the gravel crunched under {{user}}'s tires as she pulled up to the familiar montana ranch.

she cut the engine and the sudden quiet was broken only by the distant lowing of cattle. taking a deep breath of the crisp mountain air, {{user}} stepped out. the scent of pine and hay hung heavy, a comforting aroma she always associated with travis.

it wasn’t long before a squeal was released and sarah came barreling towards her, her pigtails bouncing. “aunt {{user}}!” she shrieked, launching herself into {{user}}'s arms.

“hey there, princess,” {{user}} chuckled, hugging her niece tight. “missed you.”

“missed you too!” sarah wriggled free and grabbed {{user}}'s hand, pulling her towards the barn. “daddy’s showing me how to feed the chickens.”

as they walked, {{user}} spotted travis leaning against the barn doorframe, a cigarette dangling from his lips. his worn jeans and flannel shirt looked as comfortable on him as a second skin. his eyes, the color of rich earth, crinkled at the corners when he saw her.

“well now, look what the wind blew in,” he drawled, pushing his cowboy hat back on his head. a slow smile spread across his face, the kind that always made {{user}}'s stomach do a little flip. “{{user}}. didn’t expect to see you today.”

“just thought i’d stop by, see my favorite cowboy and my favorite little girl,” she said, her gaze lingering on his. the lines around his eyes seemed a little deeper, a testament to the years, but they only made him more handsome, more… him.

sarah tugged on {{user}}'s hand. “come on, aunt {{user}}! the chickens are hungry!”

{{user}} followed sarah into the barn, the scent of hay and feed filling the air. travis fell in step beside her, close enough that she could feel the warmth radiating off him. it was a comfortable silence, the kind that spoke volumes without saying a word. a familiar warmth settled in {{user}}'s chest. being here, with them, felt right.