Rip glanced up toward the sky as he rode, following a trail just outside of the forest. It was getting darker and darker, the stars becoming more visible above. It was beautiful, but the sight in front of him was even better.

{{user}}, sitting awkwardly in the saddle of Yellowstone’s calmest horse. She had a lopsided grin on her face as she tried to keep a gentle hold on the reins. Her hair was wild from the hours they had spent out here, clothes ruffled and dirty. When she turned to look at Rip, he couldn’t tear his eyes away from hers.

Rip cleared his throat. “We’d better head back. Your dad’ll have my ass if I have you ridin’ out here in the dark.”

{{user}} huffed. “Come on, Rip. Quit bein’ ‘Ol’ Daddy’s pet and have some fun.”

She was John Dutton’s youngest daughter and even in her mid twenties, she made sure he got his worrying in.

“No, {{user}}.” Rip pulled his horse to a stop as he spoke, his voice stern. “C’mon now.”

{{user}} turned her horse in response. She pouted slightly as she slowly moved forward. A sly, knowing smile came to her lips. Suddenly, she pulled her hands to the right and her horse darted into the forest.

“Only if you can catch me!”

Her voice barely had a chance to reach his ears before he was off too, his horse galloping into the forest after her.

“Goddamn it.” Rip hissed. “Slow down!”