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“I missed you,” she admits, grinning. Hearing her say that is music to my ears.
I tilt her chin up and smile. “I missed you too, wifey.” It’s so easy being with her. I wish I could freeze time, and things could always feel this way.
“I really want to show you something!” Excitement fills her voice as she grabs my hand and leads the way.
As I glance over at her, a smile splits my face at how natural this feels as we walk past the horse barn toward the back of the property where Mila’s gardens are happily growing. She points to the little sign at the end of the row. I bend down and read it. Arizona Row. Zoey points out the three rows of vegetables that she planted and how the seedlings are already growing.
“Look at all of them.” She spins around proudly. “They germinated quickly. Mila says I have a green thumb.”
I move closer to her, and she wraps her arms around my neck. “That’s great, sweetheart. I can’t wait to eat them, whatever they are.”
She kisses me on my nose before breaking away, pointing out all the different vegetables she planted and how you can tell what it is by the shape of the leaves. Seeing her so happy like this makes me confident that she’s not going anywhere. I don’t even want to bring it up, but I know the clock is ticking, and soon, a decision will need to be made. I just hope it’s the right one for both of us.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
ZOEY
The past two weeks have been magical. I feel as if I’m living someone else's life and can’t get over how in love I am with the ranch and how deeply I’m falling for Riley. Every day is different but somewhat the same. It’s scorching hot, but the water is cold, and the food is delicious, so I can’t even complain. The B&B serves some of the best meals I’ve ever eaten, and I’m getting spoiled by everyone being so friendly. I know it’s not fake either because the Bishops treat anyone who walks through that door like family regardless of their shape, size, or color. If you’re on the ranch, you’re family.
Earlier this week, Riley took me on a tour of Eldorado. It’s so cute and quaint like a town in a country Hallmark movie. I’d seen it once before when we went to the bar, but my nerves were so shot that it was hard to pay attention to anything other than my internal doubts. While we were there, Riley took me to the bakery Mila’s cousin, Kat, owns that specializes in all gluten-free pastries. She’s an extended part of the Bishop family and welcomed me just like one too. Her shop makes muffins and other treats for the B&B, which I’ve already tasted from there. Kat refused to let me leave without sending me off with a cupcake, slice of lemon cake, and a pudding pie, all gluten-free. She suggested we hold another ceremony for everyone to attend and even volunteered to bake us a wedding cake. While I couldn’t commit to the idea, it was an extremely generous offer because her desserts are to die for.
I’ve been spending a lot of my time with Mila in the greenhouses, and she’s been like an aunt to me who offers advice without judgment. She listens to me discuss my previous adventures, travels, and now being a newlywed. She explained how she met John and how it was awkward for them at first, considering he was a single dad and she was Maize’s nanny, but Maize has proudly called her Mom her whole life. Intelligent doesn’t even begin to describe Mila. I can’t help but wonder if life will always be this easy on the ranch. Could I always be this happy? As long as Riley is with me, I think so.
Last night when we were at the bar drinking and dancing, Riley told me he wanted to take me out today. After I had mentioned how much I loved hitting the trails at home, he insisted that we go, so we made plans to spend the day together since he’s off today. This ranch boasts at least twenty miles of trails, mostly for the horses, but they’re for hiking too. I’m so damn excited about it that I’m about ready to burst while I get dressed.
As soon as I walk downstairs, I see Riley coming toward me with a grin. He’s wearing a baseball hat, shorts, running shoes, and a T-shirt that hugs him in all the right places. I’m not used to seeing him in athletic wear, but it’s sexy as hell. In his hands, he’s carrying two packs, and when he approaches, he hands me one.
“Thought you’d want a Camelbak full of water. It’s gonna get hot out there coming back, and I don’t want you to get dehydrated,” he tells me, which I find so thoughtful. “I also packed some snacks.”
