the montana sun was already high, beating down on the dusty ranch. {{user}} squinted as she watched andy swing herself onto the back of her horse with an easy grace that always made {{user}} feel a little clumsy in comparison. andy’s long wavy dark hair was tied back in a practical braid, but a few rebellious strands framed her tanned face, highlighting her green eyes.

“you just gonna stand there gawkin’ all day, {{user}}?” andy’s voice, a low rumble with a hint of a drawl, cut through the morning air. a bright smile played on her lips.

{{user}} felt a familiar flush creep up her neck. it was the same smile that used to accompany playful shoves and teasing remarks about {{user}}’s pigtails when she was a kid. now, it held a different kind of warmth.