Finally Home to Yellowstone: Yellowstone Ranch Series

1

The small black car pulled up to the gate of the ranch and started to drive up.

"Stop here." I spoke up to the driver. He stopped and I got out. I slung my duffle over my shoulder and started walking up the long driveway.

It was a cold October and my uniform wasn't keeping me very warm. I was still use to Afghanistan's desert heat.

I looked around me and soaked in the Montana view. One I had missed for eight years now. I took off into the army when I turned 18 and stayed for three deployments. One in Korea, two in Afghanistan. My father didn't exactly approve of me leaving but he always said he was proud to have another child serve in the military. My last tour just ended early and no one knew I was coming home. Home to stay.

I could see the cabin when Kayce stepped onto the porch. He had a mug in his hand. He didn't see me at first but when he did, he glanced twice. I could see his smile and it made me smile. He turned around and went inside.

"Hey! Mary's here!" I heard him yell then the screen door slam.

He basically just off the porch then jogged in my direction. I started running to him, realizing how much I missed everyone.

"Kayce." I inhaled as I wrapped my arms around his neck.

"Hey little sister." He kissed the top of my head. "God, you've changed so much." He looked back at me then pulled me back into a hug.

He was embracing me when I heard Beth.

"Mary?!" She cried and started towards us. She had part of her make up on and hair still in rollers.

"Beth!" I meet her halfway and almost knocked her down in a hug.

"I fucking hate you." She mumbled and squeezed me tight.

"I know." I squeezed my eyes shut tight. When I opened them, Daddy was standing on the porch.

I let go of Beth and walked slowly to him. Slowly up the stairs until I was face to face.

"I'm home, Dad." I swallowed hard. Pushing the lump out of my throat.

He nodded and looked down at the ground. "Yeah." He grunted. Then he sniffled.

"Daddy." I whispered as I wrapped my arms around his neck.

He held me for a second then pat my back and stepped away. "Good timing, kid. We've got work to do."

He cleared his throat then stepped inside. Beth walked past me. "Went better than I thought."

Kayce slung his arm around me and chuckled,"Me too." I leaned into him. "I bet you're ready to be outta that uniform." He nudged me forward and we stepped into our childhood.

"Ready for eight years." I chuckled and started upstairs into my old room.

It was the same as when I left it. Down to the George Strait CD laying on my desk. No one even listens to CDs. I dropped my duffle and opened my old closet. Hopefully something still fits.

I pulled out an old pair of wranglers and slipped them on. A little tight, but they'll do for now. I grabbed a thermal shift, a long sleeve shirt, a sweatshirt and a vest. I put them all on, layer by layer. Then I tied my bandana around my neck and stuffed it into my clothes. I glanced around my room. My tan cowboy hat still hung on the wall. It was still covered in dirt and scuffs and marks. I picked it up and smiled.

I'm home. With dad and Kasey and Beth.

I put the hat on then started back down stairs and out the back door. I took the long walk to the bunk house.