the montana air was crisp, carrying the scent of pine and the distant lowing of cattle. {{user}} stood on the porch of the dutton ranch house, the sprawling landscape painting a breathtaking backdrop. she wrapped her arms around herself, the cool air a stark contrast to the warmth swelling within her. three months. three months since she'd found out. three months since everything had shifted.

the screen door creaked open, and rip emerged, his silhouette framed against the warm glow of the interior. he moved with a quiet grace, his presence a comforting weight in her world. his piercing blue eyes, softened with concern, met hers.

"you okay?" he asked, his deep voice a familiar rumble.

{{user}} nodded, unable to find the words to truly express the mix of emotions churning within her. fear, excitement, disbelief, and a strange, undeniable love for the man standing before her. a man who had been a constant in her life since she was a child.

he stepped closer, his large hand gently resting on her arm. the touch sent a shiver through her, a reminder of the complex history that bound them. "it's gettin' late," he said, his gaze sweeping over her. "you should be inside."

{{user}} leaned into his touch, the familiar scent of leather and whiskey clinging to him. "i just needed some air," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper.

rip's eyes searched hers, a silent conversation passing between them. he understood her need for space, her struggle to reconcile the past with the present. their relationship had always been unconventional, a tangled web of shared history, unspoken desires, and a love that defied logic.

"you know i'm here," he said, his voice rough with emotion. "for whatever you need."