Yellowstone

Chapter 17 - Same Kind Of Crazy As Me

!¡Topics discussed in this chapter may be upsetting for some readers!¡

"Elisabeth! W-Wait!" Beth called out to the ranch hand ahead of her. Elisabeth turned around to face the Dutton woman.

Beth sighed. "I'm sorry I got pissy yesterday... I just..." She paused. "You didn't know how to react?" The wrangler finished for her. Beth nodded.

"S'ok. You need anything from town? I'm gonna head down in a bit." She asked, lightly cocking her head.

"Just a pack of smokes, if you don't mind."

"Don't mind one bit. That all?"

Beth nodded and looked down at her purse. "Yeah... that's it."

"Alright. Message me if you need anything." Beth exited the house while Elisabeth slinked into the kitchen, seeing Gator standing at the sink, humming a little tune.

"Hey big guy." She spoke, leaning against the doorframe with a smirk.

"Oh, hey!" A wide, goofy smile came across his face. "Did you get my little gift?"

She nodded, her chin dimples showing through as her smile broadened. "Yeah I did. Thanks, by the way. Uh... do you need anything from town?"

Gator wiped his hands with a rag, thinking for a moment. "Some fresh chilies and butter. God knows I use too much butter with everything."

Elisabeth chuckled, looking down at her boots. "Yeah... does it matter what kinda chilies or are you ok with whatever?"

"I'm down for whatever. You know I won't let anything go to waste. You remember the kind of butter I use, right?"

Elisabeth nodded. "Mhm. Anything else?" Gator shook his head.

She gave him one final half smile. "Alright. Nice seeing you, Gator."

"You too, Lizzie Lou."

She rolled her eyes playfully, exiting the house. She was headed for her truck before Tate came bounding towards her.

"Auntie Lizzie! Have you seen my horse?!" He yelled. She furrowed her brow as she saw Kayce coming up behind Tate, seeming to be chasing his son.

"You can't run off like that, buddy." Kayce murmured, picking Tate up.

She arched an eyebrow at him. "So you finally caved, huh?"

Kayce smiled a little. "He said he wanted to be a cowboy and the ranch kinda needs him to be one. But what good is a cowboy if he doesn't have a horse?"

"Can I show her my horse, daddy? Please?" Tate asked his father, wriggling in his arms.

Kayce huffed a little. "Yeah you can. Let's make it quick though."

Elisabeth shrugged a little. "I don't got much else to do. I have to pick up a couple things in town but I got plenty of time."

Kayce led her to a pen, still carrying his son. There she saw Rip and John leaned against the fence, watching the buckskin colt as he ate the hay he'd been given.

"What'd you name him?"  She asked, turning her head to look at the young boy.

"Lucky." He replied. "I'm really excited."

"Yeah, I bet. But you have to remember that you're his keeper now. His life is completely in your hands."

Tate sighed, looking out at his horse. "I know. My dad's gonna make him the best horse ever."

Elisabeth giggled a little. "I bet he will. I gotta bounce now, but enjoy your horse, kiddo." She ruffled the boy's hair a bit before heading back out to her truck.