Bossing the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch #4) - Kennedy Fox Page 0,27

bag of feed. For at least twenty minutes, she remains awestruck by the alpaca. I have a feeling one of these might be added to her Christmas list, and I’ll be tempted to actually buy one.

After we’re done at the petting zoo, she plays a ton of games because I can’t tell Olivia no when she asks so sweetly, and she’s having so much fun. She fishes in the small pond, shoots hoops for a basketball game, and plays so many others that I lose count. I’m carrying at least three stuffed animals and all the other toys she wins.

Even though the lines are long and I’m melting in the heat, she refuses to leave until she gets on every ride one more time. Her favorite one is the super slide because she goes fast on the magic rug. Eventually, we eat again, and I can tell she’s getting tired. Though she’d stay here all day and night if I’d let her, I know it’s time to take her home. Olivia’s too exhausted to argue when I lead her to the truck.

By the time we pull into the driveway, she’s passed out. Between the sun beaming down on us all day and the fun we had, it’s not surprising. Carefully, I slip my hands under her small body and carry her inside. She’s nothing but dead weight as I bring her into her room and pull back the covers.

“Good night, sweetheart,” I whisper, brushing the hair from her face and tucking her in.

I smile, thinking about our day together and how I’ll cherish making those memories for the rest of my life.

Chapter Nine

Elizabeth

FOUR MONTHS LATER

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays, and as soon as class is over, I’m driving home for a long weekend with my family to enjoy turkey and lots of Maize’s desserts. I can’t wait to catch up with my cousins and brother before the holiday madness ensues.

“Elle?” My mom calls from the kitchen as soon as I walk into the house.

“Yeah, it’s me.” I find her making a pot of coffee. “You going to the hospital this late?” I eye her scrubs.

“Got called in.” She frowns, and I glance at the time. It’s nearly nine. “But don’t worry, I’ll be back to hang out tomorrow night. Then on Thursday, I work the overnight shift so we can still have our Thanksgiving lunch.”

I give her a hug. “Sounds good, Ma. You work way too hard, though.”

She pats my hand and grins. “I don’t know any other way. Plus, I could say the same about you.”

I laugh in agreement. “Graduation can’t come soon enough, trust me.”

“I’m so proud of you, sweetheart. Only six more months and you’ll officially be Dr. Elizabeth Bishop.”

“Sounds weird.” I snort though I’m only joking. “What if I get married and want to take my husband’s last name? Do you regret not taking Dad’s?”

Mom pours coffee in a travel cup, and I nod when she offers me some. “You can legally change your last name but professionally be called by your maiden name. That’s what I did. However, since your dad and I both work in the ER, it’s nice having some sort of differentiation. That way, it’s not confusing when someone asks for Dr. Bishop.”

“I think it’s adorable that after all these years, you and Dad can still stand each other enough to work together and raise a family. Hopefully someday, I’ll find a guy who’ll make me just as happy.” I sit on a barstool as Mom pours creamer into our coffees.

“Trust me, it wasn’t always easy. And it still isn’t, but we’re just good at working through the issues now.”

I grab my mug and take a sip. Though I plan to go to bed soon, I can’t ever deny a hot cup of Ma’s coffee.

“I bet you two used to sneak around at work a lot. Amiright?” I waggle my brows. Mom and I have always been comfortable having open conversations, though Dad is more of the don’t ask, don’t tell type. “The on-call or empty patient rooms?”

Mom barks out a laugh, then blushes. “What do you mean used to? We gotta keep the spice up somehow.”

I pretend to gag, and she smirks. “That’s what I want. I don’t think it’s in the cards for me, though.”

“Well, how hard are you even tryin’? You eat, breathe, and sleep your studies and job. Unless you’re hoping to date a professor or your boss, you’re not really putting yourself out