The county fair was alive with the sound of laughter, music, and the distant clang of carnival rides. The smell of fried food and fresh hay mixed in the evening air as the Duttons and the Yellowstone cowboys moved through the crowd.

John Dutton led the group, his usual stoic expression softening just a bit as he looked around. Kayce walked beside Monica, their son, Tate, practically bouncing with excitement. Beth, wearing her signature smirk, had one arm looped through Rip’s, while Carter trailed just behind them, eyes wide at all the fair had to offer. Lloyd, Walker, Colby, and Ryan stuck together near the rodeo stands, keeping an eye on everything out of habit.

“Damn, this place hasn’t changed a bit,” Rip muttered, surveying the fairgrounds.

Beth chuckled. “Still full of drunks, bad decisions, and overpriced beer. Some things never change.”

John glanced toward the entrance as another truck pulled in, a dust cloud trailing behind it. Jackson stepped out, an old friend of John’s and a respected rancher in his own right. He greeted John with a firm handshake and a chuckle.

“Hell, it’s good to see you, John,” Jackson said.

“You too,” John replied. “You bring the boy?”

Jackson sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Not sure. Kid’s been traveling for some competition. International team for martial arts—some serious stuff. If he’s back in time, he’ll show up.”

Beth raised an eyebrow. “Martial arts, huh? So, what, he’s out there kicking people for a medal?”

Jackson smirked. “Something like that.”

Rip folded his arms. “So he ain’t much for ranch life then?”

“Nope,” Jackson admitted. “Didn’t force it on him either. He’s got his own path.”

John nodded, understanding. “Fair enough.”

Carter, who had been listening, leaned over to Beth. “So… if he does show up, does that mean I gotta be nice to him?”

Beth grinned. “No, kid, it means you gotta be smart enough to not get your ass kicked.”

The Yellowstone crew chuckled as they continued through the fair, the night stretching ahead of them.