In the rugged landscapes of Montana, the Dutton legacy endures, not just in the sprawling ranches and vast plains but in the fiery spirit of Beth Dutton and her daughter, Spencer Hope, but everyone affectionately calls her "Penny". As Beth imparts t...
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As the morning sun painted the Montana landscape with hues of gold and amber, John pulled up to the cabin to pick up Spencer. On the porch, a scene of familial warmth unfolded as Beth, Rip, and Spencer shared a moment of laughter and conversation.
From the driver's seat of his truck, John observed the tableau with a mixture of pride and contentment. Beth and Rip, standing side by side, exuded a quiet strength that resonated with the depth of their connection. Spencer, the vibrant thread that wove through their lives, added a touch of youthful exuberance to the morning ritual.
As Beth and Rip walked Spencer to the waiting truck, their laughter mingling with the crisp morning air, John couldn't help but admire the love they shared. Rip opened the passenger door with a smile, lifting Spencer into the seat. Her greeting, "Mornin grandpa," was met with a warm, "Mornin, Penny," from John.
Beth, expressing her gratitude, spoke to John, "Thanks for taking her to school dad."
Rip nodded towards John, a silent acknowledgment of the favor. John, his eyes reflecting the depth of his emotions, replied, "Anything that gives me time to spend with my granddaughter is worth doing." Casting a fond glance towards Spencer.
Rip, with a loving smile, kissed Spencer on the head and offered, "Love you, cub. Be good." Spencer nodded in agreement, a mirrored smile on her face. Beth, joining in the farewell, approached Spencer, showering her with kisses and affectionate squeezes. "Okay it's your last day, so don't forget to bring all your school supplies back home. I packed the thank you gifts for your teachers in the front pocket of your backpack so don't squish it. Um I feel like I'm forgetting something?" Beth whispered, eliciting giggles from Spencer. She gives Beth a kiss on the cheek and says, "Okay, okay, we have to go, or I'm gonna be late," Spencer interjected.
With a final exchange of affection, they close the truck door, and John drives off.
As the truck rumbles along the country road towards the school, Spencer's innocent curiosity filled the air.
"Grandpa," she asked, her voice small yet determined, "When do you think Mommy and Daddy are going to get married?"
John, caught off guard by the unexpected question, cleared his throat before responding, "Now, that's business for your mama and dad to figure out. Don't you go meddling in it."
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Spencer furrowed her brow, not quite satisfied with the answer. "But they love each other. Doesn't that mean they should get married?"
John, keeping his eyes on the road, replied in a stern tone, "Penny." He didn't want to delve into this topic.
Undeterred, Spencer continued, "I don't understand why nobody will talk about it. I know they both want to get married. I wasn't eavesdropping or anything, but I heard Mama and Daddy talking about it on the porch. Mama said she wanted Daddy to call her 'wife,' but then they started to act all weird."
The weight of Spencer's words hung in the air. John pulled the truck to the side of the road and turned to face his granddaughter. Lifting her chin gently, he asked, "What's wrong, Penny? Why are you asking about all this?"
With tears in her eyes, Spencer looked up at John. "If they don't get married, they might stop loving each other."
John's expression softened. He began to understand Spencer's worry. "Hey," he said reassuringly, "your parents don't need to get married to keep loving each other. You know why?"
Spencer looked at him, sniffing back her tears, and shook her head.
"They're going to keep loving each other because they have you, Penny. And as long as you keep loving them, they are going to love each other. You understand?"
Spencer nodded, wiping away her tears. John patted her head, offering comfort, and continued driving down the road, the weight of Spencer's concern lingering in the air.
