Lucy woke the next morning to both Beth and Rip banging around. She checked her alarm clock and saw it was only six am. Well after the time Rip was normally at home.
Lucy got up putting her bare feet down, leaving the moon boot in the corner where she had left it last night after feeling more comfortable to walk without it.
"Good. You're up." Rip said when she got downstairs.
"The whole ranch is because you're both that loud." She grumpily said sitting across from Beth.
"You are either working with me or your Dad today." Beth told her. "Your choice."
"If there's a third option of staying here, I'll take that."
"No. That is not an option." Rip said from behind her.
Lucy groaned but stopped seeing the look on Beth's face. "I'll go with Dad I guess."
"We're going in twenty minutes. We're riding too."
Lucy stopped on the top step. "What if my ankle can't handle it?"
"You're riding with me." He told her already having considered it. Lucy got ready in her own room while Beth and Rip spent what was their of their morning together, downstairs.
"Don't punish her. She didn't do anything wrong."
"I'm not punishing her Beth, but she will be working today."
"I want to have lunch with her. Bring her to town, will you." She told more than asked Rip.
"Don't spoil her. She's going to work today."
"If I want to spoil her I will. You built her a fucking basketball court so don't tell me what to do." She said, kissing him before yelling out to Lucy and leaving.
"Let's go Lucy." Rip yelled getting his hat off the hook. She came downstairs pulling a hooded jumper over her blonde curls before grabbing her own hat.
"You can go saddle the horse." He told Lucy before walking off to the wranglers to plan out the day.
Lucy dropped the saddle before dragging it the last bit to the horse before she heard Rip clear his throat.
"Don't drag it. Ask for help next time." He told her as she saddled the horse, giving her pointers when necessary.
He helped her up on his horse getting on behind. Lucy's feet left dangling while Rip used the stirrups.
"Beth wants to have lunch with you today." Rip told her.
"Am I in trouble or something?"
"Did you do something?"
Lucy shook her head while they rode to where they were working. "Damn fence again." Rip said seeing it had been cut. He got off the horse before telling Lucy to get off as well.
"You lot walk that way and check for any other breaks." He said to the wranglers as they split up in different directions.
Lucy heard Teeter yell something to her right. "Teeter's yelling something." Lucy told Rip who nodded.
"Fence is broken there too." Rip looked down towards where Walker was standing around. "Hey! What are you doing?"
"I ain't doing nothing."
"I can see that." Rip said. Jimmy waved before giving a thumbs up from further down where the fence was broken as well.
"Lloyd. You and Ethan go get the quad and wire. We're repairing this fence today."
Lloyd and Ethan got in their saddles riding off, while everyone else kept inspecting the fence. The two cowboys returned within half an hour with a truck as well as the quadbike. Wranglers helped unload before getting to work.
Walker had been pissing Rip off at work for the past week. The pair had never been on good terms, particularly after Rip had caught Walker trying to hit on Beth when he first came to the Yellowstone.
Rip showed Lucy how to fix the fence, making her wear his gloves. He knew Beth would have it in for him if she hurt herself.
"This is low mans work, Jimmy." Walker called out.
Jimmy looked over at him ignoring him.
"I've worked on plenty of ranches and my ass never left the saddle." Walker said.
"Should have stayed there then." Rip retorted. Lucy looked over before looking to Teeter and Colby who shook their heads.
"Don't I know it." He said in a smart arse tone getting more of the wrangler's attention.
Rip looked at Lucy before walking towards Walker and Jimmy. "What was that? I didn't hear you."
Walker took a few steps towards Rip. "You don't fight, you don't work but you have no problems eating our food and sleeping under our roof."
"What, so this is your place is it Rip?"
"Mmmhmm." Rip said annoyed.
"I think he's gonna lose his shit." Lucy whispered to Ryan who nodded agreeing.
Lloyd said something to distract Rip and break the tension to no avail.
"Jimmy, get on the quad." Rip told him before walking away.
The wranglers kept working as Jimmy drove the quad spinning the wire. Lucy watched as Walker stood back while everyone worked.
"Dad, what do I do now?" Lucy said to Rip. He looked down at her.
"Just wait a second Lu. Keep it tight everyone, bull will walk through loose wire like it's not even there." He said telling Jimmy to stop. "All right Lu, go and help Teeter now." He told her before picking up the ratchet fence stretcher to tighten the wire.
"Hey. Start wrapping wire." He told Walker who stood to the side looking at his fingernails.
"I'm leaving tonight. You can spend my wages on whatever you want." Walker taunted.
"Why don't you go back to all those other great ranches in Montana you talk about? Or is that because they won't take you?" Rip said continuing to tighten the fence.
"Nah. I think it's because I've got a fondness for the farmer's daughter. We've got that in common don't we?"
That was the final straw for Rip before he overtightened the wire causing it to snap and hit Walker in the cheek, cutting him.
Lucy jumped back in surprise in to Teeter who steadied her.
Walker got up swinging at Rip who ducked and swung one back connecting with Walker's face. The wranglers moved closer to watch.
"You don't talk about my wife. You hear me." Rip yelled. Walker pulled out a pocket knife in response, jabbing it at Rip who jumped out of the way.
"I'm gonna rip your heart out through your throat." Rip whispered only loud enough for Walker to hear.
"You leave my Dad alone you bastard." Lucy said before kicked Walker in the back of the knee causing him to fall forward and drop the knife. Rip put his boot over it before picking it up.
He closed the knife before holding it out to Walker.
"Here you go."
"I'm done with this place." Walker said snatching his knife and getting on the horse.
"Wherever you go Walker. I'll find you." Rip told him before looking at Lucy.
"God dammit Lucy." Rip said. "You take after your mother on that one." The wranglers laughed with him.
"He's a total jerk. Why is he acting like that? He said something about Mom."
"He did. Right you lot, we've got more fence to build, let's get to it."
Lucy wasn't sure what she preferred, working with Rip wasn't that bad but it was physically tiring compared to what she figured working with Beth all day would be like. She wasn't as quick as the wranglers although they didn't point it out to her as they passed her on different sections of the fence.
Rip checked his watch and saw it was nearing lunchtime. "Keep going. I'll be back in a few hours. Lucy, let's go." He said getting in the truck. She followed him, pulling the gloves off in the car, looking at her now very sore hands, scuffed boots and dirty jeans.
"I'm starving." Lucy said. "Are you mad Dad?" She said referring to the incident with Walker.
"Not at you." He said as they pulled in to Beth's work. Lucy got out of the car waiting for Rip. The duo walked side by side to Beth's office where she was pacing on the phone. Rip opened the glass door quietly, pointing to the chair for Lucy to sit and wait while he stood.
She hung up the phone before turning to look at them both. "Why do you look angry Rip."
"I'm not sweetheart." He told her. Beth looked at Lucy who did meet her eyes.
"Something happened and I can tell neither of you are going to tell me right now."
"We gonna get some food now?" Lucy asked. Beth grabbed her bag walking ahead of the duo who followed dutifully.
"I might be back or might not." She told her assistant, leaving.
"Burgers?" Lucy asked.
"No baby, we're going there." She said pointing at a nicer bar/restaurant.
"Beth, that place is way too fancy." Rip said turning up his nose.
"They have steak." She told him, not stopping. Lucy walked behind the pair into the building. It was a similar set up to where she use to work except a lot nicer.
"Oooh! Look at those sofas!" Lucy said making a beeline to the velvet sofa, plonking herself down. She left out a relaxed sigh at the comfort.
"Hey! Out of there." Rip growled.
"Oh shh. She is fine." Beth said hitting his arm before sitting across from Lucy. Rip took a seat next to Beth as a waiter came over to take orders.
"What the hell did you have her doing that she is that dirty." Beth asked Rip.
"Fixing the fence." Lucy said for him taking a mouthful of her soda.
Rip wasn't use to having a drink whilst still technically working but obliged regardless as their food arrived. Lucy pulled the coffee table closer to her so she wouldn't make a mess before getting stuck in to her steak, Rip doing the same. Beth opted for something Lucy didn't particularly like the look of.
"Slow down." Rip said hearing Lucy cough on her food. Lucy didn't realise how hungry she was and couldn't get the food in quick enough.
Lucy left her salad the same as Rip before putting her knife and fork together, leaning back on the sofa closing her eyes.
"Mom. I haven't finished my art project for school." She said with her eyes closed before sitting up to look at Beth. "Actually, haven't started it."
"When is it due?"
"Today. Lucky I'm suspended." She said with a light laugh. Neither Beth or Rip reacting.
Beth looked at her watch. "I'll take you to the art store."
"Good. I need to get back and finish the fence." Rip said standing. He lent down to kiss Beth and give Lucy's shoulder a squeeze before leaving.
"You gonna tell me what happened now?" Beth said leaning back in the couch.
"I ain't no snitch." Lucy told her.
Beth couldn't help but laugh. "Baby, I am going to find out one way or another." She gave Lucy her card telling her to go and pay the bill before they'd go.
Lucy took the card going to find the waiter to pay. "Hi, I'm just here to pay." She said holding the card up.
The waiter took it before swiping it. She looked down at the name on the card before looking at Lucy. "It's been declined."
"What's the reason?"
"I'm sorry Miss, you are not Beth Dutton and cannot use this card."
"I'm her kid. She's right over there." Lucy said pointing to where Beth was watching.
"Come on kid. Beth Dutton doesn't have kids, everyone knows that." The waiter smirked.
"Fine. Give it here, but I did tell you." Lucy said holding her hand out for the card.
"What happened?" Beth asked when Lucy came back.
"They said it was declined because they didn't think I was your kid."
Beth took a deep breath before standing up. "Come with me." They walked back up to the same waiter and Beth nudged Lucy to hand the card over.
"This card was declined."
"Why?" Beth asked.
"Because of fraud. This kid tried to use it."
"It's my kid. I gave the fucking thing to her. Swipe it so we can leave and not come back." The waiter nodded, swiping the card. "Do you do that to every parent and kid? Just out of curiosity."
The waiter shook their head passing the card back. "Didn't think so."
"I told ya." Lucy said shrugging her shoulders following Beth out.
"What is with this town. Do I need to make a fucking PSA that I have a kid." Beth said getting in to the car, Lucy deciding to stay quiet. She sped down the Main Street past the art shop before Lucy reminded her and she quickly turned into a parking space before getting out.
"Drives like a mad woman." Lucy muttered hoping Beth didn't hear.
Beth followed Lucy around the shop while she picked out paints, brushes and a canvas for her class.
"What are you meant to paint?" Beth asked her.
"Something that makes us feel peace."
Beth was intrigued and unsure what Lucy would pick, possibly the basketball court would be it. "What are you going to paint?"
"Home. The cabin." She told her putting what she wanted on the counter.
Beth was surprised by the answer. "Better get painting before the sun goes down."
As they left they heard someone calling out to Lucy.
"Lucy! There you are, we've been looking for you for months!"
Lucy stiffened up before turning and seeing the person who was supposed the have been her "mother."
"Keep walking." Lucy whispered to Beth pulling her arm.
"Who is that?" Beth asked. Glancing back at the woman who appeared to be around 45 with long frizzy brown hair and baggy clothes.
"No one."
"Lucy. Don't keep shit from me." Beth said slamming the drivers door.
"Fine. Drive and I'll tell you." Lucy said looking ahead while the lady kept walking toward Beth's car, waving her arms. "Please!" Lucy pleaded.
Beth looked at her, seeing her watery eyes. She turned the car on reversing quickly before speeding off. "That's it you tell me what's going on."
"That's woman was meant to look after me, you know when you had to give me up. Anyway, she was fucking awful and then they left me and that's when I guess I left too and got the job and apartment."
Beth slammed on the breaks. "That's it."
"No! Don't go back!"
Beth ignored her turning the car around going back down the street.
"Mom! Hey!" Lucy said alarmed. "Mom, stop. It'll be bad." Lucy reached out and grabbed Beth's arm on the steering wheel, getting Beth's attention instantly.
"What?" Beth said not focusing on Lucy initially. Lucy was flushed in the face looking at Beth with wide eyes.
"I just wanna go home."
"We're going." Beth said turning around. "We're leaving, Lu." She told her noticing her eyes downcast. Beth sighed, continually checking on Lucy the rest of the way home. Beth parked the car up at the cabin, Rip's truck not yet back.
"Come on."
Lucy got out of the car, grabbing her own paint supplies, putting them down on the kitchen bench before going to the bathroom.
"We're having a chat Lucy." Beth told her as she walked away.
"Yeah, I'm just washing my face, geez." She muttered. She came out of the bathroom downstairs to find Beth on the couch. Lucy sat down in what was normally Rip's armchair.
"What happened today? You're gonna tell me everything." Beth said looking her in the eye. Lucy nodded feeling unsure for the first time that she might actually be in real trouble if she didn't.
"Walker said something to Dad about you and Dad got him with the barb wire in his face. He pulled a knife on Dad so I kicked him in the knee from behind. That was the first thing. I was working though, see!" She said holding up her hands.
Beth could only imagine what Walker had said to fire up Rip about her. "What did he say to Rip?"
Lucy looked at her like it was a trick question. "Mom."
Beth waved her off. "Tell me Lucy."
"He said, they both had a fondness for the farmers daughter and that's what they had in common. Did you have a thing with him Mom?"
"No. He and your Dad don't get along. When he first came her, he tried to hit on me. You can imagine how well that went down." She said as a knock was heard at the door.
"I'll get it." Lucy said getting up. Beth stood up from where she sat as Lucy opened the door to find Donny the sheriff standing there.
"Hi." He said to Lucy before seeing Beth. "Beth, you mind if we have a word outside? Alone."
Beth looked at Lucy before nodding following him outside. "What's going on Donny?"
"Beth I received a missing persons report for Lucy. It says that she's missing and was seen with you. Her mother placed it."
"Donny. I'm her mother."
Donny nodded, he handed over the report and a copy of an adoption certificate. "Beth this is all legit. I have to take her."
"You're not fucking taking her. I won't let you."
"I don't have a choice! I have to take her to the station. If you can produce something to show she's yours I'll look in to it."
"I have the blood work."
"Even so Beth. I have to take her and then you can bring it to the station."
"Let me tell her. You wait here." Beth told him before going in the cabin and slamming the door. "Come here Lucy." She called out.
"You listen to me carefully and do as I say."
"Mom."
"Listen to me Lucy." Beth repeated.
"Mom. You're scaring me." Lucy told her. Beth brushed Lucy's hair out of her face.
"You need a haircut." She said before getting serious again. "You're going to go with Donny to the station. I'm going to get Rip and some paperwork and follow, ok."
"Why? I didn't do anything! I was defending you against Walker!"
"I know baby. It's not about that. That woman from earlier put in a missing person report in and showed your adoption certificate and said you were with me."
"But your my Mom?"
Donny knocked on the door sticking his head in. "Beth, we need to keep it moving." He said tapping his watch.
Lucy looked at Donny before back at Beth. "I don't wanna go back there."
"You won't. I won't allow that. You go with Donny and I'll come." Beth said pulling her in for a hug.
"I'm scared." Lucy whispered vulnerably.
"You're a Dutton. Don't be afraid." Beth whispered back kissing her head before pushing her gently towards the door. Donny lead her out before opening the backseat door for her.
Beth felt her insides being ripped out for a second time watching her baby be taken away. She stood on the porch until the car was out of sight. Inside the cabin she grabbed the papers she knew she needed and the original birth certificate she had kept a hold of.
She threw it on the passenger seat before speeding down to the bunkhouse where she ran in to Kayce.
"Where is Rip? Get me Rip!" She yelled at him.
"What's going on Beth?"
"Get him, Kayce."
Kayce nodded not having seen Beth ever so stressed. Rip came out of the stable's hurriedly.
"What is it?"
"It's Lucy."
"Is she all right?" He asked looking around but not seeing her.
"Donny has her. He has her Rip." She started.
"Ok. Just tell me what happened."
Kayce stood off to the side listening as Beth explained what happened.
"Give me the keys, Beth." He told her seeing she was in no state to drive. "Give them to me." He managed to pry them from her fingers before opening the passenger door for her.
"I'll meet you there Rip." Kayce said running to the lodge. Rip nodded before speeding off in the Mercedes.
He held Beth's hand as she held the papers in another. They entered the station, Rip looking for Donny. Beth spotted the lady from earlier that day.
The other lady stood up and approached Beth as Donny came out of his office.
"You never even wanted her you just gave her up like she was nothing."
Rip turned to look at the woman hearing her words. "What did you just say to us?"
"You heard me. You think you can waltz back in after I've raised her? Taught her right from wrong?"
"If leaving a 15 year old girl alone to fend for herself, pay for bills herself and work whilst trying to go to school is what you call teaching her, I'd be worried."
"Mom?"
Beth and the woman turned to see Lucy standing in the doorway of Donny's office watching the interaction. The woman moved to get closer to Lucy as she pulled away. "I don't want you. You're not my Mom."
She gasped hearing that. "I am so Lucy Wright."
"I'm a Dutton/Wheeler." She told the woman. Beth let go of Rip's hand, shoving the papers in his chest before going to Lucy.
"Let me look at you." Beth said giving her the once over.
"I'm ok." Lucy said taking a seat in the office, Beth sitting next to her holding her hand.
"You need to sit down." Donny told the woman before taking the papers from Rip and looking at them.
"What in gods name is going on Donny?" John said walking through the door with Kayce and Jamie behind him, Jamie less than happy to be there.
"You said she was ours!" The woman screeched seeing John.
"You also agreed to look after her but you couldn't do that, not even slightly." John growled at her as she sat back down. John turned to Jamie giving him a nod.
Jamie pulled some papers from his suit jacket and handed them to Donny. Donny read the paper in front of him carefully before re-reading it.
"You can go in there Rip and shut the door." Donny told him.
"You let them go and see her but not me!"
Rip ignored her going in to the office and shutting the door. He knelt down in front of Lucy and Beth. "Jamie is here with John and Kayce." He told them. Lucy looked at him with wide eyes.
"Why? He's gonna make me leave!"
"Hey! What did I tell you." Beth said trying to snap her out of it.
Outside the office, the Dutton men stood as Donny spoke. "You don't have any rights to her. A judge has ruled that she is to remain with the Wheeler's as she is biologically and legally their daughter." He said reading the last part.
"I have rights to her."
"You lost those the minute you decided to leave her." John said. "If I ever see you around here again trying to mess with my family you'll wish you never met me."
"I did you a favour."
John got closer to her. "A favour I wish I never asked of you. You are the reason for my biggest regret. Leave."
The woman stood, looking at everyone before telling them it wasn't over and leaving.
Donny opened the door. "You can go." Rip nodded, standing up. Lucy half hid behind him as they walked out into the reception where John, Kayce and Jamie stood.
"Aren't you going to thank me?" Jamie demanded like a child.
"For what? Fixing what you started in the first place. Get real Jamie." Beth told him.
"Go get in the truck Jamie." John said with no room for discussion. He nodded at Rip before leaving, Kayce lingering.
"I was trying to help."
"Thanks Kayce." Beth said before leaving with Lucy and Rip.