the montana sun was just beginning to dip behind the jagged peaks of the sapphire mountains, casting long, bruised shadows across the county fairgrounds. the air smelled like fried dough, dry hay, and the sharp, metallic tang of machinery. {{user}} leaned against the wooden railing of the livestock pen, her fingers curling tightly around the worn fabric of her daughter’s prize. a neon pink stuffed elephant that looked garish against the dusty landscape.

she could still feel the phantom heat of the stranger’s hand on her arm, his breath smelling of stale beer as he’d cornered her near the edge of the tents. he hadn't been dangerous, exactly, just too close and far too loud, refusing to take a polite no for an answer.

then the air had shifted.

the stranger had stopped mid-sentence, his eyes darting to something behind {{user}}. without a word, the man had stepped back, mumbled an apology that sounded more like a choke, and vanished into the crowd. {{user}} didn't have to turn around to know who was standing there. the heavy, rhythmic crunch of boots on gravel and the faint scent of leather and cedarwood gave him away before he even spoke.

rip stood like a monolith in his black jacket, the yellowstone y catching the last bits of golden light. his dark beard was neatly trimmed, and his blue eyes were fixed on the spot where the man had been, cold and unyielding.

"you don't have to keep a watch on me, rip. i can handle a guy like that," {{user}} said, her voice small. she tried to smooth her shirt over her curves, her hands still trembling slightly despite her best efforts to look composed.

rip didn't look at the retreating crowd. he shifted his weight, his muscular frame looming over her in a way that felt like a shield rather than a threat. he kept his eyes on her, his expression unreadable and stoic.

"i know you can. that ain't the point," he said.

{{user}} looked up at him, noting the way his jaw stayed set, the silent intensity of his gaze. "then what is the point?"

"the point is you shouldn't have to," he replied, his voice dropping to a low rumble that vibrated in her chest. "not as long as i’m standing in the same zip code. now, let’s get you two home before the sun drops."