Claiming the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 7)

“Y’all don’t get too full. I heard Maize has added some new pies and cakes to the spread this year,” Dad tells us.

After clearing our plates, Kaitlyn and Payton clean up the kitchen. Kane thanks Mom for cooking, then leaves without another word. My parents look at me, and I grin.

“What?”

“You know your brother has had a crush on Hadleigh for years,” Dad says.

“Okay, and what does that have to do with me?”

“You don’t have to be a dick.” He scowls.

“That’s hilarious comin’ from you,” I mock.

“Okay, he’s got a point there.” Mom stifles a laugh.

Dad rubs his temples. “You are literally my payback child. All of this trouble, fighting, getting arrested, sleeping with your twin brother’s woman, it’s gotta stop. You’re gonna end up in jail.”

“Yeah right, I’m not dumb enough to commit any real crimes. As Grandma says, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.”

Dad rolls his eyes. “Gimme a break. Kane is your brother, and you’ve shared everything, but you don’t have to share a woman. I’d never do anything like that to hurt John. And you’re more like me than him. Be respectful. That’s all I’m sayin’. He’d never do that to you.”

“It’s not my fault she likes me. He waited years to tell her and expected her to stay single forever?” I look them both in the eye. “And if she wants to sleep with me instead of him, I won’t apologize. Hadleigh’s a gorgeous woman.”

They sigh simultaneously.

“You’ll learn one way or another.” Dad shakes his head. “Or you won’t. But just know, you won’t have a bond with anyone else the same way that you do with your twin.”

“We may look alike, but we’re completely different people,” I remind him.

“You’re right,” Kaitlyn says. “You’re the asshole, and he’s the teddy bear.”

“Shut up,” I say. “Don’t make me prove you right and show you how much of an asshole I can—”

“Okay, okay. Enough,” Mom interrupts.

“Yeah. Anyway. I’m headin’ to the B&B. I’ll see y’all there.”

“Get ready to explain why you look the way you do,” Dad tells me. “Your grandma ain’t gonna be happy with that black eye in the family photo.”

“Then she can take it up with Kane,” I mutter as I make my way to the door.

When I walk outside, I stand on the porch and breathe in the brisk air. Everything has started turning brown, another reminder that winter is well on its way.

Once I’m in my truck, I’m half-tempted to just go home and skip dessert altogether, but I know I’d never hear the end of it. Considering Hadleigh is supposed to be there, I’ll try to be on my best behavior. If she talks to me, great, and if she doesn’t, oh well. Either way, there will be an audience. Even though no one has the full story except us, the news has spread like wildfire. One of the downsides of being a part of a large family is that they’re always in your business, and nothing stays private.

When I get to the B&B, it’s already packed. Big trucks and side-by-sides are scattered around the front, but I find a parking spot in the back.

It’s loud as hell when I go inside, but that’s nothing new when it comes to Bishops. Instantly, I put on my charming smile and make my rounds.

Grandma walks up to me, and just like Ma did, she grabs my chin and studies my eye. “Boy, what in the world happened to you?”

I wince. “Kane punched me.”

She gasps. “What’s wrong with him? Why would he do this?”

I like when Grandma is on my side, so I really put on an act for her. “I fulfilled my bachelor auction duties, and he didn’t like it.”

Immediately, I see the fire behind her eyes and try to hold back my grin. She finally releases my face and shakes her head.

“Well, I’m gonna have a little chat with him and get this all settled.”

“No, it’s okay. He’s just in a mood.”

“All this over a girl? There are plenty of fish in the sea. Y’all are good-looking boys. Speaking of which, why are neither of you married and contributing to more great-grandchildren?”

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. “I’m still a spring chicken. So how was your lunch?”

“Delicious. Now I’m ready to gobble up some of Maize’s goodies.”

“Alright, leave some for the rest of us, though,” I tease, giving her a hug.

Before making my way to the cookie table, I search for Hadleigh. People are sitting on couches in the common area in front of the fireplace, and for a brief second, I think I see her blond curly hair, but then I realize it’s not her.

Kane walks up to me. “Hadleigh isn’t coming.”

“Okay, and…?” I ask, crossing my arms over my chest.

“And it’s your fault she’s not here,” he seethes, inching closer.