like Rip is fucking here,” You turned and put your hands on your hips, “Hasn’t anyone ever told you not to piss off a pregnant woman? A pregnant Dutton woman, at that?” 

“N-no, ma’am.” 

“So stop fucking stuttering and saddle up my horse, Jimmy!” 

Jimmy nodded and moved quickly to get Jesse out of his stall. You sighed in content and fixed the hat on your head. You were at the point in your pregnancy where wearing Rip’s jackets fit better than your own. You knew that when he woke and looked for his classic black Yellowstone jacket, he'd start cursing up a storm but you couldn’t be bothered with it. 

“Horse is saddled ma’am, where should I put him?” Jimmy asked. 

“In the arena,” You said. Jimmy nodded and followed you out to the arena with Jesse on the reigns. The horse seemed excited as they neared the arena, knowing that he would be able to stretch his legs and get a good run in, “Alright,” You sighed, and took the reins from Jimmy, “Stay near.” 

“Why?” 

“In case I fall off this thing or Rip comes down,” You climbed up on the fence, giving yourself a little extra leverage to get up on Jesse’s saddle. You couldn’t swing up on him like you used to, not with a growing belly. Jesse let out soft huff as you mounted and adjusted yourself in the saddle, “Alright, easy now boy.” You kicked his belly softly, “Precious cargo on board.” 

As if Jesse could understand you, the horse started to gently trot around the arena. It wasn’t like you were used to, being able to take off with incredible speed and ride him up through the mountains and valleys of the ranch, but the soft, gentle trot was enough to bring a smile on your face. You let out a laugh as you felt your baby kick within you. You pulled on Jesse’s reins, stopping him. 

“Good boy,” You cooed and pet his mane, “Soon enough you’ll have another little handler who will be begging to take you for a spin. Come on,” You kicked his belly once again, getting the horse to start to trot. 

Jimmy watched you amazed, how easily you took all the turns and led Jesse around the ring. He didn’t notice that the rest of the bunkhouse had woken up, or that Rip was storming his way up to the arena, looking for both his jacket and his woman. 

“What the fuck is she doing?” Rip asked, seeing you in the arena, “Jimmy, what the fuck is she doing?” 

“Uh,” 

“Oh!” You stopped Jesse’s small run, “You’re awake.” 

“Yeah, I’m fucking awake,” Rip said, “What the hell are you doing on a goddamn horse?” 

“Well, what does it fucking look like?” You sassed back. 

“Ryan, get her the fuck off that damn horse,” Rip ordered. You rolled your eyes as you watched your husband walk away and back into the stables, but not before stopping and thumping Jimmy upside the head. Ryan gave you an apologetic look and grabbed Jesse’s reins, pulling you over to a ladder that Colby had brought out. 

“Sorry, miss,” Lloyd said, giving you his hand to help you off the horse, “You know how he is.” 

“A stubborn asshole,” You said, your feet hitting the steady ground, “If this kid pops out with his stubborn attitude. . . so help us all.” You squeezed Lloyd’s shoulders before walking into the stables to find your husband pacing the ground. You sighed and leaned up against the wall of an empty stall. 

“I told you to stay away from here. From the bunkhouse, from the stables and from the-” 

“I can not stay locked away in the foreman's house any longer, Rip!” You yelled, “I’m losing my fucking mind being in there all fucking day. Between you, and my dad and my brothers being so god damn over protective I am losing my fucking mind. I just wanted one second of freedom. Just one.” 

Rip felt a pang of guilt and took a step forward. Before he had met you, he never thought he could have anything good in his life. He had seen all sorts of evil, he had been a part of that evil. But you showed him that he could have something good in his life. You showed him what it felt and meant to love someone unconditionally. And Rip was going to fight for that until his dying breath. 

“I can’t lose you or her,” Rip said and gently placed his hands on your growing bump, “You two, are my forever. My everything. And everytime you leave my side, I think the worst. I almost lost you once,” The memory of the day the whole family got attacked plays in his mind every time you walk away from him. He spent hours trying to get ahold of you, wanting to know if you were dead or alive. Your dad was barely alive, your brother had been shot, your sister nearly blown up, and you had been run off the road by a semi. 

You grabbed Rip by the back of the neck and brought his lips down to you. You pulled back and Rip rested his forehead against yours, “You’re not losing us. We are right here, forever. You’re stuck with us now, baby.” 

“And there ain’t no better way I’d have it.” 

[pretending-ican-write]

Cowboy Up - Pt.2

A/n: I have the first 3 parts of this written and I haven't decided when I want them to get together/how long of a slow burn it's gonna be. These are all many years pre-season and I'm torn between them getting together then, shortly before the show or during the show. If you have any thoughts let me know!

Pairing: Ryan (Yellowstone) x Dutton!reader

WC: 996

Previous part - Next part

---

Later that evening, y/n watched from her seat at the end of the bunkhouse table as the hands squabbled over whether Jake had managed to cheat his hand.  Her arms crossed, she couldn’t help the smile on her face as she watched the scene in front of her unfold.  

As they began the next round one of the hands caught her attention, “you playing Dutton?  Figures you the one with the most money to lose.”

“Call me Dutton again and I’ll take more than just your fuckin’ money,” she threatened, “but if you want to lose your wages to a woman then its your funeral.”

Lloyd called to her, “Beer y/n?”

“She’s fuckin’ 20!” Ryan argued.

He rolled his eyes, “20 and been rodeoing 2 years.  That counts for more than whatever some fool decided was legal.”

“Appreciate the defense but I don’t drink Lloyd.  Seen it ruin just as many people on that damn circuit as drugs, if not more.  Picked my vice and it ain’t that,” y/n explained, “now deal me in.”

As they began the round, Rip came through the door sending silence through the room.  Y/n looked up from her cards to the foreman and the grim look on his face.

“Was hoping to give you some more advance warning than this but word got to your father you’re here,” Rip warned, “reckon you got about 10 minutes.”

She sighed, “you gonna ruin my evening Rip least you can do is play my cards for me.  I’ll take this outside gentlemen.  Apologies for any disturbance to your game I may cause.”

With a tip of her hat, y/n left the table and headed out of the bunkhouse.  She could see her father coming down the track and settled on the steps of the trailer.  Whilst she waited, she pulled a cigarette from her jacket and lit it, exhaling the smoke into the crisp air.

“Having one of you smoke’s bad enough,” John commented.

Y/n rolled her eyes, “Yeah well you gotta have one vice on the circuit and this one kills me the least.  Plus you can still ride straight whilst addicted to it.”

He leant against the barn, observing his daughter who was in front of him for the first time in two years.  She let him sit in the silence as she finished her cigarette, watching as the smoke disappeared into the night air.

“Coulda told your father you were coming home,” he said eventually, breaking the thick silence.

She let out a bitter laugh, “I’m a wrangler.  Rip deals with them.  I’m not here for you, I’m here for me and I ain’t about to be no pawn in your fuckin’ game dad.  I’m a wrangler.  I’ll do what they do and I’ll do anything for this ranch but know it ain’t for you.  It’s for me, it’s for Kayce and it’s for my nephew.”

“At least come back to the house,” John relented.

Y/n shook her head, “It’ll be a long time before we’re there Dad.  Trailer is more than comfortable.”

Her dad nodded and turned on his heels, “just know that the door is always open for you.”

She watched him leave and leant against the trailer, watching the clouds roll over the sky.  The noise from the bunk house radiated out towards her.  The words reached her ears and she laughed at the empty threats that came with poker.  Out of instinct, she reached for another cigarette and placed it in her mouth.  With her lighter in hand she stared out at the vast expanse in front of her, hidden by the darkness the clouds brought.  It was just as vast as when she left, and had just as many conditions.

The door to the bunkhouse opened, spilling the swearing out into the night.  Ryan stepped out into the cold and trained his eyes on her.  The look in her eyes as she took in everything she’d returned to and he pushed the feeling it brought to him deep in to the pit of his stomach.

“Mind if I join you?”

She broke her gaze from the mountains, “lose all your money?”

“Something like that,” he laughed and sat next to her on the steps.  

A comfortable quiet settled over the pair with the noise from the bunkhouse curving around the bubble they were in.  The clouds continued to move over the sky, obscuring the stars from view.  Y/n weren’t much in the mood for starting conversations so she allowed the quiet to stay, letting her eyes close after a few minutes.  Ryan let her, keeping one eye on her and the other on the sky. 

“It’s good to see you back y/n,” he commented after a while.

She opened her eyes to look at him, “it’s good to be back Ryan.”

“You’re all grown up.”

Y/n let out a frustrated groan, “fuck I was grown when I left.  Y’all just never saw it.”

Ryan laughed and pushed the feeling he could feel creeping up back down where he wanted it to stay.

“New hand got an eye for you,” he said, as non-chalantly as he could manage.

She felt something inside her at that, “the one that can’t rope?  He’s cute.”

“Don’t start that shit,” Ryan growled.

Y/n threw her cigarette onto the ground, “you don’t get a say in what I do Ryan.”

“If he touches you I’ll take him to the train station myself,” he threatened.

She stood up, “I don’t need you defending me.  Rest of this damn ranch treats me like a fuckin’ kid so don’t you start.  Be a man or keep your god damn opinions about what I do with my life to yourself.”

 With that, y/n stalked back into the bunkhouse and slammed the door behind her.  Ryan watched her go before resting his head against the cold metal of the trailer.  It was gonna be fucking hard to keep that feeling where it was meant to be.

[allsortsofwritings]

After the sunset - Lee Dutton (Yellowstone)

The fic i promised like last week!! Whoops but here it is. Not proofread so ignore anything that doesn’t make sense. Requests are open

-

The soft sun peaked through the blinds. Wanting a few more hours of sleep, rolling over when it felt like you hit a wall. Groaning, trying to make more room between you and the wall when you opened your eyes and saw that the wall was your boyfriend. Sound asleep he threw an arm over you, pulling you into him.

“Lee, Lee, get the hell away from me,” muffled in his arms, his grip somehow getting tighter around you. Trying to pry his arms off when Lee finally opened his eyes, groaning. Sleep weighed his eyes, looking into yours, “What’d I do now,” muffled by the pillow.

Burning up as if you were in a sauna. You brushed Lee’s hair out of his face, caressing his cheek while his eyes slowly lowered again, “Nothin baby don’t worry about it.” Lee hummed while you continued to run your fingers through his hair.

Breaking the comfortable silence, “What’s the plan for today cowboy?” Lee sighed heavily before answering you, “ too many things. Got a meeting later with the people who stole my dad’s cattle.” You grimaced at the thought of him going off to meet with people who want him dead. “By the people do you mean Monica’s family.”

“Doesn’t matter who they are, they stole from us and now we have to get them back.” Lee’s groggy voice filled the room. You rolled on top of him, straddling his hips. “Doesn’t matter who or what they took, I just need you back here in one piece.” You leaned down to kiss him. He deepened the kiss, battling for dominance.

Lee broke the kiss, your foreheads touching as your chests heaved, “Be safe, last time you said they shot at you guys. ‘N Lee Dutton if I hear something like that happens I’m done, you’ll never see me again.” You kissed his chest before you laid your head on him.

Feeling a heavy hand caressing the back of your head, “Don’t worry darlin, be here tonight just a little late as usual. I’ll come back crawling to you if that’s all I can do.” He kissed the top of your head, “I’ll come back half dead, always coming back to you.”

Leaning up to kiss him for the last time before your alarms rang. “Don’t make empty promises cowboy.” Getting off of him and heading to the bathroom. “My promises are never empty.”

-

“God damnit Lee! Stay with me” Kayce shouted as he kicked the horse to go faster. Making their way to the chopper, “Dad, Rob-“ John cut him off by getting Lee off the horse. “Help me.” Throwing one of Lee’s arms over their shoulders, Lee’s shallow breathing, legs dragging as the Dutton’s tried their best to get him into the chopper.

“Find Y/n, tell her before the news.”

-

Water droplets on the ground as you looked at the empty bed. Knowing you’ll wake up to him accidentally slamming the door and apologizing. Getting in bed, shutting off the lights and making sure the alarms set for tomorrow, the old clock Lee insisted you used instead of a phone.

Phone ringing on the side table. Seeing it’s Kayce calling, probably calling to bitch about what your boyfriend did, hitting decline and powering it off. Closing your eyes and going to sleep.

Harsh bangs on the front door woke you up. Looking at the clock, seeing it had barely been five minutes since you shut your phone off. More bangs, opening the drawer in the side table, pulling out the gun Lee insisted you learned to use in case of these situations. Moving towards one of the windows, peaking out to see it’s Ryan and Rip.

Gun still in your hand as you unlocked the door. The bewildered men shouted at you to put on your jacket and put the gun down. “Can someone just tell me what’s going on!” Rip threw your jacket at you as Ryan put your shoes in front of you. Ryan made his way out and into the truck. You stared at Rip, waiting for him to say something, “No time sweetheart, explain in the truck, now we gotta go.” Rip said. Throwing everything on, Ryan waiting in the truck as Rip closed the front door behind the two of you.

-

“My god where are we going, you said you’d explain in the truck.” You’re in the back, watching as Ryan and Rip looked at each other. Neither wanting to say anything. 10 minutes is how long you’ve been in the truck and you’re thinking about jumping out instead. Leaving your phone was a mistake, there was a need in you, needing to hear Lee’s voice. Needing to see how he was doing or where he fuck he was.

“Give me a phone, I’m calling Lee and when I get him on the phone he’s gonna have both your asses.” Silence still stood amongst the men. You leaned in to make sure they could see your face. “Rip did you not fucking hear me! I said give me a fucking phone so I can call Lee, might as well call Beth, she’ll get your ass too.” Neither of them so as much flinched at your threats.

Visibly angry you sat back as you realized you were now in town. Speeding the entire way here but Rip’s foot got even heavier, flying through town when you made it to the hospital. Cop cars with their lights on, the personal vehicles of the Dutton family in the front of the parking lot. Ryan turned around to look at you as the truck made a full stop in front. “It’s Lee, meeting went wrong.”

You jumped out of the truck, stumbling as your feet made contact with the pavement. Running in the hospital, the receptionist looked at you with sorrow, reading the scared expression plastered across your face. “I- Lee Dutton where is he.” Fingers tapped on the keyboard in front of her. “ Are you a relative of some sort?” The words tumbled out without a thought, “His wife, I’m his wife.” She looked you in the eyes with a sad smile, “He is currently in surgery on the second floor Mrs. Dutton.” A quick thank you before you made your way to the elevator.

Thoughts raced through your mind as the elevator dinged on the second floor. The Dutton family sitting the waiting room, heads snapped towards the elevator door. Making eye contact with a blood shot eyed Jaime. The tears began falling as you made your over to him. Pulling you into a bone crushing hug, “I’m so sorry Y/n, he’s, he was.”

You could feel your heart drop when Jamie said was. Ringing in your ears as Jaimes mouth continued to move, not hearing a thing. John made his way over to you two. Standing next to Jamie. You cut through the two, heading towards an empty seat next to Beth.

“Can you just tell me what’s going on. Please Beth where’s Lee.” You choked on a sob as Beth’s eyes filled with tears. Taking out a cigarette. You snatched the lighter out of her hand. “God damnit it Beth just tell me!”

“Robert Long shot him over some fucking cattle.” Grabbing the lighter out of your hand before storming out.

You sat in shock, head in your hands as John came over to console you. “He’ll pull through, he’s a tough kid everyone knows it, he won’t leave you like this.”

-

It was hours before someone came and told you guys anything. Lee was alive, breathing on his own, could be seen but only two at a time.

Everyone looked at you and John, signaling you two were the first ones. Making your way to his room. Room 320, stopping right outside of the door. Too scared to go in and see what had become of the man you love. John put a hand on your shoulder, “You don’t need to see him right now, doc says he’ll be asleep for a few hours anyway, go eat something, rest a little.”

“Thank you for the offer but I don’t think your opinion in what I do matters at the moment.” Opening the door to see a pale faced Lee. Hooked up to machines, seeing his heartbeat somehow calmed yours. You moved towards the bed, taking a seat next to Lee, grabbing his hand in yours. You could feel the lump in your throat start to form again. Tears were slowly making their way down your cheeks all over again. You couldn’t be here.

Letting go of his hand and leaving the room. You were met with Jamie standing right outside the door, waiting for either of you to leave. He moved out of your way, calling after you but not following. Once you reached the first floor, asking to use the hospitals phone to call Ryan and get you the fuck out of there.

-

You couldn’t move out of the water. The once hot water that burned your skin was now freezing. Goosebumps filled your body. Feeling guilty for leaving Lee. For not being brave enough to face the situation head on. Leaving with your tail tucked after insulting the man whose son was lying in the hospital.

Your phone had been ringing for two hours now. Getting voicemail after voicemail from Beth. Wondering why the fuck you left. John calling just to check up on you as he put it. Jamie wanting you to come back to help deal with everything. You didn’t want to deal with everything.

Drying off, throwing on sweatpants and one of Lee’s hoodies. Checking your phone again, seeing a message from Beth, telling you Lee had finally woken up.

The front door opening, seeing Ryan standing there,”You have such good timing you know.” He chuckled before ushering you out, “Yeah well, credit goes to Beth, it’s like I can feel her anger through text, come on.” Turing to truck on and heading back to the hospital.

-

Room 320. The bold white letters stared back at you as you tried to go in again. John opened the door, seeing you through the little window. You stood outside in the hallway. Looking at the man you insulted 3 hours ago. “Been asking for you since he woke up. Doc says to not stress him any you know.” You nodded as he left the room. Leaving just you and Lee.

The tip of your nose started to tingle, water filling your eyes again for what seemed the hundredth time today. Except this time you were looking in the eyes of the man you love.

Those big soft brown eyes staring back into yours. Slowly making your way towards him. Carefully sitting next to him, trying to be as close to him as you could without causing any pain. “You’re treatin’ me like I’m gonna break, supposed to be the way ‘round.” He trying his best to put a smile on your face. A tight lipped grin made its way onto your face. You choked on a sob. Lee’s hand wiped the tears that were starting to fall again.

“Told you I’d come back darlin. Would never leave you here, never doing that to you.” Your sobs got louder when he spoke. Inching towards his chest, hearing him wince made you shoot right back up, “I’m sorry I’m sorry I didn’t mea-“ Index finger pressed softly against your lips. “Told you to never say sorry to me, something that’ll never need to happen. Now come here.” Lee moved a little to the side as best as he could. Wedging you between him and the bed guard. Laying down right next to him. Your head slightly resting in the side of his neck.

“Who told you,” Lee asked as you moved closer to his side. It took you awhile to answer him. Still not believing what was going on. Words stumbling out, “Beth.”

Lee hummed, “My sister’s always been great at delivering shitty news.” You let out a humorless chuckle, “Should find someone else to deliver news, she’ll probably start delivering punches instead of the news.” You could feel Lee laughing, “Yeah well it’s always her or Rip delivering something bad, ‘least Beth won’t whip out her flip phone to call you.” You laughed. “Rip and that fucking flip phone, don’t know how he gets Beth going when he whips that thing out.” Lee groaned in disgust as you continued to laugh, “Alright fun’s over, you ruined it.”

Lying in silence, listening to the heart monitor fill the air. Racking your brain to figure out something to say. Lee beat you to it, “Ya gonna leave me now?” A small grin was on his face. Made no sense to you, a man who was on the brink of death a few hours ago was grinning.

You hummed before answering him, “If I leave you now I think Beth’ll beat me up.” Lee silently laughed, agreeing with you, before you continued, “But I’m thinking you deserve one more chance.” Lee nodded his head, tipping his head towards the ceiling, “Thank you, scared me for a minute.” You smiled at his reaction.

Lee turned his head towards you, “Reach into my jacket pocket and pull out what’s in there.” Complying, getting out of the bed, to reach for Lee’s jacket on the chair near you. Grabbing the jacket, sitting down on the bed and searching the pockets when you pulled out a small black velvet box. You looked at Lee with confusion. Lee had the biggest shit eating grin on his face. “Open it.” Opening it to find a beautiful diamond ring, tears flooding your eyes as you stared at the ring, “Now I know this is probably the worst way to propose, in a hospital. I promise I planned everything out, was gonna have Gator make your favorite foods, go ride Ray and Loco after then propose in a field just somewhere out there but then you know this happened and what I’m trying to say is.“

Lee ended his long speech, grabbing your hand as you sat there in shock, looking into his eyes, “Y/n L/n, will you marry me?”

[madhattervanessa]

Kill You To Try Masterlist

Summary: "Bones", a young vet working at the Dutton Ranch has to come to terms with the recent death of her godmother that shakes up the foundations of her life to the core. Through the seasons of cow farming on the ranch she re-examines her past, tries to work through the problems of the present and attempts to build a future she once again will find worth living.

Pairing: F!Reader "Bones" x Rip Wheeler

A/N: This short series will be a summer break challenge for myself so the schedule is a rough estimate for when the chapters will be going up.

This story is currently on a little hiatus due to academic & mental struggles but thank you guys for all of the support so far - I'd love to come back to this eventually in November after Kinktober but due to all of the many things happening in my life right now it's a tentative estimate!

Main Story:

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Epilogue

-

Drabbles:

Lonely Christmas

Dreaming About You

-

Requests are welcome!

-

Playlist: (TBA)

[anangelwhodidntfall]

Cold Mornings: Kayce Dutton

Yellowstone Masterlist 

word count: 400

description: Despite the hating the cold weather, you agree to take a morning ride with your boyfriend Kayce. 

"No way, absolutely not. I'm not going out there in that cold weather." You said to your boyfriend Kayce.

"Baby please it's the perfect weather for a morning ride." He said leaning over and placing a kiss on your cheek.

"Huh, that's debatable. But you know if we stay here in our warm bed then we could do something else..." you said kissing him which lead to a little make-out session.

"Nice try sweetheart..if you come to ride with me then we can come back inside and I'll make it up to you." He said as you groaned.

"Kace how is that any better? I still have to get out of this warm bed, and go out there in the cold." I said pulling the blanket higher up on my body.

"Because I was going to suggest we ride together, you know with you in my arms for extra warmth instead of you on your own horse being cold and miserable but that's fine, you wanna stay here in bed I understand." He said.

"Fine...you win." I said groaning as I climbed out of bed hearing him laugh as I grabbed some clothes to go get changed.

"I love you sweetheart." He said grabbing my hand and pulling me into his arms before he placed a kiss on my lips.

"Hmm that's debatable but I love you too." I said before disappearing into the bathroom to get changed.

After I changed, we made our way downstairs and out to the stables, so he could get his horse saddled up and everything as I stood there watching trying not to think about how cold it was outside.

"Alright sweetheart, she's ready to go." He said bringing her over towards you.

He helped you up to his horse first and then he climbed on behind you, wrapping his arms around you as he held the reins. Sure you knew how to ride your own horse and whatnot but riding with Kace was one of your favorite things.

"What are you thinking about sweetheart?" Kayce asked noticing how quiet you'd been since the ride started.

"Just thinking about how much I enjoy this, being with you the whole thing." I said tilting my head up and looking at him.

"I'm glad to hear that, it's one of my favorite things sweetheart too." He said squeezing your hand as he placed a kiss on your lips.

[bradleybeachbabe]

Secret Relationship

pairing: Kayce Dutton x Fem!Reader

request: Hi, I was the Anon with the Kayce ask! My request for kayce is reader being a wrangler for years and had a secret relationship w/ him then left suddenly. Years later she comes back w/ a baby on her hip. Would u be willing to do that? If not I totally understand and respect ur decision!

summary: basically what the request says :)

warnings: cuss words, angst, fluff, and pregnancy (if i missed anything, please let me know!)

word count: 2.6k+

a/n: THERE ISN’T ANY SPOILERS OF THE FIRST TWO S5 EPISODES IN THIS. also should i make this a series?? or make more fics with this dynamic couple. please let me know! also this is my first kayce request! so please, be nice to me. my yellowstone are open too! and this wasn’t proofread, so i’m sorry for any grammar mistakes

You couldn’t believe it. You were about to enter the place where you used to work for five years. You used to work at the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. You worked as one of the wranglers, but that all ended. It all ended because you got pregnant. And the one that got you pregnant was Kayce, your boss's son. You two had a secret relationship while you were working on the ranch. The moment that you found out that you were pregnant. You immediately packed up your bags and left the ranch without telling anyone. You didn’t want the others to find out that you were pregnant, and most definitely. Who got you pregnant, because if they did. You could be in deep trouble. So that’s why you left, but little did you know. When Kayce found out the next day. He was upset. He didn’t know what to do without you. He hoped you would come back again someday and explain why you left without telling anyone. And that someday is today.

“Here goes nothin’, you sighed to yourself. You took your car out of park and drove through the entrance of the ranch. The moment you started driving through the entrance of the ranch. You felt your heart start to beat very fast, and you even felt your palms start becoming sweaty against the steering wheel. You had so many things running through your head right now. You weren’t sure how Kayce and even John were going to react to you being back at the ranch and even having a baby on your hip.

When you finally reached the house. You parked your car and got out. You grabbed your daughter from the backseat and took her out of her car seat, and placed her on your hip. While you were walking up to the house. You noticed Kayce's truck and even John’s truck were parked outside. You were now even more nervous than you were when you first arrived because you know that the moment you knock on the front door. You’re going to face Kayce or either John, or either of the both of them.

You walked up the steps and to the front door of the house. You raised your free hand to knock on the door. You were waiting there anxiously for the door to be opened. The moment the door opened. You were face to face with Kayce.

“Oh my goodness,” Kayce said. He was surprised that he could barely get any words out of his mouth. He couldn’t even gather the fact that you were standing right in front of him. For the majority of the past year and a half. He thought that you left Montana and never looked back, but here you are. Back at the ranch where you used to work, and the same place that you called home. Another thing he couldn’t even gather was the fact that you had a baby on your hip.

“Uh- can we talk? please,” you asked him nervously.

“Yeah,” Kayce nodded. He moved out of the way, so then you could enter the house. Once you entered the house, he closed the door behind you. Then he walked towards the living room and you followed right behind him.

“Please sit,” He motioned towards one of the couches when you walked into the living room. You took a seat on the couch, and you set your daughter down on the ground right in front of your feet. Kayce sat down on the opposite side of the couch that you were sitting on.

“Uh- I don’t even know how to explain everything,” you said, as you started to play with the promise ring that was on your finger. The promise ring was a gift from Kayce. You received the ring as a fourth-anniversary present. You still can’t believe that you still wear the ring on your finger. After everything that happened, you should have taken it off, but you just couldn’t.

“Well, you could explain why you decided to pack up your things and left without telling anyone. Or you could explain why you’re back here with a baby,” Kayce stated. His voice sounded cold and angry.

“Well, the whole reason why I left was because I got pregnant…a-and I-I’m back here with a baby because I thought it was a good idea to finally come back, so then you could finally meet our daughter,” you said, as you turned your head towards Kayce’s direction. All of a sudden you noticed that he had a soft look in his eyes. You were now hoping his voice wasn’t cold and angry anymore after what you just said to him.

“Wait. Our daughter?”

“Yeah,” you nodded. You had tears starting to form in your eyes. After you said that, you were regretting leaving in the first place. Kayce shouldn't be meeting his daughter in this type of way. He should have met her the moment she was born. The moment when she was placed on your chest.

“I’m gonna need a minute,” Kayce said, as he got up from the couch and walked away toward the kitchen.

“Okay,” you nodded. “I’ll be here when you get back.” You picked up your daughter from the floor and placed her back on your hip.

When Kayce walked into the kitchen. He walked in and immediately made eye contact with his father since he was in there. He was pouring coffee into his coffee cup. Kayce was now wondering if his father heard the whole conversation that went down in the living room not too long ago.

“Son, do you want to explain to me who you were just talking to, in the living room?” Also explain to me while you were talking to that someone, I heard them say, ‘our daughter?’

“Fuck,” Kayce whispered under his breath. He was mad that his father heard the whole conversation that he had with you. He was now going to have to explain to his father the truth and how he technically just found out today that he has been a father for at least a year now. “Uh- I was talking to Y/N.”

“Y/N? As in, Y/N Y/L/N? The one that used to work on the ranch?” John questioned his son.

“Yes,” Kayce nodded. “And the whole reason why you heard her say to me, ‘our daughter’ is because of the looks of it. I got her pregnant.”

When those words came out of Kayce’s mouth. John didn’t even know what to say, or how to react. The only thing he knew was that he was technically a grandfather now, and his son was a father. There was just quietness in the air. Kayce didn’t like that. He wanted his father to say something to him about what he just said.

“Dad? Aren’t you going to say anything about what I just told you?” Kayce asked him.

John put his coffee cup on the kitchen counter and faced toward where Kayce was standing. “Son, what do you want me to say?”

“Uh- I don’t know. Anything, to be honest,” He shrugged his shoulders.

“Well, I guess I could say that I’m pretty okay with the situation. But…it just upsets me that you were going behind my back and started to date her, and even gotten her pregnant. And you know how I feel when you or either your siblings go behind my back and do something,” John explained.

“How do you think I feel?” Kayce said. “I’m upset because obviously when she found out she was pregnant she just decided to leave and not say anything to anyone or anything, or even explain how she and I were about to become parents for the first time.”

All John could do was put his head down, and look down at his feet. He couldn’t bear the fact that his son was angry and even upset with the whole situation.

“What should I do, dad? Should I tell her to leave and never look back? Or should I start over with her?”

John looked up from the ground and looked at Kayce. “What you should do is start over with her. Get to know the whole story about why she left without an explanation, and get to know your daughter. Especially find out what her name is, and exactly how old she is at the moment.”

“Okay,” Kayce nodded. He walked out of the kitchen and back to the living room where you were at. When he walked in, he saw you were still sitting in the same spot as you were when he first left to go to the kitchen, and he even saw that you had your daughter on your hip again.

“So? Is everything okay?”

“Yeah. Everything is okay. My dad was in the kitchen when I walked in, so I explained to him about who I was talking to, and how by the looks of it. I got you pregnant,” Kayce explained.

“Omg. What did he say? Is he mad about this? Because if he is, I can leave and never come back, and we can all forget that this ever happened,” you said, as you stood up and were about to walk to the front door and head out with your daughter.

“No he isn’t mad about this,” Kayce reassured you.

“Oh,” you said as you sat back down on the couch. You put your daughter on the floor right in front of you, just like you did earlier when you arrived at the house. “Well, what did he say about this then?”

“Well, he told me that he’s okay with this situation. But on the other hand, he’s upset that I was going behind his back, and started to date you, and then, of course, ended up getting you pregnant,” Kayce explained. “Also speaking of me getting you pregnant, why did you leave after you found out?

You couldn’t even look Kayce in the eyes. You could tell by the tone of Kayce’s voice. He wasn’t happy at all. You took a deep breath and said, “I left after I found out because I didn't want anyone to find out about it, because if anyone did. Then I would start getting questions about who got me pregnant. Plus, I didn’t want anyone to find out the truth about you and me.”

“Why didn’t you tell me? We could have figured something out.”

“I don’t know,” you shook your head. “I panicked and I thought the right option was to leave and not say anything. But now, I regret doing that. I regret not telling you about how we were going to become parents for the first time, and I regret not having your dad know the truth about us. I’m sorry. I’m sorry for not telling you. I messed up badly.”

Kayce scooted closer to where you were sitting on the couch, and put his two hands on your cheeks to stop you from rambling. “Hey. Look at me.” You looked at him, and when you did. Kayce noticed that you started to form tears in your eyes. It broke his heart. He always hated seeing you upset in any type of way. “It’s okay. I promise.”

“So, you’re not mad or anything like that?” you asked.

“No,” He shook his head. He took his hands off your cheeks. “Just a little upset, but I’ll get over it real soon. I promise. Also, I have two questions to ask you.”

“Okay,” you nodded. “What are the two questions?”

“The first question is can we start over? And Is it possible that I can get to know who my daughter is?” Kayce asked.

“Of course,” you smiled. You picked up your daughter from the floor. She was just chewing on her fingers when you picked her up. “Kayce, this is our daughter Sarah Elizabeth Dutton.”

“She’s so cute,” Kayce said.

“She is, she isn’t,” you smiled down at her.

“Also how old is she?”

You looked up and looked at Kayce, “She’s one year old.”

“Wow,” Kayce said. “Next thing you know she’ll be two years old.”

“Yeah,” you nodded. “That just shows that time flies.”

“Yes. It does,” Kayce agreed.

“I have a question for you now,” you said.

“What is it?”

“Do you want to hold our daughter?” you asked him.

“Yes,” Kayce nodded.

You handed Sarah to Kayce. Kayce took her from your arms, and set her on his lap. Sarah didn’t get fussy about how she wasn’t sitting in her mom’s lap anymore. But of course, that was a good thing though. While he was holding her, Sarah kept on babbling. You and Kayce didn’t even know what she was babbling about, but you two thought it was the cutest thing ever. Since she was babbling, and talking. You had the perfect question to ask her. “Sarah. Can you say ‘Dada’?”

Surprisingly not too long after you asked her that question. You and Kayce both heard her say, ‘Dada.’ The moment Kayce heard that word. He started crying. He wasn’t crying because he was upset or anything like that. He was crying because he was happy. He was happy that his daughter said the word ‘Dada.’

“Omg! She actually said it, Kayce. She said ‘Dada’, you said happily.

“Yes. She did.”

--- --- ---

It’s been about two hours since you came over to the Dutton Ranch and explained everything to Kayce. After you were able to get Sarah to say ‘Dada.’ You and Kayce were able to catch up on everything, Plus, on top of that, John was able to get to meet his granddaughter. He was happy about that.

“One last question. I promise,” Kayce said to you. He was pretty nervous to ask you the question that he's about to ask you, but since you and he have both officially agreed to get back together and raise Sarah with each other and be a family. In the end, the question is going to make perfect sense.

“What is it?”

“Well, I know that we technically haven’t been back together for not even an hour yet, but I was wondering, do you move in and live with me?” Kayce asked you.

“Yes. Of course,” you nodded. “But what about all of my stuff? Everything I have is back at my apartment.”

“Let’s worry about that later. Okay?”

“Okay,” you nodded.

“For now, let’s just focus on us, and on our daughter who is sleeping peacefully in my arms right now,” Kayce leaned down and kissed the top of Sarah’s forehead. Kayce couldn’t get over how adorable Sarah was. He loved how much she looks like him. He was hoping that his mom was smiling down at him and being proud that he’s a father.

“I think she’s going to become your little sidekick when she gets older,” you commented.

“I think so,” Kayce agreed.

The sight in front of you was making your heart melt. You couldn’t get over how happy Kayce looked holding Sarah. The look in his eyes was just filled with happiness and love. You were glad that you decided to come back to the ranch. You still weren’t happy with yourself about the decision you made when you did find out you were pregnant with Sarah, but that’s all in the past now. The only thing that matters now, was that you and Kayce were back together and that you and he were going to be able to raise your daughter as a couple.

[supergirl000983]

Random Outta Pocket moments on the Ranch.

Y/N: *Falls off horse* Fuck…Ouch

Travis: You ok Darlin?

Beth: *Watching her sister walk funny up to the gate* What’s the matter with you?

Y/N: My Thong is Thonging a little too hard.

Travis: *Looking up at the sky questioning his wife choices* Dear God

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Y/N: *Falling on the couch between Travis and Beth* Damn what a week.

John: Sweetheart it’s 6:30 pm on a Monday

Y/N: *falling back into Travis* Jesus Christ Fuck me.

Travis: Not Jesus, but I can totally do that later tonight.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Y/N: Your existence confuses me greatly.

Jimmy: How so?

Y/N: Your presence is annoying, but the thought of something bad happening to you is upsetting to me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

John: Are yall sober?

Beth while holding up Y/N: We are moderately functional.

John: I'll take that as a no.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Y/N: There are three ways to handle a difficult situation. The right way, the wrong way, and the Dutton way. Which is the wrong way, but faster.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kayce - Travis, what did I say about PDA?

Travis: *with Y/n on his lap and in the middle of a make-out session* I don't know what you're talking about brother.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Colby: I'm a real asset.

Ryan: You're only off by two letters.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Teeter: Between Ryan, Jimmy, Colby, and Walker - if you had to, who would you punch?

Y/N: No one - they're my friends! I wouldn't punch any of them.

Lloyd: Walker?

Y/N: Yeah, but I don't know why.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kayce: Where's Jamie?

Beth: Somewhere disappointing Dad

Y/N: Somewhere disappointing God

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Y/N: "Look at me straight in the eyes and tell me the truth, Teeter!"

Teeter: "You can't expect me to look into your eyes and be straight."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Travis: Why is your back all scratched up?

Y/n : *flashbacks to messing with a chicken Travis told her not to mess with

Y/n: I'm having an affair

Travis: What?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kayce: I thought Beth told you to stay in bed

Y/n: She did, but there's a scary monster in my closet, soooo here I am

Rip: was the monster scarier than Beth when She's mad?

Y/n:...

Y/n: I'm going back to bed

Travis: good girl

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kayce : I think your mom mixed up our lunches. Look.

holds up a post-it note that says "I'm proud of you and I love you so much."]

Tate: Oh, that explains this.

holds up a post-it note that says

"Please be good. For the love of God, be good. "]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

John: If you three can manage not to kill each other while I'm gone-

Y/N: Oh please...

Beth: *Fake smiles*

Jamie: We're not children.

John: ...*walks away*

Y/N: ...

Jamie: ...

Beth: …

Y/N: Fucking Cunt-Cakes

Beth: Eat shit and die.

Jamie: Yes, fuck you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Walker: You know, Travis, real talk bro, you never say nothin' when you're around us. Why is that?

Travis: Cause I don't fucking like you guys.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

John: Don't pull any of those stunts like you did last time.

Y/N: I made an offering.

John: You dropped a dead mouse into Summer’s lap.

Y/N: Yes! Like a cat.

John: You are not a cat!

Y/N: No... tragically, I am a woman.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sheriff : Think you can answer questions without the usual level of sarcasm?

Y/N: If you can ask them without the usual level of stupid.

Sheriff : Where's your Dad and why hasn't anyone been able to contact him?

Y/N: I dunno, l've been here, haven't seen him in days.

Sheriff : Is he drinking again?

Y/N: What do you mean again? He never had to stop.

Sheriff: But he did have to slow down, is he drinking like he used to?

Y/N: Alright, how bout this? Next time I see him, l'll give him the field sobriety test, okay? We'll do the alphabet, start with F & end with U.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Beth and Summer arguing*

Kayce: …

Monica: …

Rip: …

John: …

Y/N: l'ma instigate.

Travis: *pulling her back and putting his hand over her mouth* NO!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Travis: *pissed off* Sometimes I can't stand you.

Y/N: *while walking away* Then kneel!And while you're down there, occupy your mouth.

Travis: I.....

Teeter: 000000....

Jimmy: I- I-... She has no fear. None. Absolutely no survival instinct, no self preservation. None!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Travis: To apologize I’m getting you whatever flowers you want

Y/N: Fuck flowers buy me a horse.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kayce: Won't be gone long. Left everyone their own list of instructions while I ain't here.

Y/N: Mine just says "Y/N, no."

Rip: Apply it to everything

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Y/N: Why don't you ever take me outside in the middle of the night to look at the stars?

Travis: Cause I woke ya up at 4:30 once to hunt with me and ya said anything before 9am was costin' me my dick.

Y/N: Maybe I meant you'd get laid.

Travis: Ya had a knife, Y/N.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rip: What's wrong?

Travis: Food's hot. Can't eat it.

Y/N: I'm hot.

Travis:*looking exasperated* Don't.

Y/N: You still eat me.

Everyone at the table: *crickets chirping*

John: *beating his forehead on the table* Just-one-normal dinner. I just want one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Colby: The fuck's wrong with you?!

Teeter: *sipping her coffee* Wow, could you at least say good morning?

Colby: Good mornin. The fuck's wrong with you?!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lloyd: what's a word that's a mix between 'sad' and 'mad'?

Jake: disgruntled, miserable, desolated-

Jimmy: smad.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Y/N: I’m a person that likes to think things through.

Jamie: Since when? I once saw you eat a marshmallow that was still on fire.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Beth: Do you want to play 20 Questions?

Rip: Sure!

Rip: Whats your favorite color?

Beth: *laser fucking focused* Triangle. Do you love me?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[reevesdriver]

Mr. Dutton: Part 2 (NSFW)

Anon request: "John Dutton X reader have been dating for a while now and they’re sneaking around the house like teenagers, but they get caught by Beth. They could be caught making out in his office late and she barges in."

Word count: 996 (Bit short I know)

Reader: Female reader

Character(s): John Dutton

Warning(s): NSFW / 🔥🔥🔥 / Smut / Secret Relationship / Shower Sex / Dads Best Friend /

Support Me: Kofi

Part 1

Ever since that heated night where you took your best friends dad for the ride of his life John was unable to keep his hands off you. A few subtle glances here and some touching there drove the both of you mad. A few weeks had passed since that night and you hadn't had the chance to spend time with one another since the house was almost always full.

After a long morning of tending to the horses and doing housework around the Dutton ranch you opted for a hot shower to wash all the dirt and grime off of you. The house was empty, aside from John who was sat in his office on the phone to someone. Deciding not to disturb him whilst he was on a call you turned the shower on and waited for it to get warm before stripping your clothes and jumping in under the spray of water.

You looked down at the grime and first that was being rinsed down the plughole when you heard the bathroom door opening. "John?" You ask to the figure on the other side of the glass.

The sound of heavy fabric hitting the floor made your cheeks flush red and soon your question was answered when John pulled open the door to the shower and stepped inside, immediately embracing you. "You could've told me you were havin' a shower darlin', I would've joined you sooner."

"You were on the phone, didn't want to disturb you."

He hummed. "I'd rather be with you than dealing with bullshit." He says before kissing you softly. "Been a while since we've had anytime to ourselves."

His hands wander from around your body down to your waist and then over the curve of your ass where he grabs handfuls of the flesh pulling you against his body roughly. You feel his hardened cock prodding your soft belly, running a hand from his back you traced his sides before taking a hold of his cock in your palm.

"Quit teasing' me." John hissed as you gently squeezed his length. You laugh and in an instant he has your legs wrapped around him and your back pinned to the wall of the shower. His cock is sheathed inside of you and your arms instinctively wrap around the back of his neck as he manages to life you up and down on his length.

He may not look it but John was a strong man. Years working on the ranch had worked in his favour and you knew that you didn't have to worry about him dropping you as he fucked you harder. "C'mon baby." He says between pants and kisses. You clench around his cock as you cum and John follows soon after, his seed dripping out of you when he pulls his cock from your throbbing pussy.

The pair of you share more kisses in-between getting each other washed under the spray of water before eventually John drags you out of the bathroom to get dried and dressed. You slip into some comfy clothes and dump your dirtied ones into the laundry basket ready to be washed later on.

Later that day, when the house was clean and you'd finished putting your laundry away you found yourself walking to Johns office. With a gentle knock at the door you heard his gruff voice call from the other side telling you to enter, John sat at his desk with a cup of coffee in his hand. His cowboy hat had been taken off and placed beside a stack of papers that slowly piled up on his desk.

"Hey darlin'" He said with a smile as he sat back in his chair and watched as you closed the door and crossed the room. Picking his black hat up you dropped it on your head and sat perched on the edge of his desk in front of him. His hands immediately wrapped around your frame and you pulled him to your chest. "You're lookin' mighty stressed again John, anything I can do to help?" You say with a smirk.

"I'm sure there's a few things you could do for me." He laughs and you hum in content. Lifting his head from your chest John moves to capture your lips with his, he stands and pulls you off the desk and to your feet so he can hold you against his body easier. The height difference between the two of you barely affects the kiss since you stand on your tip-toes to reach him.

Your breathing deepens and as you press yourself to him the pair of you fail to hear the thudding of boots as Johns only daughter, and your best friend, storms her way to the office with a determined look on her face. “Daddy I can’t even tell you how mad I am.” She says entering the office. You jolt away from one another and turn to face the youngest Dutton who isn’t at all fazed with what was in front of her.

You stare at her, like a dear caught in the headlights and Beth laughs. "Don't look so worried, I already knew you two had a thing going on. You might wanna be quiet next time you're fucking."

Heat rises to your cheeks in embarrassment and you quickly return Johns hat to the spot on the desk that you took it from. Moving from your lover you hastily leave the room and head back to your own and shut the door behind you. Throwing yourself on your bed you stare at the wooden beams spreading across the ceiling when there's a knock at your door.

As you sit up the door opens and Beth takes a step into the room. "Beth, I-I'm sorry. I should've told you sooner." You stammer out an apology and she smiles.

"You've nothin' to apologise for, not seen my daddy so happy in a long while. Just don't break his heart."

"I won't."

[countrymusiclover]

Next Thing You Know

Kayce and the reader are more than best friends now. They’ve had to become full time parents too. That is no easy task especially with an entire ranch legacy on your shoulders. So everyday in true Dutton fashion they just have to roll with it…to keep the ranch lifestyle and name going. @hcwthewestwaswcn co author 🤗

Tag list - just ask to be added

@mandabrammer2021

[bellarkeselection]

It’s About Time

Request from Wattpad mackleann Kayce or Lee ( you pick ) where the reader is a family friend who comes to help with the cattle branding. The pair confese their feelings and get teased by the bunkhouse gang

Driving my truck underneath the Yellowstone Dutton ranch sign I pulled the vehicle to a stop just beside the main house porch. I opened the door seeing that the area of the ranch was already set up for the branding the next morning. Getting out of the truck I shut the door seeing somebody riding up in the distance. “Well I didn’t expect to see you here this weekend.”

Whipping my head around a huge grin masked my face seeing Kayce coming up to me on his horse. “I don’t know why you’re so surprised.”

“Maybe because I thought you’d be busy. But I am awfully excited to see you.” He began dismounting his black horse comic over to me with wide open arms.

Rushing towards him I laughed, throwing my arms and legs around his waist. “You better be excited to see me, Dutton.”

“Hey I said that I was you crazy rascal.” He chuckled at me while I was hanging off his arms. Kayce was struggling to keep me from falling on the ground.

I had been a close friend of the family for years. I had been there for the family when Evelyn died and when Kayce had gone off to serve the Navy. I had somewhat of a relationship with each of the Dutton members, but Kayce and I were closer. He finally sits me down on my feet getting my boots dirty. “You better be nice to me. You know I can kick your ass.”

“Oh yeah. Which one of us has training?” He teased me, tipping his hat slightly to me.

Putting my hands on my hips. “It doesn't matter. I know how to throw a punch pretty good.”

Kayce stared down at me since he was slightly taller than me. Honestly most people would say we were always attached to the other hip. And it wasn’t a lie. I’d basically lived my entire life on this ranch.

Kayce went over to his horse leading him to the barn by the reins. “Does my dad know you’re coming here this weekend to help with the branding?”

“I’d expect so. Why did you have plans to skip?” I asked him to follow him to the barn.

He shook his head. “Nah. But your company will sure make it better.”

Together we left the barn and went straight for the main house. He held open the door for me, hanging his black hat on the wall while doing so. Walking through the living room there was a fire going and I could see someone sitting on the couch. “What made you stay out late? Daddy told Gater to wait.”

“Well it wasn’t because he wasn’t hungry. He just had someone keeping him occupied.” Leaning over the back of the couch hair in my face I whispered in his sister’s ear.

She sat her glass down, turning around to me. “Did you finally take her out there in the barn?”

“Beth!” I scolded her, feeling my face beginning to turn red.

Her younger brother cleared his throat. “We aren’t dating and you know that.”

“Rip and I may have beat around the bush when we were kids. But he knows he’s mine. Everybody on this ranch knows who is with who. You two ain’t any different.” She crossed her arms on the back of the couch.

Tapping my foot on the wooden floor I tried to remain calm about this. I didn’t need it to be painfully obvious that I had feelings for him. I didn’t want to ruin the relationship we have if he doesn’t feel the same way. But Beth had a different mind than everyone else. She knew what words could sink someone into the ground. “I’ll think you’re wrong. Now did you say Gator had dinner?”

“Walking away just means we will have this conversation later, Y/n.” She called as I walked into the dining room.

Pausing in my tracks I holler back to her. “No it doesn’t, Bethany!”

Kayce eyed his sister but had nothing to say to her. He dropped his hands down at his sides. The young Dutton knew he felt something for the girl who walked around his family home like she was always meant to be there. Maybe because he’d seen her around his whole life. She had always been a Dutton in his eyes.

“Kayce, I’m going to have dinner in the bunkhouse. See if I can beat those boys at poker if you want to come with me.” I called from the kitchen, grabbing my jacket and a to-go bag of food that Gator made for me.

He turned his head in my direction. “Yeah sure I’ll come.”

“Don’t have too much fun you two.” Beth chuckled at the two of us watching us leave going to the bunkhouse.

By the time we had got to the bunkhouse we could hear them yelling and half the alcohol was almost gone from the fridge. Sliding in on the empty seat next to Ryan he smiled in my direction throwing his desk of card’s down. “Look who decided to join the party. The future mr and Mrs. Kayce Dutton.”

“Oh not you guys too.” I rolled my eyes not expecting them to be on it with Beth.

Colby fixes the deck, dealing me and Kayce each a hand to play in their new game. “We can’t help it if you make it so obvious.”

“What’s obvious?” Jimmy asked from his bunk.

Teeter, who was fixing herself some dinner from Gator spoke up, removing the spoon from inside her mouth. “They clearly want each other just like I know my baby wants me.”

“I am not your baby.” Colby replied to her.

She smiled, turning back to her food. “Stop lying to yourself baby.”

“I didn’t think you had a thing for her, Kayce. I just thought you two were really close friends.” Jimmy entered the conversation.

I moved my gaze to the center of the wooden table not saying a word. Shifting the deck of cards in my hands I really wanted them to stop with the teasing. But Jimmy clearly couldn’t read the room correctly, bless his heart. “We are really close and that’s all.”

“But they are burning to be more.” Ryan made a kissing sound into my ear.

Kayce hit his fist on the table. “Will you stop talking about that!”

“Ohh he’s getting all embarrassed.” Jake, another ranch hand, joined in pointing his index finger at him.

Kayce hit the table again. “I swear the next person who teases us will see me fly over this table.”

Jake, Colby and Ryan about lost their shit at that statement all cheering like he had just admitted he had feelings for me when he really hadn’t. Raising my hands up I sighed finally saying something. “Can we just get back to the game?”

“She’s still avoiding the moment.” Jimmy spoke up.

Kayce raised himself up to his feet stomping over to Jimmy. He grabs him by his shirt getting in his face angrily. “That does it! What did I say a few seconds ago, Jimmy.”

“Woah, when did poker become violent?” Lloyd came out of the bathroom shortly after Walker did. Both confused at what was going on here.

Forcing myself up from my chair I stomped over to the fridge throwing it open. “Cause I apparently can’t get a beer around here with all these gossiping girls dressed as cowboys.” I mocked them for drinking almost half the bottle of beer I had taken from their stash.

“Well then let’s start this card game.” Walker sat down in my chair and thankfully there was no more conversation like that when Kayce let go of Jimmy. He left the bunkhouse leaving me with the boys and Teeter for the rest of the night which made me think maybe they had gotten underneath his skin over something.

The next morning was crazy for everyone even though we had everything set up. Coming out of one of the tents we had set up I halted in my tracks seeing the blonde that had hit a rock after an animal protest talking with him. Summer I remember her name to be. “I don’t think this place is right for you.”

“Oh don’t worry. Once I get out of here I will leave. Besides I can sense somebody doesn’t care much for me being in your company.” She turned her head slightly seeing that I was glaring at the pair.

Kayce turned his attention to her, quickly walking away from her side. “See you around, Summer…what’s got you so angry?”

“I’m not angry over anything.” I crossed my arms over my chest.

He tilted his head. “Really cause you won’t make eye contact when you’re angry. You also hug your arms to your chest when you’re angry. So what made you upset?”

“I think I should be asking you that more than you asking me after what happened last night. You bailed on me Kayce, why?” I questioned the young rancher trying to figure out why all day but nothing came to mind.

He blinked a few times with silent passing between us. “I didn’t like what they were saying about us.”

“It was just teasing right or do you have feelings for me?” I blurted it out letting my curiosity get the better of me when it came to what he thought.

Kayce stepped closer to me reaching up with his hands to cradle my face. “I didn’t like the teasing because I wanted to be the one to tell you myself. But now I say fuck it.”

“Kayce-“ He cut me off short, pressing his lips down onto mine and after that point everything suddenly stopped. Throwing my arms around his neck I brought him closer, deepening the kiss.

He moved one hand into my hair tugging on it a few times. I moaned into the kiss, finding this is better than I could have imagined. Like we were always supposed to be like this together. “I told you, boys.”

“Wait a second.” I broke the kiss recognizing Beth’s voice.

Kayce kept one hand on my wrist when I remained close to his chest seeing that Ryan and Colby were standing off to the side with her. “What the hell did you have them do?”

“We bet her ten bucks that the teasing last night wouldn’t work.” Ryan reached inside his jacket handing her some money.

She took it from his hand proudly walking past us to go find Rip. “They lost obviously. It’s about time you two finally saddled your horses together.” Kayce and I shared the same shocked look but shortly laughed with huge smiles on our faces at the well thought out plan she had achieved.

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[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.

[basiccortez]

The Man in the Red Suit

pairing: Rip Wheeler x female!Dutton warnings: minor Yellowstone spoilers ahead (Lee's death, season five things), mentions of grief and death, Rip being a grinch Rip Wheeler Masterlist | Yellowstone Masterlist Yellowstone Taglist Form

Note: Merry Christmas to all! :)

“Why do I have to dress up?” Rip asked for probably the thousandth time since you pulled out the red santa suit, beard and hat. 

“Because it’s Evelyn’s first Christmas and I want her to take a picture with Santa Clause,” You said, curling your hair in the mirror. It was Christmas Eve and your sister had invited the whole family to the house for dinner, drinks and gifts. It was yours and Rip's first Christmas as parents and you wanted it to be perfect. Evelyn was only seven months old so she wouldn’t be able to know if anything went wrong or not, but you would know. 

“And your dad or Kayce can’t but on the ridiculous-” 

“No! It has to be you!” You sighed, putting down the hot iron, “Evelyn won’t sit on my dads or Kayce’s lap. You saw how she acted when we took her to see Santa at the coffee shop.” 

“Well he was a bit-” Rip shut up when you gave him a glare through the reflection of the mirror. He knew better than to argue with a Dutton woman, it was one sure way to get a fist to the face. Rip opened his mouth to say something just as Evelyn let out a cry, “We’ll discuss later.” 

You smiled to yourself as you finished getting ready for the Christmas party. When you walked downstairs your heart warmed in your chest seeing Rip holding Evelyn and looking at the ornaments on the tree. She had his big brown eyes and dark curls, you were amazed how much hair she had at such a young age. She was really her father’s twin, there was no mistaking who she belonged to. 

It was also amazing to see how quickly Rip took on the role of being a father. He had his reservations about it, he was young when his mother died and his father was a monster. It kept him up at night thinking about the type of parent he would be. Would he be mean like his old man? Would his child grow up to hate him? To be afraid of him? For those nine months you were carrying Evelyn, Rip read every single parenting book he could get his hands on. He asked Kayce and John for advice. None of it really made sense to him, but then he saw his babygirl for the first time, and it did. Rip was an amazing dad. 

“Momma is staring at us again,” Rip whispered to Evelyn and kissed her cheek. She giggled at the feeling of his beard on her soft little cheek, “You ready? It’s cold out, and I don’t want her to sweat in the car seat and then go outside. That’s how kids get sick.”

“I am ready,” You nodded, “I just gotta get the baby bag, the gift for Dad and Beth, and the cookies for Tate.” 

“All of that is in the car and it’s running,” Rip said. 

“What would I do without you?” You asked with a smile on your face. You leaned up on your tiptoes and kissed his lips, “Can you put her in the car seat? I’ll grab the Santa suit.” 

Rip rolled his eyes as you skipped back down the hall towards the bedroom, “Your mom is crazy,” He whispered to Evelyn and the little girl turned to face her father, showing him a gummy smile. Rip smiled at his daughter, kissing her cheek again and then going to put her in her car seat. 

The Dutton house was decorated from floor to ceiling for Christmas, which was probably Beth’s doing. She may lie to your face and say she hates kids, but she would do anything to make her niece and nephew smile. Christmas also made her happy, despite what she says, it was the one time of year where all the Dutton siblings seemed to put their bullshit aside for a couple hours. Rip parked as close to the door as he could get, he didn’t want to carry Evelyn that far in the cold weather. 

“You can put the Santa suit on after dinner,” You said as you  walked up the path towards the front door, “While we’re cleaning up and setting up gifts, it will be perfect.” You opened the front door, and walked into the warm smelling house. 

“Yeah,” Rip said as he walked in behind you. 

“Aunt Y/N, you’re here!” Tate yelled running up to you, wrapping his arms around your waist. 

“Hey bud,” You kissed the top of his head, “Have you grown again?” 

“Probably,” Kayce said, and greeted you with a quick kiss on your head, “Wakes up five inches taller than the night before. Where’s the little one?” 

“Rip’s got her,” You said and nodded your head over to the living room where Rip was taking Evelyn out of her car seat, Monica waiting for her chance at baby snuggles, “How is she?” 

“Better,” Kayce sighed, “I think having Evelyn on Wednesdays helps. She might have gone a tad overboard with the gifts for her, but it’s her first Christmas.” 

“If you think Monica has spoiled her, wait until you see what Beth has put under the tree,” Your dad said, also giving you a kiss on the head in greeting, “Gator is ready to serve dinner.” 

“Sounds good, daddy,” You said and then walked over to your husband, who was watching Monica hold his daughter. Monica was slowly looking better since the loss of her son John. It was actually her that asked if she could babysit Evelyn for you while you were spending time going back to work for your dad’s new role as governor. It was nice to see her smile again. 

“Dad wants us at the table,” You said to them. 

“Thanks Y/N,” Monica said, and handed you your daughter, “She looks like she’s feeling better.” 

“She is. Thank you very much for those tips,” You smiled at the woman before she walked off to go find her own family. 

Gator probably spent the whole day working on the Christmas dinner for the Duttons. The table was stocked full of ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, all the fixings. John sat at the head of the table like he usually did, you and Beth on either side of him. Rip sat next to you, and Tate on the other side of him. Kayce sat on the other end, with Monica on his left. There usually was one more person at the table, but Jamie had turned down Beth’s (not so nice) invite. John had dug around in the basement for the high chair that they’ve had since you were a baby to put Evelyn in. She sat between you and John. 

“So, Tate,” Beth said, taking a sip of her wine and looking up at you with a glint in her eye. She knew of your plan to get Rip into the Santa costume and hopefully telling Tate outloud will help seal the deal, “I hear Santa is coming by.” 

“He’s not real,” Tate answered and Rip looked at you with a shit eating grin, “I’m not five anymore.” 

“See, he’s not five, and Evelyn is too-” 

“You are putting on the damn Santa outfit,” You harshly whispered to him, “If I have to stuff you in it myself, you’re putting it on.” 

“I’d like to see you try,” Rip challenged and you glared at him. Kayce watched as the small stare down between you and Rip was broken up by Evelyn throwing a piece of bread on the floor. He could see that the whole Santa thing was somewhat bothering you, he knew you well enough to know how much Christmas means to you. You only got to spend one Christmas with your mother before her death, and you cherished the family moments like this. 

“Act surprised when he gets here,” Kayce whispered to his son, “For Evelyn.” 

“Why?” Tate asked, “She’s just a baby.” 

“Because it means alot to Aunt Y/N,” Kayce said and then cleared his throat, “She only had one Christmas with our mom, and it meant a lot to her. The only pictures she really has are of her, Santa and our mom.” 

Tate looked down at his food, and then up at his dad. In his short life, he had gone through a lot, and had witnessed loss at first hand. He looked over at his aunt who excused herself from the table to take care of his younger cousin. He thought to himself that there would’ve been two babies at Christmas, but instead, there’s just one. 

Tate nodded, “Okay. I will, I promise.” Kayce smiled at his son and patted his shoulder. 

When everyone's bellies were full, the family retired to the living room, where they started opening gifts from the large pile underneath the Christmas tree. You sat on the floor with Evelyn on your lap, helping her tear into the packages that Tate was handing her. She was having more fun sticking the wrapping paper in her mouth than trying to open the gifts. Both Beth and Monica had their phones out making sure to take pictures to capture the moments. The men all sat back with drinks in their hands, talking about cattle and giving the occasional “oh that’s cool” when it was needed. 

“Tate, why don’t you help Evelyn open the gifts from us,” Monica and moved down on the floor next to the kids. 

“I noticed you don’t have the Santa costume on,” You whispered to Rip. 

“There’s no need to put the ridiculous suit on,” Rip said, sipping his whisky, “She’s not going to remember it.” You clenched your jaw as you looked at the ground, “She’s a baby. It can wait until-” 

“It can’t wait!” You yelled and the eyes of your family members looked at you. You sucked in a breath to compose yourself and stood up from the floor, “I’m sorry. It’s just. . . its tradition.” 

“Y/N,” Rip called out to you, trying to grab your hand as you walked away from the living room. He sighed and ran a hand over his beard. 

“She believed in Santa until she was about fourteen,” John said, “Might’ve been partially my fault. I paid Paul Adler to dress up as Santa and come to the house. I guess it was my way of holding on to the things my Evelyn used to do.” John looked at the last family portrait that was sitting on the mantel above the fireplace. It was taken on Christmas eve of 1996. You were in your mothers arm with Lee looking over her shoulder at you. You were the closest with Lee growing up, and his death affected you much harder than anyone else. 

“I never realized how much it meant,” Rip answered, “I just thought it was something silly that she wanted to do for the kids.” 

“Everything that girl does has meaning to it. She just doesn’t do things ‘just because’. You’ll learn that soon enough.” 

Rip nodded and then stood up from the couch, going down the hall after you. Monica smiled at her father-in-law. They hadn’t ever had a close relationship, John saw Monica as the woman who was going to take his son away from him, but they had bonded over the horrible shared grief between them. John looked at Monica, and the woman handed her his granddaughter. 

“C’mere, Evie,” John said, lifting the baby from Monica’s arms, “How about you open this?” He grabbed the small box from the side table and helped the little one open it. It was her very first pair of cowboy boots, “Every girl needs a pair of boots.” He kissed her forehead and helped her put them on her feet. 

You were laying on your childhood bed, staring up at the ceiling where there were once glow in the dark stars that Lee helped you put up. Your father was livid and worried that they would pull the paint off the ceiling, but Lee assured him that it wouldn’t. The next person in this house who loved the Christmas traditions besides you was Lee. He would stay up late with you to wrap presents as you would write in fancy handwriting ‘To who, from Santa.” When you were younger, he would be the one to eat the cookies, and leave “snowy” (which was actually flour) footprints by the fireplace as if good Ol’ Saint Nick had actually come down the chimney to leave gifts. One time, he even brought a horse up from the barn to leave “reindeer” prints in the fresh snow (however, you knew a horse track when you saw one). 

You thought that overtime, the grief of losing your mother and brother would slowly start to subside, but it seemed as if this Christmas, it had come back in full blast. Maybe it was because you were a mother now, and you knew how fragile life could be and change with a snap of a finger.

“Baby?” You heard Rip’s voice before you saw him. You just sighed, and listened as his heavy boots walked over to you, “I’m sorry about the Santa stuff.” 

“My dad tell you I believed in Santa until I was thirteen.” 

“He said fourteen.” 

“He’s a fucking liar. Jamie told me on my thirteenth birthday that I can’t believe Santa was real anymore,” You said and sat up from your bed, “I should be apologizing to you.” 

“For what?” Rip asked, and sat next to you on the bed. 

“I know the holidays aren’t your thing,” You said and grabbed his hand. Your nervous habit was playing with his hands, “And I shouldn’t have pushed you so much into doing it.” 

Rip smiled sadly at you, and grabbed your hand, bringing it to his lips and kissing the back of it, “The holidays are my thing because they are your thing. They make you happy, and anything that makes you happy makes me happy. Besides, Evelyn seems to love it.” 

You giggled and shook your head, moving closer to your husband. He wrapped his strong arms around you, “You’re right, Evelyn won’t remember this. She’s spending more time shoving wrapping paper in her mouth than knowing what's going on.” 

“But we will remember,” Rip said and kissed your cheek, “We will remember Evelyn’s first Christmas and that’s what matters.” 

“Thank you,” You said, looking up at him. 

“For what, baby? I nearly ruined this shit.” 

“For giving me the best Christmas present ever,” You smiled up at him. He caressed your face and then placed a kiss on your lips. You hummed into the kiss, and ran your fingers through his brown curls. He moved you in his lap, so you were straddling him, and he laid back against the bed. His hands roamed your body, going down to your hips. Your tongues moved against one another, you being able to taste the whiskey on his tongue. 

A knock on the door startled you both as you lifted your head up to see Beth standing in the doorway, “Oh don’t stop on my account,” She had a smirk on her face and you rolled your eyes, “But there’s someone here to see you.” 

You furrowed your eyebrows and climbed off of Rip and your bed. You walked down towards the living room and stopped in your tracks seeing, 

“Santa?” 

“Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas!” Santa said, standing in the middle of your living room. You looked at your sister and Rip. 

“I made a call,” Beth smiled, and you threw your arms around her, hugging her tightly, “Oh-” 

“Thank you, Bethy,” You said and then went towards your child who was back in Monica’s arms. Rip looked a bit confused as he watched you place Evelyn in Santa’s arms. He looked around the living room spotting Kayce, John, and Gator all standing around. 

“Who did-” Rip asked Beth but then he heard Santa speak again, “Lloyd?” 

Beth shrugged, “He owed me a favor.” 

Rip shook his head, and then walked towards his family. Beth let out a breath in relief as she watched her family gather around to talk to “Santa”. Evelyn surprisingly didn’t cry when she was set on Santa’s lap, probably because she was too distracted by all the movement around her. 

“Get together you three,” Monica said, grabbing your phone from you, “I’ll take a picture.” 

“Rip, sit on the other side of Santa’s lap,” You said and he gave you a deadpanned look, “It’s for the memories, sweetheart.” 

“Only for you, honey,” Rip gave you a fake smile as he carefully sat on Lloyd’s other knee. 

“Don’t break me bossman,” Lloyd said and Rip also gave him a glare, “It’s for the kid, don’t be a grinch! Smile!” 

“Call me a grinch again and I’ll have you scrapping shit-” 

“Okay, smile!” Monica said, “1. . . 2. . . 3!” 

You, Rip and “Santa” smiled at the camera as Evelyn was still looking up amazed at Santa. You took her from Santa’s lap and looked at the pictures Monica took. 

“They’re perfect!” You cheered, “Thank you so much, Santa.” 

“No problem! Ho, ho, ho!” Santa said and Beth led him out the front door. 

Rip put his arm around your shoulders, “You know what they say about Mistletoe.” 

You looked up above your head to see the green twig hanging above you. You smiled and grabbed Rip’s face, bringing him down to you for a kiss, “Merry Christmas, Mr. Wheeler.” 

“Merry Christmas to you, Mrs. Wheeler.