Wrangling the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch Book 3)

by Kennedy Fox

  “I made lasagna,” Mila announces. “I hope you’re both hungry.”

  “Sounds amazing,” I say.

  “Yeah, Mom. Can’t wait. I’m starving.” Maize looks around. “Did Kenzie already leave for work?”

  “She did,” John mumbles, not making eye contact with either of us.

  A knot forms in my throat, and I can’t seem to swallow it down. “What would you like to drink?” Mila asks.

  “I got it.” Maize gets up and pours us all glasses of iced sweet tea. I drink it down, wondering what John’s really thinking. Maize helps set the table, then brings the salad, and eventually, the lasagna is set in the middle. John and Mila sit across from us as we pass serving spoons around and fill our plates family style.

  “So, you’re now dating my daughter?” John finally says once we all have our food.

  “Yes, sir,” I confirm.

  “How long has this been going on?” he asks.

  “Dad. That’s really none of your business, is it?” Maize snaps. I can tell she’s getting frustrated, and I try to put myself in his shoes. I understand his response.

  Mila places her hand on John’s lap. I’m sure to help calm his unease.

  “You’re much older, Gavin. Do you plan on stayin’ in town?” John continues with questions.

  “If we’re counting, Gavin’s about ten years older,” Maize answers for me. “That’s no secret. Older means more mature, and he’s not a fuckboy like all the other men around here who only want me for one thing.”

  “Maize, language,” Mila says.

  “I’ve thought about my age more times than I can count. Maize’s mature and thinks on a higher level. She knows what she wants in life, and I support that one hundred percent. And yes, I plan to stay here indefinitely. I love the ranch, and I love your family. I’ve already lived a full life and have traveled around the world and have no desire to go back to that. I’m ready to settle down, start a family, and do what I love, which is training.”

  Mila looks at me with adoration and smiles. “That’s nice, Gavin. There’s something magical about this place. It’s one reason I moved here, well and because my grandmother lived here, but I fell in love with the ranch and John, and you too, Maize. It was home in my heart,” Mila tells me. “Seems like it’s yours too.”

  “Yes, ma’am. It is. Growing up in Houston has made me appreciate all this land, the quietness at night, and the stars. I’ve never seen so many. I know our relationship seems like it’s coming from left field, but I can promise this has been brewing between us for a long time,” I admit.

  Maize snickers. “Over a year. And I’m happy, Daddy.”

  The room is silent for a minute before I speak up, but I know I can’t leave without admitting my true feelings. I want her dad to know this isn’t a fling, and I’m not sure how to convince him, so I let my heart speak for me instead. “I love Maize with everything that I am. I can’t imagine my life without her.” I smile and look over at Maize, who has tears forming in her eyes. It’s not easy for me to be so vulnerable and honest, but it was the only way.

  “I love you too,” she tells me, then leans over and presses her lips right against mine. I kiss her back, but damn, the fire this woman has is blazing hot right now.

  “I know you both have concerns about me breaking Maize’s heart, but that’s not going to happen. Finding love like this is rare, and I’m not going to let the opportunity pass me by,” I profess, meaning it with all my being.

  John’s mouth tilts up into a smile, and he lets out a sigh. “Okay. Okay, you two. You don’t have to prove anything to me. I just don’t want you getting hurt, sweetie. And if you break her heart…” John glares at me and doesn’t finish his threat.

  I nod. “I’d kick my own ass if that happened,” I admit. “But it won’t, I can guarantee that. I’m a man of my word.”

  “I’m so happy for you two,” Mila says in a high-pitched tone. “Now, let’s eat before this masterpiece of a meal gets cold.”

  I grab Maize’s hand as Mila chats about the school and how many kids they have enrolled this year. There are so many stolen glances and unspoken words that I can’t wait to be alone with her.

  “How’s your planning going with the business?” Mila inquires.

  John points his fork at me. “You support her starting this catering business?”

  “Yes!” Maize raises her voice an octave with a laugh. “Gavin’s been helping a lot. I ordered a ton of equipment, and he’s kept me on schedule with my launch. Also, he’s strong and has helped me lift all the heavy items that have already arrived. Free labor.” Maize gives me a wink.

  “I know you’re gonna be successful,” I say, beaming at her. I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes. Grandma Bishop has already gotten her booked solid for months with ladies from church.

  “And I’m about to be twenty-six, and even though I still live at home, I’m grown. I can do whatever I want, date whoever I want, and make whatever decisions I want.”

  John cracks a smile. “I wouldn’t expect anything else from you, but I’ll always be your father and will always have your best interest in mind.” He pauses for a second, then looks at us. “I know the two of ya are waitin’ for my blessing, so you have it. Once your grandma finds out, that’s if she doesn’t already know about this, she will be publicly asking for more great-grandbabies. Just please, wait until you’re married.”

  “And don’t wait until I’m old and gray to get married and have kids,” Mila says. “I’d like to enjoy having grandkids.”

  Maize nearly chokes on her food and places her hand on her throat before chugging tea. “I’ve announced I have a boyfriend, and you’re already planning a wedding and kids. You both need to chill out. We’re taking it slow. There’s no need to rush because I want this to last forever.”

  “It will,” I say with a big grin.

  Mila shrugs. “I was serious, though.”

  “Okay, so ring shopping next week?” I turn to Maize.

  Her eyes are as wide as saucers, and her cheeks turn rosy pink. “Don’t you even!”

  I wrap my arm around her, and she leans in. “One day.”

  “Not right now,” she says with a smile, but the look in her eyes gives her away. It’s as if she’s imagining a future with me, and it makes my heart swell with happiness. My face actually hurts from smiling.

  After dinner, Mila makes coffee and pulls out a coconut cream pie.

  “Just because Maize’s a chef, doesn’t mean I don’t buy store made pies,” she admits as she slides pieces onto plates and hands us forks. I take a bite and grin.

  “It tastes great. I wouldn't have known the difference,” I say.

  “Maize still has a lot to teach you then,” Mila says, grinning at her daughter.

  Maize snorts. “I’m a little snobby when it comes to desserts that aren’t made from scratch.”

  “A little?” John scoffs and holds his arms as wide as they’ll go.

  It makes me laugh. John watches the way Maize and I interact, and eventually, something snaps in him. It’s almost as if he can see how much I love her. After we finish eating, I get up and help Maize with the dishes. Once the kitchen is clean, we go to the living room and tell her parents good night.

  John stands up and gives me a firm handshake. “Take care of my daughter.”

  “Yes, sir. I won’t let you down,” I say, meeting his eyes, and we hold a silent conversation. I have his permission to date Maize, and it’s enough.

  “I’ll be home later,” Maize says, tugging at my shirt and pulling me away.

  “Thanks for dinner. It was great,” I say to Mila. “Good night, y’all.”

  “We’ll do it again sometime soon,” she tells me as Maize leads me to the door.

  Once we’re outside, I can breathe again. Maize leads me to the truck, and I pin her against the cool metal and kiss her. “So your dad didn’t kill me.”

  “Yet,” she says with a snicker before returning her
mouth to mine.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  MAIZE

  It’s been two weeks since my parents learned that Gavin and I were officially dating. Dad took it as expected, but he quickly accepted it. When Gavin promised he wouldn’t break my heart, I nearly melted on the floor like a popsicle in the middle of summer. Not having to hide my feelings has been such a relief. We’ve even gone on a few dates in town and hung out at the bar together. The two of us are inseparable.

  News spread around town like wildfire, and I was actually happy about it. I want everyone to know he’s mine.

  Today, we’re driving to Houston so I can meet his parents. It’s a five-hour road trip, which gives me way too much time to think. I kinda understand why Gavin was so damn nervous to be introduced as my boyfriend to my folks, but at least he wasn’t a stranger to them. This is on a different level. Gavin’s promised he’s said nothing but amazing things about me.

  It’s scary how fast I’m falling for him, and I don’t ever want this to end. Gavin’s my past, present, and my future, and it’s a big deal to meet his parents. He hasn’t dated seriously in over a decade, so to say I’m feeling anxious is an understatement.

  “What’re you thinking about over there?” He grabs my hand and kisses my knuckles as he turns on the cruise control.

  “What if your mom and dad don’t like me? What if I’m nothing but a big disappointment or something?”

  Gavin lets out a howl of a laugh. “Are you kidding me? They already love you and are ecstatic to meet you. My mom can’t wait and even called me this morning to make sure we were still coming and I wasn’t going to chicken out. They’re down to earth and will be just as supportive as your parents are.” He glances over at me. “Well, now that your dad is on board with the idea of us,” he adds.

  “That makes me feel a tad better. And hey, Dad just needed to warm up to the idea. He knows he can control me as much as he can control Kenzie,” I tell him, and we both laugh, knowing Kenzie does whatever the hell she wants and doesn’t care who knows.

  “Okay, so I need to ask a million questions, and I have about four hours to do it,” I say, wanting to ask everything I can before we arrive.

  His smile is contagious. “Ask me anything you want.”

  I let out a breath. “Tell me about your parents' relationship.”

  “That’s not a question,” he says, chuckling. “But they were high school sweethearts. Mom barrel raced growing up, and Dad rode bulls too. He never went pro like I did because of an injury. They got married before they both turned twenty-one and had me soon after.”

  “Aw, that sounds sweet. Do you have any brothers and sisters?” Even though I know so much about him, I realize I still have a lot to learn.

  He shakes his head. “Not that I know of. It’s a good thing, though, because your family is so goddamn huge.”

  “This is very true,” I admit. “There are a lot of Bishops.”

  Gavin grins. “And we’re gonna add some more to that list.”

  I shake my head. “One day.”

  We blow through San Antonio without getting stuck in traffic, and the rest of the way to Houston goes by way too quickly. When we take the loop away from the city, I’m amazed at how quickly it transforms into open pastures. It’s not Eldorado, but I see barns and horses and even some cows grazing in the distance.

  Those five hours passed in a snap. Gavin makes another turn, and we drive down a long rock road until the two-story home with white shutters comes into view. We park, and I suck in air.

  Gavin’s palm rests on my thigh, and he squeezes. “They already love you. Trust me.”

  I smile. “Okay, let’s do this then.”

  Gavin comes around and opens my door, and he holds out his arm for me to take. Having him this close is comforting in every sense, but as we climb the steps leading to the front door, I grow more nervous. He rings the bell, and his mama swings open the door. Before saying a word, she pulls me into a big hug and squeezes me. “It’s so nice to meet you, Maize. Sorry, we’re huggers ’round here. I’m Rose, but you can call me Mom.”

  I laugh and hold her for a second. “I’m a hugger too. Nice to meet you, finally.”

  “Come on in now. Y’all must be tired from that drive. Your daddy will be back any minute. He’s out feedin’ the horses,” she explains, going to the stove and stirring something. Instantly, my mouth begins to water.

  “Whatcha cookin’?” I ask, taking a few steps forward.

  “Seafood gumbo,” she tells me.

  “Oh, I love shrimp!” I admit.

  “Don’t be shy. Come see. Gavin told me you were a highly regarded, award-winning chef,” she adds.

  This makes me laugh. “He’s just being kind.”

  Gavin’s mouth falls open. “No, I’m not. She won first place at the rodeo’s barbecue contest.”

  His mom turns and looks at me. “Honey, that’s not easy to do. Some people travel around the state and enter those competitions just for the prize money. Now, I want barbecue.”

  A blush hits my cheeks. “Thank you. I didn’t think I’d win because of that, but the brisket spoke for itself. Gavin gave me the confidence I needed to continue because I was hesitant about entering.”

  With a quick turn of her head, she glances over at him leaning against the counter. “That’s my boy. He’s good at encouraging people to follow their dreams. Now, come and have a taste of this homemade roux.”

  Grabbing a spoon from the drawer, she dips it inside the giant stockpot and hands it over. I blow on it for a second, then sip it up. My mouth explodes with the different spices. With wide eyes, I can’t seem to speak fast enough. “That’s the best I’ve ever had.”

  “Really? It’s a family recipe, top secret. Once you and Gavin get married, I’ll have to share it with you.”

  Gavin moves forward. “Don’t say the m-word, Mom. Kinda freaks her out.”

  “Hardy har har. It does not. Okay, well maybe a little,” I admit. “But when you know you’ve found the one, why does it matter?”

  “Is Maize Bishop turning a new leaf?” he asks, just as the back door opens and shuts.

  Moments later, Gavin’s dad waltzes in wearing a grin. Gavin’s the spitting image of his father, and if he ages just as well, I’m in for a treat. He’s tall and handsome with slivers of gray in his hair. “Oh, you must be Maize, the woman my son has fallen head over heels with,” he announces, walking forward and hugging me.

  “I already warned her about us being huggers,” Rose tells him with a chuckle.

  “I’m Wyatt. Welcome to the family,” he says with a huge grin.

  “Thank you!”

  When his parents aren’t looking, Gavin gives me a thumbs-up.

  His dad grabs a cup of ice water and chugs it. “Horses are fed, and I’m starving. Smells so good.” When it’s empty, he refills it before sitting at the table.

  Gavin pulls bowls from the cabinet and sets them next to the stove.

  Feeling out of place, I turn and ask, “Is there something I can help with?”

  He gives me a wink. “Nope. You’re the guest of honor. Let someone else cook for you for once.”

  “Maize, do you want rice?” his mom asks.

  “Sure. I’m not picky,” I say.

  “Only with your men,” Gavin adds.

  She carries two bowls, and Gavin grabs the others.

  After his dad says grace, I gobble up the gumbo so fast it seems like I inhaled it.

  “Help yourself! Have seconds and thirds. Don’t be shy around here,” Wyatt says.

  “This is true,” he tells me.

  “So tell us a little about you, Maize. How’d you and Gavin meet?” his mom asks.

  I swallow down the big bite I’d just taken, and thankfully, Gavin steps in. “We met before my interview at the ranch. Her family owns it.”

  “Oh, that’s right. You know me, I forget so much these days,” she admits.

  “I work in the family bed and breakfa
st and plan all the meals each week. I’m responsible for making sure everyone is fed and full. Not any of that processed stuff either. We serve homemade everything and lots of comfort food. I have a few employees to help me because the workers will eat ya out of house and home.”

  “Bed and breakfast? Sounds like a place I’d like to visit.” She grins.

  “You should. Could get you the family discount.” I laugh and give her a wink.

  Rose claps her hands together. “Don’t tempt me with a good time,” she warns with a big smile. “You might spoil me so much I’ll move in permanently.”

  “The more, the merrier,” I offer, finishing my second bowl of gumbo. “I grew up on the ranch and am in love with the scenery and how peaceful it is. Small-town living is the best.”

  “It really is,” Gavin agrees. “I don’t think I ever want to leave.”

  “Well, if you won’t move back home, then we might sell the house and come up there, especially if you have kids.” She looks directly at Gavin, but I don’t think she’s joking.

  My face heats. “My parents gave us the kids and marriage talk too,” I explain. “It seems everyone’s ready for that.”

  Gavin gives a chuckle and a head nod.

  Once we’re finished eating dinner, Gavin and I volunteer to clean up while his parents go to the living room to catch the evening news. We stand next to each other as he scrubs and I rinse the dishes.

  “Told you they’d adore you.” He softly bumps his hip against mine.

  “Your parents are so nice. Seriously.” I speak loud enough for only him to hear.

  He bends down and kisses my forehead. “That makes me so happy. You have no idea.”

  After we finish, he takes me on a tour of the house. On the mantel sits framed pictures of him riding bucking broncos and bulls. When he shows me his childhood bedroom, I nearly gasp at all the trophies, medals, and winning belt buckles decorating the room.

  “Welcome to my shrine,” he says, holding out his hand.

  I step inside. “Gavin. This is…amazing.”