the sky was a bruised shade of navy, that thin sliver of time before the sun finally cut through the montana horizon. inside the cabin, the only sound was the rhythmic snap of the woodstove and the low, steady creak of leather as rip pulled on his boots. he sat at the edge of the bed, his broad shoulders casting a heavy shadow against the wall. every movement was deliberate, a lifetime of ranch work etched into the quiet strength of his frame.

you watched him from the doorway, your oversized sweater hanging off one shoulder, a mug of coffee cradled between your palms. you were a soft contrast to the hard edges of the man currently tugging his black jacket on, the one with the gold yellowstone brand over his heart. even in the dim light, his blue eyes found yours, piercing and honest.

"you’re coming back for lunch today?" you asked softly, the steam from your mug curling into the cold air. "or am i chasing you down in the south pasture?"

rip paused, his hand hovering over his worn cowboy hat. the silence stretched, thick with the kind of unspoken understanding that lived in the spaces between you. he stood up, his presence filling the small room, the gun strapped to his thigh catching a glint of the dying hearth fire. he stepped across the floor, his heavy gaze never leaving your face.

"i’ll be back," he said, his voice a low rumble that seemed to vibrate in the floorboards. "i don’t care if the fence is down or the world’s ending. i’m not missing a meal with you."

you leaned back against the wood of the doorframe, a small, knowing smile tugging at your lips. "big talk for a man who lives for this ranch."

he stopped just inches from you, the scent of pine, old leather, and coffee clinging to him. he didn't smile, rip wheeler rarely did, but the way he looked at you was more than enough. it was a yearning that had nowhere else to go.

"i live for the ranch," he corrected, his voice dropping to a rough whisper. he reached out, his calloused thumb grazing your cheek before he leaned in to press a lingering kiss to your forehead. "i stay alive for you."