Wrangling the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 3)

“Good idea! Guess I’ve got some work to do once I get home,” I say, wondering if I should group text them or do it individually. I’m not in the mood for excuses, but I think they’ll be on board to help without kicking their asses. One thing’s for certain, us Bishop’s usually stick together.

“Let me know if you’re able to round them up or not.” Dad grins, and I leave with a pep to my step.

It’s been a few days since my cousins said they’d help me at the rodeo, and it only took a few friendly threats. Elle was even able to commit after she told her sexy as sin boss she needed off. I’ve got Riley, Elle, Kenzie, Kane, Knox, and even Diesel. Rowan’s planning to close the bar during that week because it’ll be really busy. I should find out any day now if I’ve been accepted, and if not, Grandma will have a few choice words with the Chamber of Commerce. No one crosses that woman when it comes to her grandkids, and I mean absolutely no one.

Today is Valentine's Day, and I’m already dreading it more than usual. I’ve decided not to go onto social media so I can avoid the ridiculous photos of couples so happily in love with candy and flowers. I’m already gagging thinking about it. Even though I’m a known love hater, as Rowan says, I still like making the day fun for the B&B guests.

The weather is brisk, and I crank the heat on full blast on the way to work. When I step out of my truck, frost crunches under my feet as I walk, and I honestly can’t wait for the spring flowers. Once I’m inside, I immediately get started. After I mix the strawberry pancake batter, I pull out the giant heart molds and the smaller ones for the sausage patties. Each year, we get tons of compliments by keeping the theme.

My employees arrive, and it’s a madhouse when breakfast starts, but then again, when is it not? We’re running back and forth between the buffet and the kitchen, and I swear we make hundreds of heart-shaped pancakes. The next time I go into the dining area, I see Riley and Diesel ragging on each other as Knox and Kane instigate the situation.

“He totally called you a pussy,” Kane taunts.

“I did not.” Diesel shakes his head.

“Shhh,” I say, rushing over to them and grabbing Kane by his ear like he’s a kid. “We have guests in here, so you need to shut the fuck up,” I whisper. “I will tell your mama in a heartbeat that you’re using that language in the B&B.”

He rolls his eyes but straightens up as soon as Dad comes into sight. “Y’all behaving?”

“Yes, sir,” they all say in unison. I give them an evil look, then smile sweetly at my dad. He nods and walks away as I return to the kitchen.

Just after eight, my cell phone buzzes like crazy on the counter. It’s from an unknown number, but I answer it anyway.

“Is this Ms. Maize Bishop?” a man asks.

“Yes, it is.”

“Great, I just wanted to call and congratulate you on being accepted to compete in the barbecue contest at the rodeo. We would’ve gotten back to you sooner, but we had a ton of applications to sort through this year. You’re still interested, correct?”

My heart flutters with happiness. “Oh my God, yes, absolutely!” I throw my hand up in the air, giving a fist pump as Jane and Sandra glance over at me.

“Fantastic. We’ll have a pre-meeting in a few weeks that you’ll need to attend. Please make sure you read over the rules for your team so you’re not disqualified. We’re happy to have you on board and can’t wait to try your brisket.”

“Thank you. Thank you so much.”

The call ends, and I let out a hoot. I know I’m being loud as hell, but this is the best news I could’ve received today. I thought I wouldn’t get picked for a few days because I hadn’t received a call yet, but now that I have, that means I need to start preparing.

Knowing I have to tell Dad the good news, I go and search for him. He’s in the dining area pouring coffee into a mug.

“What’s going on?” He grins.

“They chose me for the contest!” I’m so excited my voice is an entire octave higher than usual.

He gives me a side hug. “See, told you! You’re gonna win this, sweetie! I just know it!”

“That would be incredible,” I admit, imagining it, then notice we need more bacon and biscuits. “Gotta get back to it.”

I’m floating on cloud nine as I slap bacon strips on the griddle. Since Grandma mentioned it, I’ve been trying to perfect my honey barbecue sauce, but honestly, the meat is so juicy and tender that it’s not even needed. When I deliver the food to the buffet, I see Gavin enter. His eyes meet mine as I carefully stack a pile of hot buttermilk biscuits under the lamps.