#james dutton

[carebooks]

anyone else realizing that when the Native that told James Dutton his family could have the land for 7 generations and then his people would take it back. James said his people could have it.

now, you may think what’s happening in Yellowstone is the fight for the 7th generation but John Dutton III is the 5th gen and his kids: Beth, Jamie, and Kayce are the 6th. Tate is the 7th generation. He’s also born from a Dutton and from a Long, a Native American woman. and since he’s inheriting the ranch once John dies and his parents, uncles, and aunts move on or die too, well, it’ll be Tate’s and whatever siblings or cousins he has. But Tate is still the eldest, it’ll be his name on it, John will make sure of it, hell he’s the one John has spent the most time with. Tate is the 7th generation and he is also a Native, he technically completes the deal James Dutton first made.

[andromacheofappalachia]

The hate that some people give to Elsa in the 1883 fandom is insane when she is one of the main characters AND the narrator of the series. And the hate is always the same and I am going to address it with what will hopefully be simple answers:

- Elsa's accent IS a Tennessee accent. I have seen so many complaints about her accent despite the fact that Tim McGraw and Faith Hill (Tennesseans) were her vocal coaches. Elsa has a Middle Tennessee accent. Her draw is very akin to how people speak there especially with the older generations/those in rural areas. Yes, it doesn't match her parents, but accents are also regional. Not everyone has the same accents as their parents. Is it consistent? Not always, BUT it does match with someone covering up their southern accent. We see an example of this when Elsa scolds John for not speaking "proper" in episode two.

- Elsa is allowed to love both Ennis AND Sam. There was a very clear time jump between Ennis's death and Sam coming into Elsa's life. Being a teenager, Elsa shouldn't be expected to mourn forever, especially with how short her romance with Ennis was.

- Elsa sees freedom in Sam. It is made very clear that Margaret planned on arranging a marriage match for Elsa once they settled in Oregon. Margaret does not change her opinion on the matter once Ennis dies. Being a "widow" at eighteen during this time period, Elsa would have been expected to remarry as quickly as possible. Elsa knows that she is expected to have a suitor arranged for her once they settle and she knows she will lose the freedom she has found as a cowboy. Time is quite frankly counting down quickly for her and she knows this. Meeting Sam, she connects with him very quickly, and it shouldn't be shocking as to why. Sam sees her as an equal and Elsa sees this. He is her path to keeping her freedom. A marriage to him is a marriage of choice. Something she knows will be out of her hands if she arrives to where they settle unmarried.

I can continue with a part two in deeper detail if anyone wants.

[jjcre8]

" You gonna shoot me little girl? " " God damn right I am. "

[the-purest-wolf]

WHERE CAN I FIC 1883

WHERE'S MY FIC FIX-IT 1883

WHERE ELSA, SAM AND JAMES' GRANDCHILDREN.

Damn, I liked Elsa.

.

.

.

Poor James, he fought in the war, he was in captivity, and when he wanted a better life for his family. He wanted to pull them out of poverty, but he led to the death of his daughter.

No bullet, no soldier killed, no man weighed so heavily on his conscience, and his only support, Margaret as a mother, probably never forgave him.

The sobs of this strong man broke me.

[shaunashipmn]

1883 ⇢ 1x07 | LIGHTNING YELLOW HAIR

You use that word in front of my child again... (WHISPERS) I'm gonna stab you with this fսcking fork. Yes, ma'am. Half a steak is fine. Say, "Thank you". Thank you.

[bellarkeselection]

Request for James Dutton Reader is James Dutton's friend, and she has been in his life since they were children and traveling the trails but what happens when she falls in love with him over the journey

Journey of Lifetime Love

My parents didn’t quite understand why I was joining James on his journey to cross the country on the Oregon trail. But there was something about the thrill of traveling somewhere new. The fear of the unknown didn’t deter me away from the chance. Climbing down from my horse throwing my hair around I grinned. "Morning Margaret. How did you sleep last night?"

"Good, you?" I smiled at her answer before we saw James and the other cowboys coming back from their hunt. I blushed when he glanced at me longer than he normally did. "Y/n, when are you two gonna stop beating around the bush about it?"

Whipping my head around at her I knitted my brows. "What are you talking about?"

"I can see the way he looks at you. And the way you look at him. It's rather obvious." She declined where I sort of understood what she was saying.

I have been childhood best friends with James forever. But for years i never considered having feelings for him. He was a kind man but we were just friends and he has kids with Margaret. "Margaret, I can't have feelings for him. You and him are together-"

"Oh honey sssh. We may have kids together but we don’t love each other." She held her hands up in surrender before she took me by the arm leading me over to James.

He slowly dismounted his horse running his hands over the saddle turning around when he heard us approach. He held a hand over his black cowboy hat smiling lightly. "Hey you two. What's going on with you two?"

"Y/n and you need to talk about your relationship. Cause I know you got with me because we ended up pregnant. I love you but not as much as she does you." Margaret blurted out gently pushing me against his chest leaving quickly before I could stop her.

Janes rubbed the back of his neck he chuckled nervously. “So what does she want us to talk about here. I mean I thought we were best friends and nothing else…at least that’s what I wanted you to think.”

“James Dutton, don’t be pulling my leg now. Cause of course I have feelings for you. I can’t think of someone who wouldn’t. You’re an honest gentleman and will do anything for your family. I…I just didn’t think that we were going into that type of relationship. I don’t want to break up what Margaret and you have.” I ramble off throwing my hands up in the air feeling my face turn red so I pulled my hat downward.

Instead of saying another word he walked forward taking my face in his hands kissing me. I gasped running my fingers through his hair knocking his hat onto the dirt ground. “I feel the same way about you, darling. You’ve always been more than a friend to me.” He declares resting his forehead against mine.

“I can say the same about you, James. Now we can conquer the new world together.” I smiled kissing him softly.

He wrapped his arms around my waist hugging me into his embrace. “One of the Indians told me that maybe one day I would find land to belong to. The catch for me is I have found someone to belong to. It’s you Y/n.”

“Then I’ll belong to you too, James.” Leaning up on my toes I deepened the kiss where he knocked off my hat too in the process.

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[grants-blue-eyed-stare]

How I feel with my new haircut

(I have gender envy sometimes...often enough to chop off over a foot of my hair)

[filmjunky-99]

t h e a n d r o m e d a s t r a i n, 1971 🎬 dir. robert wise

'We're on level 1 of a five-story cylindrical underground structure surrounded by solid rock.

Each level is a different color based on a navy study of the psychological effects of color in environments.

Also, each level is biomedically cleaner than the one above it. We don't want anything to contaminate a possible organism.' - stone

[imdonnalynn]

The Complete Dutton Family Tree from the 1st generation to its 7th.

Yellowstone, 1923 and 1883 Explained

The first thing you think of when you here Yellowstone...Dutton.

1st Generation - 1883

・James Dillard Dutton (1st generation) ・Margaret Dutton (1st generation) ・Claire Dutton (1st generation) ・Henry (mentioned only) (1st generation)

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

JAMES DILLARD DUTTON

1883; Yellowstone (flashbacks) ・Husband to Margaret Dutton ・Father to Elsa Dutton (Sam "Commanche Warrior"), John Dutton Sr. (Emma Dutton) and Spencer Dutton (Alexandra Dutton) ・Brother to Jacob Dutton (Cara Dutton) and Claire Dutton (Henry) ・Uncle to Mary Abel and 6 unnamed deceased siblings ・Grandfather to Jack Dutton (Elizabeth Strafford Dutton) ・Great-Grandfather to Unnamed miscarried child (child of Elizabeth and Jack Dutton) ・UNKNOWN RELATION to John Dutton II (unknown wife/mother name) ・UNKNOWN RELATION to John Dutton III (Evelyn Dutton) and Peter Dutton ・UNKNOWN RELATION to Lee Dutton, Jamie Michael Randall Dutton (Christina), Beth Dutton (Rip Wheeler) and Kayce Dutton (Monica Long Dutton) ・UNKNOWN RELATION to Jamie Dutton Jr., Carter, Tate Dutton, John Dutton IV 1840 - 1893 (53) After settling a horse thieving dispute on his land. James rides home only to succumb to his gunshot wound to the abdomen upon entering the doorway of his home. (Yellowstone Season 4, Episode 8, "No Kindness for the Coward" (flashback scene)

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

MARGARET DUTTON

1883; Yellowstone (flashbacks) ・Wife to James Dillard Dutton ・Mother to Elsa Dutton (Sam "Commanche Warrior"), John Dutton Sr. (Emma Dutton) and Spencer Dutton (Alexandra Dutton) ・Sister-in-Law to Claire Dutton (Henry), Jacob Dutton (Cara Dutton) ・Aunt to Mary Abel and 6 unnamed deceased siblings ・Grandmother to Jack Dutton (Elizabeth Strafford Dutton) ・Great-Grandmother to unnamed miscarried child (child of Elizabeth and Jack Dutton) ・UNKNOWN RELATION to John Dutton II (unknown wife/mother name) ・UNKNOWN RELATION to John Dutton III (Evelyn Dutton) and Peter Dutton ・UNKNOWN RELATION to Lee Dutton, Jamie Michael Randall Dutton (Christina), Beth Dutton (Rip Wheeler) and Kayce Dutton (Monica Long Dutton) ・UNKNOWN RELATION to Jamie Dutton Jr., Carter, Tate Dutton, John Dutton IV 1840 - 1894 (54) Froze to death in a snow drift a year after James Dillard Dutton died from his gunshot wound. John Dutton Sr. and Spencer Dutton were half starved and barely able to speak when Jacob Dutton and Cara Dutton arrived from Ireland. (mentioned in 1923 Season 1, episode 1 "1923")

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

CLAIRE DUTTON

1883 ・Wife to Henry ・Mother to Mary Abel and 6 unnamed deceased children ・Sister to James Dillard Dutton (Margaret Dutton) and Jacob Dutton (Cara Dutton) ・Aunt to Elsa Dutton (Sam "Commanche Warrior"), John Dutton Sr. (Emma Dutton) and Spencer Dutton (Alexandra Dutton) ・Great-aunt to Jack Dutton (Elizabeth Strafford Dutton) ・Great-great Aunt to unnamed miscarried child (child of Elizabeth and Jack Dutton) ・UNKNOWN RELATION to John Dutton II (unnamed wife/mother) ・UNKNOWN RELATION to John Dutton III (Evelyn Dutton) and Peter Dutton ・UNKNOWN RELATION to Lee Dutton, Jamie Michael Randall Dutton (Christina), Beth Dutton (Rip Wheeler) and Kayce Dutton (Monica Long Dutton) ・UNKNOWN RELATION to Jamie Dutton Jr., Carter, Tate Dutton and John Dutton IV 1843 - 1883 (40) Suicide, revolver to the side of the head after her last child Mary Abel was killed during a raid on their camp headed to Oregon on the trail in Texas. (1883 Season 1, Episode 2 "Behind Us, A Cliff")

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

HENRY (last name unknown, not mentioned)

NO IMAGE

1883 (deceased, mentioned only) ・Husband to Claire Dutton ・Father to Mary Abel and 6 other unnamed deceased siblings ・Brother-in-law to James Dillard Dutton (Margaret Dutton) and Jacob Dutton (Cara Dutton) ・Uncle-in-law to Elsa Dutton (Sam "Commanche Warrior"), John Dutton Sr. (Emma Dutton) and Spencer Dutton (Alexandra Dutton) ・Great-uncle-in-law to Jack Dutton (Elizabeth Strafford Dutton) ・Great-great-uncle to unnamed miscarried child (child of Elizabeth and Jack Dutton) ・UNKNOWN RELATION to John Dutton II (unnamed wife/mother) ・UNKNOWN RELATION to John Dutton III (Evelyn Dutton) and Peter Dutton ・UNKNOWN RELATION to Lee Dutton, Jamie Michael Randall Dutton (Christina), Beth Dutton (Rip Wheeler) and Kayce Dutton (Monica Long Dutton) ・UNKNOWN RELATION to Jamie Dutton Jr., Carter, Tate Dutton and John Dutton IV ???? - ???? Unknown who, what, when, where and how Henry died but it was before the events of 1883 series.

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

1st Generation - 1923

・Jacob Dutton (1st generations) ・Cara Dutton (1st generation)

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

JACOB DUTTON

1923 ・Husband to Cara Dutton ・Brother to James Dillard Dutton (Margaret Dutton) and Claire Dutton (Henry) ・Uncle to Elsa Dutton (Sam "Commanche Warrior"), John Dutton Sr. (Emma Dutton) and Spencer Dutton (Alexandra Dutton) ・Great-uncle to Jack Dutton (Elizabeth Strafford Dutton) ・Great-great-uncle to unnamed miscarried child (child of Elizabeth and Jack Dutton) ・UNKNOWN RELATION to John Dutton II (unnamed wife/mother) ・UNKNOWN RELATION to John Dutton III (Evelyn Dutton) and Peter Dutton ・UNKNOWN RELATION to Lee Dutton, Jamie Michael Randall Dutton (Christina), Beth Dutton (Rip Wheeler) and Kayce Dutton (Monica Long Dutton) ・UNKNOWN RELATION to Jamie Dutton Jr., Carter, Tate Dutton and John Dutton IV 1846 - ???? (77) As of 1923 Season 1, Episode 8 "Nothing Left to Lose" he is still alive.

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

CARA DUTTON

1923 ・Wife to Jacob Dutton ・Sister-in-law to James Dillard Dutton (Margaret Dutton) and Claire Dutton (Henry) ・Aunt to Elsa Dutton (Sam "Commanche Warrior"), John Dutton Sr. (Emma Dutton) and Spencer Dutton (Alexandra Dutton) ・Great-aunt to Jack Dutton (Elizabeth Strafford Dutton) ・Great-great-aunt to unnamed miscarried child (child of Elizabeth and Jack Dutton) ・UNKNOWN RELATION to John Dutton II (unnamed wife/mother) ・UNKNOWN RELATION to John Dutton III (Evelyn Dutton) and Peter Dutton ・UNKNOWN RELATION to Lee Dutton, Jamie Michael Randall Dutton (Christina), Beth Dutton (Rip Wheeler) and Kayce Dutton (Monica Long Dutton) ・UNKNOWN RELATION to Jamie Dutton Jr., Carter, Tate Dutton and John Dutton IV 1850 - ???? (73) As of 1923 Season 1, Episode 8 "Nothing Left to Lose" she is still alive.

[oocstephenkingtv]

Haven 5x26 Forever (Original air date December 17th, 2015) Written by Matt McGuinness Directed by Shawn Piller

[jjcre8]

✩˚｡⋆ 𝟏𝟖𝟖𝟑 𝐃𝐘𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐂𝐒 ┊ James Dillard-Dutton & Elsa Dutton. 〚 01x06 "Boring The Devil" 〛

[the-purest-wolf]

Someone explain to me how the hell do they know this? Yes, James was a captain in the Civil War, but where did they get these details.

"James is a Civil War Veteran from Tennessee who is fighting in the Confederate States Army as a conscripted Captain in Archer's Brigade (either in the 1st, 7th or 14th Tennessee) of A.P Hill's Division. He fought in the Peninsula Campaign, the Seven Days Battles, Second Manassas and Antietam. At the Battle of Antietam, known to him as Sharpsburg, he fights and is knocked unconscious. Waking the next day he is shocked at the sight of the carnage of America's bloodiest day. Shell shocked he passively surrenders to Union General George Meade and spends 3 years as a prisoner of war."

[und3rlnd]

character tags 2

[raven-dor]

when i picture you

in which kayce dutton sees his childhood sweetheart after sixteen years…

PAIRING: kayce dutton x fem!reader

WARNINGS: ANGST ANGST ANGST, awkwardness, CRAZY amounts of yearning, cussing, arguing, regret, did i mention angst?

WORD COUNT: 3.1k

🎶 : when i picture you - chappell roan

AN: i do not endorse holding onto first loves, it's crazy and will only hurt you and everyone else in your life in the process!! THIS IS THE SECOND PART OF IM TOO SCARED TO SAY!!

“A call for you.” 

“Thank you, James. Did they say what it’s regarding?” 

He shook his head. “He just kept asking for you. I told him you don’t take unscheduled calls, but he… he said that you were old friends.” 

Y/N's heart dropped. He had some nerve, to call her after all this time. After pushing her away. 

“Would you like me to transfer them?” 

“That would be great, thank you.” 

“Alright. He’s on line one.” 

She took a deep breath, picking up the phone. “Y/N Y/L/N, partner of Phillips and Y/L/N, how can I-” 

“Y/N.” 

Her eyes widened, ignoring the feeling of disappointment building. “Mr. Dutton?” 

“I told you-” He coughed. “Call me John.” Yes, he had told her that. He’d told her that sixteen years ago. “I need you back at the ranch.” 

“Sir…” Her heart fluttered even thinking about Kayce. “After the way I left, I don’t know if that’s wise. Besides, I can’t just-” 

“Your boss is an old friend of mine.” She’d almost laughed. He still walked over her like it was nothing. “I already talked to him, everything’s taken care of.” 

“Well, that’s wonderful. If you don’t mind me asking, why haven’t you asked Jamie? He’s your current lawyer, correct?”

She and Jamie had always had a kinship; leaving Montana and going to law school so close allowed them to become closer than they ever had while at home.

“Jamie’s no longer on speaking terms.” 

“I see.” She squeezed her eyes shut. She couldn’t even imagine what shit they’d gotten into in the nearly twenty years she’d been gone, and she didn’t want to. Unfortunately, it looked as if she had no choice. “When would you like me there?” 

The sunset was magical, perfection in her opinion. While she’d fallen for the New York skyline, Montana’s view had been her first love. Montana held a lot of her first loves, actually. 

She walked through the arrival gate, smiling when she met Beth’s eyes. They’d never gotten along, but it was nice to see a familiar face after so long.

Beth looked as if she felt the same, smiling as Y/N hugged her quickly. “Little Y/N.” 

“Beth. How are you?” 

“Just dandy. Daddy’s dead, and I’m playing chauffeur.” 

“I-” He just called her, what did she mean he was dead? She frowned. “I’m so sorry Beth.” 

“He knew what he was doing, calling you. It's very impressive; the career you’ve built for yourself.” 

“Thank you.” She felt wrong smiling after learning the news. “I assume we’re going back to the ranch.” 

Beth nodded. “While we have it.” 

“What?” Beth turned around, and Y/N chased after her. “What do you mean, while you have it?”

The car ride had been quiet, not that she minded. Her flight had been full of crying babies and annoying passengers, the last thing she wanted to do was talk to Beth for an hour and a half.

Her breath caught as the lodge came into view; all her memories from the first 18 years of her life came flooding back, along with the realization that she would be seeing Kayce sooner rather than later. “How is he?”

“You know how he is. Pissy, but fine.” 

She didn’t know him anymore, that was the thing. She’d loved him for so long, and now he was just a figment of her imagination, a stranger. “Has he-” 

“Miss Y/N?” She looked out the window, grinning as she threw the door open, practically jumping into the man’s arms.

“Lloyd! Look at you.” She felt like a kid again. “You haven’t changed a bit.” 

“You have. All grown up now.” He smiled. “All the Montana’s left you.”

“Well, I wouldn’t say that.” 

Beth whistled, drawing her attention away from the stable hand. “I- I’ll see you around.” 

“Well, I hope so.” 

She grinned, kissing him on the cheek quickly. “You can bet on it.” 

Being here, it felt like she was transported back to 2007. It was like a museum, exactly as she’d left it, imagined it in her mind whenever she got homesick. The fire was still going, even though it was late July. 

Beth pulled her from her thoughts, walking further into the house. “You hungry?” 

“Not real-” 

“Don’t worry, he’s not here.” Ah. So Beth was aware. She even looked almost sorry for her. “I can have Gator warm up some leftovers.” 

“That sounds perfect, thank you.”

Beth looked tired, more tired than Y/N had ever seen her before. Normally, the ginger was a ball of energy, well, more like a bomb of energy, waiting for her fuse to be lit. Still, it was odd seeing a spitfire dimmed to a mere spark. “How have you been, since all of this?” 

“Fine. As fine as I can be.” She poured herself a drink, and Y/N ignored the fact it was only 2 in the afternoon. “I have a plan.” 

There was the Beth she knew. “I knew you would.” 

“Gator!” Beth called out. 

“Yes, ma’am-” The man’s eyes lit up, and he walked over. “Miss Y/N!” 

“Gator!” She stood from her seat, hugging him tightly. “It’s good to see you.” 

“You too.” He smiled. “Can I-” 

Beth cleared her throat. “Could you warm her some leftovers?” 

“Anything. Anything at all. Would you like a chocolate milkshake? Just a hint of coffee?” 

Her heart melted, placing a gentle hand on his arm. “You remembered.” 

“Of course.” Beth raised an eyebrow, and Gator nodded, walking back out of the kitchen. “I’ll be right back.” 

Y/N waited until the chef had left before looking at Beth. “Why am I here, Beth?” 

“Getting straight to business. What happened to little Y/N?” 

“Just wondering why your father called me days before his death to come back home.” She crossed her arms. “I feel like I’m missing something.” 

At that comment, Beth had cackled. “You have no idea.”

“What’s going on-” 

The front door creaked open, and Beth smiled. “In here, baby.” 

Maybe business could wait until later. Y/N smirked. “Baby?” 

Beth nodded. “Baby.” 

“I’m assuming baby is Rip then.” Y/N wiggled her eyebrows. “You two were always-” 

“Y/N?” 

She froze. Beth’s normal smirk grew tenfold, taking another sip of her bourbon. “Reunions are so fun, don’t you think?” 

“Y/N is that you?” 

She forced herself to stand up, turning around. “Kayce.” 

He was smiling, which she was surprised by. “It’s been a while.” 

She swallowed, nodding. “Yeah, it has.” 

Beth groaned. “God, can one of you just address it?” 

“Address what?”

She was beautiful, there was no doubt about it. Y/N felt deeply insecure just being in the same room as her. She was effortlessly perfect, and the way she looked at Kayce- God, she was wearing a ring. Her head started to spin, grabbing the counter to center herself. Kayce’s eyes widened, and he stepped forward, reaching an arm out. “You okay?” 

She nodded, god that was all she could do right now. “I’m-” 

“Dad, who’s this?” 

Dad? She pulled her eyes from Kayce’s taking in the teenager that stood in front of her. He had to be fifteen, or sixteen years old. Just around how long she’d- pulling her arm out of Kayce’s hold, she fixed her blazer and cleared her throat. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to unpack.” 

“Y/N-” 

“Excuse me.”

Kayce waited until she’d gone upstairs to glare at his sister. “What the hell, Beth?” 

“What?” 

“Why is she here?” 

Monica looked lost. “Who is she, exactly?” 

“Yeah, Kayce,” Beth smirked, wiggling her eyebrows. “Who is she?” 

“Beth, what did you do?” 

“Oh, I didn’t do anything. This-” She waved her finger around in the air. “Is all Daddy’s doing.” 

“What do you mean-” 

“I mean, Dad called her before he died, and asked her to come back to the ranch.” 

She grabbed the first Carhartt jacket she’d seen, pulling it closer as she walked toward the stables. She couldn’t stay in the lodge any longer, knowing that Kayce and his wife and son were there. It was a hard reminder of what she could’ve had, what she should’ve had if Kayce hadn’t broken her heart that day. 

The stable was warm, the perfect respite from the cold of the afternoon air. Her eyes gazed at the names on the stall doors, desperately hoping one horse was still there from her time. JR. 

She pushed the door open, grinning as the horse almost immediately recognized her. “Hey, JR.” 

The horse nickered, rubbing its snout against her palm. “Wanna go on a ride?” 

She showed no sign of protest as Y/N removed her shawl, tightened the saddle, and led her out of the barn. “I’ve missed you, you know.” The horse just stared into the distance. “You’re an old girl now, aren’t you?” At that comment, the horse visibly protested, and Y/N laughed for the first time since her arrival. Hooking her foot in the stirrup, she hoisted herself up, petting JR’s side gently. “Let’s get out of here, huh?” 

She should’ve never came back, she thought to herself. She should have never rode out here either, without anything to protect herself with. She could hear the wolves howling in the distance, but she couldn’t find it in her to leave.

If she left she would have to see Kayce again. He was just as perfect as the day she’d left him, although, she laughed to herself, he finally grew that beard he’d always wanted. 

“Well look at that.” 

She’d thought she was going crazy for a second, but his voice was unmistakeable. She made no movement to turn around, she couldn’t look at him without going crazy. 

Kayce laughed, carefully approaching her until they were face to face. There went her plan of not looking at him. “I thought I’d find you here.” 

She scoffed. “I came here for some solace, Dutton.” 

“Oh, I’m Dutton now?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Well, I don’t think your wife and child would enjoy me calling you pet names, now would they?” She retorted, enjoying his shocked expression. “Just leave me alone.” 

“Can’t do that, now can I?” 

“Yeah,” she jutted her hip. “And why’s that?” 

“So much catchin’ up to do.” His smile peaked through, and she fought the blush she knew was growing on her cheeks. He had this horrible effect on her after all these years. “Why’d you come here?” 

“I think you know why.” She glared as hard hard as she could at him, sitting beside the creek. Kayce got a horrible sense of deja vu as he watched her, but he continued on, sitting right beside her. “Are you happy?” 

He nodded. “I am.” 

She smiled. “That’s good. Really good Kayce.” 

He ignored how his heart fluttered when she said his name. “And you?” 

“I’ve been better.” 

“You got anyone?” 

She laughed, actually laughed. “No one’s interested.”

“Well, they’re missing out.” 

She looked over, blushing when she realized he’d been staring at her the entire time. “What are you doing, Kayc?” 

“What do you mean?” 

“What is this? Why can’t we just- let’s just not talk to each other.” She stood up, dusting off her pants. “Just pretend we never knew each other. Okay?” 

He sat there in shock for a moment, before following after her. “No.” 

“No?” She whipped around, and he almost smiled at the fire that blazed in her eyes. There she was, the girl he knew. “Excuse me?” 

“You heard me.” He stepped toe to toe with her. “I can’t go on like this any longer. I lost you sixteen years ago, and now that you’re back, I can’t do it again.”

“Yes, you can.” She nodded. “You can, because you have a whole life now. You can’t just leave because I came back once.” 

“Well, then what do you want me to do?”

“I want you to be the good man you’ve always been.” Her heart broke as she said it. “That woman loves you, and your son would never forgive you. I know it.” 

“What about the letter?” 

“It- That was a goodbye letter. It was meant for closure.” 

He laughed. “Well shit. It didn’t work, because all I’ve thought about for years was that letter.” He grabbed her hand, holding it over his heart. “It haunts me.” 

“I can’t do this, Kayce. You can’t do this.” Her voice was small. “You have a family, a son. Who suspiciously-” She laughed humourlessly, feeling like a broken record at this point. “Is about as old as how long I’ve been gone.” 

“You can’t- you can’t be mad at me for that! You told me I was dead to you, that you couldn’t even look at me-” 

“Well, you told me you didn’t love me!” She yelled. “What was I supposed to say? Alright with me. Fine? You’re a real bastard, Kayce Dutton.” 

“Well, shit, baby-” His eyes widened. “I couldn’t have you settlin’ for me-” 

“Well, it looks like your life went pretty well. Wouldn’t you say?” Tears were now streaming down her face. “By the way, fuck you for taking that away from me.” 

She whipped around, stalking toward her horse. He yelled at her disappearing figure. “That’s my coat you got on!” 

She gasped, pulling it off as if it was on fire. “Take it!” He stood there in shock, good. Served him right. Walking up to the tree she’d tied JR to, she pulled the reigns loose, walking her out of the woods. 

Kayce sighed, walking after her. “Come on. You’ll freeze without it.” 

“I don’t-” 

He grabbed it, trying to put it back on her frame. “Just-” 

“Kayce, stop!” She shoved him away, getting on the saddle. “Leave me alone.” Not even bothering to wait for his reply, she kicked JR’s side, sending her into a full gallop. 

“Y/N!” Kayce kicked the dirt, jumping up on his horse and following after her. “Goddamit.” 

JR was old, there was no doubt about it, but she was fast, and Kayce was struggling to catch up to her. “Just slow down, let’s talk-” 

“I swear to god-” She groaned, urging JR to run a little faster. “C’mon girl, just a little faster.” 

He reached out, grinning when her reigns laid in his hands. He pulled, and JR slowed down to a slow walk, much to Y/N’s dismay. She jumped off the horse, stalking up the hill. 

“Stop running!” 

She scoffed. “I should stop running?” 

“That’s what I said, isn’t it?” He barked back. “Goddamit, you won’t even look at me for more than a few seconds.” 

“Do you blame me?” Tears were still falling down her cheeks. “You broke my heart, Kayce. Broke it completely in two. Excuse me for being erratic. You can’t just tell a girl you imagine her as your wife one day and then break up with her the next!” 

“We could have never had that!” He yelled. “You had too much potential, and I love you too much- I loved you too much to hold you back in life. I belong here, and you belong out there.”

“For the last time, you don’t get to decide that for me. I am a grown woman, Kayce John Dutton.” She pinched her nose, squeezing her eyes shut. “I swear to god, that argument didn’t hold up 20 years ago, and it doesn’t hold up now.” 

"I was right, wasn't I? Look at the career you've built."

"I never wanted that. I wanted you!" She practically hissed at him. "You’re a coward. That’s what you are.” 

“Oh yeah?” He scoffed. “I’m the coward? You're the coward, returning your ring. Writing that ‘goodbye’ letter!” 

A sob wrecked through her. “It’s over, Kayce. It’s been over for sixteen years.” 

“NO!” His voice rang through the valley. “It’s not over. It’ll never be over.” 

“Kayce-” 

“Baby-” 

“Dont! Don’t call me that.” She pushed at his chest. “Just leave me alone-” 

“I can’t.” He whispered, holding her wrists gently. “All because of that goddamned letter.” 

“Get rid of it then if it 'haunts' you.” She leaned her head against his chest, tiring out. “I should have never come back.”

“Don’t say that.” 

“I mean it. You were right, when you pushed me away. We would have torn each other apart. We would have-” 

“No, we wouldn’t have. We would have been happy-” 

“Kayce!” She sobbed. “Just stop it. Stop the ‘would’ve,’ it’s not going to help either of us.” Reaching up, she pushed a strand of hair behind his ear. “Can you promise me something?” 

“Anything.” His voice sounded desperate. 

“Don’t think about me anymore. Love your wife, love her properly, without me in your mind.” 

“I-” His face looked positively heartbroken. “Why?” 

“You married her Kayce, not me! In the grand scheme of things, I was just a high school girlfriend. You have a whole life with her. I will not-” She hiccuped. “I will not be a homewrecker.” 

“I- I can’t.” 

“Yes you can.” She smiled through the tears. “Because you’re a good man, Kayce Dutton.” 

“I-” 

“Swear to me.” 

���I-” He sighed, kissing the inside of her hand that still lingered on his cheek. “I swear to you.” 

“Good.” She nodded, forcing herself to smile. “Now guide me back to the ranch. I’m lost.” 

“Of course you are.” He laughed, still standing in place, relishing in her touch for the first time in sixteen years. “I missed you.” 

“Stop.” She shook her head. “You swore.” 

“Sorry, sorry.” He muttered. “Let’s go back home, yeah?” Holding her hand in his, he walked them back down the hill, their horses waiting diligently at the bottom. 

“What’s her name?” Her voice was a whipser, he had barely heard it.

“Monica.” 

“She’s beautiful.” 

He smiled, nodding. “Yeah, she is.” 

“And your son?” She sounded like she was holding back tears. “What’s he like?” 

“Reserved. Kind. Loves horses.” 

She laughed. “Just like his father.” 

“Nah.” Kayce shook his head, hoisting her up on JR’s back. “He’s like his mother.” 

Y/N had left two days after that, figuring out his father’s will and saying her goodbyes in record time. She’d shook his hand, when she left. It almost made him laugh, their last interaction was a handshake. 

She’d smiled at Monica, saying niceties. When she looked at Tate, her eyes softened, and Kayce's heart almost broke all over again. “You’re a lucky kid.” 

Tate had laughed. “Thank you?” 

“Take care of your parents, yeah? You only get two of them.” 

Monica smiled. “You should listen to her.” 

Beth yelled out from the car. “You coming?” 

That was the last he’d seen of her. The first love of his life. He’d tried hard to keep her promise, but she was everywhere. She was in the letter, in the ring that lay on the chain holding his dog tags. The ring that got him through his tour.

“Kayc?” Monica called out. “You coming in? Dinner’s ready?” 

“Yeah, baby.” He smiled, tucking his dog tags back in his shirt. “I’m coming.”

taglist:

[carebooks]

so, Elsa Dutton meets a cute cowboy, he dies, she goes off on his murderer, then meets, falls in love, and marries Sam, a member of the Comanche tribe… all in the spam of like half a year or something?

James and Margaret have one of the best marriages on the show, only competing with Jacob and Cara. or vice versa.

Jack Dutton moves his wedding date around but still ends up with his wife no matter what, keeps his promise. Is committed to the end.

Spencer meets Alex one day and after five minutes of talking to her, lets her join him on the safari trip. in the course of one day, they are engage. by the end of their adventure to get back on a boat, they are married.

Kayce meets and gets Monica pregnant when they were 18-19, immediately goes to marry her and is still with her to this day.

Beth saw Rip once when they were teenagers and just never let him go, literally kidnapped a priest at 35 so he’d marry them.

the Dutton’s really are just built like that when it comes to romance, huh?