#teeter x colby

[bodybebangin]

Colby & Teeter - Yellowstone

[lovie2mist]

there's nothing like a cowboy and his really scary, really tough, really sadistic cowgirl

[pileofboneswrites]

IN THE WIND_oneshot.yellowstone

SUMMARY — loosely inspired by the song cheyenne by ian munsick. every year he never asks anything from you, resigned to the routine you've created; you pull into the yellowstone, park your trailer, and spend all your time with him, and then when august rolls around you pack it all in, and leave. this year, instead of dancing around the heartache, he [and a few others] ask you to stay.

PAIRING — fem!reader x lee dutton

WORD COUNT — 4.1k

WARNINGS — established friends with benefits type relationship, lee has been in love with reader since they met, pinning, allusions to smut, lee watches reader get dressed – reader puts on a show, no use of y/n — everyone calls her honey as a nickname, mentions of heartbreak, mentions of murder (not overly graphic), mentions of past abuse, angst

you put your truck in park, tucked along the side of the house like you always do. you open the trailer up, lead you horse peaches out into the fenced off area out front, and then wander up the front steps and into the house. you kick off your boots, and pad through the hallway, taking in the view from the living room windows. you enter the open concept kitchen, grabbing a beer and setting to work on tidying up. you start with the dishes, there aren't as many as there were last time.

next, you sweep, the build up of dirt he's tracked into the house has you frowning. after, you throw laundry in — your own clothes first of course. next is vacuuming, followed by grabbing the load of groceries from your cold box in your truck. lastly, you step into the shower, watching the setting sun as you deep condition your hair and shave your legs. when you wrap yourself in your towel you hear the front door open, a pair of boots falling heavily on the hardwood floor.

"honey," lee breathes out, a wide smile on his face as he steps into the warm room, and enveloping you in his arms, his lips latching onto your own.

"hi," you giggle, through pecks to your lips, followed by him slipping his tongue into your mouth.

you allow it for a few moments, relishing in his closeness. you untangle yourself from him, making him frown cutely at you. you give him a teasing smile, and peck him on the lips once more.

"i just swept, and washed those floors of yours, lee dutton. i'm not impressed," you slip past him in your bath towel, tsking at him as you go.

"i'm sorry honey, allow me to make it up to you," he says, a devious smile on his lips, as he follows you into his bedroom.

he catches you by the end of the bed, arms circling your waist as he pulls you flush with his chest. you look up at him throughout your eye lashes, and he bites his lip looking down into your eyes. he dips his head, resting his forehead on your shoulders, his lips ghosting over your collarbone. you want so badly to give in, but you have plans tonight.

"sorry cowboy," you murmur, pushing him away, turning towards his closet—where you keep a sizable amount of your clothes. "you need to shower, and get dressed."

"dressed? for what?" he groans dropping onto the end of the bed, slipping off his boots.

"the carnival? you promised tate last summer we'd be there to ride on the rollercoaster with him?" you say, glancing at him over your shoulder.

"you remember that?" he asks, rasing an eyebrow at you.

you giggle, dropping your towel to put on your underwear. lee moans quietly at the view of your naked body. you slowly pull them up, bending over to give him a full view of your bum. he sucks in a sharp breath, eyes never leaving your skin as you tease him.

you nod, "i do, and he's only text me about it everyday since – so y'know, it'd be hard to forget."

"yeah..." he agrees with you absentmindedly, eyes clinging to your chest as you twist your bra around your chest pulling it up. "hard to– hard to forget."

you make a show of putting your arms through the straps, and pulling the cups up. lee hangs off your every move, his fascination with your body not ending even with your boobs covered. his eyes rake up and down your figure, his eyes dark, and his bottom lip betweeen his teeth as he works through something silently. you feel smug with satisfaction as you step closer, slinging one leg over either side of his hips. you sit on his lap, wrapping your arms around his shoulders, bringing his attention back up to your face.

"baby," you whisper, lips ghosting over his.

"mhmm," he hums, hands landing on your hips.

"you promised,"

he nods, "i did,"

"but?"

his grip on your hips tightens, briefly, then retract.

"nothing, honey, i can wait." he leans in closer to your ear, "but tonight, i'm not going to be able to stop myself."

a shiver goes up your spine, goosebumps exploding over your arms. you missed that. he easily lifts you off his lap, setting you beside him. he stands, heading into the bathroom to shower, the door clicking closed calmly behind him. you sit there, surprised by his show of restraint. he doesn't normally do that, normally he would have had your face pressed into the mattress in a seconds notice. after taking a second to collect yourself, you stand up, and walk back over to the closet.

you pick out a dark green summer dress, a pair of brown cowboy boots in better shape than the ones you'd worn here. you grab a cardigan, and a cowboy hat that matches your boots. you then go back into the kitchen, and grab your cellphone from where you'd left it charging. two missed messages from monica dutton long.

hi aunt honey it's tate! excited to see you and uncle lee tonight rollercoster here we come!

hey, it's monica, just wanted to let you and lee know we'll be by the ticket booth. tate's very excited, see you at 9.

ten minutes pass, and lee is walking down the hallway. he's wearing a button that coincidentally matches your dress, his good hat and his best boots. he looks refreshed, the stress of the day washed away, and a easy smile on his face.

"well don't you look handsome," you smile, stepping into his embrace.

he kisses you deeply, your knees go weak, his arm sliding around your back steadying you. he smirks into your lips, and you pull back rolling your eyes playfully at him. you forgot how much you enjoyed being here, being with him.

"honey, you are the most beautiful woman i have ever met; dressed up like this, or covered in sweat and dirt from a long day."

your heartaches at his confession; it's temporary, you'll be gone again come the end of august. then the cycle continues. you smile, enjoy it now. lee's always been your favourite, it's why you keep coming back. he always knows what to say to make your knees weak, and how to break your heart.

"we'd better go," you say, ignoring the disappointment in his eyes as you walk away.

you're always walking away.

x

"i had so much fun!" tate yells, hoisting the matching bear to yours over his head.

"and now he's going to take forever to get to sleep tonight," monica laughs, "thanks for the sugar rush, aunt honey."

"pshhh, he'll crash the minute you get him in the truck." you reply, "and no problem, i live for these moments,"

"it was good seeing you, honey." monica says, pulling you into a hug.

"you too mon, we need to get coffee before i leave." you tell her, giving her a light squeeze.

"why don't you stay?" she asks, watching as tate makes a beeline for the truck, climbing into the backseat as kayce follows behind him, chatting with lee.

"i can't," you can't tear your eyes away from lee's back as he talks with his youngest sibling, which doesn't go unnoticed by his sister-in-law.

"why not? you and lee act like a married couple and besides; you're perfect for each other." her tone is gentle, like she's talking to an easily spooked animal.

"because..." you debate telling her the truth, the real reason you run every year, and your heart wins out over your rational thinking. "i know that he'll always be there this way, i don't think he'd want me if he had me fulltime."

"how could you possibly think that? lee looks at you like you personally hung the moon, sun and stars. he's so in love with you," she says, smiling softly at you. "you have to know that by now. he turns into a completely different person when you're gone."

"i know he is, i see it in the way he looks at me. i just– i'm terrified of ruining what we have. i'm not an easy person to love, i've been told that my whole life; i'm impulsive, stubborn, bossy, rude, selfish.... he doesn't deserve someone like that. he deserves someone who's sweet, and kind, and... good." you say, "someone like him."

"i don't know... the way you describe yourself; that's not the person i see. i see someone so full of love, and life, someone that helps others no matter what, honey, i've literally seen you give someone the shirt off your back. whoever's pumped your head full of that hate, was trying to convince you you're evil, when you're not. you're none of those things."

"i appreciate that, i'm not sure you're entirely right, but thank you." you shoot her a half smile, and squeeze her shoulder before you break away, walking towards lee's truck.

he meets you halfway, entwining your fingers, and pulling you closer.

he smiles at you, "that was fun,"

"i knew you'd have a good time,"

"thank you for making me come tonight,"

"thank you for winning me a big ass teddy bear," you reply, holding the giant black bear. "i love him, and i'm going to call him dusty,"

"dusty, eh?" he qestions, pulling your door open for you.

"do you have any better ideas?" you quiry, sliding into your seat.

he leans against the passenger door, his head tilted to the side as he thinks. after a few seconds he shakes his head, ducking down to kiss you once. twice. three times before closing the door and walking around to the drivers side.

"wanna grab a pizza on the way?" he asks, and you nod excitedly. "barneys?"

"barneys!" you say it at the same time, and he laughs, patting your left thigh.

x

three weeks later, you're sitting in one of the muskoka chairs up by the main house, a blanket over your legs as you and tate roast marshmallows.

"yours is burning!" tate says, pointing to your marshmallow.

"i love them burnt!" you reply, watching as it catches fire.

"that's weird," tate makes a face, "burnt ones are gross,"

"nuh-huh, they're the best!"

"no! golden ones are!"

"ewwww," comes lee's voice from behind the two of you, "marshmallows? gross!"

"i agree with you there," kayce says, from his chair across the fire pit.

"i second it, too sweet." john adds from beside kacey, and tate looks shocked.

"grandpa! you don't like marshmallows?"

john shakes his head, a disgusted look on his face.

"that's devastating," tate says, and monica lets out a snort of laughter.

"who taught you that word?" she asks, trying to keep a straight face as he stares her down.

"aunt honey, she says it a lot." tate shrugs, turning back to the fire.

monica gives you a quizzical look, as lee sits down beside you, between your chair and hers on your right side. so i don't say fuck in front of your kid, you mouth at her, and she nods in understanding.

"cause i'm trying not to corrupt you," you add, wrapping an arm around his shoulders to give him a quick hug.

"yeah, besides, his dad does a good enough job on his own." lee chuckles making kayce roll his eyes, and flip his brother off while tate's looking away.

"how long are you down for now?" john asks, when the conversation dies down.

your eyes snap to lee, who's looking staight ahead into the darkness. monica and kayce exchange a look before they both take turns glancing at you, and lee.

"uh, 'm not sure just yet," you say awkwardly, your shoulders tensing automatically.

you feel like a dear caught in the headlights. john nods, his attention being stolen by rip who materializes next to him. feeling like john just smacked you, you excuse yourself, wrapping your blanket around your shoulders, and making your way to lee's house. you sit out on the steps, thinking about what you were doing. i'm not good for lee. staying would be a mistake, it would ruin what we have. then i'd be all alone again. you're not sure how long you'd been sat alone, staring off into the dark when you hear lee's boots crunching gravel.

"you okay?" you ask him, and his eyebrows pull together in confusion.

"i'm fine, are you, okay?"

you force yourself to nod, "of course,"

he reaches out for your hand, and you immediately give it to him, allowing him to guide you up into the house. you shed your uggs, blanket, jacket, sweatpants and sweater, when you enter his bedroom. you crawl into bed, pulling the blankets up and waiting for him to crawl in next to you. he does, turning the lights off, and shimmying close to you. you rest your head on his chest, and even after you hear his soft snoring, you can't fall alseep. you lay there, eyes closed trying to sleep, but then the first ray of light speaks into the room.

before you know it, it's six am, and lee's softly shifting you over so he can go shower. you stare up at the ceiling, unmoving. the room is still dark, and when he steps out of the bathroom, towel around his hips, and his hair dripping wet. you pretend to be sleeping when he leans over the bed to give your temple a quick kiss, before he heads down to the bunkhouse. you lie there, staring up at the ceiling, your mind racing. you met lee at a bar in town when you were eighteen, you'd been passing through, on your way to your next race, when he'd caught your eye.

you ended up spending the month curled up in his sheets, praying that it would never end. but like all good things in your life, it did. you'd had a blow out fight about something ridiculous, and after he fell asleep that night you left. you found yourself passing through the following summer, part of you praying you'd see him again. and you did. he sat perched on a bar stool, chatting with rip and two other hands from the ranch. rip saw you first, a knowing smile on his lips, then the other two—who you later came to know as colby and ryan—their conversation fizzled out quickly.

lee had stood, ready to leave for the night, but when he twisted around on that bar stool, he saw you standing there. a smile broke out on his face, and the next thing you knew, you were face down on his mattress, and all was forgotten. it was a cycle that repeated itself for years, this being your tenth summer returning to yellowstone. you couldn't help yourself, there was just something so magnetic about him. you couldn't stay away even if you tried. you show up, play house, counting down the days until a fight breaks out and then you disappear like leaves in the wind.

this time something was different though. everyone around you seemed to be trying to get you to stay. you'd had conversations with kayce, beth, tate, monica and even rip. that was the one you kept rolling over the most. you'd had a similar childhood as he did, but instead of you ending things, your father took your mother and two younger sister's lives then his own. you were seventeen. the only things you had left after that, was your horse, peaches, your truck and trailer. other than some clothes, that was all. you were a traveller, rarely staying in one spot long enough to form any meaningful connections.

lee and the dutton's were an anomaly to that. maybe that was why you always came back, but you couldn't be sure. rip had intercepted you just before supper one night, and despite never having had a much of a real conversation (besides small talk) in your ten years as acquaintances, you sat and listened to what he had to say. rip being a man of few words, had talked to–well more like at you–for twenty minutes. in that time, he'd managed to make you really wonder if running was the best option. you can only run for so long, eventually you'll be too old too, and then what? what would you have to show for it?

you phone goes off on the nightstand, and you sigh, forcing yourself to sit up. monica dutton long. you hit answer, and greet her.

"sorry, were you sleeping?"

"no, no, you're fine. what can i do for you?"

"tate was hoping you'd be up for a ride, i've packed a picnic, and kayce and lee said they'd meet us for lunch."

"sure, that sounds fun," you smile softly, your head screaming, see? you'd miss this if you left. you always do. "i'll get peaches ready, and meet you down at the barn,"

"awesome, tate's already excited. see you down there,"

you hang up, and slide out of bed. your feet hit the hard wood floor, and you go through your routine. you brush your teeth, put on a ballcap, and then throw on a t-shirt, jeans and your boots. you grab a bag of the cookies you bakes yesterday, and jump onto the four wheeler lee leaves for you so you can get around the far without using your truck. over the years, you've noticed that lee gets weird about your truck. it's probably because anytime you go near it, you're usually hauling ass out of yellowstone. you blink away the thought, and head down towards the barn.

lloyd is standing in the bunkhouse doorway when you park the four wheeler, "coffee?"

"oh, yes please." you nod, and he disappears inside returning moments later with a mug for you. "thanks, lloyd."

"you're welcome sweetheart," he smiles at you, and the pair of you stand in a comfortable silence, enjoying your coffee. "y'know, it's nice seeing you around here again,"

the guilt you've felt since you stepped into lee's house flairs back to life, and you nod, forcing a small smile. you go to walk towards the stall's, and he catches your elbow pulling you back.

"i know you've heard it a lot since you got back," he says, staring you down, "but everytime you leave; it's like lee loses part of him... you know that saying, "behind every good man, there's a great woman"? lee needs his great woman around. he needs you around,"

your eyes fill with tears, and you're sobbing before you have much of a chance to try and keep yourself together. lloyd's eyes go wide, and if you weren't losing your mind, you'd have laughed. he guides you into the bunkhouse, closing the door behind him. you plop down at the table, and try to calm yourself. lloyd stares at you, waiting patiently.

"i'm sorry," you mumble, using the shoulder of your shirt to wipe your eyes. "i don't know why that happened,"

"i didn't mean to push you," lloyd tells you, a look of guilt in his eyes.

"no, oh god no, please don't. this isn't your fault. i just..." you trail off looking at your feet. "can i vent for a minute?"

he nods, pulling out a chair and sitting beside you, "please,"

"i come from a pretty fucked up family," you start, lee doesn't even know about what happened to your family. you liked it that way, because every time you give someone an insight into your background, their perspective changed and they started treating you like glass. "i mean, who's isn't? mine... well, mine is a different kind of fucked up. my dad snapped one night, murdered my mom, two baby sisters, and then killed himself. no one's really sure why he did it; he was abusive as shit, sure, but that– that was a kind of rage he never displayed before. he didn't leave a note, he just did it, and then shot himself in the head. go figure the old bastard went the easy way,"

you sigh leaning forward resting your head in your hands, "i started running that night. i'd snuck out to see a boy, and came home to find them all dead. i just took off. had i not snuck out, i would be just like them. i don't have friends, i don't have any family, i've tried to keep to myself but when i met lee... my desire to be isolated changed. i just wanted to be with him. when i'm not here, all i can think about is whether he's safe or not. he's all i think about, but... my dad made it incredibly clear to me growing up that i was a burdern, unlovable, worthless, a waste of space... that kind of thing is difficult to just forget. he told me that everyday, for seventeen years. the scariest part of it all, is that i have my father's rage. i don't want to be like him, but i'm terrified that if i'm too close, i won't see it and it'll be too late."

you look up at lloyd, tears in your eyes, "he told me i wasn't worth loving, and i believe him. i hate leaving, i'm tired of it, but i'm terrified."

someone clears their throat from the doorway, the pair of you jumping at the noise. you turn your head, and see lee standing there, clutching the doorknob so tightly his fingers turn white. lloyd clears his throat, and stands, leaning down only to give your hand a light squeeze. lloyd leaves, and lee closes the door. it takes four long strides before lee is pulling you to your feet by your elbow, and crashing his lips to yours. you're surprised by the action, but melt into his touch. when the pair of you pull apart, breathing heavily, he rests his forehead against yours.

"i love you," he breaths, "you are worthy of love, you deserve happiness, and you are good."

your eyes water, again.

"how do you know i'm not a monster?" you whisper.

"because i know you. you bake cookies when you can't sleep, you pick up spiders and take them outside instead of killing them despite the fact that you're terrified of them, you close your eyes every time you see roadkill because it makes you sad that an animal died, you'd sooner adopt every animal than see them suffer, cute animals excite you, you're scared of thunder but always put on a brave face for tate because you don't want him to freak out, you hold doors open for everyone, and pay for peoples groceries or meal if they can't afford it. you are light, you are warmth, you are so damn good."

you bury your face in his chest, sobbing uncontrollably as he holds you tightly. never in the ten years that lee has known you, has he ever seen your eyes water, let alone see you cry. someone knocks softly on the door, and then monica pokes her head in.

"oh, sorry– i was just going to ask if you guys were ready, but if now doesn't work–"

"no, now's good," you say, pulling your face away from his chest. "we were just–"

"she's staying," lee cuts you off, and she lets out an excited squeal.

"i have to tell kayce and tate!" she says, quickly disappearing.

you look up at him through red, swollen eyes, a teasing smile on your lips.

"i'm staying am i?" you ask wrapping your arms around his back. "'cause last i checked, you're the only one who hasn't asked me to stay."

"hasn't?" he echoes, an embarrassed look on his face as he looks down at you.

"oh yeah, your family was on me the minute i pulled in. you just happened to catch me in the aftermath of lloyd asking me."

"even rip?"

you nod, "especially rip. i think he had me convinced, but i wanted to hear it from you before i made my final decision."

he looks into your eyes, a serious look you've never seen before sliding over his features, "stay, please."

"okay," you whisper, not breaking eye contact, as his lips twitch up.

"marry me?" he says next, "please."

despite how badly he's caught you off guard, you find yourself immediately nodding, a wide smile crossing your face as he grabs you and spins you. you giggle, and he laughs, the pair of you hugging each other tightly.

"i love you," you tell him, "i love you so damn much, and i'm sorry for not you telling you sooner."

"it's ok, because we know now. that's good enough for me."

you nod, "me too."

[bullet-prooflove]

Ice Pack: Ryan x Reader (Yellowstone)

Tagging: @kmc1989 @trublu2u @yousigned-upforthis @queenslandlover-93 @ladychaos1525

Companion piece to:

Kitty - Ryan knows something's not right when he seees you with another man.

Such A Good Girl - Ryan makes a realisation about your undercover op.

Three Shots - Three shots and your life changes forever.

Ryan’s waiting for you when you get home. He’s sitting on your couch, a pack of painkillers on the coffee table and a towel already wrapped around an ice pack he’s pulled from the top shelf of the freezer.

It’s four in the morning and you’ve spent god knows how long being interviewed and then reinterviewed regarding the events of the evening. It’s a clear cut case of self-defence, you’re told by your union rep, you have nothing to worry about. It’s the sentiment that rings true all the way up the chain of the command because no one wants to admit how badly they fucked up with those girls on the reservation.

“I never did take back that key.” You say as he raises to his feet and the look in his eyes, it’s the saddest fucking expression in the world because your face…

It looks like you’ve gone ten rounds with Mike Tyson.

That’s the shit you can do with a rolling pin when you’re motivated.

He presses the ice pack to left side of your face, where the bruising is most predominant and you wince at the sensation covering his hand with yours.

“So…” You say, your thumb ghosting over his knuckles. “How long have you been fixing shit for the Duttons?”

And that’s it, the secrets out. All those reasons you couldn’t be together, they suddenly vanish because finally he can tell you the truth, be honest with you about all the fucked up shit he’s done.

“Since I was 18 and aged out of the foster system.” He tells you as he shifts the ice so that it cradles the space next to your eye. “I didn’t take the brand until the night before we broke up. I did something, something that would have compromised you if you knew about it and I couldn’t lie to you so-” He sighs. “-I did what I thought was best.”

And it had caused him so much fucking misery because Ryan didn’t get it at the time, he didn’t understand that the two of you were the same, he just hadn’t seen that side of you. You toe that line the best you can but sometimes you have to step over it and for him it was when the Morrows tried to murder Teeter and Colby, for you it was this.

“What happened tonight-” He says taking your hand and placing it over his heart. “-I will take the whole fucking thing to the grave with me. It doesn’t matter if we’re together or not, this thing it stays between the two of us.”

“Because you love me? Or because this is just mutually assured destruction.” You ask him and Ryan’s forehead comes to rest lightly against yours.

“I never stopped loving you Katalina.” Ryan whispers, his lips brushing over yours. “I think I proved that tonight.”

Love Ryan? Don’t miss any of his stories by joining the taglist here.

Like My Work? - Why Not Buy Me A Coffee

[sorchathered]

Sweet Dreams- Ryan x reader

Day 2-Somnophilia

Summary- Ryan comes home to his girl and gets her ready for him while she dreams of his hands on her body.

Warnings- smut, unconscious reader

Pairing- Ryan from Yellowstone and reader

Ryan had been gone for nearly two weeks, hauling horses to the 6666’s ranch, Colby was driving him absolutely insane whining over missing Teeter, Jake was stinking up the whole truck, and his knee was really starting to act up. He just wanted a good shower, hot meal, and to maybe get his dick sucked by his wife. Definitely the last one more than anything but hell he’d take whatever she was willing to give at this point.

By the time they crossed under the Yellowstone ranch sign it was the middle of the night, you’d long been asleep and he didn’t want to wake you while you looked so pretty all starfished out in their shared bed. It was when he pulled the covers back and saw the red lacy panties you had on that he knew exactly what you were asking for. They had a system, if you wanted him to help himself you donned the pretty red lace and that was his cue to take what he wanted, you’d wake up eventually after all, more than ready to give him the release he was searching for.

Crawling to wedge himself between your spread thighs he sighed in relief as his mouth met the lacy material, licking and sucking on your clit as he ground himself into the mattress. It didn’t take long before you were writhing in your sleep, moaning out his name into the quiet bedroom, still deep in sleep but having what he hoped was the best damn dream. He spread your wetness around his fingers and slipped two inside, watching as you arched off the bed, eyelashes fluttering as you became conscious, body coming alive under his touch. You were so close, but he needed to be inside you, so he moved up your body with soft nips and kisses, your arms wrapping him up when he finally met your lips.

Still groggy you let him explore your mouth and press his cock into you, slow thrusts dragging him over your g spot. Eyes now wide and bright as he brought you to your release you huffed out a laugh when he whined into your neck and flooded you with his own release.

Boneless and sated, pussy still full of him, you wound your legs around his and let sleep take you again. He was finally home.

Tagging- @bobgasm @attapullman @ryebecca

[bellarkeselection]

How ryan would react if you told him you were pregnant

Yellowstone ryan x reader

How would Ryan react if you told him you were pregnant??

Ryan would most likely not believe you at first

He would curse quite a lot in shock

He might think that you we’re just messing with him

Think that Colby or Teeter decided to prank him and this is what they came up with

If you start to cry or leave the room he would snap out of it immediately

Afterwards he would comfort you with a hug

And he would just hold you for a while until you calmed down

Once you calmed down he would hold your face in his hands and give you a kind smile

“I’m sorry for not taking you seriously, darling” he would say

You would respond back through some light tears “It’s not your fault. Ryan…it’s a lot to take in. I don’t expect you to be excited since it was just a one night stand.”

He wouldn’t waste anymore time so instead of answering you with words he just kisses you

You would kiss him back obviously but still be confused over his response

In the end he would give you a verbal answer just in case “I ain’t going to leave you to raise this child by yourself.”

And Ryan would spoil the kid rotten and teach he or she how to be a ranch hand like him

John would offer you and the baby a place to live on the ranch if there was a different cabin available. Since it would be odd to live in the bunkhouse with the others

You and Ryan would get married quickly before the baby’s due date

[keep-the-wolves-close]

Steady Heart

Chapter 32: Destiny

* Pairing: Slow-burn Kayce Dutton x OFC Stella Daniels

* Rating: M

* Warnings: language, despair, angst, dealing with first time killing, smut, p in v sex, unprotected sex, creampie

* Word count: 4,604ish

I would love to give credits to @dameronscopilot and @deanscroissant for being sounding boards for me during this whole process, giving outsider insight, being cheerleaders, and allowing me to screech at them about things that have happened during the writing process. I seriously couldn't have gotten this far without y'all

Author's note: All I have to say is finally. Good lord. You’ll all understand when we get there lol. I hope everyone is enjoying so far! I hope you love this chapter as well! One more before I take a break to get some actual writing done.

The sound of the door being opened woke Stella with a jump. When it was daylight and she teetered on the edge of consciousness, it had been fine that she was by herself. She hadn’t thought about what it would be like after dark. She quietly sat up. She tried to listen for any recognizable sound.

The boot falls she would recognize anywhere. They belonged to Kayce. Her heart rate started to slow again. He opened the door a crack, just enough that he was able to see into where she was on the bed. She looked back at him and blinked sleepily.

“Hey cowboy.” Her voice was quiet, scratchy.

He smiled softly at her, “Hey Stellfire,” he opened the door a bit more and leaned against the door frame. “How’re you doin’?”

“I mean, isn’t that kind of a loaded question after… Wait, what day is it?”

“It’s the same day. It’s late though.”

She groaned and threw herself back onto Kayce’s pillows. “It couldn’t have at least been the next day before I woke up?”

“No, you know how our luck runs, but your brother also wanted you to be checked on. He was about to come up here himself, but I figured I would spare you.”

“My hero, thank you. Seriously. I don’t know if I can talk to him just yet.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s somehow going to turn into a lecture and I really don’t feel like being lectured right now.”

“Oh you mean how he and Colby tried to interrogate me as to why I answered your phone?”

“What do you mean they tried to interrogate you? About what?” Stella swept the sheets off and stood. “That you’re probably the main reason I made it out of that bullshit alive?”

“Hold on there, spitfire.” Kayce put his arm across the door frame to keep her from going out the bedroom door. He looked down at her. She was shorter without her boots. He wasn’t sure he’d ever stopped to think about it before. He had to clear his throat to keep from laughing at the cute scrunch of her face, her eyes squinted hard trying to focus in the dark without her glasses. “He just cares. Which you should be worrying about yourself right now. Not me. I can handle your brother.”

She crossed her arms, and squinted at him in the dim lighting.

“You should also probably get your glasses if you’re gonna be awake with me for a while.” She shoved him, silently telling him to fuck off.

“I guess I’ll stay up for a little whil—,” she realized she didn’t have pants on as the comforter brushed against her leg when she reached for her glasses. Kayce seemed to be ignoring her lack of pants, or it truly went unnoticed. “I’ll meet you out there in a second.”

After Stella heard him wander off, she searched for her black sweatpants. They had to be here somewhere. She had them on when she got back to the ranch. She looked on the bed. They weren’t there. They weren’t on the arm chair, the dresser or the floor. Anywhere on the floor.

“Where the fu—,”

“Lookin’ for these?” Kayce said in an amused tone. His arm was outstretched through the door, her black sweats dangled from his hand.

“Kayce John give me those!” She reached out and snatched them while he laughed and walked away.

His voice sounded far away in the living room. “What are they doing out here anyway?”

Stella walked through the door and into the kitchen, “I wish I could tell you, but I came in here and after I opened the door, I don’t remember anything else.”

She padded her way into the little living room. She sat down cross legged and faced Kayce on the couch. The quiet enveloped them both. She uncrossed her arms and looked at her hands. They started to shake as reality started to set in again. She killed someone with those hands. Two someones. She had snuffed the life out of them and couldn’t take it back. Yes, she had witnessed death more times than she should have at this point in her life. But she’d never been responsible for it.

“Kayce, what the fuck.” She leaned forward as a wave of nausea overtook her stomach, her face nearly touched the couch. He leaned over and rubbed her back. He chewed on his bottom lip as he tried to find the words. There was nothing he could say to make it any better. It definitely wouldn’t change the course of action she had taken.

“I know, sugar. You did what you had to do. To stay here. Alive, and with us. Like you said, they were coming for you and they weren’t stopping.”

“But I should have shot their knees or something. I didn’t have to go for their heads, Kayce. Fuck!” She moaned as she sat up. She ran her hands down her face. She started to hyperventilate.

“Stella,” he scooted closer and grabbed her hands bringing them down to her lap, “Stella, look at me,” he grabbed her full round cheeks. She stopped all forms of movement. She almost stopped breathing.

“Yeah?” Her voice was small.

“You did what you had to do. And if I’m right, he was a bad man—,” Stella interrupted and pulled back from his hands.

“— that doesn’t make it fucking better Kayce.”

“Yes it does actually.”

“What the actual fuck?!” Her temper raised her voice to a higher octave. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

“You’re here with me and I don’t have to do this alone!”

Everything went silent. Both of them breathed heavier than normal as their blood pressure came back down. Stella blinked at Kayce, but he wouldn’t look at her. It wasn’t very often that you would find him raising his voice to her. She wasn’t sure what to do with the admission. Especially since the talk they had a few weeks ago. She hadn’t taken into account how important she was to him before. How crucial she still was, apparently.

“Look at me.” Her tone was soft. She didn’t want to scare him into leaving. She realized that he had been just as scared about her dying as she was. He took his time, but finally looked at her.

“I’ve always been your Huckleberry, Kayce. Why do you think Lee joked about us being attached at the hip?” Stella fidgeted with her hands and tried to keep her mind busy. “I made a promise to your brother that I would do almost anything for you and the family. You’re all Ryan and I have. You’ve done everything for us. I’m glad I’m still here. With you.” She reached out and grabbed his hand.

“The point I’m trying to make is that regardless of whether or not they were bad men, there’s still blood on my hands. How do I come back from that? I just—,” the lump in her throat cut her off. She puffed out air. She tried to catch her breath, but the thoughts stole it from her.

He brushed a strand of hair away from her face. He cupped her full cheeks to make her bring her eyes to his. He could see her starting to calm down.

“Baby, it’s okay. Whatever it is, we're gonna get through it together, alright?” He used the words she’d used for him time and time again.

Stella nodded, “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course Stella. You know you can always ask me anything.”

She hesitated. She felt childish asking this, but she really didn’t want to be alone. “Can you stay with me until I fall asleep?” Kayce smiled at her affectionately. The small way she asked was endearing.

“Come on, let’s go to bed.” He stood from the couch and grabbed her hand to lead her back to the bedroom. Stella felt her stomach tighten. She had been in and around Kayce in a bedroom plenty of times. They’d slept together for crying out loud. Something felt different now, and she wasn’t sure if she was overthinking it this time, or if something had actually shifted. She was torn, wanting to forgive him because he had saved her life, but also not wanting to because that shit had really hurt.

He walked in before her and pulled the covers down. He placed his hat off to the side and started to take off his boots. Stella was nervous and didn’t want to move more than she had too. He gazed over at her and could see the anxious look in her eyes.

Kayce assured her. “It’ll be okay. I promise. I’ll be in the house all night.”

Stella broke out of her daze and busied herself. She made her way to the bedside as Kayce took off his jeans. She sat down and watched him grab a pair of his own sweatpants. She bit her lip and looked away.

“How can you be sure? There’s so many places people can sneak onto the property and we all would be none the wiser.” Stella thought of all the different ways people could sneak in. She took her glasses off and set them on the nightstand on her side of the bed.

“Well, even if they do find a way in, we’ve got an entire group of people that will stop them.”

“I would rather it didn’t come to that though.” She didn’t want to endanger anyone else, more than she already had.

Kayce breathed out as he placed himself on the full size bed next to her. Stella scooted back toward the edge of her side.

He grinned. “I promise I won’t bite, Stell.”

“I know, I know. I just don’t wanna be all up in your grill.”

“At least make yourself comfortable. You don’t have to squeeze all the way over there.” He pulled the covers up over his lower half. Kayce placed his arm back against the headboard as if leaving a space for her to slide in. Stella squinted at him, unsure of what was happening.

Kayce reassured her. “Well c’mon.” She gnawed on her lip for an extra second and contemplated. She couldn’t help but feel like a line was being crossed somewhere. The exhaustion creeped in. ‘Whatever, I’ll deal with this later.’ She dismissed the idea. ‘That’s a later me problem.’

Stella shuffled underneath the blankets. She moved a fraction closer to Kayce, to which he huffed. He pulled her into his side.

“Since when did you become scared of me, huh?” He framed his arm around her shoulders giving her a gentle squeeze.

“I’m not scared of you. I just don’t want to be vulnerable again. We know how that ended up last time.”

Stella focused on whatever she could in front of her. There had been a lot that happened within the last 24 to 48 hours. She felt like the only thing she could do was be quiet. Some of the thoughts that ran through her mind still made her feel physically sick. Some of them left her uncertain. Her head was all over the map. How could she be thinking that something had changed between Kayce and she, when she had killed two people not long ago? Where did that make sense?

“I just think I’m tired, Kace.” Stella migrated farther into the blankets, but remained encircled in Kayce’s arm. “Can you turn the light off please?” The full weight of his arm dropped against her. He didn’t want her to clam up on him. He wasn’t sure what to do. He kissed the top of her head and leaned over to turn out the light.

It had only been a few hours since they had wandered into the bedroom. Kayce’s full intention had been to head out to the couch once she fell asleep. He woke up as he felt her rutch around. She was making small noises. Even faced away from him, he could tell she was troubled. She flopped back over and faced him again. She reached out and grasped his tank top.

He reached out for her. “Stella, honey.” One hand grabbed hers on his chest, the other touched her face lightly. He rubbed her rosy cheek and tried to pull her out of the nightmare.

“Stella.” Kayce said more firmly. Her eyes flew open as she breathed in a gulp of air. Her arms flailed as she grappled to get her hands on anything she could to keep herself from falling.

“Hey, hey, hey. It’s okay, Stella. I’m right here. You’re safe. You’re in the foreman’s house. Everything is alright.” Kayce told her quickly. He brushed the stray hairs from her face. She heaved trying to catch her breath making high pitched wheezes come out. She pushed his hands away, and kicked at his legs.

Kayce tucked his leg over top of hers, grabbed both of her wrists in one hand and brought them close to his chest. He laid himself over on top of her to weigh her down some. He leaned into her, as close to her face as he could get. He had to get her to stop struggling.

“Stella!” She drew back into the pillows. Her eyes fully locked in on Kayce, and she realized was safe. They both puffed and panted. Her short bursts of breath moved the hair in Kayce’s face. Their eyes locked and Stella froze. Time appeared to stand still.

“Come back to me, Stell.” He let go of her wrists and she touched his face. She had to make sure this was real, and wasn’t about to transition into a horrible scene.

“Oh my god, Kayce.” Her arms shot out and hugged him tight. As he dropped, he moved to his side. He rolled her with him and kept her in his grasp. She buried her face as far into his neck as she could and started to cry. “I’m a horrible person. I killed someone. I can’t take it back. I should be arrested, or in jail! But no, I had to call you, and now all of you are wrapped up in my fuckin’ mess too.”

He placed his hand on the back of her head. “Shh shh, it’s okay baby. It’s okay.” His heart broke all over again for her. He wished he would have gotten to that last man before she had to kill him. He would have gladly placed that on his shoulders, so she didn’t have to bear it.

“No! It’s not okay! I put everyone in danger—,” she hiccuped with tears.

“Baby, I came for you. I got you safe, and you did what you had to. You didn’t force any of us to do anything we wouldn’t.”

Stella got frustrated. She pushed back and away from Kayce. “Why do you keep calling me that! You made your feelings very evident when you ripped me apart!” She sat up and swiped angrily at her face. “You don’t get to call me that!”

“I don’t know!” He sat up and fixed his gaze on her. She glared at him. “I can’t do this anymore. You know we’re more than friends at this point.”

“No. No. I’m not doing this right now.” She started to panic. She clambered from underneath the tangled sheets on her legs.

“Stella, where are you going?” Kayce scrambled to get out of the bed behind her.

“Away from you!” She hurried and snagged her boots. She could hear his footsteps behind her. Her hand landed on the door knob and she started to swing the door open. It slipped from her hand violently as it was pushed shut by Kayce’s much larger hand. She gaped at Kayce’s arm and spun around and scowled up at him while dropping her boots.

He towered above her. With his hand on the door, his presence felt so much bigger. Their eyes finally met. They both huffed wildly. Stella felt warm. The whole room felt like it was on fire. She rammed her hands into his chest and tried to shove him backward. He moved, but swung back forward, keeping her surrounded.

“Kayce let me go!”

“No Stella. Not until you simmer down.”

“That’s not gonna happen with you in my face!” She shoved at him again. He grappled with her hands. Kayce yanked on them and straightened her back against the wall. He pressed himself against Stella’s body as close as he could get, then maneuvered his leg in between hers. That caused her to hike up, almost on her tiptoes. It made her lose her breath. She was taken over by a memory of that first time in her house.

Kayce gripped her chin in his hand. “Stella, stop. Focus.” She glowered at him. “I will let you go, but I need you to calm down. I don’t want you leaving here in a huff and getting hurt because you left unprepared.”

“Oh my god. I don’t need you to fuckin’ baby me.”

“I’m not babying you! I’m trying to make sure you don’t die!”

“Why?!” She screeched. “No one signed you up for that!”

“Because I fucking love you okay!” He let her go and she dropped back onto her feet. Kayce retreated and turned away from Stella. His shoulders dropped and he wiped his face with his hands.

The silence that enveloped the room was deafening. Stella sagged back against the door while she tried to catch her breath. She stared at his back, her mouth hung open, unsure of what to say. In a small voice, she asked simply, “Why?”

Kayce picked his head up, but he didn’t turn around. “Because after everything that’s happened in my life in the last 13 years, good, bad, horrible… you’ve never run.” Stella looked down at the floor. She went to adjust her glasses, but realized she had never grabbed them in her hurried temper tantrum. “Hell, even when I told you what I had done after Lee… you still, never ran.”

“I know I can always count on looking up and seeing you somewhere ready to fight anyone coming for me, or die trying.” She heard his feet move on the floor, but refused to look up. He placed his hand gently under her chin to bring her eyes up to meet his. Once she did, he released her face.

“I couldn’t breathe when I heard you scream and those gunshots, Stella. I thought I was gonna run to you, and you would be gone. My heart stopped.” He opened his arms in an offered hug. Stella sniffled and moved forward into the embrace. “I’m happy it was him and not you. I’ll say that every time. No matter if we got the chance to change it, or not.” Kayce said softly into her ear.

Muffled from his chest came the hushed admission. “I’m really glad it was you who came and had my back.” He softly smiled and put his chin on her head.

Stella stared at his chest. All the thoughts rushed through her mind at once. She leaned back to take a good look at him. When his eyes met hers, everything ceased. She threaded her hand through his hair and stood on her tiptoes to meet his lips halfway. Kayce wrapped his arms tighter around her, pulling her closer like she was his source of air. Their tongues danced along one another and Kayce let out a quiet hum.

She pulled back, leaning her arms on his shoulders. Kayce gazed down at her as if she held the universe in her palm. She timidly looked up at him in contemplation. The last time they allowed this to happen had been a whirlwind. Kayce watched her mind work.

Was she ready to forgive him? Of course she forgave him. She would probably always forgive him. They were both human and when all of that went down they were both vulnerable in different ways. They sought out comfort and safety with each other. Did it make it right that they both took advantage of each other? Absolutely not. But did coming to the realization they both weren’t perfect make it easier to swallow? Did she think they could work things out? Yes.

Amidst all the weirdness, he had put that aside when she needed someone the most. He’d saved her. She wouldn’t be here if he hadn’t rushed out to her. Was she ready to let him back in for real this time, was the question. His hand on her cheek brought her back to reality.

“You okay, Stell?”

A tiny grin settled on her cheeks. She placed her hand on his chest and with a hushed tone said, “come to bed with me.” Gently she grabbed his hand and led him to the bedroom.

Her heartbeat pounded in her chest so hard she could barely catch her breath. “Keep me safe.” She whispered. It was about more than just the act they were about to engage in. She wanted him to be careful with not only her body, but her mind. Her heart.

Kayce stepped forward, and kissed her softly. He reached down and wrapped the bottom of her plain white t-shirt in his fingers. Tugging upward, Stella instinctively lifted her arms to let the garment slide up and off. When it slipped over her head, her breasts dropped free of the shirt. They bobbed with her heavy breaths from her nerves.

Kayce took off his shirt to join her and tossed both to the side. The duo grabbed the waistband of their pants and quickly dropped them to the floor. They stood there taking each other in. He closed the gap between them and took her mouth with his. Stella met him with open arms. Kayce turned them about face and laid back on the bed, bringing her with him.

Neither of them came up for air as they slowly descended onto the mattress. Stella’s hand trailed its way from his chest, along his stomach. The muscles tightened as her fingers flitted along closer to their goal. Her soft fingers wrapped around his dick. Kayce broke their kiss to groan.

Stella placed soft kisses along his jaw and shoulder. She stroked his cock with a soft grip and loose wrist. With every pass of her hand she swore it hardened even more. He looked beautiful in this moment to her. His head was back against the pillows, lips parted, eyes closed. She gave him gentle direction. “Hey look at me.”

Kayce’s eyes shot open, searching for hers. When he found her, she was watching herself jerking his dick with her bottom lip pulled in between her teeth. She released her lip and looked back at him. The desire he saw in her almost stopped his heart. His penis throbbed and jumped in her hand.

She lazily sat up and pulled her hair free from the messy bun that sat atop her head. Kayce propped himself up on his elbows and groaned at the lack of contact, but her hand on his shoulder stopped him. Stella threw her leg over his hips and straddled him. He placed his hands on her thighs and gave them a squeeze.

Posting up, he reached between them and grabbed himself to help her aim. He pumped his cock a few times and he slid himself between her slick folds. Stella tossed her hair to the side and sunk down onto him. She watched him disappear into her waiting pussy. The sound she made was almost a purr when he was fully sheathed. Her head fell back and her eyes fluttered shut at the sensation of being full.

Kayce grabbed her arms and pulled her down to his chest. He propped his legs up on flat feet, pulling her in to kiss her. His tongue found its way into her mouth and she responded with a moan. Gradually he thrusted his hips upward. Stella’s waist came to life and ground down on his cock in time with his thrusts.

It was lazy and it was slow. There was no rush, and every feeling built upon the last one. Stella pushed back and sat up straight. She wound her pelvis against his. There was a particular angle he noticed she hitched at. When she came around again Kayce snapped his cock up into her dripping cunt. She buckled forward, catching herself on his chest. She kept winding her center against him. The electricity from him hitting that angle ran through to her toes. She whispered breathelessly, “fuck, Kayce.”

“I know, sugar. Lay down.” He helped her up off him. When she was settled he got comfortable on top of her. She subconsciously surrounded his waist with her legs. He angled his cock at the entrance to her pussy and dove back in. Stella embraced him, burying her face in his neck. Kayce’s hand trailed back along her side, and up her leg to lend her support.

He drove his cock into her slow and deep. Each time he hit her cervix she huffed out a moan. Stella was so overwhelmed with how deep he was she scratched at his back. “Kayce,” she mewled. “Shit.” She wasn’t sure how much more she could handle.

Kayce rolled his hips in a circle and felt Stella clench around him. “Fuck, Stella,” he sighed shakily. “You gonna cum for me?” He thrusted sharply when she squeezed him again.

“Yes, yes!” She cried out. “Please,” she begged. Her arms left his neck and she grabbed his midsection, spurring him into action.

He rose up on his hands and Stella grabbed her legs behind the knees to keep herself spread for him. He almost came at the sight. Kayce locked his elbows and pounded into her from the close angle, pushing deep into her. Small grunts left him from the effort. He felt his release rising.

Stella felt as tears lined her eyes. The pleasure absorbed her. “Kayce, cum in me,” she requested soberly.

Kayce’s thrusts stuttered, “oh fuck,” he groaned at her invitation.

She reached up to touch any part of him she could reach. “That’s it cowboy, come on. Cum in me.” Kayce dropped overtop of her and hammered into her. He growled louder with every push. Their keening grew in volume and he felt his cum shoot out into her begging cunt. He shook and stuttered. Stella sobbed with her orgasm.

They laid there intertwined with each other, trying to come back down from the high. Stella came to sooner and brushed Kayce’s hair back from his face. His eyes slowly opened and he smiled up at her.

“I’ll be right back.” He tenderly pulled out of her and shuddered at the loss of contact. He quickly went to the bathroom and turned on the water in the sink. While he waited for it to heat up, he cleaned himself up, and grabbed a separate rag to run under the water.

Stepping back into the room, he gazed at Stella laying there, knees bent and feet flat in the bed. “Come to the edge baby.” She slid herself to the end of the bed and he took the wet rag and softly wiped his cum off of her.

“We made a mess, didn’t we?” She asked shyly.

He chuckled. “Nothin’ a washer won’t fix.” He finished cleaning her up and threw the washcloth into the hamper.

“Can we go back to bed, and deal with this during normal hours?” Stella asked as she placed her hand on his chest when he came back to her.

Kayce breathed a chuckle. “Yeah, c’mon, Stellfire.”

[supergirl000983]

The Rancher and the Pilot PT.1

Pairing: Jake Seresin x Dutton!Reader

Warning: None

Y/N walked outside to meet her brothers buddies along with Ryan, Colby, Abby, and Teeter. She had enlisted the help of her four closest friends to help her show her brother’s friends around. Y/N had made sure everyone knew to wear their good boots because she was taking them line dancing and bar hopping tonight. “So who is ready to get their dance on?” She asked the group of 8. “I did my fair share of dancing in high-school darlin.” Jake said wrapping an arm around her shoulder “I heard there was a place called the Electric Bull?” Bradley said walking closer to the two. “You mean you heard of a place that had an mechanical bull. The place itself is call 8 Seconds, and if you’re anything like most of the men in this town you won’t last that long.” Y/N responded as she grabbed Jake’s hand and started towards her truck. They were going to take two trucks. Y/N would drive her ranch truck with Jake, Javy, Natasha, and Bradley. The other truck would be Ryan, Abby, Colby, and Teeter. Y/N could feel herself getting closer with the team especially Jake. He understood Ranch life that was the reason he and her brother were such great friends. ————time skip because I’m lazy—————Y/N pulled up to 8 Seconds and they all got out. Jake immediately made his way to Y/N and held her hand as they made their way in. “Welcome to 8 Seconds. This place is my home away from home. I grew up with my older sister and her husband sneaking me in here. Oh Tee! Beth said she and Rip may make an appearance later.” Y/N said as she lead the group to her normal table. “Ok Ryan and Colby if you guys will go get the first round of shots Teeter, Abby, and I will start explaining the rules of this place.” Y/N said as she hopped up on her barstool. As the boys went to get the drinks the girls started explaining. “Ok rule #1 if a girl has a cowboy hat on 9/10 she is here with her boyfriend so don’t flirt with her, #2 Nat this one is for you If a man puts his cowboy hat on your head take it off and come find one of us if we are not with you, and #3 Do NOT take your eyes off your drink. Now with that being said let’s get this party started!” Y/N said as the boys sat the tray of drinks down in the table “Before we dance I think we should get these here newbies on that there mechanical Bull.” Teeter said in her Texas accent “You are so right Teeter! I for one think the Queen herself should go first and show them how is done. Y/N?” “I’ll see what I can do” Y/N said looking between Teeter and Abby. Y/N walked up to one of her friends from high-school who was working the ride. “Hey Jesi! Anyway you can get me on that Bull in the next couple of minutes?” Y/N asked wrapping and arm around her old cheer captain. “Yeah it’s going pretty easy tonight, just take your shoes off and hop on. Considering you hold the record for old Betsy I’m sure you won’t have a problem.” Jesi said smiling at her long time friend. Y/N nodded to her friends who all made their way over to where she was taking her boots off and taking her keys, phone, and wallet out of her shorts pocket handing her stuff to Jake before climbing in the ring and hopping onto the bull. As the Bull started Y/N leaned and moved like she was apart of the machine. “WOO! THAT THERES MY BEST FRIEND!” “GO Y/N!” “Get it girl!” Were all things being shouted as Y/N finally let go an fell off the bull. “25.4 seconds Y/N Dutton beating her old record of 24.8 seconds. Give it up the the 4 year champion of Betsy.” Jesi said before putting the mic down. “So who’s next?” Ryan asked as he and Colby held their hands out for Y/N to grab to get out of the pen. “I’ll go! How hard could it be?” Javy said taking his shoes off. “3 seconds…you lasted 3 seconds Coyote.” Nat said as she handed him his phone. While Javy, Nat, and Bradley went with the ranch hands Jake stayed with Y/N. “So how about me and you go get a beer, and then we go sit in the back of the truck and look at stars while they all dance?” Jake said wrapping his arms around Y/N.

[brooklynislandgirl]

10 Fandoms / 10 Characters / 10 Tags

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

~*~*~*~

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

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

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

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

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

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

[thoughtslikeaminefield]

@princessmisery666

[lovie2mist]

woah woah woah

"Hey kid, what are you trying to do?"

Cowboys do what cowboy are meant to do, like clean the stables and shit. however, getting into a reactive and agitated killer stallion's stable isn't one of them, and Carter's about to do just that.

Colby grabbed the collar of his shirt to prevent him from going in.

"I was just going to give him some water"

"No, just no. next time go and ask someone for help. that horse is nowhere near friendly enough to not get you killed"

"okay, sorry"

Colby let go of his hold on him and slightly pushed him towards the door. He let it a sigh of relief.

"Go to Rip and ask him if there's anything else for you to do"

"thanks."

Carter walked out of the door, leaving him alone.

he couldn't imagine what would've happened if he didn't go inside. Rip would've teared him to pieces if something happens to that boy on his watch, and Beth would've killed him for sure.

a sigh might've left his mouth, but a smile starts to form from his lips as he remembers his call with Teeter. god, he's so fucked. he's fucked when she's here and he's fucked when she's not. and the heavens would laugh at him if he said he wasn't excited for her to come back.

[lt-natrace]

ryan for the character thing <3

hi shelbs, my baby daddy!!

THIS WILL HAVE SPOILERS FOR YELLOWSTONE IN IT

first impression: they kinda kept my man hidden but from the start i was interested (and blinded by a beard a strong arms if i'm being honest)

impression now: i absolutely love that he is not only getting the recognition he deserves but that he is getting his own plot with abby and i love the relationship we've seen so far (also i'm still just a dumb woman for him)

favorite moment: i have a few but one is when he says "what a FUCKED situation this is" orrr when teeter is giving colby shit and he goes "yeah go rope with mama" i honestly just love every moment of him and colby together

idea for a story: i haven't written for him but i love the idea of a city!girl x ryan or a childhood best friends to lovers

unpopular opinion: i don't know if this is unpopular or not but i miss him as a livestock agent, i hope we get to see more of this in it in the future!

favorite relationship: his and colby's friendship is one of my favorites on the show because you can tell they've been friends for a long time and are like brothers that can give each other shit and put each other in their place

favorite headcanon: i always thought he found the ranch because he was hellbent on leaving his hometown and it was a little later than some of the other ranch hands (maybe age 23 or 24) and he just meant to stay for a few months but ended up being a perfect addition and now is a livestock agent and a ranch hand

[rhettabbotts]

Any chance you’d consider writing one about Yellowstone Ryan, for smut prompts 10 (“you need a place to stay for the night”) or 21 (“Bite me.” “If you insist”)? I can just picture the war between his snarky humor and being a gentleman!

i started giggling and twirling my hair when i saw this

pairing: ryan (yellowstone) x fem!reader

w/c: 1.4k

warnings: 18+ only. friends to lovers. drinking. heated make out session. dry humping. ryan’s sexy beard and long hair.

a/n: i know this is very niche but i adore ryan sm and i loved writing for him 🥺

“You’re a dirty little cheater!” You shouted as you threw your cards down on the wooden surface and pointed your finger towards the man sitting at the end of the table.

“And you’re a sore loser,” Ryan muttered, a smug smile spreading across his face as he took another swig of his Budweiser. Teeter was grabbing your arm before you could stand up, pulling you back down into your chair before you could lunge towards the cowboy.

Ryan was one of your best friends, truly, but he made you want to pull your hair out sometimes. He was the first one who welcomed you when you started coming around with Laramie. The one who would keep you company while her and Walker were off god knows where doing god knows what. He was the one that picked at you and took your jabs with stride, usually smarting off right back. To an outsider, it would look like you couldn’t stand each other, but you knew that wasn’t the case.

You never envisioned her little fling would lead to you spending your weekends at the Yellowstone Ranch, playing poker with a bunch of half drunk cowboys. Ryan took the time to teach you how to play, even though he was terrible at it himself. Which is probably why he looks so proud that he beat you, never beating anyone that usually participated in a game. You slumped down in your chair, arms crossed over your chest and a prominent pout on your lips as you looked to Ryan.

“Quit lookin’ at me like that,” he expressed, “I’m not feeling sorry for you.”

You stuck your tongue out at him as he shuffled the cards for the next round. You sat and watched Ryan’s hands as they moved along the cards, completely tuning out each voice. He had nice hands, a feature you caught yourself eyeing more often than you’d like to admit. You would never voice this out loud but you sometimes daydreamed about how it’d feel to hold his hand, how they’d feel roaming over your body. How they’d feel grabbing your thr-

“Hello??? Did you hear me?” Ryan’s questioning shook you out of your inappropriate thoughts and you felt like a deer caught in the headlights. You shook your head, waiting for him to repeat himself.

“Do you wanna play another round?”

“No. I’m- I’m okay, I’ll sit this one out. Maybe I’ll learn how to win.” You said jokingly, hoping he wouldn’t question why you spaced out. You found yourself doing that more and more the longer you were around Ryan. You had conflicting feelings, you adored him as a friend, but you also couldn’t help the fluttering butterflies in your stomach every time he looked at you softly or when he went out of his way during the week to text or call you. Sure, you teased each other to no end, bickering at every chance you got. That seemed to make your feelings that much worse.

“We’re gonna go out to Bozeman, grab a few drinks,” Colby said as he stood from his seat, “who all wants to come?” Each person nodded in agreement except for you. You were tired, not up for the excitement of what going to a bar in Bozeman might bring. You politely shook your head, getting up to grab a glass of water and busy yourself with putting away some of the empty beer bottles. The others got ready to head out for their night out as you sat on the couch. Teeter stopped before walking out the door to check on you. You told her you were fine, that you’d probably put a movie on and crash. The door shut behind her and you were finally alone - or so you thought.

Ryan plopped down on the couch next to you, letting out a long sigh and spreading his legs just a tad. You sat there and stared at him until he finally acknowledged you.

“What?”

“What do you mean ‘what?’ I thought you were going out?” You spoke in a hushed tone.

“Eh, didn’t feel like it. You don’t mind me crashing your movie night, do you?” Ryan nudged you slightly, smirking at you.

“I guess I don’t have another choice,” You said, moving a minuscule amount closer to the cowboy. For someone who just watched rodeos, Ryan was very picky about what movie you put on. He claimed he didn’t want to watch any ‘chick flicks’ and you told him he had no opinion since it was supposed to be your alone time. You finally settled on ‘When Harry Met Sally’.

Ryan surprisingly stayed quiet for the majority of the movie, making random comments here and there. You don’t know how it happened but when you realized it, you were pressed into his side. His arm was resting along the back of the couch, his fingertips brushing against the nape of your neck absentmindedly. At the love confession scene, you couldn’t help but tear up. No matter how many times you had seen the film, it still hit you hard.

“Awe, are you crying, sweetheart?” Ryan asked, tone light mixed with slight concern.

“Oh, bite me. It’s such a good confession, okay!” You exclaimed, pulling away slightly to look at him as the end credits rolled.

“Well, if you insist…” He said, so low you almost missed it. He had a look on his face that you could only describe as wanting. His eyes flickered down to your lips and you felt your breath catch in your throat.

“Ryan,” you breathed, voice barely above a whisper.

“Can I- Can I kiss you?” One big, callused hand cupped your cheek, stroking your cheekbone with his thumb. You were afraid of your voice failing you so you just nodded, whimpering slightly as his lips attached to yours. It didn’t take long for the kiss to turn needy. Your hand found their way into his greying curls, tugging lightly on them which earned you a groan from the man. His hands wandered down to your hips, pulling until you were seated in his lap. Your mouth opened in a gasp as you felt his hard cock against your core, causing Ryan to slip his tongue inside. Your hips moved on their own accord as his kisses moved away from your mouth and down your jaw, biting at the tendon in your neck.

“Been thinking about this for a long time, baby,” He said, words muffled against your skin. You moved against him that much faster, the denim of his jeans causing a delicious friction against your thin panties. The skirt of your dress fanned out below you. You could feel the cool metal of his belt buckle press into your pubic bone, sending a shiver down your spine.

“Ryan, we need- oh, god- we need to talk about this,” your words coming out in near whines. You angled your hips just so and moaned loudly into the empty bunkhouse. Ryan was grunting into your skin, hands roaming up your back and tugging at your hair, causing you to arch against him. You were nearly there, so close you could almost taste it. That was until you heard a truck door slam, and loud laughter coming from outside the door. You froze in Ryan’s lap, panic washing over the both of you. Quickly moving off of him, you straightened your dress and fussed with your hair until you felt like you looked presentable. He grabbed one of the throw pillows and placed it over his very obvious bulge, shooting you an apologetic look as everyone filtered back inside.

“Well, that was a quick trip…” Ryan said, clearly annoyed.

They all spoke at the same time, the only thing you caught was that Teeter suggested body shots and that was their cue to leave. You willed your heart rate to slow down, avoiding eye contact with everyone - especially Ryan. While everyone busied themselves with their nighttime routines, you found your pinky interlocked with Ryan’s on the couch. He looked over to you and smiled, causing you to bow your head shyly. You didn’t know what all of this meant for your relationship, but whatever it was, you were ready to face it head on. What you didn’t see was Colby smiling to himself, eyeing the mark on your neck and the lovesick look in his best friend’s eyes.

[bullet-prooflove]

Wishes: Ryan x Reader (Yellowstone)

Tagging: @kmc1989 @Trublu2u @Yousigned-upforthis @queenslandlover-93

Prequel to:

Stop Thinking, Start Listening - Ryan hates seeing you with another man.

Romantic Shit - Prequel to Summer - Ryan and you talk about Texas.

Summer (NSFW) - Ryan enjoys a moment with you in the summer sun.

Ryan tries to forget you. He tries to forget the taste of raspberries on your lips, the way your body feels pressed up against his. He tries to forget the fact you like to sing in the car to fill the silence, that sometimes he likes to sing along too. Most of all he’s trying to forget that he loves you, because the two of you, it just won’t work out in the long run.

That’s why he’s here right now in bed with a stranger, her lips chasing all over his skin, mouth delving lower. He closes his eyes as her fingers loosen his belt, trying to tune out just how different she is from you, how her perfume smells like cotton candy instead of honey and sunshine, how she’s fierce instead of teasing, how her false nails dig into his skin instead of fingertips lightly pressing.

It's when she begins to unzip his jeans that he stops her because this, it’s just not working. He doesn’t want anybody else, he just wants you. He leaves her twisted up amongst the sheets pulling out a toy from her top drawer.

When he steps outside into the cool night air, it hits him in a rush. How lonely he is, how much he wants to see you. He thinks about dropping by the Sheriff’s office, the same way he used to before he broke things off with you.

Would you be happy to him? He wonders. Or would you tell him where to go?

He doesn’t stop, he drives right past, ignoring the memory of those evenings he’d spent distracting you at your desk under the guise of interagency collusion.

The guys are in the midst of a poker game when he returns to the bunkhouse, Colby’s losing his shirt and Lloyd is cleaning up big. He ignores their requests to join them, instead he snatches up a six pack of beers out of the fridge, taking it outside with him so he can watch the sunset.

He’s hoping if he drinks enough that the numbness will set in, that it won’t hurt as much. He’s done this every evening since he broke things off with you, ever since he helped to murder the two men who’d almost killed Teeter and Colby.

When he’d taken the brand, he’d known that it was over. You can’t tell your girlfriend, the deputy sheriff that kind of shit and you’re smart enough to know when he’s keeping secrets.

It’s getting dark and he’s a little drunk when he decides to call you. He can’t stop thinking about your laugh, your smile, the way your face would light up when you would see him standing there. You pick up on the third ring, your voice saying his name softly and it feels like someone’s driven a brand right into his heart. He closes his eyes, swallowing hard against the ache that raises up in his chest. He can’t bring himself to speak so instead he just listens.

“I miss you Ryan.” You say quietly. “I wish…”

He knows exactly what you wish because he wishes for the same damn thing, that things were different, that the two of you could find a way to make it work.

“Yea,” he says finally, his voice rough. “I do too.”

Love Ryan? Don’t miss any of his stories by joining the taglist here.

Like My Work? - Why Not Buy Me A Coffee

[shoot-the-oneshot]

Would love number 19 on your list with Rip Wheeler from yellowstone for my birthday on Oct 19th 💙

T-SHIRT

Hi I’m so sorry I just saw this request and had to throw this out when I saw it I hope you had a great birthday!

Rip Wheeler x reader

you hated being injured, being benched, on the sidelines, there were thousands of terms you could use. but what you didnt hate was Rip playing nurse, and you knew the second you got dragged to the docters office thats exactly what would happen, it always did. But it was to amusing to watch him have a mini heart attack everytime you did something he deemed dangerous, which could be as little as climbing on the counter to get the sugary treat you had hidden to going toe to toe with a man twice your size to defend the ranch, either way as you said, hilarious. "its only for a few weeks Y/n, you'll be back to torturing the bunk house in no time." John rasped out, of course Ryan had to call him the second you fell off the roof, but if he hadn't you wouldve wen't on like nothing was wrong. so fair enough.

the car ride back to the ranch was silent as it normally was with John. he only spoke once you both passed the main entrance at Yellowstone, "You know Rip, isnt going to be happy." with a sigh the truck rolled to a stop, giving the man a glance out the side of your eye you replied, "Is he ever?" it was true, you had seen the bear of a man not angry, calm, but you don't know if hes ever been truly happy. Pushing the truck door open the gravel crunched under your boots as you walked to the bunk house, you didn't even have to go inside, you could hear the commotion from here.

"Who's idea was it to let them on the roof in the first place?" Rip growled, clearing the table with a swipe of his arm the empty beer cans falling to the floor, Colby and Jimmy were looking at the ground looking like they wanted it to swallow them whole, Teeter and Walker were pretending not to notice the steam coming from Rip, Loyd was leaned against the wall watching. Ryan shuffled forward when Rip motions to the room again, clearly lossing patcence. "It was an easy job, just making a pully so we wouldn't have to carry wood up the ladder, no one was supposed to get hurt." you knew he wouldnt like that phrase so you jumped in before he ripped into him. the door hinges creaked loud enough the alert them of you presence, youd have to oil those later. Rip took a step away from Ryan, not without a nasty glare keeping him in place as he walked over to where you're standing.

"Pack your shit you're not staying with these idiots." He ordered, pushing open the door you just came through, the room still silent, "Well, have fun with that." Walker drawled as you passed by to pack earning him an eyeroll. when you stuffed some random clothes in a duffel you slung the strap over your good shoulder. placing a hand on Ryans shouder. "It wasn't your fault don't beat yourself up" he nods not meeting your eyes, youll have to have a talk with Rip about not killing everyones spirt. making your way out ignoring Rip leaning agaist the outer wall of the barn and marched to his truck not waiting for him to take your bag you throw it in the back yourself ignoring the pain that licked up your arm. slamming the door shut behind you waiting for Rip to get in and drive. which he does, kinda. he sat in the drivers seat white knucking the stearing wheel as if it will break.

"So now im the bad guy, i didn't let you fall off a roof!" Rip barked, why didn't you take those pain pills when the docter told you to. "You didn't have to yell at them."

"You fell off a roof!"

"Exactly, i fell so i should be mad not you!" Rip stays quiet the rest of the ride to his cabin, and for the rest of the day until he strolled back in and started cooking dinner, you didn't even notice he came back until the smell hit you, to busy putting your clothes away in the empty drawers Rip had, you guess the black shirts he wears religiously don't take up much room. Rip dished out the food silently taking the chair to your right. "You know those guys don't need you to protect them from me right?"

"But who will they go to when daddy yells at them?" you teased, he wasn't impressed with your joke. the rest of the night went by much like the drive over Rip drinking on the porch before going to the couch for the night, and that's when you got to work. tiptoing past him, timing your steps with the snores he relesed, shutting the door behind you jumping off the porch to see Teeter waiting for you on the side by side, "not surprised you were the only one not afriad to poke the bear." you laughed, you were shocked anyone came to pick you up for the monthy bonfire the bunk house has after Rips show earlyer. "I ain't afraid of no stinkin' bear."

the fire was roaring by the time you both got there and it seemed everyone chiled out a bit after today which you were to happy to see. it was always nice to see your friends, family relaxed, that didn't come often on the ranch. "alright i know im new here so whats going on with Rip and Y/N?"

Jimmy asked innocently enough that it didn't irritate you. plus everyone asked so it wasn't a new question. but it still started an uproar.

“Oh young grasshopper that is an amazing question!” Ryan hollered between loud laughs while you snuggled into the blanket wrapped tightly around your shoulders with an eye roll.

“There’s nothing between Rip and I.” Your rebuttal going unheard as Colby started telling stories of the times he caught you and Rip ‘tangled in a loving gaze’ his words not yours, you’ve never been in a so called loving gaze with anyone. Sure you both flirted and cared about each other but that’s it. Your inner monologue being rudely interrupted by bright headlights momentarily blinding everyone. “What the hell are you thinking!”

“Uh oh Dads here.” Walker whispered over the fire and chugged his beer as if it would actually get taken if he didn’t. “Well?” You looked up to meet Rips dark eyes and he shook over you hands on his hips.

“It’s called relaxing you should try it.”

You explained holding up a still cold beer and scooting over to make room hoping he dropped the argument if beer was offered. With a sigh he accepted the olive branch, he could see how calm you were and didn’t want to be the cause of that changing. So when he begrudgingly sat down and everyone resumed their conversation no longer fearing repercussions. “You were downstairs how’d you know I was gone?” You asked, noting it’s been long enough since you left that you didn’t wake him up leaving. For a moment you thought you could see a blush across his cheeks but surly not Rip right? But the fire did a good job at camouflaging it. “I went up to check on you.” Was the only explanation he gave and you tried to ignore the way your heart skipped a beat.

After a while you realize you miscalculated how many layers you’d need with the fire and Rips body heat washing over you every time his arm brushed yours. Shucking your blanket off leaving you in a t-shirt. Unbeknownst to you Rip watched the motion closely, to be fair he always watched you closely not that he’d admit it ot that you knew. You also didn’t notice the others clocking this ‘loving gaze’ he was sending your way until his brows furrowed. “Is that my shirt?” Following his eye line down to the black fabric drowning your body. “You mean our shirt?” If he thought foe one second he was getting it back he was mistaken. And while you were preparing for a battle over custody of said shirt Rips mind when the other direction. He didn’t hate when you referred to something from his being yours or ‘ours’ as was playing on repeat in his head. He wondered what else he could get you to share with him. No, he didn’t hate it at all.

[keep-the-wolves-close]

Movin’ Mountains

Chapter 5: Tennessee Mojo

* Pairing: Kayce Dutton x OFC Stella Daniels

* Rating: M

* Warnings: language, grouchy Rip (what’s new), some John angst, good ol Teeter has finally arrived lol

* Word count: 3,355ish

I would love to give credits to @dameronscopilot and @deanscroissant and @lexixstewart for being sounding boards for me during this whole process, giving outsider insight, being cheerleaders, and allowing me to screech at them about things that have happened during the writing process. I seriously couldn't have gotten this far without y'all.

Author's note: I hope everyone is enjoying so far! I hope you love this chapter as well!

Stella grumbled as she stumbled out of the tent. She was grateful for the time she got to spend with her brother and Colby, but she remembered why she was so happy to get her own house. Those two slept loud enough to wake the whole state.

Jake and Ethan had been awake for a while now and were brewing what smelled like a mean percolator of coffee, and a good breakfast. Stella trudged over to the fire and plopped unceremoniously into the chair. The two men nodded quietly at her, knowing that this early they all enjoyed peace and quiet.

Stella hunkered down in her chair and tried to convince herself to wake up. The tossing and turning did her no favors last night. Ethan brought her a cup of coffee. She smiled sleepily at him.

“Sugar?” Stella asked. She knew they wouldn’t have creamer with them, but she could get by with just the sweetener to take a little bit of the bitter out. Ethan handed her the container they’d packed it in. “Thank you.” Ethan nodded at her gratitude and went back to messing with the fire.

She gazed around, watching everyone mill about getting everything set up for the morning. She spotted Kayce talking with his dad. While the sight was not unheard of, there was something about Kayce that confused her. He looked unsure of himself. ‘That’ll be something to bring up later,’ Stella thought to herself.

She watched as John took notice of her from afar, patted his son on the arm, and moseyed his way over to her with his hands in his pockets. On any other day, Stella would have sat up a little straighter in the presence of her boss, but today she couldn’t be bothered. When he was close enough to her and looked at her, she politely raised her coffee to him in silent greeting.

John let out a scratchy chuckle. “I know it’s early, but I have a favor to ask of you.”

Her pink scarred eyebrow rose and she sat a little straighter at the possible proposition. She could see Kayce as he inched closer in the background keeping a close eye on her and his father. He didn’t think Stella had any reason to be aggressive this morning, but he knew how explosive things could get between her and his father at the drop of a hat.

“What would that be?” She leaned her elbows on the arms of the chair and wrapped her fingers around her mug.

“Well, Rip was talking to me yesterday about how having a woman in the bunkhouse really helps keep these knuckleheads in line and helps get work done. You’re not there all the time, but he was thinking about hiring another woman.”

“Okay,” she frowned. “Not to be rude, John, but what does that have to do with me?”

She watched as John squirmed around, and settled with putting his hands on his hips. “I told him to hire another one, either mean or ugly. I want you to be there to help him.”

If Stella wasn’t awake fully before this, she was now. The offer from John seemed important. Only the foreman or himself usually had the say. “Can I be real with you for a second?” John nodded for her to continue. “Are you sure you want me to assist?” She locked her gaze on him. “Cause I’m bound to hire someone who’s mean as fuck and will hurt people’s feelings.”

John snickered into his coat collar. “That’s what I was hoping for, Stella.”

She looked up at him over top of her lenses to gauge how serious he actually was. If John wasn’t serious he wouldn’t have wasted his breath asking her. She pushed the frames back up her nose. “When do I gotta go back down to the ranch?”

“Well I think people are probably gonna be gettin’ there soon, so you should head out now.”

Stella stood from the chair, excited at the idea of having another woman around again. Avery had kind of just drifted away, and she hadn’t gotten a chance to figure out what happened and why she decided to leave. She cracked her neck and went over to Abigail to get her tacked up.

She made quick work of the job as usual, and felt someone come up behind her. She glanced over her shoulder and saw that it was Kayce. She gave him a little half smile. “Mornin’.”

Kayce came to stand further in her line of view. “Mornin’.” He watched her as she finished tacking Abigail up. “Whatcha doin’?”

“I’m goin’ back to the ranch to help Rip hire, as your father put it, a “mean or ugly” woman.”

His eyebrows rose beneath his hat. “Is that what he asked you?”

“Just now, yeah.” She jerked a thumb back toward the fire. “Trust me, I’m just as shocked as you are. If my brother asks?”

“I’ll tell him, sugar.” His eyes darted around, taking in who all was standing near and made sure his son was still in the tent with his mother. He leaned toward her and she moved closer to him, craning her neck to allow him to place a light kiss on her lips.

“Thank you. I gotta hit the trail back down.”

“You got a rifle?”

She tapped the holster attached to her saddle that happened to be right in Kayce’s face. He looked at her sheepishly. “I was blinded by you.”

Stella belly laughed. “Smooth, cowboy. Real smooth.” She lifted her leg and hoisted herself up into her saddle. “I’ll see ya when I come back.”

“Do you know if there’s still an extra tent?”

“I mean,” she looked around, “I didn’t even bring my own, so I have no idea. But I’ll look around and see if there is, there’s gotta be. I’m guessing for Monica?”

Kayce affirmed. “If you don’t mind?” He knew it was kind of a touchy ask.

Stella waved her hand at him. “No, I don’t mind, love. It’s fine.”

Kayce looked up at her with wide eyes at the new nickname. It unlocked something deep within him. “Be careful. I love you.” He handed her the ball cap she’d left in the tent, knowing that she’d want it.

She gave him an affectionate smile. “I will. Love you too.” She took her hat from him, slid it onto her head backwards, and tapped Abigail with her heels. Kayce watched after her longingly almost. John beared witness his son be enamored by his best friend. It reminded him of Evelyn and himself when they were young and in love.

••

Stella and Abigail ripped down from the top of the hill. She could hear commotion at the practice pen of the cattle chute being opened and a horse galloping after it. ‘Apparently auditions have started.’ Stella caught a glimpse of Rip and Lloyd standing near the chute. She loped over to them, catching the two off guard.

“Lil’ bit!” Lloyd welcomed her with a grin. “What’re you doin’ down here? I thought you’d be up at camp relaxin’, giving those boys hell.”

“I was until I was given a task this mornin’.”

Rip gave her a brief look. “What’re you up to?”

She feigned a look of hurt. “Surpisngly, nothing. John asked me to come down here and help you hire another woman. So that’s what I’m here to do.”

In true Rip fashion he said everything with a look. Stella cringed internally. He appeared to be in a mood this morning. He was either in a mood or focused on the task at hand. Stella chose to ignore his attitude and remembered she needed to get a tent for Monica. “Do we have any extra tents?” She asked while they watched one of the cowboys poorly try his hand at the cattle.

“We should.” Rip answered.

“Okay,” she said slowly at his lack of give. She rolled her eyes with a huff and looked at Lloyd. “Do we still keep them in the bunkhouse?”

Lloyd nodded. “In the storage room, lil’ bit.”

“What for?” Rip asked.

Stella thought to herself, ‘not that it’s any of your business while you’re grumpy,’ and answered plainly, “Monica wants to stay up there with Tate.”

Movement on her left caught her eye. There was a woman waiting on the chute to be ready. She had on a flannel and a ball cap, very similar to Stella’s outfit today. The cotton candy pink haired woman caught Stella’s gaze and gave her a wink. The woman nodded quickly to the person pulling the chute door and took off fast as lightning.

Stella, Lloyd, and Rip watched as she successfully roped the cow’s head and pulled it along. The woman got irritated at the man who was heeling for his lack of talent. From afar, the trio could hear her as she gave him a hard time and cut him down a few sizes.

Lloyd leaned over to Rip. “Is that Spanish?”

Stella barked out a laugh. “No, Lloyd. It’s a southern accent.”

“And you know all about those, don’t you?” Rip sassed at her.

Stella craned her neck downward and stared at him like he had six heads. “Did we forget that Ryan and I are from Tennessee? If either of us get rowdy enough, we sound just like her. I know plenty.” She bit back. She witnessed Rip’s head drop. He had forgotten, and now he felt stupid. Stella prayed it would knock him out of his grouchiness.

“Well whatever it is, she’s a hand. That much is true.” Rip climbed up a rung on the fence. “Hey! Yo!” The woman’s head snapped to him, and he waved her over. When she trotted closer he asked, “Where’d you learn to cowboy?”

“I’ve been fuckin’ pullin’ and draggin’ since I could bounce piss off a rock.” She bounced her way over making direct eye contact with Stella. The men of the trio argued about whether or not her accent was Texan.

Stella side-eyed them, and smiled at the newcomer. “I’m Stella. What’s your name?”

“Teeter.”

Lloyd squinted up at the firecracker of a woman. “Peter?”

Stella glared over at her father figure. “She said, Teeter,” she defended Teeter plainly, the aforementioned accent slipping out a bit.

Teeter’s eyes widened as she motioned to her figure. “Do I look like my name is Peter, you skunk-haired motherfucker?”

Lloyd was practically giggling at Teeter’s audacity. “She just called me a motherfucker.”

“You understood that, didn’t ya, ya bowlegged bastard.” She chuckled to herself. Teeter continued as a laugh creeped up. “You look like you all got bent over one of them nurse things and fucked up the ass till your knees buckled.”

Stella howled with laughter. She laid a hand on Rip’s shoulder. “We need to hire her. Now.” She was in love with this woman already.

“This is the kind of girl that got drove to high school wearin’ a damn hockey helmet. She’s gonna go through the bunkhouse like wildfire.” Lloyd gave some kick back.

Stella pulled her eyes from the woman in front of her and looked at both men. “She’s perfect. I say hire her. Trust me.”

The men stared at her incredulously. The woman, Teeter, had a familiar feel. It was like Stella, but a little rougher around the edges instead of soft.

Rip agreed. “Hire her. Now, Lloyd.” He noticed Beth standing nearby. Stella watched his shoulders relax and thought it was sweet. He turned on his heel and marched over to her.

Stella grinned at Teeter as the woman spit out some dust. Stella gave Lloyd a look. “Can I trust you to leave her in your care?”

“Yes, lil bit. You can.” He chuckled.

“Treat our girl right, Lloyd!” Stella nodded her head to Teeter and walked Abigail over to Rip and Beth. Beth caught her gaze and gave her an almost imperceivable smile, she was happy to see the woman up and about again, even though she wouldn’t admit it out loud.

Stella gave the formidable woman a soft smile. “Sorry to interrupt,” Rip looked up at her and she caught his eye, “but do you need me for anything else?”

He shook his head. “No, I think I have enough direction to know what caliber of person we’re lookin’ for.”

“You sure you don’t need babysat?” Stella smirked at him and Beth chuckled.

“Nah, Stella-belle. I’m good.” He snorted out a laugh.

Stella smiled warmly at the two of them, enchanted by how Rip loved Beth. Amazed at how just her presence calmed him from the grouch he had been. She turned Abigail around to head on to the bunkhouse to grab that tent for Monica before heading back up to the camp.

••

Ryan heard hoof beats coming over the hill as he grabbed his plate to sit down. ‘Must be Stell,’ he thought as he recognized the sound of the horse. He turned around to start her plate, but ran into Kayce. His face lifted in shock, not expecting someone to be standing there. Kayce had an extra plate in his hand. “Makin’ a plate for Tate?”

Kayce shook his head. “No, Monica took care of that. I heard your sister comin’.”

Ryan’s shoulders dropped and his face softened at the small act of affection for his sister. Ryan smiled at the man in front of him who had seemingly gotten his head out of his ass when it came to his little sister. “I’m gonna go help her break Abigail down.” Kayce nodded and silently went about grabbing Stella’s favorites.

Ryan wandered over to the makeshift pen and smiled at the sight of Stella looking relaxed. It had been a few weeks since he’d seen anything normal from her. She must have heard him because she gave him a quick glance and a smile. ‘That was the first time she didn’t pull her gun.’ This trip was doing her well and he couldn’t be happier. It was starting to look like they were on the other side after all that mess.

“You want help?”

“Sure.” Stella worked on her saddle. Undoing it in a ritualistic way that was uniquely her, and muscle memory at this point. “Dinner smells good.”

“Kayce’s making you a plate.” Ryan told her as he started working on Abigail’s bridle.

Stella’s stomach fluttered with giddiness. “Oh thank god.” Happy that Ryan didn’t mind the display of attention, no matter how infinitesimally small it was.

“Did you get a woman hired?”

“Boy did we ever. I’m so excited to see her in the bunkhouse.” Stella laughed.

“Should I be worried?” Ryan looked concerned.

Stella cackled. “Very.” Her stomach growled. “I think it’s time I go get my plate.” She giggled. Ryan waved his hand in the direction of everyone sitting around the fire.

Kayce just finished putting Stella’s plate together. He looked up and beamed at her. He appeared to be more at peace than she’d seen him in weeks. She decided it looked good on him. Ryan walked past her and patted her shoulder and went to grab a seat around the fire with John and the rest of the gang. As Stella stepped in front of Kayce, he held out her dinner for her.

She batted her eyes up at him with a small smile. “Thank you, love. I’m starving.” Kayce came up behind her and placed his hand on her lower back and guided her over to the group.

She took a seat next to her brother, who had John on his right. Kayce chose the spot next to Stella on her left, followed by Tate, Monica, and the rest of the crew. Stella started to dig in to her plate, not realizing how hungry she had been since she skipped breakfast this morning to take care of that favor for John. Everyone was talking quietly amongst themselves. She could hear Kayce being a parent, and smiled tenderly at the interaction between father and son.

John opened the dutch oven in front of him to check on the biscuits that he was cooking, with his late wife on his mind. She crossed his mind often, but especially up here. Stella caught the melancholy look on his face, and decided to distract him from his thoughts.

She swallowed the current bite of food in her mouth and cleared her throat. “By the way John,” he placed the lid back on the dutch oven and glanced over at her waiting for her to continue. “Rip, Lloyd, and myself found a winner today. I’m excited for her.” Stella suppressed a laugh.

“And why is that?”

Stella couldn’t hold her laugh any longer. “She’s gonna whip these boys into shape real quick.” She caught her breath. “I mean, real quick.”

“Oh hell,” John mumbled to himself.

“Hey I asked you if you were sure you wanted me to help them and you told me yes.”

“You’re right. You did.”

“You forget who my best friend is apparently.” The amusement was clear on her face as the guys around the fire chuckled at the true statement. Kayce leaned into Stella’s shoulder with his own and a smug look on his face.

“There may have been a lapse in memory.”

“Gettin’ old there, dad.” Kayce dug at his father.

John relaxed into the log he was using as a seat and enjoyed the banter.

Tate got up and made his way to his grandfather. “Any more biscuits?”

“Yeah, well, I think there's plenty.” John opened the pot and picked one out for Tate. “There you go.”

“I'm gonna need more than that.”

“All right.” He proceeded to grab another.

“Another one.”

“You're just... You're just like your father. Here.” John laughed. “You know, my wife,” he looked down at his hands. “She used to make two Dutch ovens full of biscuits: one for your father and one for the rest of us.” Everyone fell silent and listened to him speak. It was rare when he got sentimental, or shared anything about the time before her and Ryan.

“He'd stand right by the fire and ask his mother, "How long?" She'd say, "Five more minutes." Which just meant "soon" to my wife. It didn't mean five minutes. Didn't mean 30 minutes sometimes.” John smirked at Kayce. “He'd stomp off and pout and walk away and come back and ask again and that shit would go on for an hour.”

Stella giggled. “Sounds about right for him.” She glanced over to her best friend. “Glad you haven’t changed much.” Kayce nudged her arm gently.

“When they were finally ready, he'd take a plate of biscuits, nothing else, and he'd just go sit at the edge of the firelight with his back to us and he'd just go at it with both his hands.”

Kayce looked at everyone and shrugged. “They were really good.” Everyone laughed heartily at the image of small Kayce ravenously tearing into a plate of just biscuits. “Why is that funny? They were really good.”

John continued to reminisce. “Like a wild dog. After an hour of standing over that Dutch oven, she'd sit beside me,” everyone could tell he was imagining her right in front of him, “her hair a mess, smelling like smoke, madder than hell because she hated cooking them damn biscuits.” He laughed. “And I looked at her and said, "Sweetheart, he'll eat anything you put in front of him. Just make him something else that doesn't take all night." Your mom looked at me and she said, "I know. But if I don't make 'em, I can't watch him eat 'em." And then she went to the tent, laid down and fell asleep. We were branding, so I was up before her. That was the last thing she ever said to me. Branding cattle on her goddamn birthday.” His voice got rough at the end, and he stood.

Stella knew that grief would follow him forever. Her heart went out to him. Her eyes tracked with him as he walked over to his tent and away from everyone. She and Kayce shared a look and he got up to go to his dad, which shocked her. It wasn’t often anyone would see Kayce be soft on his dad.

John felt his son’s presence come up next to him. He sniffled and pushed the tears away. “Makes you wonder the point of it all. Find someone you love so much just to lose them.” He sighed roughly. “I'd like to believe there's a plan to it all, but I—, I don't see a plan.”

“That's just 'cause we're inside it, Dad.” Kayce explained simply. “We see the plan. We're standing on it.”

“Yeah.” John cleared his throat. “Guess we are.”