Season 4 Episode 4

I was sitting outside thinking while watching Letty play in the grass.

"She's so much like you when you were that age." Dad said coming up behind me.

"What, silly, full of life and energy, and not a worry in the world?" I asked.

"Ricki, we will figure all this out. It's honestly not your fight to be here. I'm happy y'all are here, but you don't have to fight."

I laughed.

"What?" Dad asked.

"Dad, whether you realize it or not generation after generation on this ranch it has been burned into us to save the ranch and the family. You may not realize it, but since the day we were all born or adopted into this family you groomed us to save and fight for this place. Beth, Kayce, and I left and came back to save this place. I would have come home sooner if I knew how bad it was. You nearly died and that's how I find out how much this place is going to hell and a handbasket. I should have put things together when Lee died, but I chose not to see it. I'm not saying it's a bad thing grooming us to save this place because its home. Same goes for Pop's place, and I'm going to do whatever it takes to save this place and his whether either of you like it or not."

Dad laughed. "You are so much like your mom."

"Yeah. I guess. I do know unfortunately, I am a lot like you. I remember a time when you told me to stay away from EJ. We see how that worked."

"Yeah, but you two were meant to be. Even for a short amount time you were meant to be like your mom and me."

"Dad…. Nevermind" I said looking at Letty and running a hand through my hair.

"What? You know I hate when people do that."

"After mom died did you ever think about moving on. I mean I know you had the occasional fling, but I mean dating again?"

"I did and I guess you can say I sorta am, but no one will be your mother. Why are you asking?" He gave me a look.

"Dad, I know you know why I'm asking. I just haven't felt this way in a long time. No one will ever replace EJ, but he loves Letty and makes me feel some kinda happiness that hasn't been there in a while. He shows up when I need someone the most. Also, he sure isn't Letty's other DNA half."

"As far as the world is concerned EJ is her father which one day you will give me that full story." I laughed. "You meet this guy in Montana or are you going back to Texas?"

"Montana. I'm thinking of sticking around for a while." I said smiling.

Dad shook his head. "I want to meet this guy eventually sooner rather than later. (Pointing a finger at me) All I truly want for you Baby Girl is to be happy if this guy makes you happy then I'm ok with it. You are a grown woman, but remember you are my baby forever. He hurts you or that little girl…"

"I know Daddy. So, lets change the subject for now" I laughed. "You send Kayce to talk to Jamie?"

He looked at me "How… Never mind you really are my daughter."

"I try to be. It was probably safer to send him, but you know Beth already visited him."

"I know but we have more information now, and I need to know how he handles things." I looked to him. "I promise we will talk about it later."

"Fine. I'm holding you to that." I gave him a serious look as he said he had to go speak with Rip.

Kayce drove up not long after that. He walked up the steps next to where I was sitting. I grabbed his ankle.

"You get the answers we needed?" I asked never taking my eyes from Letty doing flips.

"Some will know more eventually. Please tell me you aren't turning into Beth where he is concerned?"

"No not just yet." I said smirking up at him. "You going to tell Tate and Monica that you want to leave the ranch?"

"How?" he said sitting next to me.

"This Ranch has cost you more than it needed to. Your son had to shoot a man, and he is now traumatized. Tate needs to be with his people. Yes, we are his people, but I don't know if Tate is cut out for this just yet or at least having to kill someone. No child should have to do that."

"Have you ever told Dad what you do for a living other than ranching or rodeoing?"

"No and for now that's between a select few of us. Go get your family and get out while you can. Beth still wonders why any of us that leave come back. You need to do what's best mostly for that little boy before I kick your butt."

"You really think you can baby sister.?" he stated/asked while laughing and nudging me.

"don't push it big brother." We laughed and he went to grab his family and their stuff for a break from the ranch.

Dad walks back up as Kayce is tying everything down. Letty and Tate are saying their good-byes.

"Anytime you need someone to babysit let me know." I said to Monica.

"Same here."

"I think y'all have done enough babysitting as of late." I told her laughing.

"Naw reminds me of when he was little. (Looking to Tate) Maybe when things calm there will be a new baby." She said and I looked at her skeptical.

"maybe" I said hugging her and saying goodbye and then getting a hug from Tate.

I walked to Kayce. "I know we won't be halfway around the world from each other, but it seems we come back together just to separate again." I told him

"I am a phone call away Baby. I mean it you need me call. Especially since I hear there is a new man in your life." He said laughing. I looked at him and then to dad. Dad just raised his hands in defense. I shook my head and let Kayce get in the truck and watch them drive away.