Bossing the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 4)

“I thought you took that exam a couple of months ago?” Rowan asks.

“That was the national licensing exam. Have to take that before graduation, then after you take the boards. So until I get my official license to practice, I can’t do anything at the clinic.”

“Oh wow. When do you take it?” she asks.

“I can take it at any time, but I’m hoping next month I’ll be ready so I can apply for a job or figure out my next steps.”

“Not workin’ with Dr. VetDreamy?” Rowan smirks, and I give her a look since Grandma’s close.

I shrug, handing Rory back to her. “Honestly, I don’t know. He let me stay after my initial internship since I was able to get clinical credits for my residency, but I’m not sure if he wants another doctor at his practice.”

I’ve been too chickenshit to ask, and he hasn’t brought it up. He’s been strictly professional. Between his secret phone calls and hiding in his office, I talk to Beverly and Trina more. A part of me hasn’t wanted to ask about my future at the office because I’m too afraid of the answer. If he does want me to stay, he hasn’t shared that with me.

“Hey y’all,” Maize greets with a big grin. “Congratulations, Elle!”

“Thanks, Maze.” She’s glowing, and it’s obvious why. She’s marrying Gavin next month, which means I’ll be studying and on bridesmaid's duty. But at this point in my life, I’m used to always having my plate overfull.

“And where’s your fiancé?”

“Being rowdy with the boys outside, of course. You’d think I wouldn’t have to deal with him being into all that shit since he’s older, but he gives in to the peer pressure.” She grunts, and the three of us laugh.

“Oh honey, it doesn’t matter how old they get. They never, ever calm down,” Grandma explains. “I still haveta whip your dad and uncles into shape from time to time. If it wasn’t for their wives, it’d be a full-time job.”

I chuckle because she’s right. My dad was the tamer, more serious one of the bunch, but I still heard stories of his wild summers working on the ranch when he wasn’t in school.

“Another confirmation that being single is the only way to be. I’ll have five dogs to keep me company,” I say, then add, “and maybe a few cats and horses too.”

“You will not,” Grandma blurts out. “If my boys found partners to put up with their antics, there’s no reason you can’t.”

“Now, Grandma, why in the world would I want to put up with a man?” I tease, playfully crossing my arms.

“To give her more great-grandbabies, of course.” Maize snickers.

“Well, of course, but I want all my grandchildren to be happy too.”

“I’m plenty happy without a man to drive me crazy.”

“Raising a family will bring you so much joy.” She cups my cheek and smiles.

“Okay, Grandma. You’re right.” I return her smile, mostly to appease her, but a part of me wants that too.

She scoops up Rory, and her eyes light up with pure happiness. He’s her second great-grandchild, and Grandma Bishop just eats his cuteness up. Riley and Zoey’s son, Zach, turns two next month, so it’s been a while since we’ve had a newborn around.

“Your parents are proof you can have a career and a family. Working as doctors while raising two kids,” Grandma tells me.

“Speaking of doctor…” Maize lingers, looking over my shoulder.

I turn, and my eyes widen when I spot Connor. What’s he doing here?

“Did you know he was comin’?” Rowan asks.

“No…I didn’t even tell him about the party.”

My eyes meet Grandma’s, who’s looking awfully suspicious. She most definitely invited him.

Just great.

“Go thank him for coming,” Grandma urges.

“And ask if he plans to hire you,” Rowan adds with a smirk.

“Or if you can have his babies.”

“Maize!” I whisper-hiss.

“Go do all three.” Grandma snickers.

“Look what you two started.” I glare at my cousins.

My heart races as I try to hype myself into speaking to him. I haven’t seen Connor in two weeks. Between finals and getting ready for graduation, I couldn’t work. Seeing him in regular clothes is weird.

“Go!” Maize pushes.

I narrow my eyes at her, then walk away.

“Dr. Wallen, I wasn’t expecting to see you here,” I say kindly. He looks as nervous as I feel.

“I wasn’t sure when I’d see you next and wanted to give you this. And to say congratulations.”

He hands me a box. “You got me a gift?”

“It’s not much,” he says with a small grin.

I peel off the wrapping paper and pull back the tissue inside to find a stack of notecards and a thick leather notebook. Next to it is an expensive-looking pen set.

“It’s to help you study,” he clarifies. “Those are the notecards I made when I was studying for the boards.”

“You’re giving me your notes?” I ask, honestly shocked at his generosity.