Wrangling the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch #3) - Kennedy Fox Page 0,87
with the business side of things. They’ve already discussed passing the operations entirely over to my dad and uncles, which is a significant milestone. Bishops have run the ranch for generations, and the legacy will continue.
Although the idea of getting pregnant again after twins seems crazy, I do want to try for a boy. My nephew Zach is two, and he’ll have a little brother soon since Riley and Zoey are expecting baby Zealand in just two months. There are Bishop boy cousins for him to grow up with, plus I know Gavin would love to teach our kids about bull riding and training horses. Mutton bustin’ is already on the list for the girls when they’re old enough. I’d be willing to give Gavin a houseful, but for now, I’m focusing on these two precious babies inside me and soaking up every minute I get to carry them.
“My girls,” Gavin says, wrapping his big hands around my belly and grinning into my neck. “You’re beautiful.” He looks at my reflection in the mirror, and I smile in return.
“This bump is cute now, but in a couple of months, I’ll be surprised if I can see my feet.”
“You’ll be waddling all over the B&B like a cute penguin,” he mocks.
“Thanks,” I deadpan, adjusting my dress so it covers my boobs that have doubled in size.
“Your mom’s here. Kenzie too.”
“Oh yay! Tell them I’ll be right down.” I turn around and kiss his lips. “Assuming it doesn’t take me an hour to climb down the stairs.”
“I could carry you. You’re on your feet too much as it is, no wonder they’re swelling.”
“My feet are swelling?” I squeal in panic, then look down at them. “Do I have chubby ankles already?”
“Uh…” Gavin removes his hat and brushes a hand through his hair, a tell that he’s about to bullshit his way outta this question. “I think I hear more people at the door. Meet ya down there, sweetheart.” He quickly kisses my cheek before leaving.
He’s lucky I love him too damn much to scold him. I didn’t think it was possible to love him more than I did the day we got married, but when I found out we were pregnant, I fell for him even deeper.
By the time I enter the living room, it’s filled with Bishops and friends of the family. I greet people and swipe Rory out of Rowan’s arms. He’s seven months now, and his little personality reminds me so much of Diesel.
“Hey buddy.” I blow raspberries on his cheek, and he giggles. Rory is a perfect blend of his parents with adorable little dimples. Rowan and Diesel got married two months ago, and I hope they’ll try for baby number two soon. Grandma Bishop hasn’t stopped reminding them.
“Is Elle here?” Rowan asks.
I look around. “I don’t see her yet, but…” My eyes widen when they land on Dr. Wallen, her boss. “Oh my God,” I mutter quietly, and Rowan’s gaze follows mine.
“I thought you said he was bringing a date?” Rowan whispers, taking Rory from my arms when he starts to fuss.
“I-I assumed he was…” I have to pick up my jaw from the floor at the little girl’s hand he’s holding. “He asked to bring someone.”
“Elle’s gonna be so mad at you.” Rowan chuckles.
Kenzie comes over to us, and we fill her in. “Wow.” She eyes Connor up and down. “He’s somehow hotter now.”
“Kenzie, ew. He’s way too old for you anyway.” I scoff.
“Really? You gonna talk to me about age?”
I roll my eyes. “Shut up. I better text Elle and warn her.”
“Too late,” Kenzie mutters, staring at the front door.
“Shit.”
Elle walks in with a man I’ve never seen before, and he’s dressed in black slacks and a sleek black button-up shirt. He’s tall, with broad shoulders, and fit. He looks like a guy her mom would set her up with. Perhaps he’s a doctor from the hospital Aunt Emily works at, but nevertheless, things are about to get awkward.
“Maize…” Gavin comes to my side and brushes my elbow.
“I saw,” I say before he can speak. “Is that his…daughter?”
“Yeah, Olivia. She’s six. He shares custody with his ex-wife,” he informs me.
Well, fuck.
Elle spots us and walks over with a bright, friendly smile. “Hey, guys.” We exchange a hug.
“Hey, who’s your date?” I ask.
“This is Stephen. He’s a doctor and works with my mom.”
Nailed it.
“Hi, Stephen, nice to meet you.” I shake his hand. “I’m Maize, Elle’s cousin.”