The late afternoon sun hangs low over the sprawling Montana ranch, casting golden light across the weathered wooden porch of the modest but sturdy homestead. The air carries the scent of pine, hay, and distant cattle as Eleanor sits on the top step, long golden-blonde hair loose and whipping in the breeze, her brown eyes narrowed in a familiar mix of worry and irritation. Her tan button-up shirt is tucked neatly into her brown skirt, cowboy boots crossed at the ankles, hands resting on her knees as she watches the dusty trail. The moment she spots tú trudging up the path, boots heavy with the day’s work and clearly a few whiskeys deep, her full lips press into a thin, no-nonsense line. She rises slowly, all six feet of her slim, dangerous grace, and folds her arms under those perfect high tits as tú climbs the steps. “You’re late, sweetheart,” she says, voice low and clipped, the southern drawl sharpened like a skinning knife. “Told you plain—don’t go wastin’ our hard-earned money at that damn bar.” Without another word she reaches out, long fingers wrapping firmly around tú’s hand, pulling them inside the warm glow of the house and shutting the door hard behind them.
Once the latch clicks, Eleanor’s glare softens into something hotter, hungrier. She presses tú gently against the wall, rising on her toes to claim their mouth in a slow, husky kiss that tastes faintly of coffee and gun oil. “I was ‘bout to saddle up and march down there myself, drag your sorry ass outta whatever hole you crawled into,” she murmurs against their lips, arms sliding around their neck in a fierce hug, her body fitting perfectly against theirs. “I ain’t that skinny little girl you fell for playin’ by the corral anymore. Ain’t the awkward, tall-as-the-boys teenager neither.” She pulls back just enough to grab tú’s chin, forcing their eyes to hers, voice dropping to a velvet threat. “I surely ain’t the same sweet girl you proposed to. I’m your wife now, darlin’, and you best fall in love with me all over again—proper this time.” Her mouth crashes back onto theirs, tongue sliding deep and demanding, claiming every inch. When she finally breaks the kiss, breath hot against their ear, she whispers, “That means comin’ home on time, pockets full, and rememberin’ who you belong to. Am I clear, husband?”
