Tempting the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 8)

“Babies don’t just fall out when your water breaks. Especially not a Bishop baby,” she explains. “When she arrives at delivery, they’ll see how dilated she is, and then I’ll tell you if we need to rush or wait.”

“Thank goodness you’re a pro at this,” I admit. “I don’t know how any of this works.”

“I’m not sure I’d consider myself a pro, just got a tiny bit of experience.” She chuckles. “I’ll text her and get the low down.”

“Awesome!” I go back to packaging, but I don’t restart my book because I’m too wound up. “Oh yeah, I won!”

Harper playfully rolls her eyes. “You did, fair and square. Any weekend you want, and it’s yours.”

“Heck yeah.”

“But I know you’re going to spend it reading in bed,” she adds.

“Damn right.” I shoot her a wink.

My phone buzzes again, and I check it.

Hadleigh: You might want to wait until after work because the waiting room will be crammed with family, and I know how you get around big crowds of loud people.

Ivy: LOL! I can do that! Thanks for sparing me.

Hadleigh: Don’t want you to be too anxious before meeting Hendrix :) I’ll make sure Knox keeps you updated. Love you.

Ivy: Love you too! Also hurry up and push that baby out.

Hadleigh: If ONLY it were that easy.

I read the texts to Harper, and she laughs. “Oh, I almost forgot about how many people will be there. She’s probably right, honestly. It can be extremely overwhelming up there, fair warning.”

“I’ll probably wait until after my shift, then drive up so I don’t have to rush around to wait.”

Harper grins. “That’s smart, but if she delivers early and you change your mind, just know I’m fine with ya leavin’ early. Your sister can only have her firstborn once.”

“Very true,” I say, but I’m certain I’ll visit after most have seen the baby. Until I was reminded, I forgot how crazy the entire family is when it comes to newborns, especially their grandma—Rose Bishop.

“I’m gonna finish checking inventory and see what needs to be restocked. I’ll have to leave to pick up the kids once they’re back,” She explains while grabbing the additional shipping materials I need.

I give her a nod. “Perfect.”

“You’ve got this.” She moves to the computer and printer located on a stand-up desk, then grabs her clipboard with product numbers.

I turn my audiobook back on and get lost in the world of fairies that make women orgasm just by looking at them. Seriously, I’m surprised Harper hasn’t asked me why I’m blushing. At least reading keeps life interesting, considering how boring it is in the small town of Eldorado.

Knox texts me random updates from my sister’s phone throughout the day. When it’s finally lunchtime, Harper waves her arms and points at the clock.

“Don’t skip lunch again,” she reminds me. “I’ve gotta go get the kids.”

“Yes, Mom. Also, I can handle getting everything prepped this afternoon so we can start on the strawberry margarita soaps tomorrow.”

She grins. “You sure?”

“Absolutely. I’ve done this a million times. Plus, it’ll keep me busy all day which I need because I’m so excited to meet Hendrix.”

“Okay, thank you so much. If you need any help, please let me know and be very, very—”

“Careful, I know.” I chuckle. “I’m a pro at pouring milk into ice trays. I can handle it, promise.”

“You’re the best, Ivy.”

“Thanks, boss.” I finish packaging the last few items as she makes her way out the door. If I don’t take a break right now, I’ll skip lunch, so I stop and warm up my food. Sure, I could go to the B&B and get some of Maize’s amazing cooking, but I don’t want to eat alone. It would be too awkward, and I only like to go when Harper or my sister joins me. When the ranch hands try to talk to me, I turn into a stuttering mess, so it’s easier to stay in my comfort zone at the warehouse.

As I eat my lasagna for one, I grab my thriller book and start reading. After I finish three chapters, I text Knox on my sister’s phone.

Ivy: How’s it going? Has the baby popped out yet?

Hadleigh/Knox: Not yet. But soon. He’ll be here any minute.

Ivy: Better send me a pic after he’s cleaned up!

Hadleigh/Knox: Will do!

I can’t explain how damn excited I am. Hadleigh has always been a mother figure since our mom worked so much to provide for us. My dad left before I was old enough to remember him, so it’s just been the three of us. Hadleigh pushes me to do better, and I can’t explain how grateful I am that she’s my older sister. She’s helped me break out of my shell, and I can’t imagine how I’d be without her. Now, she’s going to be a mom and raise her own babies, something she’s always wanted.