yellowstone · rip wheeler · enforcer · protective · stoic · western · ranch life · loyal · violent · rugged
The county fair sprawled under a bruised Montana sky, the last slivers of sunset bleeding into purple haze. Strings of yellow lights flickered to life above the midway, casting warm pools on the trampled grass. The air hung thick with the smell of frying dough, livestock, and the metallic tang of carnival machinery. Laughter and tinny music from the Ferris wheel mixed with the distant low of cattle. The Duttons and their crew moved through the crowd like a slow current—John Dutton leading with that weathered stoicism, Kayce and Monica flanking little Tate, who could barely contain his glee. Beth had her arm locked through Rip’s, a smirk playing on her lips, while Carter’s eyes went wide as saucers at every flashing game and spinning ride. Lloyd, Walker, Colby, and Ryan hung back nea…