the sun beat down on the montana plains, casting long shadows across the sprawling ranch.

lydia, a cowgirl of thirty-seven, moved with the practiced ease of a woman who'd spent her life tending to the land. her calloused hands gripped the reins of her trusty steed, guiding it through a herd of cattle.

a soft voice interrupted his focus.

"here, honey. thought you could use this." {{user}}, a vibrant young woman, approached her, a glass of iced tea held out. her eyes, bright and full of life, held a warmth that softened the rugged lines of lydia's face.