by Kennedy Fox
One of my favorite things about baking is how amazing it smells in the bakery. I wish I could bottle it up and save it for a rainy day. Sunlight peeks through the two large windows, and I unlock the door, knowing my early morning customers will be here before I officially open, and I don’t have time to stop.
Timers begin going off, and as I take all the pans out of the oversized ovens, I replace them with others. After arranging the freshly baked cookies and breads in the glass case, I start boxing up my orders. When I turn around, I notice the bakery is a damn mess and know I need to start cleaning while I bake. It’s official; I’m going to post an ad in the local paper for an assistant.
Just as I’m pulling a batch of cupcakes from the oven, customers begin to enter. Right on time.
“Good morning,” I call out, washing my hands and then drying them as I greet several older women. I’m surprised to see my grandma with two of her friends in the bakery, and I go around the counter and give her a big hug.
“Honey, we’re gonna take everything you’ve made,” Gigi says with a mysterious smirk.
My mouth falls open. “Everything, Gigi?”
“That’s right, honey,” Mrs. Cartwright says.
I’ve baked for four and a half hours straight, enough goodies to last the rest of the day. I even had some items left over from yesterday.
“We’ll take all that stuff over there too.” Gigi points at the items cooling.
“Gigi,” I whisper. “That’s everything in the store.”
Mrs. Scotts giggles. “Guess you’ll need to close early then.”
I turn around and look at the clock on the wall. It’s not even nine yet.
“What’s our total?” Gigi asks sweetly.
I narrow my eyes at her. “What are you up to?”
She smiles. “I think you need a day off. There’s a small party over at the Bishop ranch, and I don’t want you working all day and missing the festivities.”
I let out a laugh. “Of course. That’s why she wanted so many cupcakes.”
“Better get to icing them then. You know how she doesn’t like tardiness,” Gigi reminds me, handing over her credit card.
“Gigi, this is well over seven hundred dollars’ worth of baked goods.”
The ladies behind her continue to smile. “Good. You deserve it, honey. And trust me when I say they won’t go to waste.”
I suck in a deep breath, swipe her card, then begin bagging and boxing up every last item in the store, other than the custom orders. Mrs. Cartwright and Mrs. Scotts continue to make trips out to their car until every item is gone.
“Thanks, sweetie,” Gigi says. I go and give her another hug.
“You didn’t have to do this,” I tell her.
“Oh I know.” She gives me a wink, then she’s out the door.
Once the cupcakes finish cooling, I carefully place them in their carrying trays and ice them. I grab the extra loaves and macaroons for my custom orders, then call and let them know I’ll drop them off before heading to the Bishop ranch. When I’ve loaded everything in the car, I lock up for the day, then make my way across town. After I drop off the orders, I go to the ranch.
I slowly take the dirt road, not wanting the cupcakes to bounce around too much in my trunk. I pull up to the main house and see a ton of cars parked on the grass.
“What the hell?” I whisper. There are so many people here. No wonder she wanted one hundred and forty-four cupcakes. Carefully, I stack several boxes on top of one another and carry them up the steps. Instead of knocking, I walk right in.
“Kat!” Mama Bishop says, coming over and taking the cupcakes from my hands. “You’re early.”
I snort. “Yeah, Gigi went and bought every dang pastry I had and told me to take the day off.”
Mama B shakes her head and smiles. “That woman. Want to stay for lunch?”
“Sure. I’m starved. Let me grab the other cupcakes from the car real quick.”
Mrs. Bishop lays her hand on my shoulder. “Okay, sweetie. Meet you in the back. I think everyone’s here.” She picks up the boxes and walks out the patio door. “Hurry up, now,” she tells me with a grin.
I grab the last three boxes of cupcakes then walk around the house to where the party is. My eyes go wide when I see every person I love and adore here. My face scrunches, and I’m confused as to why Braxton didn’t tell me more about this get-together in the first place.
Picnic tables are set up around the oak tree, and I see a table with food and my cupcakes. I set the boxes down by the others, and when I turn around, I see Braxton walking toward me wearing slacks and a nice button-up shirt. My mouth falls open, and I tilt my head at him. I’m confused because this morning when we left, he was wearing his regular ranch hand getup. People surround us, and he gives me the biggest grin before cupping my face and pressing a deep kiss on my lips. Once we pull apart, he grabs my hands in his, then drops to one knee.
I gasp, and my eyes widen with shock. Those dang butterflies reappear when I think about how much I love his man and his surprises.
He smiles up at me, one of his infamous shit-eating grins, and I know without a doubt I want him to ask me those words. Because I already know my answer.
Chapter Twelve
Braxton
I chuckle when I see Kat’s eyes go as wide as saucers. Drinking in her delicate features, I smile, thinking how she looks as pretty as ever with almond flour on her face and jeans. Her hair’s up in a messy ponytail, but it doesn’t matter. This is my beautiful Kat, the love of my life.
This morning, she worked her ass off. I felt bad for placing that huge ass order in Mama Bishop’s name for this, but I needed to keep her busy and then get her here to deliver them without question. I’ve already arranged for Presley to take photos of the whole thing, and I love that this memory will be captured for us to remember for the rest of our lives.
“Hi,” I say, rubbing my thumb across her knuckles. She covers her mouth with her free hand. She’s totally shocked, and I love that I have the ability to do that to her.
“Braxton,” she whispers, tears swelling, threatening to fall.
“Sweetheart, I knew the moment we met, you were somethin’ special. All my life, I’ve been searching for someone like you to make me feel whole. Someone who was worth living my life with. Someone who truly made me happy. My heart knew you were the one the moment I laid eyes on you.”
The smile on her face is so damn sweet, and I want to pull her into my arms and kiss the fuck outta her.
“Though you were as stubborn as a mule,” I add, making her laugh, and she nods in agreement. “I’m so damn happy you gave me a chance, but when it comes to you, I’m a selfish man because I want more. Kat, I want to spend forever with you. I want to make you happy for the rest of our lives if you’d give me a chance. Will you marry me?”
I pull the ring from my pocket, and she sits on my lap, wrapping her arms around my neck and kissing me with everything she has, pouring every emotion into me.
“Yes, Braxton. Yes,” she whispers across my lips before sliding her tongue between my lips. We lose ourselves in the moment and forget we have an audience until Colton yells out, “Get a room!” We stand, and I slip the diamond ring on her finger, and she looks at it in awe before meeting my eyes.
“This is too much, Braxton.”
“It’s not enough for you, baby. Nothing is,” I whisper, pressing a kiss on her cheek.
Congratulations are in order, and champagne bottles are being popped open. Mama Bishop passes plastic cups around, and the bubbly liquid is given to everyone. I’m so damn happy that I can barely contain myself. Though we haven’t been together for long, I couldn’t wait any longer to pop the question. Kat is going to be my wife, and I’m going to spend the rest of my days making her happy and hopefully starting a family.
“I’d like to make a toast,” John announces. Mila stands close by him, smiling. “So happy you two are getting married! Happy for the both of you. Even thou
gh you practically already are, officially welcome to the family, Braxton.”
“Aww, thank you, guys,” Kat says, and I wrap my arm around her, pulling her into my side. Her parents come up to us and so does Gigi. Mila is over the moon happy for us along with everyone else who’s here. The love that surrounds me and Kat right now nearly leaves me speechless.
“Gigi,” Kat says, glaring at her grandmother who looks as guilty as sin. “You bought every single thing in the store so I’d have no choice but to lock up early.”
She shrugs and smiles. “You wouldn’t close up otherwise. It was Braxton’s idea.”
“And the cupcakes?” Kat looks over at me.
I give her a cheeky grin.
“You’re the worst.” Laughing, she narrows her eyes at me, but I know she can’t stay mad at me. “You play so damn dirty. I might just have to get you back for that one.”
“Don’t start something you can’t finish,” I warn with a smirk.
Before we can go back and forth, Jackson walks up with a cupcake in each hand. There’s icing all over his lips and face, and Kiera follows him, shaking her head.
“You need to get engaged more often. These cupcakes are the shit,” Jackson says around a large mouthful.
“He’s already eaten two,” Kiera says. “Congrats you two. Married life is something else.” She rolls her eyes and chuckles at Jackson who’s still a child in his thirties.
“Where are the kids?” Kat asks.
“They’re at daycare. Mama said she wanted us to relax, drink champagne, and not have to worry about chasing them all over the place today. But she demanded once they’re all picked up, they’re coming to her house. She loves her grandbabies.” Kiera smiles.
“I sure do. Now it’s time for you two to get to making some grandbabies for Gigi,” Mama Bishop says from behind with a sweet smile on her lips. She comes up to me and gives me a motherly hug. When she turns around, she catches sight of Jackson with icing on his face.
“Jackson, have some manners. Get a napkin,” she demands. “You’re embarrassing yourself.”
Rolling his eyes, he continues to stuff his face with a cupcake, not giving two shits how messy he’s being. Mama Bishop walks up to him, sticks her thumb in her mouth ready to clean his face like a toddler, and I burst into laughter. Jackson takes off running, and Kiera’s head falls back, chuckling at the chaos. “It’s never a dull moment.”
Kat looks around at everyone, a smile playing on her lips. “This is so amazing. Thank you for making sure everyone was here for it.”
I lean down and place a chaste kiss on her lips. “Of course. But now I’m ready to get the fuck out of here. You?”
When she nods, I have a feeling she knows exactly where this day is going. We thank everyone, then make our grand exit.
“Do you think we should stay longer?” Kat asks. “I did make a fuck ton of cupcakes for that party.”
“I don’t think I can wait any longer to get you alone. Might have to use the back seat again,” I taunt.
“That was an amazing night,” she says with a seductive twinkle in her eye.
“Want to relive it?” I ask with an eyebrow popped.
Laughter escapes her. “See you at home, cowboy. You have a lot of making up to do for having me bake all those cupcakes.”
I walk her to her car and open the door as she climbs in. “Doesn’t the ring make up for it?”
She looks up at me with a grin. “Nope.”
“Damn, girl. You play dirty.” I lean down and kiss her.
As I try to pull away, she steals another kiss. “You haven’t seen nothing yet.”
I drive home as fast as I can, knowing for the rest of the day, I’ll be worshipping her body like a queen, and I can’t fucking wait.
Chapter Thirteen
Kat
I watch Braxton’s sweet ass as he walks toward his truck and zooms down the road. Sucking in a deep breath, I look at the beautiful diamond sparkling in the sunlight. Is this really my life? I’ve got a man who loves me so damn much and loves all my faults with every single part of his being. I’ve fallen for him so fast, but it feels more than right. Braxton is my everything, and I love so much about him, even his smart mouth and playful pranks.
By the time I pull into the driveway, his truck is already parked, and he’s inside waiting. The man is insatiable, and I know when I walk in that door, I won’t be able to keep my hands or mouth off him. I’m greedy as hell when it comes to Braxton, never able to get enough, not wanting to either.
Before I can close the door, Braxton’s mouth is on mine. I kick it shut with my foot, and we stumble to the bedroom with our hands clinging to each other.
“Fuck, I love you so goddamn much,” he says as I undo his slacks, then push them along with his boxers down to his knees. He kicks off his boots, and I slip my shirt up over my head. We’re greedy as hell as we stumble around each other. Braxton nearly throws me on the bed, tugging my pants from my body. Once I’m completely naked, Braxton slows down the pace, taking the lead as he kisses my ankles, up my legs, and between my thighs, taking his time before meeting my clit.
I let out a happy sigh as he devours me like his last meal.
“Braxton.” I pant when he slides a finger inside and then another before twisting his wrist and sinking deeper.
“Tell me what you want,” he demands.
“You. I need all of you forever,” I beg for it.
With a grin, he buries his head between my legs, giving me exactly what I crave.
“Yes, yes,” I murmur as the orgasm teeters, ready to spill completely over. Braxton encourages me to chase my release, and I do. As soon as my body seizes, Braxton hovers above me and gently enters. I gasp as he fills me with his thick length, thrusting in and out, our bodies moving together so fluidly. I lose myself in the moment, in him, in us, as he claims me as his forever.
“Damn, Kat. I can never get enough of you,” he whispers against the softness of my neck, and I know by how his breathing has increased that he’s getting close, but so am I.
“Yes, baby,” I encourage, wanting him to break me before the orgasm puts me back together again. And then it happens, taking over my body and thoughts as I’m pushed over the edge again. Braxton moans as I buckle beneath him, both of us finding what we’re looking for—each other.
I try to catch my breath, my heart fluttering when I look over at the man I’m going to marry. After cleaning up, we lie on the bed, and he pulls me into his arms. My body molds so perfectly against his, and I let out satisfied sigh.
“That was just the warm-up round, sweetheart,” he warns, his voice a taunting promise. “But I’m gonna make you lunch first because I know you haven’t eaten all day.”
I grin. “You know me too well.”
“Why do you think I put a ring on it?” he teases before leaning over and capturing my mouth again. Braxton grips my chin, tilting my head so we’re staring directly into each other’s eyes. “Thank you for making me the happiest man today. I promise to spend the rest of my life making you the happiest woman.” His gaze roams over my naked body. The way he looks at me makes me feel like the most beautiful person in the world.
I prop myself up on my elbow and brush my lips against his, hoping he can feel all of the love I have for him pouring out of me. I’ve never felt this way about another person before, and I’ll be damned if I ever let him go. I might’ve made him the happiest man, but it doesn’t compare to how he’s made me feel.
“And just think, this is just the beginning,” I tell him.
Chapter Fourteen
Braxton
SIX MONTHS LATER
Alex asked me to help him load a few tractors on a trailer this morning before I head to the airport with Kat. Of course, I agreed since we’re leaving soon and will be in Alabama for the rest of the week to visit my parents. It’s important for her to meet everyone in person now that we’re engaged to be married. Sharing pictures and talking in FaceTime isn’t
enough, considering she’s going to be a part of the family.
After I finish, I drive home and quietly enter the house as Kat stands at the counter, drinking a glass of milk. She's in her head, not paying attention as she looks out the kitchen window.
I walk up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist, surprising her.
“You’re home already!” She turns around and pulls me close. “I wasn’t expectin’ you for at least an hour.”
“I hurried so we could get on the road sooner.” I paint my lips softly against hers.
“You keep doin’ that, cowboy, and we’re not gonna make it to San Antonio on time.”
I moan against her lips with a devilish chuckle. “Well, since I’m early, we’ve got some time.”
She lifts her eyebrows, and it doesn’t take long before we’re stumbling to the couch and dropping our clothes along the way. By the time we make it there, we’re completely naked.
Kat greedily pushes me down. I grab her hips when she straddles my lap and guide myself inside her. When our bodies connect, she releases a deep, satisfied moan. She takes full control, rocking her hips against me. I lean up, so our mouths meet and run my fingers through her hair, pulling her closer. “Fuck, you’re so wet. Feelin’ so goddamn good.”
“Mmm.” Kat hums against my mouth. “I love you,” she whispers and picks up the pace. “Now give it to me harder.”
“I love you too, baby.” I palm her ass cheeks and give her long, deep thrusts, knowing it’s exactly what she loves. Her head rolls back on her shoulders as I take one of her perky nipples into my mouth while pinching the other. She doesn’t slow her rhythm, and I don’t know how much longer I’ll last. Her orgasm builds quickly, and when I rub her clit, it doesn’t take long before we’re losing ourselves together. I can never get enough of her and know that’ll never change.