We’d hit the freaking lottery.
“What if we watched a movie together?” Mom asked, pulling back. She tried to discreetly wipe her eyes, but it was no use. “Like we used to when you girls were little.”
Cleo nodded, turning to check on Josie and me. “You don’t have to?—”
“Oh no, you don’t,” I said, wiggling my finger at her. “I can already tell you’re going to say something stupid about us not needing to stay.”
“Which issonot happening,” Josie piped in. “We’re staying.”
Our sister smiled, and it felt real for the first time in ages. Nothing but genuine relief shone in her eyes. Being the eldest, I knew she felt trapped in the façade of being perfect and strong in front of Josie and me. Sometimes, I appreciated it.
When we’d found out about Dad’s heart condition, I’d nearly crumpled to the floor with no intention of ever getting back up. I didn’t know what to do at even the thought of living without him. He was my hero, my role model, my everything.
And while I knew giving up was never an option, nor what he would’ve wanted, I don’t know how long I would’ve let myself wallow in my grief if it hadn’t been for Cleo.
I didn’t have many skills outside of horsemanship. There’dbeen a time when Dad asked if I wanted to take over his training clinics. The question had been met with a resounding no because, at the time, I’d been too preoccupied with my rodeo dreams. By the time I realized I wanted to be involved with the ranch, he’d already decided to train Lincoln to take over.
So, I did what I did best. I made myself invaluable, pitching in wherever I could. No job was too small or too dirty or too complicated. I never complained, never balked, never questioned. And when Dad started involving me in damn near every choice he made, it did one extremely valuable thing I’d never expected.
It chapped Bishop’s ass.
In terms of ranch hierarchy, Bishop was just beneath Dad when it came to the daily operations. He’d earned the title of foreman, and I wasn’t looking to take it from him. But the two of them shared the load. If anything happened to my dad, Bishop couldn’t make those decisions alone.
Enter me.
But all that was just precaution. It was a way to make sure that in the event of something happening that might upset the balance, this place could still run properly until someone stepped into his role. I still had plans of going back to the circuit, winning another couple championships, and adding a few more buckles to my shelf, but until I knew Dad was okay, I’d be here to help with whatever he needed.
The scent of popcorn wafted in from the kitchen. We all looked up to see Lincoln and Bishop rounding the corner with big family-sized bowls filled to the brim. They sat them down on the coffee table.
“Cheddar ranch, kettle corn, and regular butter,” Lincoln said, pointing toward each bowl.
“Well, you just thought of everything, didn’t you?” Josie asked, rising on her toes to kiss his cheek. He blushed, which was honestly both ridiculous and stupidly cute at the same time.
It seemed like they’d been together much longer than they had. I mean, it’d only been a few months ago that I’d listened to them have sex in the barn after they finally solidified their relationship. A fact that, try as I might, I still hadn’t forgotten.
“Yeah, yeah. Cowboy Casanova is great,” I said, stepping around them for the couch. I plopped down, turning on the TV. “But the real question is… What are we going to watch?”
“Why don’t you ask Cleo?” Bishop said, crossing his arms. He stood out of the way, watching as my mom and dad cleared the table. “Maybe she has something in mind.”
“It’s funny,” I said, grabbing a handful of the cheddar ranch popcorn. “I don’t remember directing the question at any singular person. It’s almost likeanyonecould answer.”
“Right,” Bishop sighed, shaking his head. “Well, I’ll see y’all tomorrow. And Lincoln, don’t make me come looking for you. I don’t want another view like I got the other morning.”
Lincoln just laughed, winking in Bishop’s direction. “I’m not even sorry.” Josie elbowed him, and he rubbed the spot. “What? I’m not.”
“Maybe if you ever want us to do that thing we were doing,” she said, lowering her voice, “you will be.”
Lincoln looked at Bishop and gave a little salute. “Right. I’m totally sorry. Won’t happen again.”
“Where are you going?” Dad asked, walking back into the living room.
Bishop pointed over his shoulder to the door. “I was just gonna head out so you guys could?—”
“Absolutely not,” Dad said, shaking his head. “You’re a part of this family, Bishop. Dunno how many times I have to tell you that. So, unless you have something better to do, I’m gonna kindly ask you to sit your ass down and join us.”
I looked around the living room, taking note of every filled seat, except for the one next to me.
Oh no, no, no. This cannot be happening.
