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Andrea Dutton

The ride back to the ranch was beautiful. The wildlife awoken at this time of the morning, the due on the grass, the horses fur sparkling in the sunshine.
The woman was trying to hold back her smile as she tread through the property she loved most, on the horse she could trust with her life.

She couldn't help but notice the cowboy getting more nervous as they rode closer to the ranch. He kept turning his head towards her as if to speak but then turned forward again.

"I didn't catch your name" said the man

"You didn't?" Said the women, not making eye contact with the man

The cowboy chuckled as they approached the barn yard. There was a tall man standing along a fence having what looked like a serious conversation.

"Hold back here a moment while I get the boss." Said the cowboy

As she was told, she sat on top her horse with her head down to allow the peak of her hat to cover her face.

She heard footsteps approaching which she could only assume was Mr.Dutton.  As she tilted her head up, a smile emerged on both of their faces.
"Mornin daddy" the woman says as she slides out of the saddle. The man laughs and brings her into a hug as soon as her foot hits the ground.
The cowboy was as shocked as a calf hitting the fence for the first time, trying to figure out who this woman was.

"Andrea, when the hell'd you get home?" John asked

"bout 30 minutes before sunrise, enough time to tack up Daisy and head out" she answered

"Where's your rig?" Said John

Andrea smiled and said "up on the lane way, I didn't want to wake anyone so we parked and took advantage of this beautiful morning"

"What about school? I thought you had two months left? And your licensing exam!" He said

As soon as the words left John's mouth, a woman said "she's done, she wrote"

Andrea smiled as she recognized that voice, her sister Beth. Andrea had not told anyone when her program was finished or when she would write her licensing exam. She figured it would be easier that way.

John froze. "And?" He said excitingly

"I am officially a nurse dad" Andrea said with the largest smile she's had in a long time

John wasted no time in giving her another hug. Beth joined in for a few moments before they heard
"well holly shit"

Andrea turned, knowing the voice of the man whose been around her whole life. He taught her the ways of the ranch, the meaning of hard work. Although she was the youngest of the Dutton's and her father wanted to keep her safe from harms way, Lloyd thought she should know the ways of ranchers.
Before she could speak, they were hugging. Warmth filled Andrea's heart as Lloyd chuckled.

"Missed ya pip" he said

"Yeah I missed you too" she replied

Andrea turned to the man who found her in the pasture, he was leaned on the fence watching the family reunion. Andrea walked up to the man and put her hand out to shake his, he followed.
"Andrea Dutton" she said
"Ryan Bohen" he replied with a smirk