by Kennedy Fox
“Oh.” She turns around and screams. “Who the fuck are you?”
I narrow my eyes at her and shake my head at her dramatics. “What’re you talking about?”
“Riley, thank God.” She holds her hand to her heart. “Didn’t recognize you without your shaggy hair. Looks like your wife is changing you already. Gettin’ haircuts and taking showers these days. Damn, ya got hitched and turned into a brand-new man. Who woulda thought?”
“Riley,” my mother calls out from behind me. I turn around and see her dressed in scrubs with her hair in a high ponytail. Mom loves her job at the hospital, taking care of premature babies. She gives Rowan a pointed look, and within a few seconds, Rowan slinks out of the kitchen, and it’s just us.
“Before you even say anything, we’re using protection,” I blurt out.
She tilts her head at me, giving me a confused look. “Good for you…”
I groan, realizing Dad set me up. “That’s not what you wanted to talk to me about?”
Letting out a soft laugh, she grins. “I didn’t want this food to go to waste. But I will admit I’m worried about you falling too hard and too fast, and then things not working out the way you want them to.”
Glancing over at her, I scrub my palms over my face and exhale deeply. “Do you like Zoey?” I ask as she places the containers in reusable bags.
I know I’m putting her on the spot, but I have to know.
She moves closer to me, patting my cheek as she’s done since I was a young boy. “Yes, I do. I think she’s a nice girl.”
“That’s all I need to know. Ma, I already got the speech from Dad today. I know y’all care about me and think this could end badly, but Zoey’s special, and it’s all gonna work out.”
“I don’t think a girl would come all this way for nothing, Riley. It’s obvious she genuinely cares about you. I see the way she looks at you. How she laughs at your jokes. There’s admiration there, and she respects you. But is it enough to keep her here?”
I nod, halfway wondering that myself but believe it is. “It’s enough right now.” My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I see it’s a text from Zoey telling me to meet her at the B&B in an hour. “I gotta go. I love you, Ma.” I give her a kiss on the cheek, grab the extra food, and leave. On the drive home, all I can do is smile, because I know my parents care enough about me to support what makes me happy.
I stack the containers in the fridge, jump in the shower, and wash away the grease and dirt from my day. As I’m leaving, Diesel saunters in looking exhausted as hell. He stupidly volunteered to help brand cattle today, which is hard as fuck, but he loves it.
“Oh look, it’s my best friend I never see anymore,” he says smugly, walking past me. “Bros before hoes!” He goes to the kitchen and grabs a beer, then plops down on the couch in his dirty, cow shit smelling clothes.
“Dude! You stink like ass, and you’re sitting on our furniture.” I walk over and kick his muddy boots off the coffee table.
He bursts out into a hefty laugh. “I do, don’t I? I should probably shower and call your sister since you won’t hang out with me anymore.”
Pretty sure he says things like that just to see the steam blow from my ears. “I’ll kick your ass!”
He puckers his lip and shrugs as if that consequence isn’t a good enough reason to stay away. “I’d deserve it because I don’t know boundaries, if you know what I mean.” He waggles his eyebrows at me, smirking like a dipshit.
“That’s fine. Just let my dad find out. That second son card will be revoked so quick,” I warn, but he’s waving me off and chuckling.
“Seriously, though, I don’t blame you for ditching me. If Zoey was here for me, I’d call in sick every day from blue balls.” Diesel shakes his head. “Don’t know how you’re surviving.”
“It’s only been a week,” I retort, though I’m wondering the same thing. “But I gotta run. She’s waiting for me. And stay away from my sister.” I jab my finger hard into his chest. “I’m serious.”
“We’ll see,” he taunts. “Don’t you want me as a brother-in-law?” He proceeds to kick off his dirty boots, dried mud falling on the floor.
“Hell no,” I say with a smirk. “That’ll be the day hell freezes over.”
He shrugs. “Imma make you an uncle one day!”
“Fuck off!” I yell before I leave.
Diesel knows exactly what to say to get under my skin. I’ve always been so damn protective of Rowan and hate that I can’t keep her away from all the assholes when she’s at college. Protecting her isn’t something I can do forever, and even though it might be useless, I can at least try to scare Diesel and any other local guys away. Rowan’s a grown ass woman and will do what she wants either way.
I listen to the pop station on the way over to the B&B, which reminds me of when Zoey and I danced in Vegas at the clubs, and when we slow danced at the Honky Tonk. I smile when I see her walking outside as I pull up and park.
“It’s almost as if you have a husband tracker on me or something,” I say once I pull her into my arms, then slant my mouth over hers. She moans, and I don’t know how much longer I can hold back. Just being around her lights a fire inside me, and it’s about to burn me alive.
“I missed you,” she admits, grinning. Hearing her say that is music to my ears.
I tilt her chin up and smile. “I missed you too, wifey.” It’s so easy being with her. I wish I could freeze time, and things could always feel this way.
“I really want to show you something!” Excitement fills her voice as she grabs my hand and leads the way.
As I glance over at her, a smile splits my face at how natural this feels as we walk past the horse barn toward the back of the property where Mila’s gardens are happily growing. She points to the little sign at the end of the row. I bend down and read it. Arizona Row. Zoey points out the three rows of vegetables that she planted and how the seedlings are already growing.
“Look at all of them.” She spins around proudly. “They germinated quickly. Mila says I have a green thumb.”
I move closer to her, and she wraps her arms around my neck. “That’s great, sweetheart. I can’t wait to eat them, whatever they are.”
She kisses me on my nose before breaking away, pointing out all the different vegetables she planted and how you can tell what it is by the shape of the leaves. Seeing her so happy like this makes me confident that she’s not going anywhere. I don’t even want to bring it up, but I know the clock is ticking, and soon, a decision will need to be made. I just hope it’s the right one for both of us.
Chapter Fourteen
Zoey
The past two weeks have been magical. I feel as if I’m living someone else's life and can’t get over how in love I am with the ranch and how deeply I’m falling for Riley. Every day is different but somewhat the same. It’s scorching hot, but the water is cold, and the food is delicious, so I can’t even complain. The B&B serves some of the best meals I’ve ever eaten, and I’m getting spoiled by everyone being so friendly. I know it’s not fake either because the Bishops treat anyone who walks through that door like family regardless of their shape, size, or color. If you’re on the ranch, you’re family.
Earlier this week, Riley took me on a tour of Eldorado. It’s so cute and quaint like a town in a country Hallmark movie. I’d seen it once before when we went to the bar, but my nerves were so shot that it was hard to pay attention to anything other than my internal doubts. While we were there, Riley took me to the bakery Mila’s cousin, Kat, owns that specializes in all gluten-free pastries. She’s an extended part of the Bishop family and welcomed me just like one too. Her shop makes muffins and other treats for the B&B, which I’ve already tasted from there. Kat refused to let me leave without sending me off with a cupcake, slice of lemon cake, and a pudding pie, all gluten-free. She suggested we hold another ceremony for everyone to attend and even volunteered to bake us a wedding cake. While I couldn’t commit to the idea, it was an extrem
ely generous offer because her desserts are to die for.
I’ve been spending a lot of my time with Mila in the greenhouses, and she’s been like an aunt to me who offers advice without judgment. She listens to me discuss my previous adventures, travels, and now being a newlywed. She explained how she met John and how it was awkward for them at first, considering he was a single dad and she was Maize’s nanny, but Maize has proudly called her Mom her whole life. Intelligent doesn’t even begin to describe Mila. I can’t help but wonder if life will always be this easy on the ranch. Could I always be this happy? As long as Riley is with me, I think so.
Last night when we were at the bar drinking and dancing, Riley told me he wanted to take me out today. After I had mentioned how much I loved hitting the trails at home, he insisted that we go, so we made plans to spend the day together since he’s off today. This ranch boasts at least twenty miles of trails, mostly for the horses, but they’re for hiking too. I’m so damn excited about it that I’m about ready to burst while I get dressed.
As soon as I walk downstairs, I see Riley coming toward me with a grin. He’s wearing a baseball hat, shorts, running shoes, and a T-shirt that hugs him in all the right places. I’m not used to seeing him in athletic wear, but it’s sexy as hell. In his hands, he’s carrying two packs, and when he approaches, he hands me one.
“Thought you’d want a Camelbak full of water. It’s gonna get hot out there coming back, and I don’t want you to get dehydrated,” he tells me, which I find so thoughtful. “I also packed some snacks.”
I gawk at him, looking at him like he’s a snack, and he notices. As he stands there, all delicious looking, all I think about is eating him up.
“Thanks,” I say with a sweet smile. While the sun peeks just barely over the horizon now, I know how hot it gets before lunch, so I’m thankful. I was just going to carry bottles.
“There aren’t any bears here, are there?” The concern on my face is evident.
He places his hand on my back and shakes his head. “No bears. Should be more concerned about rattlers than anything.”
My eyes go wide. “Snakes?”
“Don’t worry. I’ll protect you, wifey.” He winks, sending shivers up my spine—from both his gestures and my fear of getting bit. “I got us some walking sticks, and I’m not afraid to use it. Just be aware. Eyes always open and looking at the ground. You don’t want to get bit out here.” He leans over and grazes his teeth against the skin of my neck, and I laugh, pushing him away, though I can’t deny the goose bumps that surface. All it takes is one touch, and my whole body comes alive, wanting him in every way possible.
We walk out of the B&B and head down the blue trail. Riley and I walk side by side, keeping the same comfortable pace. Neither of us is in any hurry to be anywhere but here, together.
“So since the goal is to get to know each other better while you’re here, tell me whatcha wanna know. Ask me anything,” he says with a smirk. “Give me your best.”
I glance over at him and laugh. “Anything, anything?”
“If you have any burning questions”—he shrugs—“I have nothing to hide from you, Zoey. Trust is everything to me.” I swallow hard. Trust is everything.
“Hmm, okay. When did you lose your virginity?” I throw out. “And to who?”
He snorts. “That’s your burning question? I was sixteen, and it was with a girl I dated in high school. Dana Jones.”
“Where is she now?” I ask.
“I think she’s married with like four kids or something. I dunno, honestly. Didn’t keep up with her after we broke up. But I hear some through the town gossip mill.”
“Four kids? Geez. Did she start in high school or something? Wait, are they yours?” I tease.
“God, no. She married Billy Barnes right after graduation and basically popped them out one after another.”
I laugh, wondering if that’s common down here or something. According to his grandmother, women are basically expected to multiply as soon as they get hitched. Or at least that’s her philosophy.
“So what about you?” His arm brushes against mine, and I lean into him. “What’s your story?”
“Ha! Not much of a story. I was seventeen, and he was a guy I had dated for a short time, mostly to piss off my parents. Don’t know what he’s up to now. Probably in jail.” I laugh, but I’m not joking.
“What type of guys do your parents want you to date? I’m guessing not the bad boys.”
I swallow down a giant knot in my throat. “Doctor types.”
It feels dirty coming out of my mouth, and I hate that it’s even a thing.
“They wouldn’t approve of me, then?” he asks straightforwardly.
I glance at him, not wanting to hurt his feelings. “Truthfully?”
The boyish grin doesn’t leave his face as he nods.
“Probably not. My father has always wanted my sister and me to marry men who were of a certain prestige. Since he’s a doctor, he wanted us to become or marry one and raise them.” I groan just thinking about it.
“My mom’s a nurse, and my uncle and aunt practice; does that count for anything?” He chuckles, and it’s such an easygoing sound.
“If you were their kid, then maybe. But then they’d probably ask why you didn’t go to med school too and think something was wrong with you—the same way they treat me.” I roll my eyes, releasing a slow breath.
He grabs my hand. “I’m sorry.”
“For what?” I ask.
“For feeling like you’re not good enough, but honestly, fuck ’em. As long as I’m good enough for you, by your standards, that’s all that matters to me. I didn’t marry them. I married you.”
I stop, and so does he. Searching his face, I grab his hands and pull him closer. “You’re too good for me, Riley Bishop. I don’t deserve you. Or the kindness you or your family has shown me. None of it.” Guilt weighs heavy on my chest almost to the point of smothering me. I need to tell him the full truth of why I’m here before it blows up in my face, but I don’t want to ruin our time together.
“Why would you say that?” Confusion is written all over his face as he pinches his brows.
I shake my head. “I think about the past two weeks and how incredible and welcoming you’ve been, and then I think about the future and everything. It’s just a little overwhelming.”
He sucks in a deep breath and runs his fingers across my cheek. “Then how about we don’t? Let’s just focus on the now.”
Tipping my chin up, he crushes his lips to mine, and I inhale his scent. He’s all I can smell. I’m completely and utterly encapsulated by him as he steals my breath away. Nothing else in the entire world matters at this moment. The only thing that pulls us apart is the sound of feet shuffling down the trail, and I see one of the women who’s also staying at the B&B.
“Don’t mind me, kids,” she tells us as she walks past us, and we both hold back our laughter.
Riley leans forward and gives me another peck on the lips, and we continue. “Mrs. Dennison has the worst timing.”
“Yeah, she does because if she would’ve been a minute later, I might’ve been riding you like a horse,” I whisper.
He swallows hard and adjusts himself. “Don’t you dare tease me, woman.”
My laughter echoes on the path. Our conversation becomes lighthearted as we travel farther down the trail until we end up at a lookout on a hill. The trees are sparse, but we take cover from the brutal sun under one. We’re both sweaty, but the smiles on our faces don’t falter as we eat the granola bars he packed. Though it’s hot, I can’t seem to sit close enough to him under the shade. I could stay right here in this spot for the rest of my life. I’ve found my solace.
Riley and I stay like that for another thirty minutes before it’s time to go.
“If you could do or have anything in the world, what would it be?” he asks as we head back.
“Change someone’s life for the better,” I say without thinking about it.<
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He falls in line beside me and holds my hand. “You’ve already done that, Zoey.”
A blush hits my cheeks. He knows exactly what to say and when to say it. “I think I’m always searching for happiness. It’s one of the reasons I do things on a whim, like travel and hike alone. It’s all about the adventure to finding what’s missing.”
“What about now?”
I glance over at him and smile, not even having to lie. “I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life.”
That adorable boyish grin touches his lips as we continue.
“What about you?”
“Now that I have you, I have everything in the world. And as crazy as it sounds, I’m doing exactly what I want to do. I work on the ranch with my family and have a hot wife. My life is made.” He snickers, but his sexy smile is genuine.
“Well damn, you’re easy to please,” I tease. “I like that. A simple life on the ranch.”
In the distance, I can see the B&B, and I’m sad our time together is almost up, but the sun has also kicked our asses, and we’re sweating like crazy.
Riley brushes his hand over his chin, scrubbing through his facial hair as if he’s contemplating his next words. “Could you see yourself spending forever here?” he asks me as we make our way up the back steps of the B&B. I turn around and look out at the land, see the sun high in the sky, and can hear laughter inside. From the corner of the barn, the edge of one of Mila’s beautiful gardens is visible, and I think of everything I’ve experienced so far.
“That’s still to be determined. Is there Wi-Fi?” I joke, but deep down, I know I do. The ranch is one of the only places I’ve ever felt at home and comfortable in my own skin. There isn’t another place like it.
With a quick swoop, Riley picks me up and swings me over his shoulder, carrying me inside the B&B like a caveman.
“Oh my God! Put me down!” I can’t stop laughing as I try to wiggle free from his strong grasp.