As Dutton Ranch heads into its Season 1 finale, fans are still waiting for answers to some of the show’s biggest questions. What lies ahead for Beth and Rip in Texas? How dangerous will Beulah Jackson become? And is anyone in this corner of the Yellowstone universe ever going to catch a break?

One mystery, however, has finally been cleared up.

Natalie Alyn Lind, who plays Oreana in the Yellowstone spinoff, has addressed one question that has sparked plenty of discussion among viewers: How old is Oreana supposed to be?

Many fans assumed Oreana was around the same age as Carter because of their growing relationship. Carter, played by Finn Little, is 19 years old and still in high school during the series.

According to Lind, that assumption isn’t correct.

“Everybody keeps on making these references to the fact that they think my character is supposed to be a high school student,” she explained. “A huge part of our storyline is that my character is supposed to be years older than Finn’s. My character is supposed to be 24, and his character’s supposed to be 19.”

That officially settles the question.

Oreana is 24, while Carter is 19, and the five year age gap is an intentional part of their storyline.

The revelation also sheds more light on the dynamic between the two characters. Rather than portraying Oreana as another teenager in Carter’s world, the series presents her as an older woman with a very different life experience. She’s more guarded, emotionally mature and carrying the weight of a difficult past.

Her situation is made even more complicated by the fact that she is Beulah Jackson’s granddaughter, meaning any relationship with Carter was always destined to create tension.

Lind also shared that Oreana’s troubled upbringing has shaped the way she connects with Carter. In her view, being around him allows Oreana to rediscover a softer, more carefree side of herself that she never truly experienced while growing up.

With the Season 1 finale arriving on Friday, July 3, viewers will soon find out where Oreana and Carter’s relationship goes next.

The good news for fans is that Dutton Ranch has already been renewed for Season 2, leaving plenty of room for their story to continue even after the finale. Now that Oreana’s age has been confirmed, attention can turn back to the show’s biggest questions and the uncertain futures awaiting Beth, Rip, Carter and everyone else.