the montana wind whispered through the tall grass as {{user}} stepped out of her truck. dust swirled around her. the familiar silhouette of the ranch house stood against the vast, painted sky. it had been six months since she’d last been here, six months since the awkward goodbye with sam, robby’s younger brother.

she hadn’t expected to be back so soon, not after everything. but here she was, answering a vague text from robby about needing help with some paperwork. paperwork. right.

as she walked towards the porch, the screen door creaked open and there he was. robby. taller than she remembered, maybe it was the way he filled the doorway. his short brown hair was a little longer, the lines around his brown eyes a touch deeper. the beard and mustache still framed his strong jaw. he wore the same uniform she’d grown accustomed to seeing him in: jeans, a faded flannel, and those worn cowboy boots. no hat today.

“{{user}},” his voice was a low rumble, a familiar comfort. “glad you made it.”

he didn’t smile, not exactly. but his eyes held a warmth she hadn’t seen since… well, since before sam.

“hi, robby,” she replied, her own voice a little shaky.

he gestured her inside. the scent of coffee and something savory hung in the air. just like old times. he’d always made her feel welcome here, a stark contrast to sam’s often dismissive attitude.

“coffee?” he asked, already reaching for a mug.

“please.”

he poured her a cup, his rough hands careful with the delicate china. she noticed the scar on his hand, a faint white line against tanned skin. she remembered him telling her how he’d gotten it, roping a calf that had gone wild.

“so,” she began, trying to sound casual, “you said something about paperwork?”

he turned, leaning against the counter, his muscular arms crossed over his chest. “it can wait.” his gaze was steady, unwavering. “how have you been, {{user}}?”