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I suck in a deep breath, shrugging. “Yeah, but you know how she is.”
She chuckles. “That’s the problem. She doesn’t know what small means. Anytime she’s involved in anything, it’s bigger than Texas. But if they beg for a speech, I’ve got you.”
“Thanks,” I tell her. I’m glad she understands I don’t like talking in front of a large crowd. It’s not my thing. “Not sure you could outdo the one you gave at Kane’s wedding, though.”
“Ha! You know who my father is? He taught me how to talk shit before I knew my ABCs. Pretty sure I could riff on the spot.”
“That’s a fact.”
When the pasture comes into view, my heart races. The number of trucks and cars parked on the side of the road only makes me more anxious. I look at Kaitlyn, and she shakes her head.
“I knew Grandma was gonna take this to the next level.”
We drive up to the barn and, by some miracle, find a parking space. So many people are here, and I’m struggling with how to feel about it. A bright-red ribbon is draped across the main barn doors. All the Bishops are waiting off to the side, and I can see Patricia Stanley, the woman who writes all the local articles for the newspaper, standing by with her camera.
“Looks like they’re all waitin’ for us,” I say, taking in a slow breath.
“Yep.” Kaitlyn smiles wide. “Let’s go!”
Her excitement rubs off on me as we climb out of the truck. As soon as her parents see us, their voices float toward us. “They’re here!”
“In the flesh,” I say when we’re close.
Rose Bishop joins us too. She’s wearing her Sunday best with her hair and makeup done. She’s even got a sun hat on and sunglasses.
“Hope y’all don’t mind. I invited a few people.”
“A few?” Kaitlyn turns and waves her hand. “The whole town is here.”
“Sorry, sweetie. Everyone wanted to come out and show their support.” She opens her arms, and Kaitlyn falls into them.
When Kaitlyn steps back, she adds, “I’ll forgive you this time.”
“Can we get a picture of the whole family in front of the barn?” Patricia asks.
“Sure,” I tell her as all the Bishops fall into place. Alex, Evan, Jackson, and John are standing by their wives. Handfuls of great-grandkids are sprinkled throughout, along with Kaitlyn’s brothers, cousins, and all their spouses.
“We all gonna fit?” Kaitlyn asks, glancing around.
“Squish in just a little on the edges.” Patricia points to the right-hand side. “If you can’t see me, I can’t see you.”
A minute later, she snaps a few pictures, then moves Kaitlyn and me to the side for a small, uninterrupted interview.
“Honestly, all of this was Payton’s idea,” Kaitlyn tells her. “He’s been working here for nearly a decade, and he’s been my best friend ever since. My family has always tried to give back to the community, so doing something as monumental as starting a nonprofit will allow us to continue that mission. We just needed the right person to spearhead it, so Payton really deserves all the credit for his amazin’ idea and contribution.” Kaitlyn smiles proudly.
“Thanks, Kate, I’m honored,” I tell her, then look back at Patricia. “Honestly, it was a group effort. Without the Bishops, this wouldn’t have been possible. I couldn’t be happier to partner with someone I respect so deeply. Kaitlyn has always had a passion for horses and riding. It’s why she’s one of the best trainers in Texas. Together, and with the help of those who have donated their time, we’ll be able to make a true difference in the industry.”
She grabs my hand and squeezes it.
“Can I get a photo of just the two of you for the front page?”
“Yeah, absolutely,” I say, wrapping my arm around Kaitlyn and then waiting for the flash.
When Kaitlyn notices the crowd getting antsy, she leads me to the front of the barn.
She puts two fingers in her mouth and does a loud whistle just like her mom does. “Hey! Woo-hoo, over here.” She lifts her hand and grabs everyone’s attention.
“Appreciate you all being here today, but I’m sure Mayor Bryant has other things he could be doin’, so let’s get this party goin’.”
