Catching the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch #2) - Kennedy Fox Page 0,14
all her plans next weekend and meet us. It’ll be just like old times with all of us girls together!”
Maize squeals, and we’re all giddy with excitement. I would love for Elizabeth to join us. Elle’s in her last year of veterinary school and is interning at a local office, but she’s been so busy with work this week, I’ve barely gotten to see her. Our schedules are completely opposite these days, but I hope that changes now that I’m here for good. Before I can say another word, my phone rings with a call from Riley.
“Zoey’s going into labor!” he shouts, not even giving me a chance to say hello.
“OH MY GOD! Right now?” I yell.
“Yep, her water broke. No baby yet, but Zach will be here soon! We’re going to the hospital. Gotta go. Calling everyone else.”
He immediately hangs up, not waiting for a response. Maize and Kenzie impatiently wait for me to explain.
“I’m gonna be an aunt today! Oh my God! I gotta go.” I give them both hugs.
“Should we come with you?” Kenzie asks.
“Only if you want to sit in the waiting room for hours,” I say.
Kenzie laughs. “How about you tell us when Zoey starts pushing and then we’ll come up?”
“Sounds great!” I’m overjoyed as I tell them goodbye.
I rush through the back door, letting Uncle John know the good news on my way out. He’s just as ecstatic about it as I am. “I’ll be up there later! Don’t worry about going to work tonight. I’ll get Ethan to cover for you.”
“Okay! Thank you!” I yell through the common area and hurry home where I know Mom and Dad are eagerly waiting for me.
“Let’s go!” Dad rushes as soon as I walk in. We’re giddy as can be as we drive to the hospital in San Angelo. The hour drive feels like an eternity. By the time we make it into the parking lot, I’m ready to hop out before Dad parks the truck. Once we’re inside, Mom leads the way to the delivery floor, and her co-workers congratulate her as we pass them.
“You’re gonna be a grandma, River! Feelin’ old yet?” Amelia asks.
They’ve been friends since Mom started working at the hospital after Riley was born. Mom laughs and tells me and Dad to stay in the waiting area as she checks on Riley and Zoey. We sit, and the anticipation nearly kills me. Dad’s a bundle of nerves too.
Moments later, Mom returns. “They’re checking to see how dilated she is. She’s having some intense contractions already, so it shouldn’t be too long.”
I let out a sigh. “She needs to hurry up and push that baby out already.”
“Rowan, it’s barely been two hours since her water broke. They’re not going to pull the baby out by his head. He’ll come when he’s ready.”
Patience isn’t one of my strong suits. I try to busy myself and play on my phone, and text Riley every twenty minutes until he tells me to stop bothering him. Instead of listening, I keep up my annoying little sister act that I’ve perfected over the years, but he straight up ignores me. It’s deserved, though, because I’m sure he’s helping Zoey with whatever she needs.
More family members arrive until the entire waiting room is full of Bishops. All I know is I’m going in and seeing my nephew first or I’ll be throwing fists. After four hours, Riley comes out, and he’s grinning wide. Pretty sure he’s shedding some tears too. He tells us everything went great, and they’ve moved Zoey into a regular room so we can visit now.
I quickly text my cousins and let them know the baby is here. Riley’s bombarded by everyone, but I hurry and follow my parents through the hall to see Zoey while he explains that all went perfect with no complications.
When we enter the room, she’s nothing but smiles as she holds her little bundle of joy. I rush over to her, and my emotions get the best of me when I see Zach for the first time.
“Oh, Zoey,” I whisper. “He’s beautiful.”
She sees my eyes well with tears and chuckles. When she looks down at his sweet little face, it’s obvious how much love she already has for him. “Do you want to hold him?”
Mom and Dad stand behind me, and we all admire this adorable tiny human in my arms.
“Hey, buddy,” I say. “I’m your aunt Rowan, and I’m going to spoil you so much.”