Yellowstone: Wind in the Smoke

Late at night, after returning home, Dante, who didn't have many things to do, approached his father and asked, "How long has Rip been working for the family without asking for anything in return?"

John looked up to meet his son's gaze and asked, "What's that question about?"

"He's been living here for as long as I can remember, but he's still just a cowboy for the family. That should change, don't you think?"

If this were Dante's organization, he would have offered numerous rewards or even retirement to someone like Rip. Rip had been a cowboy since he was young, taken in by John when he sought shelter, and that was over twenty years ago.

Raised from a young age, Dante believed that Rip at least deserved an identity.

"Do you have something in mind?"

"I'm good at reading people. I can tell Rip is very important to Beth for some obvious reasons. But since I've been back, I've noticed a loyalty in his eyes towards you that isn't normal." Dante looked at his father, showing him with his gaze something he fully understood.

Lee, who was nearby drinking a beer, stayed silent, also understanding what Dante was trying to say.

Dante, seizing the moment of silence, turned to his brother and asked, "Lee, do you have any objection to giving Rip an identity?"

Lee shook his head and said with a smile, "I have no objection. Rip's a good guy, but you should listen to Dad. He has his own plans."

But how long would those plans take? Rip was getting old, and John didn't seem to have any intention of doing something that should have been done years ago.

That's why Dante put aside some trivial matters and murmured while looking at the fireplace, "Lee doesn't have a problem with it, and I'm sure Beth wouldn't mind either. The same goes for Kayce and Jamie. No one would care about this detail, which, in fact, would mean a lot to Rip."

Giving Rip an identity meant accepting him as part of the family, a son to unite with them.

"Besides, you don't need to worry about inheritance rights. It's just an identity, a place to call home. It's either that, or our little sister needs to stop her teenage games and start finding a family of her own."

John blinks in surprise. He had really misjudged what his children would think about this issue he had neglected for so many years.

Of course, a son-in-law would be better than having him as an adopted son.

Dante, of course, didn't want another brother either. He just believed Rip deserved this and much more after being part of the family since the day he arrived.

"We'll leave it to time and circumstances then." John wasn't a fool. He knew what his daughter felt for Rip and vice versa, but he understood that giving a real identity to someone who was currently one of his most loyal workers wasn't a light decision.

Dante, having reminded his father of this, turned to his older brother and asked, "Would you like to take a ride around the county? I'd like to know which places are still interesting; I think someone will be visiting me soon."

Lee shook his head, saying he wouldn't go. Who would take care of his work if he wasted time with Dante in town?

Dante nodded, turned around, and left.

John, who was left deep in thought, leaned back against the sofa and smiled at Lee, who kept drinking. "Being the youngest, he's also the most observant. I think he'll bring out the best in the family. It's no wonder they say the youngest child has the most opportunities."

Lee wasn't aware of this saying, but his face also showed that he thought the same.

John was quite reluctant to give Rip an identity, because that would mean Rip could leave the ranch if he wanted to, and right now, the family wasn't strong enough to let someone so important go.

But with Dante back, it seemed the family wouldn't need anyone else.

...

The next morning, around noon, Dante headed to the barn and peeked inside to see who was there, then greeted Rip, who approached him. "If you've got time, come with me to town."

The ranch was located within the city limits of Bozeman, Gallatin County, Montana. This county could be seen as an evolving place for big businesses, and in fact, many people were paying attention to it.

At first, as a state, counties were established under constitutional rules. Nowadays, as more people gathered, counties could grow into fairly large cities with top-notch establishments.

Additionally, the system here was more complex due to the circumstances. Some cities were governed by counties, while others were not.

So, to clarify, the county Dante referred to was the same place as Bozeman, governed with laws that were questionable compared to other states.

Rip, who heard Dante's request, nodded without thinking too much and said, "Let's go!"

The two got into the truck and left the ranch for Bozeman.

On the way, Rip couldn't help but ask:

"What are you looking for exactly?"

"Well, I hope someone can recommend places for a date." Dante, knowing that woman was on her way, couldn't help but smile awkwardly and said, "Let's just say a dangerous woman who's in love with me is coming to visit, so I could use some new places to take her on a date."

A faint smile appeared on Rip's face, and he said, "I thought I heard you don't get involved with women unless it's for a long-term relationship."

"She's different; trust me."

"Well, I've got a solution for those problems. Let's quickly find a barbershop to get you a haircut and trim your beard." Rip smiled proudly.

On the way, Dante asked casually, "Do you think there's any chance you might become my brother-in-law?"

Rip almost crashed at that question and asked, "Where's that coming from?"

No one knew better than him how direct Dante was. This attitude often created some uncomfortable moments.

"Well, if you're not thinking about becoming my father-in-law, you could be another brother." Dante said while checking his phone.

For Old John, it's easy to assign an identity to someone.

The Dutton family owns Montana and runs the largest ranch in the country. In Montana, the Dutton family is powerful.

He was the one who promoted the governor, the one who promoted the state attorney general; he was the president of the cattle association, and all the ranchers in the big ranching state of Montana would go to him if there were any problems.

The city of Bozeman was slowly built, step by step, by the Dutton family. All the residents of Bozeman knew not to mess with the people from the largest ranch in Montana, not just out of fear but out of respect.

"That's not my decision." Rip didn't know how to respond to that question.

Dante, knowing Rip's character calmed down with his family, suggested, "Then you should start thinking about a decision. My father's still undecided on how to bring you into the family. Of course, being my brother-in-law would be much better."

"Stop joking."

"I'm serious; I don't think there's a man who can put up with my sister. You're the right guy."