Total pages in book: 296
Estimated words: 284055 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1420(@200wpm)___ 1136(@250wpm)___ 947(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 284055 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1420(@200wpm)___ 1136(@250wpm)___ 947(@300wpm)
“The one and only.”
“What is this?” Uncle John stands at the front of the table. “Y’all on breaks?”
“I’m giving them marriage advice,” Grandma responds curtly, arching her brow at him, and he backs off. “And if you’d like some, sit down.”
John groans and uncrosses his arms. “Nah, I’ve had enough of that to last me a lifetime.”
“Okay, well I’m very busy today, and Zoey has plans, so we’re gonna get going.” I stand, and Zoey follows, realizing that I’m trying to get us out of this.
“It was lovely talking with you all,” she says politely before we carry our plates to the kitchen.
“So you were saying about there being something special about this place…?” I tease, pulling her back to me.
“I spoke too soon.” Zoey tries to fight a smile but fails.
Then I press my lips to hers before reluctantly pulling back. “Let me take you horseback riding tonight. Give you the VIP ranch tour.”
Her eyes widen as her lips part. “I’ve never been riding before, but I’m always up to new adventures.”
I smirk at how cute she looks. “And who better to teach you than your cowboy husband?”
The rest of the workday drags on. I’m eager to see Zoey again and actually get some alone time with her. At least while riding, every single family member won’t be able to interrupt us.
“What in the world…?” I smile the moment Zoey meets me outside. She’s in full getup from the cowboy hat to the plaid shirt tucked into her ripped jeans. As I glance down, I see she’s wearing Rowan’s cowboy boots too. “Look at you.”
“Whatcha think?” She spins when she’s in front of me. “Mackenzie said if I was going riding, I needed to look the part.”
“Well, she’s not wrong.” I grab her waist and pull her closer. “You look adorable,” I tell her, tugging on one of her pigtail braids. “However, these are giving me bad ideas…” I grin.
“Mackenzie insisted on those too.”
“Hmm…she’s quickly becoming my favorite cousin.”
Zoey smacks my chest with a giggle. “Calm down, cowboy. You have some teaching to do.”
We walk hand in hand to the horse barn. It’s close to the B&B, and Dad’s friend Colton works there mostly. He keeps them fed and groomed for the guests and guides all the riding lessons and tours. Luckily, he’s gone for the day by the time we walk in, so we’ll have this time to ourselves, completely uninterrupted.
“This one is Sunshine,” I tell her. “She’ll take good care of you.”
Then I show her how to put on the saddle, help her up, and give her a basic rundown. “Don’t squeeze your thighs too tight, or she’ll think it’s time to run.”
“I definitely won’t.”
“Don’t worry. She’s a good girl.” I pet her before getting my horse Gable ready, and soon, we’re both riding out to one of the trails behind the B&B.
“It’s so pretty out here,” she says as we ride farther onto the trail. “No wonder so many come to the B&B. I overheard quite a few people talking about how they visit every single summer.”
“Oh yeah, we get a lot of repeat guests. Have for years. It’s what helps us stay in business too.”
We continue riding, and Zoey stays quiet as I go on about the ranch and the different trails we have. Then I look at her and see her face is expressionless.
“Are you okay?” I move Gable closer to her so I can grab her hand. “You haven’t said anything in a while.”
Zoey clears her throat before looking at me, and I’m almost certain I see tears in her eyes. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just taking it all in.”
“Are you sure?” I squeeze her hand, hoping she’ll open up to me. “You can tell me.”
She shrugs. “I’m just really glad I came. For days before getting in my car and making the twelve-hour drive, I worried I was making the wrong decision and fought with myself about the what-ifs and being a nervous wreck about your reaction. But you and your family have all brought me in with arms wide open. I guess it makes me a little emotional because I know if it were the other way around and you came to me, my family wouldn’t be so welcoming.”
I nod, wanting to somehow reassure her that I couldn’t be happier that she’s here. It was a risk for both of our hearts.
“Zoey, come here.” I manage to get the horses next to each other so I can cup her face. “If I had it my way, I’d never let you leave. I’m sorry your family isn’t very supportive, but you will always have mine, no matter what. Okay?”
She pulls in her bottom lip and nods. Tilting her head up, I press my mouth to hers, and when she opens up for me, I slide my tongue between her lips. When Zoey moans against me, I deepen our kiss, and then she’s yelping in the next second.