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“Now, be careful getting off. Hold on to the horn, swing your leg over and touch the other side of the ground. She won’t move on you, but make sure you don’t stumble and bust your ass,” Jackson tells me. He rides past me, grabs the reins, and I somehow manage to dismount without falling.
“Alex may have gotten himself a little cowgirl after all.” He chuckles.
I flip him off where only he can see it, and he pats his leg, finding it overly hilarious.
My hair is windblown, and as I walk over to Mr. Bishop, he hands me another envelope with a big smile. I take a moment to fully take in the view. The land goes on for as far as my eyes can see, and it’s so calm and beautiful out here.
How’s the view, you’ll have to let me know.
Take a good look before you go.
The leaves are changing,
the grass is turning brown.
Your next clue is in town.
Chocolate cake and pecan pie.
While you’re there, tell Mrs. Betty hi!
I can’t stop smiling. I’m pretty sure it may be permanent after this. Once I climb onto the trailer and sit on a bale of hay, I see Jackson lead Willow back down the trail we came from. The hay smells dry and sweet, and it reminds me of the first time I visited Texas.
We take an unrecognizable path, and I see parts of the property I’ve never seen. As we continue forward, I try to take it all in: the sunshine, the brown grasses, and the rumble of the tractor engine. I can’t believe Alex would go through such a big effort to celebrate our one year of meeting.
Soaking in the scene, I can’t help but think about everything that’s happened over the last year. Though I was scared to death to become a mother, it all feels like second nature now. That unconditional love consumes me, and I never thought my heart could be so full. Between the love of my life and our baby, I’m living my greatest life possible.
I used to think love like that only exists in fairy tales, but every time I hear Riley’s little coos, I know that’s not true. Now, I can’t help thinking back at my apprehension of being a mother, because it’s one of the greatest joys of my life. Considering Natalie is pregnant, I’ve been helping her work through the mind fuck the hormones create too. Admittedly, I might not have it all figured out, but thanks to Google and all the mamas I’m surrounded by constantly, I can get answers quick. Alex was right; everything did work out just fine.
As I study my surroundings, I’m pretty sure we’re on the other side of the property by the ranch hand quarters. Moving closer, I see several bunkhouses and vehicles parked around, so my suspicion is confirmed. The gate is open, and Mr. Bishop rolls through it then stops by a Jeep, with the top off, waiting for me. I get off the trailer and wave bye to Mr. Bishop. He gives me a head nod and a quick wave and a smile before he pulls away.
The Jeep is still running, and I climb inside and take my phone from my pocket to navigate toward the diner since I have no clue where I am. Once the quickest route loads, I select it, then shift the Jeep into gear. I smile the entire drive over to the diner. Just as I put the Jeep into park, I see Evan standing by the door.
“I guess all the Bishops are involved in this little celebration,” I say with a chuckle.
“Of course. A year is a big deal for any Bishop boy.” He hands me an envelope, and I practically rip it open.
Think back to coming to Texas, the very first day
Where was it that you booked to stay?
Go to the counter and grab the clue.
There’s a special surprise, waiting for you.
I look at Evan, and he’s all smiles. “You better tell Mrs. Betty hello before you hightail it on outta here.”
“Shit,” I say, not even thinking about it. As soon as I walk in, Betty comes to me and gives me a big hug. “Happy one year!”
“Thank you! I was told to tell you hi! But I really gotta go.”
She hands me a piece of chocolate cake in a to-go box, and I smile, but I have a feeling it was all to stall me. By the time I walk outside, Evan is already gone. I climb into the Jeep and head straight to the B&B. My heart is racing, and I’m so fucking excited that I’m smiling like a crazy person as I turn down the gravel road. The B&B comes into sight, and I can’t get there fast enough but force myself to drive slowly. Once I park, I get out and run to the front door, open it up, and go straight to John. There are a dozen roses on the counter waiting for me with another envelope. I take a quick moment to stop and smell the flowers.
