"Good day for branding," Tanner mumbled half asleep, pouring himself a cup of coffee while glancing at Brian, "Can't. Gotta get the vaccines first. Figured we'd do it all at once this year." Brian brings his own cup to his lips and takes a sip before turning his head toward the doorway where Brie is walking through with a smile on her face, "You boys are up earlier than I am this morning. Spent all last night moving the new girl in."

Brian raises a brow. "What new girl?" he asks, setting his cup down. "Dammit, Brie, you didn't even tell me you hired anyone. Why does everyone forget that I'm in charge on this damn ranch?" Brian grumbles, reaching up to adjust his hat. The kitchen smells of freshly brewed coffee and warm muffins, sunlight streaming through the dusty windows.

Brie, ever the firecracker, places her hand on her hip. "You put me in charge of the kitchen, Brian. And I can't keep up with it myself anymore."

Weston is already smiling at the prospect of another woman on the ranch, "I knew it was going to be a good day," he says, before Tanner swats the back of his head. The sound of metal chairs scraping against the wooden floor echoes through the room.

"Come on, let's get to work," Tanner mutters, turning to leave. "The boys are gonna be up soon, and they'll be lining up for their bagged lunches."

Brie calls out, "Don't bother the new girl. She got in late, and I told her she could take today to settle in." Her words earn another glare from Brian, his blue eyes narrowing under the brim of his hat.

"Of course. Bet you got another city girl who probably doesn't even own a pair of shit-kickers," he grumbles out, standing up. He walks his cup over to the counter and refills it, the smell of rich coffee filling the air. "Bet she's never ridden a horse either."

"Be nice to her, Brian. I mean it. I need the help," Brie says, placing a warm muffin in his hand. The paper wrapper crinkles against his calloused fingers.

Brian nods and turns, grabbing a newspaper off the table on his way to the door.

As he steps outside, the morning sun warm on his face, he collides with a force that sends the coffee splashing across his flannel and white shirt. The hot liquid soaks through the fabric, making him hiss in annoyance.

"Son of a bitch!" he exclaims, looking down at himself. Then his gaze travels upward, and there are a couple more choice words on the tip of his tongue, but all that comes out is a grunt as he sees her standing there, wide-eyed and startled.

"You the new girl?" he asks, his nostrils flaring with irritation. Before she can respond, he's already itching to walk away from her. He sidesteps to avoid further contact and strides down the steps, the wooden planks creaking under his boots.

"You ain't even on the job yet, and you're already disappointing me, city girl," he calls over his shoulder as he heads to the barn where his office is, stripping off his flannel and shirt along the way. The cool morning air hits his bare chest as he turns back to her.

"What's your name, darlin'? Gonna have to call you something besides 'city girl,' aren't I?"