Penny for your Thoughts : A Yellowstone inspired story

Don't just dont

—

During the day, Rip was knee-deep in negotiations with Fish and Wildlife, trying to smooth over the mess caused by Ryan and Colby's accidental killing of the wolves. Meanwhile, Beth was hard at work ensuring the ranch's future. She was putting the ranch in a conservation easement to protect it from being sold or used by Market Equities, keeping it intact for generations to come.

—

Later that evening, Rip and Spencer are sitting at the table, eating dinner. The room is filled with the comforting sounds of cutlery against plates and the occasional clink of glasses. Just as they're finishing up, they hear the door open. Beth walks in, looking surprisingly upbeat, a rare smile on her face.

Rip looks up and smiles when he sees her. "Glad you're back early," he says, standing to greet her with a kiss.

Beth smirks, "Did something happen?"

"No, just glad to have you back darlin." He pulls out a chair for her.

"Hey, sweetie." Beth smiles at Spencer.

Spencer doesn't say anything. She continues eating her food, her eyes focused on her plate.

Rip and Beth exchange a soft glance, a silent understanding passing between them.

Beth sits down at the table with a sigh. "What a fucking day."

Rip nods and serves her a plate of food. "Here you go."

Beth takes the plate but seems too energized to eat. "Where's my dad?"

Rip replies, "Went back to Helena. You not hungry?"

Beth smiles, a spark in her eyes. "Too excited to eat."

Rip looks confused. "Yeah?"

Spencer looks up briefly, her curiosity piqued.

Beth nods enthusiastically. "Mm-hmm. We need to celebrate."

Rip's confusion deepens. "Yeah? What are we celebrating?"

Beth's grin widens. "I really fucked somebody over today, and it felt great."

Spencer finally speaks, "They're celebrating Lloyd's birthday in the bunkhouse. We're playing poker, and Gator and I made cupcakes." Spencer gets up and leaves momentairly from the table.

Beth's eyes light up. "A party? That sounds perfect. You know, I have the right dress for that."

Rip raises an eyebrow, amused. "Yeah?"

"Yep."

Spencer returns holding a glass jar, "swear jar mom."

Beth smirks standing up and kisses Spencer's cheek, "mama's pay in kisses." Beth dashes upstairs to change.

Spencer wipes the lipstick off her face from her mom's kiss, scrunching her nose. "Ew, Mom. You got lipstick on me."

Rip chuckles as they watch Beth go. They continue eating their dinner in a comfortable silence.

Spencer looks up at her dad. "She's pretty wound up."

Rip takes a sip of his beer, nodding. "Yep. Seems like it, cub."

Spencer frowns slightly. "I feel sorry for the other guy."

Rip stands up, clearing the table. "That guy's having a rough day, I promise you."

Spencer giggles softly, the tension from earlier in the day easing away as they prepare to join the celebration in the bunkhouse. The evening promises a temporary escape from the complexities of their lives, a chance to find solace in the company of family and friends.