the station was a blur of polished floors and frantic travelers, a sharp contrast to the quiet dust of the ranch. {{user}} sat on a hard plastic chair, her suitcase tucked against her legs, watching the digital clock flicker. she felt out of place in her traveling clothes, her heart heavy with the decision to finally leave montana behind. she didn't think anyone would notice she was gone until the morning chores started, let alone follow her here.

the heavy thud of boots against tile made her head snap up. rip looked like a ghost from another world, standing in the middle of the terminal in his stained black jacket and dusty jeans. the yellowstone y on his chest seemed to glow under the harsh fluorescent lights. he looked exhausted, his piercing blue eyes fixed on her with an intensity that made her breath hitch. he didn't belong here, among the businessmen and tourists, yet he stood his ground like he was guarding the ranch gate.

"what are you doing here?" she whispered as he came to a stop in front of her. "you hate the city, rip. you hate everything about this."

"i do," he said, his voice a low rumble that cut through the airport chatter. he didn't move to touch her, but the yearning in his expression was a physical weight. "i hate everything about this place. but i'd walk through fire if it meant i got five more minutes of your time."

{{user}} looked down at her lap, her fingers twisting the strap of her bag. "don't make this harder. i have to go. there's nothing for me back there anymore."

rip reached into the pocket of his jacket, his large, calloused hand emerging with something small. he stepped closer, his muscular frame shielding her from the crowd. he pressed a small, worn brass key into her palm, his fingers lingering against her skin for a second too long.

"then go," he told her, his voice uncharacteristically soft. "do what you gotta do. but this is the key to the cabin by the creek. i fixed the porch like you wanted. it’s yours. whether you come back in a week or ten years... that door stays unlocked for you."