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A blush hits my cheeks. “Thank you. I didn’t think I’d win because of that, but the brisket spoke for itself. Gavin gave me the confidence I needed to continue because I was hesitant about entering.”
With a quick turn of her head, she glances over at him leaning against the counter. “That’s my boy. He’s good at encouraging people to follow their dreams. Now, come and have a taste of this homemade roux.”
Grabbing a spoon from the drawer, she dips it inside the giant stockpot and hands it over. I blow on it for a second, then sip it up. My mouth explodes with the different spices. With wide eyes, I can’t seem to speak fast enough. “That’s the best I’ve ever had.”
“Really? It’s a family recipe, top secret. Once you and Gavin get married, I’ll have to share it with you.”
Gavin moves forward. “Don’t say the m-word, Mom. Kinda freaks her out.”
“Hardy har har. It does not. Okay, well maybe a little,” I admit. “But when you know you’ve found the one, why does it matter?”
“Is Maize Bishop turning a new leaf?” he asks, just as the back door opens and shuts.
Moments later, Gavin’s dad waltzes in wearing a grin. Gavin’s the spitting image of his father, and if he ages just as well, I’m in for a treat. He’s tall and handsome with slivers of gray in his hair. “Oh, you must be Maize, the woman my son has fallen head over heels with,” he announces, walking forward and hugging me.
“I already warned her about us being huggers,” Rose tells him with a chuckle.
“I’m Wyatt. Welcome to the family,” he says with a huge grin.
“Thank you!”
When his parents aren’t looking, Gavin gives me a thumbs-up.
His dad grabs a cup of ice water and chugs it. “Horses are fed, and I’m starving. Smells so good.” When it’s empty, he refills it before sitting at the table.
Gavin pulls bowls from the cabinet and sets them next to the stove.
Feeling out of place, I turn and ask, “Is there something I can help with?”
He gives me a wink. “Nope. You’re the guest of honor. Let someone else cook for you for once.”
“Maize, do you want rice?” his mom asks.
“Sure. I’m not picky,” I say.
“Only with your men,” Gavin adds.
She carries two bowls, and Gavin grabs the others.
After his dad says grace, I gobble up the gumbo so fast it seems like I inhaled it.
“Help yourself! Have seconds and thirds. Don’t be shy around here,” Wyatt says.
“This is true,” he tells me.
“So tell us a little about you, Maize. How’d you and Gavin meet?” his mom asks.
I swallow down the big bite I’d just taken, and thankfully, Gavin steps in. “We met before my interview at the ranch. Her family owns it.”
“Oh, that’s right. You know me, I forget so much these days,” she admits.
“I work in the family bed and breakfast and plan all the meals each week. I’m responsible for making sure everyone is fed and full. Not any of that processed stuff either. We serve homemade everything and lots of comfort food. I have a few employees to help me because the workers will eat ya out of house and home.”
“Bed and breakfast? Sounds like a place I’d like to visit.” She grins.
“You should. Could get you the family discount.” I laugh and give her a wink.
Rose claps her hands together. “Don’t tempt me with a good time,” she warns with a big smile. “You might spoil me so much I’ll move in permanently.”
“The more, the merrier,” I offer, finishing my second bowl of gumbo. “I grew up on the ranch and am in love with the scenery and how peaceful it is. Small-town living is the best.”
“It really is,” Gavin agrees. “I don’t think I ever want to leave.”
“Well, if you won’t move back home, then we might sell the house and come up there, especially if you have kids.” She looks directly at Gavin, but I don’t think she’s joking.
My face heats. “My parents gave us the kids and marriage talk too,” I explain. “It seems everyone’s ready for that.”
Gavin gives a chuckle and a head nod.
Once we’re finished eating dinner, Gavin and I volunteer to clean up while his parents go to the living room to catch the evening news. We stand next to each other as he scrubs and I rinse the dishes.
“Told you they’d adore you.” He softly bumps his hip against mine.
“Your parents are so nice. Seriously.” I speak loud enough for only him to hear.
He bends down and kisses my forehead. “That makes me so happy. You have no idea.”
After we finish, he takes me on a tour of the house. On the mantel sits framed pictures of him riding bucking broncos and bulls. When he shows me his childhood bedroom, I nearly gasp at all the trophies, medals, and winning belt buckles decorating the room.
