Penny for your Thoughts : A Yellowstone inspired story

s4- Tuna Helper

As the morning sun streamed through Spencer's window, she leaped out of bed with boundless energy, eager to start the day. Hastily dressing herself, she started her dash down to the barn, her excitement palpable with every step.

As Spencer makes her way toward the barn, her hurried pace didn't go unnoticed by Beth, who happened to cross paths with her on the way to her car. Concern etched across her face, Beth called out to Spencer, "Hey! Hey, Spencer! Slow down!"

Spencer skids to a halt, her chest heaving as she tries to catch her breath. Beth approaches her slowly, a mixture of worry evident in her expression. Placing a gentle hand on Spencer's shoulder, Beth asks, "You alright, baby?"

Spencer nods eagerly, straightening up to mask her slight fatigue. Beth, however, could see through the facade, noting Spencer's slight weakness. With a gentle touch, Beth inquired, "Where are you running off to?"

"Travis is here with new horses. I'm gonna go check them out."Struggling to speak between breaths, "Daddy said as soon as I wake up I can come to the barn," she explains, her eyes shining with excitement.

Beth sighs inwardly, knowing the risks of Spencer being around the dirt and dust by the barn. "Baby, you know you shouldn't be down there right now, especially with all that dirt flying up. It's not good for your lungs. The doctor..."

But Spencer cuts in, "Please mama, daddy said as long as I wear my bandana over my nose and mouth, I should be fine. And I promise if I start to feel bad, I'll say somethin."

Reluctantly, Beth relents, knowing how persistent Spencer can be when she sets her mind on something. She rubs Spencer's head affectionately, "I don't know, baby..."

But Spencer's persistence was unwavering, her arms wrapping around her mother's legs as she pleaded once more. "Please mommy," her eyes pleading earnestly.

Reluctantly, Beth nodded, her resolve softened by Spencer's heartfelt plea. "Okay, Penny," her voice tinged with a mixture of resignation. "But please take it easy and no riding any horses today. Do you hear me?"

Spencer's face lit up with joy, a wide smile spreading across her features, "Yes, ma'am, I promise!"

Bending down to Spencer's level, Beth offered one final reminder. "I'm going to be in town for a while, so just call me if you need me," she instructed, her embrace tight as she showered Spencer with kisses, eliciting giggles from her daughter.

Spencer squirmed with laughter, eager to embark on her day's adventures, "Okay, okay, mama, I gotta go. Love you," she chirped, already racing off towards the barn.

Beth called after her, her voice filled with love and warmth. "Love you more," she declared, her heart swelling with affection as she watched Spencer disappear with a mix of pride and apprehension, hoping her daughter would heed her warnings and enjoy her day safely.

As Spencer made her way down to the corral,  Rip caught sight of her and couldn't help but smile. "Here comes trouble," he remarked, scooping her up in his arms as she approached.

"Mama knows you're down here, right?" Rip inquired, a note of caution in his voice. "I don't want to get chewed out about this later."

Spencer nodded eagerly. "Yeah, I told her," her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Rip chuckled softly and helped Spencer up onto the fence, his hands deftly assisting her in tying on her bandana to shield her from the dust and dirt swirling around the corral. As Rip and Spencer lingered, they overheard Travis and Teeter engaged in a conversation nearby.

"You're from where? Texarkana?" Travis asked.

Teeter nodded. "Yeah, Texarkana."

Travis probed further, "Which side of the river?"