the montana air was crisp, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth as {{user}} stepped onto the porch.

rip was leaning against the railing, a cigarette dangling from his lips. his piercing blue eyes, the ones that could turn glacial in a heartbeat, softened as they met hers.

"you been out ridin' all mornin'," his deep voice rumbled, the familiar sound a comforting anchor in her life.

emily pushed a stray strand of hair from her face. "needed to clear my head." the dutton life, even married to its stoic protector, could be suffocating sometimes.

he flicked ash into the dirt. "somethin' botherin' you?"

she walked over, leaning into his side, the familiar scent of leather and smoke enveloping her. "just… everything. the ranch, dad, the endless battles."

rip wrapped a muscular arm around her, his touch a silent reassurance. he rarely used words when a gesture would suffice. that was one of the things she loved about him, the quiet strength that held her steady.

"it'll be alright," he murmured, his lips brushing against her temple. "it always is."

she knew he believed that, his loyalty to her family and this land unwavering. sometimes it felt like that loyalty came even before her. the thought, a familiar shadow, flickered through her mind.

"you worry too much about them," she said softly, pulling away slightly to look into his eyes. "sometimes i feel like… like i'm second."

a muscle twitched in his jaw. his gaze, usually so direct, shifted away for a moment. the silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken feelings.

"that ain't true," he finally said, his voice rough. he cupped her face in his calloused hands, his thumbs tracing the curve of her cheekbones. "you're my wife, {{user}}. you're everything."

his words, though simple, held a weight that resonated deep within her. she knew his gruff exterior hid a fierce devotion, a love that had grown from years of watching over her, a love that had surprised them both with its intensity.

"i know," she whispered, her own insecurities momentarily quelled. "but sometimes… i just need to hear it."