Chapter Text
Lodge – kitchen - morning
Beth sits at the bar drinking a cup of coffee, staring out the window ahead. John’s steps in and sees his daughter, exhales as he makes his way towards the sink, blocking her view out the window.
John: Thought I might find you here. Not hungry this morning?
Beth: Figured with the topics I need to discuss, you'd appreciate me not bringing them into the dining room.
He sighs.
John: Then I appreciate you letting me finish my breakfast first.
She scoffs.
Beth: Good to see your appetite hasn’t suffered any.
John: Say what it is that you need to say and let’s get on with our day.
She stares at him, taking a sip of her coffee, intentionally rattling his nerves by taking her time.
John: I have a few things I’d like to say to you, too, ya know?
She nods.
Can’t wait for this.
John: This is still my ranch, my —
Beth: Your ranch, your rules, your way… your way is gonna get us all killed. You have undermined me, my family, Kayce —
John: Goddamn it, Beth, everything I do is for this family. Every decision, every—
Beth: Everything you do is for you , Dad. Everything! I have bent over backwards doing things for you, for this ranch, for this fight, and you make it impossible at every single turn.
John: I didn’t know, Beth. I didn’t know. Do you think if I had known I would have brought him here?
Beth: You didn’t vet him, you were pissed off because we were going to move to town and so you wanted to make Rip feel it by doing his job for him. You wanted a reaction from him, you didn’t get it, because he’s never gonna step up to you and call you out on your bullshit, but I will.
She stands, moving towards him.
Beth: You put me at risk, my children at risk, my husband, my family all at risk because you’re a petty, petty man. You micromanage all of us in every aspect of our lives. You did it to Lee, you did it to Jamie, you’ve done it to me, to Kayce, and even Rip.
John: I’m not listening to this, sweetheart.
There’s a seriousness across her face, reminiscent of his own. He’s taught her well.
Beth: No! You need to hear this. You will listen because if I don’t have my say, you will find yourself alone in this fight. I will pack my family and we’ll move to a little ranch in town, where we can be happy and enjoy our lives without having to always worry about the next threat, the next problem that is always at our fucking doorstep.
John: You shut me out, honey.
Beth: Stop making everything about your fucking self. I gave you a taste of your own medicine. You expect me to carry the scars of this place all over my fucking body and I do, Dad. I literally fucking do, but you can’t trust me enough to let me manage my own life, use what I’ve learned, what you taught me to aid this place.
John: I’ve made mistakes. I am not perfect, honey.
Beth: You can say that again. You are your own worst fucking enemy. This place either evolves or it dies. It’s picking us off one by one. It could have been me or Charlotte yesterday. It almost was. So if you want your fucking ranch, your fucking rules, then you can keep them, but I’m here to tell you things change now or I’m out and good fucking luck managing any part of this without us.
She reads the sorrow across his face, backs her tone down, he can feel her sincerity and recognizes the warning she places before him.
Beth: Your rules, they don’t work anymore. You worry too much about getting your digs in with us than about your own enemies. We stand with you, your fight is our fight and that’s enough. We do this together or we all fail. No more fucking secret truces, no more secret anything, and don’t you ever go behind my back and directly challenge what I think is best for my family again. You bring your concerns to me. Got it?
John: I got it, honey.
Beth: One more thing…
John stares at his daughter.
Beth: I’m blowing this fucking kitchen out.
He nods in agreement.
John: Okay sweetheart.
She exhales.
Beth: We need to be in town this afternoon, meeting with attorneys.
John: Need to ride separately, Lynelle is being released from rehab this morning. I’d like to stop and see her.
Beth: Probably wise.
John: Out of concern, Beth.
Beth: You have plenty to be concerned with, her loyalty should top that list, especially now. Take her some flowers, women love that shit.
John: You hate flowers, sweetheart.
She walks to him and kisses him on the cheek.
Beth: I am not like most women, Daddy.
He chuckles.
John: No, honey, you’re not.
Three years later
US Attorney General Cassidy Reid led the indictments against Rainwater, Potter, and the remaining onslaught of anti-government extremists were charged in their involvement with the attacks on the family in addition to Beth and Walker’s kidnapping, the terrorist attack, and the plot to kill the former Governor, now Senator, John, Kayce, as well as the murders of the driver and Monica.
Prosecutors successfully turned Pace against the group and his hold nothing back approach awarded him a lesser sentence of just six years. Rip was eagerly looking forward to his release. Rainwater was deemed a disgrace by the community as the revelations regarding his involvement were brought to light. He was sentenced to life in prison.
The attacks only solidified Lynelle’s alliance with John. Following her lengthy recovery, she worked with Kayce to strengthen and restore the state's ranches, supporting policies to grow Montana while protecting the old Montana way of life; never an easy task.
Kayce and his sons reside in Helena at the Governor’s mansion. He’s worked hard to forge strong relations with the Office of Indian Affairs, working in unison with the new Chairman to promote and improve economic development, building stronger native communities, while offering resources and addressing public safety, housing, schools, as well as advocating for rights and doing everything within his power to honor his wife.
He’s established political alliances and stepping-stones to ensure his progress with the reservations and for the people of Montana will continue to flourish and push his agendas moving forward. The Dutton’s are politically stronger than they have ever been. He brings the boys home every weekend, occupying the foreman’s cabin and relishing in the cowboy way of life that's the polar opposite of his weekday grind.
Kayce misses his wife, the void she left in their lives could never be filled. He showers each of his sons with the love and affection he never received after his own mother’s passing, vowing to do things differently with his own children. He knew he’d never love again, but sought occasional comfort with Avery. It worked for them because of her discrete, free spirit approach to life and her willingness to understand the emotional investment he’d never be able to give to her. Avery will drift in and out of the bunkhouse from time to time, earning quick cash, and then be on her way. She often keeps Kayce entertained on the weekends they spend together on the ranch. She'd been awarded the trust from the family, but Beth still couldn’t stand her.
John is enjoying retirement. He continues to ruffle feathers on the ranch, butting in with daily operations, keeping the wranglers on their toes, advising Beth should she need it about running horses and growing their income, but mostly he spends his time with his grandchildren when he’s not cowboying himself.
He helps Austin wrangle the “triplets” as they’ve been dubbed, riding them around on the Polaris, teaching them the Dutton way of life and helping them learn to ride, reiterating safety, and ensuring they follow the rules. He’s full of knowledge and they’re eager to learn. He’d take them to town to the diner several times a week where all the waitresses doted on them all and John loved every ounce of attention they received.
He’s always sure to make time for Lynelle when she’s in town; they each cherish their moments together. So much so that they’ve publicly sparked rumors of romantic involvement. They each deny any such involvement, but everyone knows and they really didn’t mind. Their companionship served each of them with a continued mutual understanding that only the other could decipher.
Rip reclaimed the vetting process and his influence remained heavy in the bunkhouse and over the ranch. He chose to take a no criminal approach to new hires and based branding on loyalties rather than something you got and then lived up to. Beth had opened his eyes to better ways of leading. His own personal growth ignited a fire in him to head a change and foster the same development within his own little army. He encouraged each of them to take part in the livestock association, some becoming branding investigators, the others agents, one by one attending the academy to help promote and ensure the future of the ranch.
Ryan is currently being groomed to replace him as Commissioner when the time comes. Beth had really rubbed off on him; he’s creating a plan for everything.
Lloyd ran the bunkhouse at Rip’s direction, implementing change and keeping Rip apprised of all happenings. He politely declined the offer to move into Rip’s cabin as part of his new promotion. He’s growing older and enjoys the chaos the bunkhouse provides. He feels he can best serve his role in the midst of it.
Moose, Liam, and Tyler had shown real promise, even taking the brand over the past few years, by choice and never force.
John’s way of running the ranch was dying as Beth and Rip’s vision took root. The ranch was flourishing under their administration and the Dutton-Wheeler Ranch was well on its way to being born.
Walker and Jimmy have become intricate parts of the horse business, overseeing, and reporting back to them the milestones and failures of the events in Texas. They appear to be thriving; Walker is married and expecting his first baby; he plays in local bars and keeps out of trouble. Jimmy continues picking up new buckles doing what he loves. He just proposed to Mia, who was growing impatient waiting on a ring.
Beth and Rip were the life source on the ranch, banding together and seemingly unbreakable to the outside. If they disagreed, they handled it privately and always backed the other. They vowed to always make time for each other and remained as one, their love only maturing. Each of them made their family the ultimate priority and savored their time together. The love for their children is constant and unwavering. The fight for their children’s future was forefront in every decision they made.
They were truly happy for the first time ever, so in love with each other, their children, and the home they were building. They had outrun their past. She kept her word and blew out that fucking kitchen, erasing any negativity that dwelled there. Beth financially secured all the kids’ futures, Jameson included. He may not be with them, but he was forever a part of her, and she pledged to always look out for his best interest.
There was a peace in the valley that hadn’t ever existed before. It was all because of them. Everyone knew it, even John, who often touted the vision as his own, but everyone saw it, everyone knew it was all Rip and Beth.
Present Day
Lodge - front porch - morning
Beth sits in the rocking chair watching as Dutton and Crew drag wagons loaded down with toys across the yard. Toy horses, trucks. and trailers line the steps of the porch, as Charlie stands atop of a tire swing, fearlessly clinging with one hand to the rope it dangles from, the other extended, while singing nursery rhymes at the top of her lungs.
John steps onto the porch, chuckles at the anarchy, and looks over to his daughter, her head tilted back to the chair, taking in the madness.
John: How ya feeling, honey?
Beth: Better. Antibiotics are working, I think.
John: Glad to hear it. Strep throat didn’t seem to phase them none.
She chuckles.
Beth: Nope.
The kids take notice of John’s presence, flock to him.
Charlie: Papa! Will you take us to Little Star?
John laughs, looks at Beth for approval. She rolls her eyes.
Dutton: Mama, can I get a big boy shake today?
Crew: A big giant one?
Beth: You better talk to Papa, it’s up to him.
John nods, they all three surround his legs, hugging him tight before jetting to his truck.
Beth: Y’all need boots!
They rush the porch.
Dutton: Dang it!
Crew: Mama, want me to bring you one back?
He looks so much like his Daddy, it melts her heart into a puddle. She leans forward, picking him up and sitting him across her lap, squeezing him in a hug, and kissing him.
Beth: Thanks, baby, but it would just melt by the time you were home. That’s awful kind of you, though.
He takes that in, looks at a John, then back to his mother.
Crew: Want me to bring ya a beer?
They laugh.
Beth: No, baby. I’ll be just fine, just enjoy yours.
Charlie sits on the top step, pulling on her other boot, listening.
He attempts to whisper.
Crew: I’m gonna get me a beer float.
Beth smiles.
Charlie: That ain’t real beer, John Crew!
Dutton: Yeah huh! Daddy said so. He lets us drink it when y’all ain’t ‘round.
Charlie wheels around, disbelief on her face, uncertain if this is fact or not as she pouts and crosses her arms.
Beth and John shake their heads. Beth helps Crew push his heel into his boot, kisses him and taps him on the bottom, seeing him off. Dutton and Crew take off toward the truck, John makes his way to buckle them in their seats.
Beth: Dutton!
Dutton: Sorry, Mama.
He runs back up the steps, kissing her goodbye, then returns to his Grandfather.
Beth: Charlotte, your Daddy just wants them to think they are being big boys, but you’re right root beer isn’t real beer. It’s only soda.
Charlie: I’m mad ‘cause he don’t give me none! That’s okay, I just pretend my apple juice is whiskey anyway.
Beth: Oh child, I love you.
She hugs her daughter.
Charlie: Love you, Mama, but Papa’s gonna leave me. I gotta go.
Beth chuckles.
Beth: Y’all have fun!
She waves them off and scans the disarray they’ve left behind in the yard. Exhales. She starts to clean it up, looks at the time.
Beth: Fuck it!
She makes her way into the house, changes, and steps back outside to see Austin cleaning up.
Beth: Bless you!
Austin: Eh, it’s what you pay me to do.
She laughs.
Beth: Dad’s got the kids, it’ll be close to nap time when they get home, so I think I’m gonna run into town and try to track down my husband.
Austin: Take your time.
She heads to town.
Livestock Office - noon
Beth makes her way into the Livestock Office carrying a takeout bag.
Receptionist: Hey Beth.
Beth: Hey Tara. He in there? Saw his truck out front.
Tara: Yeah, hasn’t been for too long.
She nods and makes her way back to her husband’s office. The door is closed, she hears him on the phone. She pauses a moment, running her hand over his name on the door as she smiles, and quietly enters the room.
He looks up at her and grins, rushing to finish his conversation. He eyes the take out bag in her hand and hangs up the phone.
Beth: Ya hungry?
He nods, kicking back in his chair, motioning for her to come to him. She does, sitting the food on his desk, kissing him, then claims a seat on his desk sitting directly in front of him.
Rip: This is a nice surprise.
Beth: Well, I’m feeling particularly nice today.
He laughs. She places his food on the desk beside her as he wheels around to his mini fridge and takes them each out a bottle of water, skating back over in his chair to her, smiling. She leans forward and they kiss again.
Rip: You feeling better?
Beth: I am. How about you?
Rip: Much. How about the triplets?
She shakes her head. Exhales.
Rip: That bad, huh?
She chuckles.
Beth: Never would’ve known they were sick. Crew’s been teasing Dutton, calling him “Dutty-Butty'' and then Dutton gets all butt hurt about it and starts whining and Charlie tells him to “be a man.” Good times, good times. Austin really needs a raise.
He laughs.
Rip: She is just like you.
Beth: That one might’ve come from the bunkhouse, baby.
He shakes his head ‘no’ as he takes a drink of water. She laughs.
Beth: Oh, and your daughter is pissed because you let the boys drink beer, but it’s okay, she’s just going to keep pretending her juice is whiskey.
Rip: God help us.
They chuckle.
Beth: They called from the school today. They’re good to go in September. You still okay with that?
Rip: They’re still so little, Darlin.
Beth: Oh, they’re little when it comes to school but not too little to be on a horse?
He sighs.
Beth: Look, if they’re not into it, then we rethink it. It’ll give me a chance to have a few more lunch dates with you.
He grins, scooting his chair closer to her. She leans forward wrapping her arms around his neck and running her fingers through the back of his hair.
Rip: I could get on board with that.
Beth: Yeah?
Rip: Yeah.
Their lips draw back together like magnets as he runs his hands under her dress, over her thighs.
Rip: Mmmm. I can’t wait to leave here, get home to you.
Beth twists her torso toward the door, turns back at him.
Beth: Lock broke?
Blood pools in his face.
Beth: That a no?
He chuckles.
Rip: You’re so fucking crazy, honey.
She leans down, placing her hands on the arms of his rolling chair, easing him back as she stands. Making her way toward the door, she locks it, stepping toward the window and closes the blinds. Rip recognizes that fire in her eyes as they return to him. He swallows, picking up the phone and dials.
Rip: Tara, hold my calls.
Dropping the receiver in its cradle, he pushes back from his desk and stands.
Rip: We’re doing this?
Beth: Got better things to do, Commissioner?
He chuckles.
She steps toward him, pressing her body against his and reaches for a stack of papers on his desk, sifts through them.
Beth: In need of brand inspectors, are ya? I can be that for you, baby.
Rip: Mmm.
She unbuttons his shirt, releasing it from his jeans, trails her fingers over his brand, using her tongue to trace it as she releases his buckle, working her hand inside and cupping his growing erection through his boxers, he groans softly.
His hands make their way under her dress, he slides her panties down as she shakes them off her heels. He wets his lips as he slides his fingers in between her legs, recognizing the want she has for him.
Biting at her bottom lip, she grins and thrust her hips against his hand. She chuckles as she works herself over him, throwing her head back. He wraps his arm around her, anchoring her body to him, and swiftly sets her on his desk. She frees him from his boxers, moving her hand over his shaft.
He kisses her profoundly and drives into her as she clings to his shoulders, then pulls at his back, moving her body with his. He lifts her and walks blindly to the wall, sending a framed canvas plummeting to the floor and knocking the air from her lungs.
Beth: Oh fuck, baby.
Rip buries his face in the crook of her neck, trying to mute his excitement, only fueling hers. He kisses and bites at her neck, as she makes a fist pulling at his jawline and that fucking beard drives her over the edge. Her volume grows as she releases, his mouth finds hers so he can restrain her moaning, then drops his forehead to her shoulder, grunting as he lets go. She eases herself to her feet, the wall supporting her as he braces his forearm against the wall to the side of her head. Framing his face, she pulls him in for another kiss as their breathless bodies tremble together.
He pulls up and fastens his jeans and belt buckle, tucking in his shirt while shaking his head. She pushes off the wall, straightening her dress with her hands, and smiles back at him.
Rip: You’re hired.
She laughs.
Beth: I best be the only brand inspector you hire like that.
Rip: Darlin, you’re the only one I need.
Beth: I know, baby.
They kiss again, interrupted by a knock at the door.
Rip: Yep!
Tara: C.B. Spears just found about two dozen of his cattle shot, Commissioner.
Rip closes his eyes and throws his head back.
Rip: I’ll be right there.
He looks at Beth, kisses her again. They interlace their fingers and hold hands.
Rip: Thank you for lunch… and dessert. I love you, Darlin.
She smiles, pecking him on the lips in quick succession.
Beth: I’ll see you at home, Commissioner. I love you.
Beth’s suburban - afternoon
Beth drives toward home, sees her husband’s truck rolling up behind her. Assuming he’s on his way to the call as he flips his lights on, she pulls off onto a secondary gravel road allowing him to continue on, but he pulls in behind her instead.
He leaves his lights flashing, makes his way to her passenger side door as she rolls the window down.
Beth: Everything okay?
Rip: Yeah, Ryan got the guy. He’s in custody.
Beth: That was fast.
Rip smiles as he raises his hand and her black lace panties dangle from his fingers.
Rip: You forgot these in my office, Darlin.
She reaches over snatching them from him, smiling.
Beth: Who said I forgot them?
He gets in and sits, grinning.
Beth: Got a little more time on your hands, Commissioner?
Rip: Needing a little more time with my wife.
Beth: Oh yeah, I could use a little more time with my husband as well.
Beth leans over kissing him, grasping at the clasp on his jeans. Climbing to his seat, her knees straddling him as he unbuttons the top of her dress exposing her breasts, taking them into his hands and his mouth as she guides herself onto him.
They don’t have to be quiet now, they’re free to be as vocal about their pleasure as they want. She rides him vigorously, swirling her hips, bouncing and thrusts herself over and against him. Beth allows her head to fall backwards as he plants kisses across her neck and collarbone, and teases her nipples using the suction of his mouth with two handfuls of her ass in his hands.
He convulses, bucking himself wildly and groans as she pulls him toward ecstasy, running his hands over her back, hugging her fiercely, growling into her chest and slightly biting at her as he explodes inside her. She loses control, directing his head backwards with a fistful of his hair and devours him in a kiss as her insides dance around his cock. She relaxes to his chest, as the perspiration cements them together.
Beth: Glad I went with the leather seat option.
He laughs, bracing her low back as he reaches up cranking up the air.
She straightens her body over him, kissing him as she begins buttoning the top of her dress. He pulls up on the door handle, opening the door as she lifts herself off of him and gracefully steps out of the Suburban, adjusting her dress and nodding in appreciation.
He smiles, raising himself off the seat and pulling his jeans back over him. He steps out, kissing her passionately, then proceeds to fasten his belt.
Rip: I fucking love you, Bethany Wheeler.
Beth: You fucking better, baby.
He chuckles.
Rip: I do, so much.
Beth: Yeah?
Rip: Yeah.
She takes a deep breath, kisses him as he pulls her closer to him, his hands holding her hips.
Beth: I fucking love you, too.
He shuts the door and escorts her to the driver’s side, kissing her again.
Rip: I’m just gonna check on them, then I’ll be on my way home.
Beth: Kids will be up from nap soon, what ya think about taking them for a swim, maybe have a picnic for supper? Just us.
Rip: I can’t think of nothing better, sweetie.
She nods as he shuts the door and makes his way back to his truck. She rolls the window down, gaining his attention before tearing off.
Beth: See ya at home, Cowboy.
Barn/ Round Pen - late afternoon
Beth leads Charlie, Dutton, and Crew down to the barn. She carries a picnic basket and blanket tucked under her arm. They follow her lead like little ducks marching behind their mother in their swimsuits and dirty boots. Each of them packing their own life jacket.
Lloyd pulls in at the bunkhouse. They want to say hi, but look to their mother for permission. She nods and they rush to him.
Lloyd: Y’all headed to the swimming hole?
Dutton: Waiting on Daddy.
Charlie climbs up on the fence, leaning back and hanging from the top rung. Her brothers follow her lead.
Charlie: Papi, where’d you go?
Lloyd: I went to Murdoch’s to pick up some supplies.
Beth starts the mule and drives over toward the round pen.
Crew: Got any ‘sicles, Papi?
Lloyd: Yeah, run inside and get y’all some.
Crew: Can I bring one to Mama?
Lloyd: You betcha, kid.
They launch off the fence, tearing into the bunkhouse, dropping their jackets into a pile on the ground as Lloyd makes his way in behind them.
Beth steps off the mule to retrieve their jackets, thinks better of it, sits back down.
The door slaps as they rush out with their Papi, eyes wide and full of giggles. Lloyd follows them out chewing on a popsicle himself.
Beth grins and shakes her head.
Lloyd: Crew insisted I have one as well. Not too bad, can’t tell ya how long it’s been since I’ve had one of these.
Crew steps up to Beth, holding out his little arm with a pink popsicle in his hand.
Crew: Here Mama, I want you to have this one.
Beth: Thank you, baby.
His sweetness kills her. How did the two of them create such a kindhearted boy?
The kids dart back and return to the fence. Beth eats her popsicle, looks at it and smiles, she’s enjoying it, too.
Beth: Not too bad, Papi. You’re spoiling us.
He loves every minute of spoiling these kids, his essential grandkids.
Lloyd: They’re keeping me young.
She laughs.
Beth: They’re making me old!
He chuckles.
The children spot their father making his way up the drive.
Dutton: Daddy! Daddy!
Charlie: I saw him first, Dutton Wiver. Daddy!
Rip steps out of his truck and squats down with a six-pack of root beer in his hand, stretching his arms wide open as they all flock to him, each of them speaking at once, all of them shouting over the other.
Crew: Mama, he brought me beer!
Charlie: Daddy bought that for me, John Crew!
Rip: I brought it for all of you to share, Charlotte Eden.
She folds her arms, looks at her brothers.
Charlie: Thank you, Daddy.
He leans down and kisses her on the top of the head.
Rip: You’re welcome, Sunshine.
Beth laughs, shaking her head, eating her popsicle and taking in the joy of this moment. There really is nothing better.
They make their way to the mule, popsicle faces and sticky hands, loading up.
Beth: No, you don’t. Y’all see them jackets over there?
They look over and nod.
Beth: Get ‘em.
They file off to retrieve them, giving Papi sticky hugs and gratitude before climbing back up as Rip makes his way to Beth, smiling and kissing her sweetly.
Guess he was pretty kindhearted himself.
He chats with Lloyd just a moment and makes his way over to the driver’s side of the mule, looking at his wife.
Rip: No, you don’t.
She laughs and slides over.
John approaches the round pen, steps toward the mule. He smiles at them all, places his hand over the roof, leaning in at his grandbabies.
John: Popsicles? Where’s mine?
Crew: Papi, can Papa have a ‘sicle?
Lloyd: Sure he can.
Charlie holds hers up to John’s lips offering him a bite, smearing it across his face.
Charlie: Have some of mine, Papa!
John laughs, licking his lips, running his hand over his mouth.
John: Looks like somebody is going swimming. Y’all have fun.
They all cheer and blow kisses to Papi and Papa as Rip starts the mule and John walks towards Lloyd and they wave them on.
Rip: Hang on, kids!
They take off towards the river. John and Lloyd smile as they watch them drive away.
John: That’s the future of this ranch right there, Lloyd.
Lloyd: Don’t think it’s ever looked so bright, boss.
He pats him on the shoulder.
John: Ya know, Lloyd, I think you’re right.
He licks his lips.
John: Got anymore of those blue ones? That wasn’t half bad.
Lloyd: Got a freezer full, the blue ones are Charlie’s favorite.
Riverside - late afternoon
Dutton: Going to the swimming hole, going to the swimming hole, the swimming hole, hoorah, hoorah!
Crew: Daddy, did you bring Mama a beer?
They look at each other and laugh.
Rip: There’s plenty for everyone, son.
He pulls toward the bank and stops the mule and the kids leap off.
Beth: Jackets first!
She looks at Rip.
Beth: I’ll get the boys, you get Charlie.
She knows she’s quicker at this and Charlie will assist in the process. They run down and splash in the shallow bend, waiting for their parents.
Beth and Rip gather the root beer, picnic basket and blanket, making their way down the bank. Rip throws out the blanket and starts to undress.
Rip: I don’t have my trunks.
Beth: Guess you’re getting in first, Dad.
He chuckles. Kisses her…
Beth: Alright everybody, turn around, Daddy forgot his trunks.
Dutton: Again?
She laughs.
Beth: That one's gonna keep us honest.
Rip: Yep.
Rip runs and jumps in the river.
Charlie: Can we swim now?
Beth: Now you can swim.
Beth swims back toward Rip, wraps her legs around her husband and they kiss, their kids splashing around, circling them like sharks. She whispers in his ear.
Beth: I want you to take me on a ride. To our spot.
Rip grins.
Rip: You got it, Darlin’.