Bossing the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch #4) - Kennedy Fox Page 0,70

nod.

After I’ve convinced her to rest in her bed for a bit, I clean up the toy boxes and wrapping paper filling the living room. My mom and dad came over for coffee and donuts to watch her open presents but went home to start dinner for tonight. Elle’s joining us after we celebrate at the B&B.

Elizabeth: I hope you’re ready for later. My grandmother will probably sprinkle wedding and baby dust all over us.

I chuckle. I can tell she’s nervous, and though I am too, I think her family will be happy for us.

Connor: Don’t worry, I’m prepared. She’s the one who talked me into hiring you in the first place, remember?

Elizabeth: Great, so she’ll definitely think we owe her.

Connor: You say that like it’s a bad thing.

Though we haven’t discussed our future, I only want one with her in it. We haven’t been together long, but I know she’s the woman for me. My feelings for her have never wavered. If anything, the way I felt grew stronger, even as I tried to push her away.

Elizabeth: Of course not…I’m just nervous. My family swarmed Diesel and Gavin when they started dating my cousins. They can be intense. And well, baby crazy. I just don’t want you to second-guess being with me.

Connor: Are you out of your mind? Nothing they could do or say would make me change my mind about us. Thought you knew that.

Elizabeth: I know, and I do.

Connor: Well, guess I’m gonna have to remind you later.

Elizabeth: I wouldn’t object to that.

I smirk, deciding today I’m going to tell her how much she means to me.

Olivia and I arrive at the B&B an hour later, and I immediately scan the room for Elle. When Olivia spots the dessert buffet, her eyes light up. Rose immediately steals her away and hands her a plate.

“Not too much,” I warn with a grin.

Rose waves me off as if she didn’t hear me. Everyone’s eating and chatting, having a great time. Gavin is sitting at a table with Grayson, Riley, and Diesel. Then I spot Jackson’s twin boys, Kane and Knox. I usually only see them when I’m helping Jackson with a horse, but it looks like the whole gang is here.

“Connor!” I hear someone call. When I turn, Elle’s standing behind me, and I take her all in.

“You look stunning,” I whisper, wanting to kiss her.

“So do you.” She beams. “Ready to find my folks?”

I adjust my groin, and she laughs at the erection she’s responsible for.

“In just a second.”

She leads me to the corner of the room where Emily and Evan are eating pecan pie.

“Mom, Dad,” Elle grabs their attention. I stand behind her, waiting for her to make the announcement.

Olivia comes over with a full plate and leans up against Elle’s side. She immediately wraps her arm around Olivia, and my lips turn into a full-blown smile.

“Yes, dear?” her mother asks, then eyes Olivia and me. “Oh hey, Dr. Wallen. Hi, Olivia.”

“Nice to see you guys,” I say. “Merry Christmas.”

After a few moments, Elle clears her throat then begins. “So for the past month, Connor and I have been dating.”

The entire room goes eerily silent, and I swallow hard.

“What do you mean dating?” Evan asks.

Olivia giggles. “They’re boyfriend and girlfriend.”

A roar of laughter rings out.

“Oh really?” Emily wipes her mouth.

“Yeah, I’ve seen them kiss,” Olivia responds.

“Okay…that’s enough commentary from you.” I grab Olivia and pull her into my arms.

“Well, it’s about time. Do you have any idea what it took to make this happen?” Rose blurts out, walking up behind Evan and Emily. “Years,” she confirms. “And I’m not gettin’ any younger.”

“This is your doing?” Emily questions Rose.

Elle shakes her head with a sigh.

“Of course it is,” Maize interjects, chuckling.

“I knew the moment Elizabeth said she needed hands-on experience that Connor was the perfect guy.” Rose winks.

“I don’t think she meant that kind of hands-on experience, Grandma,” Rowan adds with laughter.

“Oh my God.” Elle groans, shaking her head. “Anyway…we’re dating. Now it’s out there.”

“I mean, most of us knew anyway. And I’ll say what Grandma didn’t...about goddamn time.” Maize wraps her arms around Elle, and the Bishops swarm her.

Rose gives me a pat on the back, followed by a warning. “You better not make me regret it.”

“No, ma’am,” I confirm.

“I like Elle,” Olivia says to Rose.

“And I’m sure Elle likes you too, darlin’.”

“Of course I do!” Elle gushes, tickling Olivia. “Who else is gonna play hide-’n’-seek with me?”

When Elle started coming over after work to eat dinner