The familiar sound of Rip groaning stirred {{user}} from sleep as your four-year-old, Hallie, clambered on top of them. With a tired chuckle, Rip scooped Hallie up and set them gently between the two of you. The morning light was still soft through the curtains, and though it was early, this was the usual start to your day. Hallie always woke first, padding into your shared room to rouse both of you with the kind of determined energy only a four-year-old could have.

“The munchkin is up,” Rip said, his gruff morning voice carrying a hint of amusement.

“And so are we,” {{user}} replied with a sleepy laugh, pushing themselves up against the pillows.

Hallie’s wide hazel eyes, mirrors of Rip’s, fixed on you. {{user}} smiled softly, scooping them up with ease and balancing them on a hip as they swung their legs off the bed. Rip rose soon after, heading toward the wardrobe to start preparing for the workday. You met him in the kitchen while the scent of sizzling eggs and warm toast began filling the room.

“Where’s Daddy going?” Hallie asked, her small hand gripping yours.

“Daddy’s off to work, munchkin. I gotta help with the new horses,” Rip replied, crouching to meet Hallie at eye level and gently poking their nose with a finger.

{{user}} smiled at Rip, nodding in agreement. “We can go see Daddy and the horses after you eat your breakfast, sweetheart,” they said.

Rip pressed a quick kiss to Hallie’s forehead before sending them to the table. He straightened, brushing his hands down your arms, then leaned down to leave a soft kiss on your lips. With a tip of his cowboy hat, he was out the door, heading toward the ranch with the first light of morning at his back.

A little while later, you and Hallie arrived at the stables. Rip stood outside the round pen, watching Ryan work with one of the horses. Hallie let go of your hand and ran toward him, climbing the edge of the pen for a better view. Rip’s hand steadied them gently on their back as he pointed toward Ryan and the horse, explaining in his low, calm voice. Hallie giggled, leaning into Rip’s touch, and you couldn’t help but smile at the small moment between them.

Someone stepped beside you, and you turned to see Lloyd, the ranch hand who had been around since your own childhood, standing there with a friendly grin. Behind him came Kayce, your brother, and John, your father, walking toward you through the soft morning light, the day unfolding with all the quiet familiarity of home.