Wrangling the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 3)

Watching Diesel and Rowan dance is mesmerizing. It’s obvious how much they love each other. She smiles as Diesel dips and spins her around. Above, an airplane flies low, and everyone looks up to see the message drifting behind it.

It reads: Will You Marry Me, Rowan Bishop?

All eyes are on them as Diesel clumsily fidgets and tries to pull the ring from his pocket. As soon as he flips open the box, tears spill down Rowan’s face. Diesel drops to one knee and tells her he knew she was his the first time they kissed. My eyes fall on Maize, who’s standing with her hand on her chest over her heart, and she looks so goddamn beautiful with her hair pulled back. Even from a distance, I can see the softness of her neck and have the urge to run my mouth across her skin.

She may be anti-love, but I’m convinced it’s all a ploy.

Rowan hesitates with her answer, and eventually, her grandma Bishop speaks up. “Rowan Bishop, you better give that man an answer and not keep him and the rest of us waitin’.”

With a grandma like that, no wonder she’s a spitfire.

“Yes, yes, yes! I will marry you,” Rowan yells, loud enough I’m sure everyone in San Antonio could hear her answer. They have a little make-out session, then Diesel slips the ring on her finger. It’s adorable, and I’m glad they’re so happy and will officially start their life together.

After they walk away for some privacy, Jackson and John serve everyone what they’ve been grilling. I get up and grab food for Sarah and me, then deliver it back.

“I’m so happy for them,” she says, taking a bite of her burger. “I love engagements and weddings. Mama says I’m a hopeless romantic, always have been, if I’m being honest,” she admits.

“I can see that,” I say. “It’s not a bad thing to have a heart. Shows you’re compassionate.”

After we finish, the fireworks are nearly set up, and they’ll start lighting them any minute now. I see Maize, who looks like she’s ready to internally combust when Rowan walks up to her. It’s obvious she’s pissed. When Rowan pulls her away to talk to her, I nearly chuckle. While her anger shouldn’t bring me joy, it does. It’s proof she’s jealous as hell. Once they head to the drink table, I turn to Sarah. “You thirsty?”

She nods, leaning back on the blanket.

“I’ll be right back,” I tell her and stand.

As soon as I’m close to Maize, I gently pull her away from Rowan so I can get a few words in.

“I’ve put the pieces together, Maize,” I say in a lowered tone. She looks at me like she wants to throw daggers at my face.

“What are you talkin’ about exactly?” she asks, playing dumb like usual.

I glare at her, allowing the silence to pass between us as she stares me down. Unfortunately for her, I’m immune to her act because, at this point, I could write a book on her reactions. The thought has me laughing, which only infuriates her more. “I’ve tamed wild horses, Maize Bishop, and I’ll tame your attitude too. I like a good challenge.”

She scoffs and rolls her eyes at me, but I can tell I’ve gotten under her skin. “Is that a threat or something?” she asks with shakiness in her voice.

“Not a threat, sweetheart. That’s a damn promise,” I confirm, meaning every word. I give her a smirk, then walk away. Before I make it back to Sarah, I grab two waters from an ice chest. I can only imagine how angry Maize is right now, and it fills me with joy knowing I can see through her.

I hand Sarah the water, and she thanks me. When I sit next to her, she scoots closer and leans her head on my shoulder. When I turn around, I catch a glimpse of Maize watching us and chuckle. I’ve got all the goddamn proof I need. She tells me to move on, then is ready to murder me when I invite another woman to join me. One thing is for certain—Maize needs to make up her mind because, at this point, I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t.

The firework show starts, and it’s incredible. I’ve seen displays this big at rodeos, and I’m amazed they’re able to pull it off so flawlessly. The booms from the mortar shells echo in the distance, and the colors are bright and spectacular. Some crackle and pop while others glitter and fade.

The summer breeze brushes against my skin, and I realize how much I love being on the ranch. It’s been almost a year since I took the job, and I haven’t once regretted it. I’ve found my second family, and I can’t imagine how hard it’s going to be to leave this behind.