“Thanks for joining me this weekend. I know it was a big step,” he says, running his toes across the water.
“We should visit more often. I can tell how much your parents miss and love you.” I steal another kiss.
“You mean it? You’ll make the drive with me again?”
“Yeah, I’d love that. Your parents have already adopted me and made me a member of the family.”
He kisses my forehead. “Thank you.”
After twenty minutes of enjoying the view, we put our shoes and socks back on. He stands and offers his hand. I take it, and the moment I meet his eyes, there’s not a doubt in my mind that he’s the man I’m supposed to spend my forever with.
“One day, Maize, I’m gonna make you my wife.”
I bite my bottom lip and smile. “That a promise, Cowboy?”
“You better believe it, baby. And I’ll spend the rest of my life making you happy.”
“Lookin’ forward to it,” I admit. He takes my hand, and we go back to the horses.
Chapter Twenty-Two
GAVIN
It’s been four months since Maize and I have been official. Today’s Maize’s birthday, and it’s the first time I’ll get to celebrate it with her, which means I’m going all out.
Though she told me not to make it a big deal since she’s “only turning twenty-six,” I absolutely am. There might be ten years between us, but age is only a number. Without a doubt, I know my future involves her, and tonight, she’s going to know that.
I was able to get off work early so I can get everything ready at my place. She’s always cooking for me and everyone else, so I’m returning the favor and plan to make her something amazing. While I’m no gourmet chef, I can follow a recipe.
Since she loves food so much and has a thousand favorite dishes, I had to get creative. Seafood isn’t served regularly at the B&B, so I start there. She mentioned she loved shrimp when we visited my parents, so I found something I think she’ll love. Knowing her love for spicy foods, I’ve decided to make Cajun seafood pasta with homemade garlic toast. It’ll take me a good hour to cook the scallops and shrimp, so I hurry and take a shower, then get dressed beforehand. I want her to eat as soon as she gets here.
Gavin: Dinner’s almost ready! It smells so good…can’t wait to see you.
Though she slept over last night, and I saw her this morning at breakfast, I always miss her and want to be with her all day. It’s a sickness really—one I don’t want a cure for. With our busy work schedules, there’s never enough time.
Maize: On the way! Had to do laundry and pack a bag since you never let me sleep at home anymore ;)
I smile at her smart mouth, and hell, she’s right. I’m downright addicted to her body being next to mine and getting to kiss her before we start our days.
Gavin: See you soon, baby.
Ten minutes later, I hear the rumble of her truck and rush to the door. I open it and go down the steps to meet her before she gets out.
“Allow me,” I say, opening her door.
She takes my hand. “Ooh, well thank you. What a gentleman.”
“Only the best for my lady.” I tilt my hat and press a kiss to her soft lips.
She giggles, then I grab her duffel. Taking her hand, I lead her into the house and set down her bag.
“Wow, you weren’t wrong. It smells amazing in here.” She lifts her nose and inhales. “Seafood for sure.”
Reaching the oven, I take out the skillet, and her eyes widen.
“You made this?”
“Don’t sound so surprised.” I scoff. “I can cook. You just never let me.” After setting the pasta on the stovetop, I remove the garlic bread.
“If it tastes as good as it smells, I’ll gladly put you in charge of the kitchen from now on.” She grins, eyeing everything.
“Not sure I’d go that far. This took a lot of planning. I honestly don’t know how you make three meals a day for so many people.”
“Lots of practice and prepping ahead of time,” she responds effortlessly. “Also helps that I have help.”
“Now, I didn’t make dessert because I’m only so capable in the kitchen, but I did get Grandma Bishop to bake a cake for you.”
“You didn’t!” She gasps when I uncover it. “My favorite! German chocolate cake with chocolate mousse.”
I chuckle at how adorably excited she is. “Of course.”
She wraps her arms around my neck and pulls me down for a kiss. “That was really thoughtful. I haven’t had that in years. Thank you.”
“Anything for my love.” Lowering my hands to her ass, I squeeze with a smirk. “You look beautiful, birthday girl. I love it when you wear easy-access dresses for me.”