Wrangling the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch #3) - Kennedy Fox Page 0,24

I have to.”

Grayson looks at the flowers. “Those for Maize?”

I grin. “Nope.”

Mila answers with a smile and moves to the side to let us in. “Hey, boys. Glad y’all came.”

“Thank you for the invite,” I tell her, handing over the bouquet. “These are for you, Mrs. Bishop.”

“Oh, Gavin. You didn’t have to do that.” She sniffs them and smiles wide. “They smell lovely, thank you.”

“Of course.”

Grayson and I follow her to the kitchen, and I immediately smirk when I see Maize’s expression go from happy to annoyed. By her reaction, she didn’t know I was coming.

“Maize, can you find me a vase, please? Gavin was so sweet to bring these for me,” Mila asks, setting them down on the counter.

Maize studies me, and replies, “Sure, Mom.”

“John’s just finishing up some paperwork at the B&B and will be home any minute. Then we can dive right in,” Mila explains.

“Where’s Kenzie?” Grayson asks.

“Actively avoiding you.” Maize snorts, carrying a crystal vase. “Wish I could say I was doing the same.” She glares at me.

Grayson puts a hand on his chest over his heart. “You mean she hasn’t missed me? I’m hurt.”

I chuckle at his sarcastic tone, knowing damn well he wishes she would miss him. I’d almost feel bad for him if I wasn’t dealing with my own Bishop woman issues.

John enters just as Kenzie comes down the stairs.

“Ugh, come on. I was hoping this would be the year I had something to be thankful for.” Kenzie slams her shoulder against Grayson as she walks to the dining table.

“I’m here, so you do.” He winks at her, but all she does is roll her eyes, then takes a seat.

“Where would you like me?” I ask, not sure if it’s assigned seating or not.

“Preferably outside.” I hear Maize mutter as she carries a hot dish.

“Across from you?” I ask loudly. “I’d love to.”

She groans as she sets the food on the table.

“Mrs. Bishop, do you need some help?” I follow Maize into the kitchen.

“Take this,” Maize says, handing me a scalding ass bowl without warning.

“Oh shit.” I quickly set it down and grab a potholder off the counter.

“Warning, it’s hot,” she muses.

“Gee, thanks.”

This girl really is trying to kill me. Though I don’t know why, because she’s the one who denies everything. If anything, I should be the one pissed at her, considering she bailed on me the morning after.

Once the food is on the table and we all sit, Mila says grace and thanks Grayson and me again for joining them.

“Dig in,” she announces.

John passes the turkey, then we pile on corn bread stuffing and roasted veggies. Once I take a bite, it’s confirmed it tastes as delicious as it smells.

“This is amazing,” I say, smiling at Mila.

“Maize makes the best turkey,” she confirms.

I look at her from across the table, then smile. “Should’ve known.”

“Uh, excuse me. I helped,” Kenzie blurts out, causing us all to laugh.

“Adding the marshmallows to the sweet potato casserole doesn’t count…” Grayson teases. Kenzie gives him a death glare and looks like she’s going to knock him out.

“You weren’t even here, so zip it.” Kenzie snarls, and I swear, the tension between them could be cut with a knife.

Everyone chats while we finish eating, then Mila offers seconds.

“I’m always ready for more turkey.” Grayson pats his hard stomach.

“Don’t forget about dessert later,” Mila reminds him.

“No, ma’am. Maize’s sweet pumpkin pie with homemade whipped cream is unforgettable.”

Kenzie rolls her eyes and stands, then takes her empty plate to the kitchen.

“I made extra this year…” Maize says, pointing her fork at Grayson. “Just for you.”

“You’re my favorite Bishop, Maze. Don’t tell the others…” he whispers, and she laughs. I hate that it makes me jealous, knowing she’s sweet and kind to him but treats me like a walking STD.

I watch the way she lets her guard down, and as soon as her gaze meets mine, she looks away, but not before I see the faint blush on her cheeks.

When we’re all stuffed to the max, I help clear the table. Kenzie and Maize rinse the dishes while Grayson helps Mila put the leftovers in containers. John and I break down the table to its normal size.

“Your house is beautiful, Mrs. Bishop. I love the modern décor. Much different than the B&B,” I tell her once everything’s clean.

“Thank you. We had fun decorating.” She smiles at me. “You want a tour of the house?”

I glance around and notice Maize’s reaction, and she tenses when Kenzie speaks up. “I’ll give you