Claiming the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 7)

My cousin Maize is the head chef and prepares the weekly menu. She’s a good cook, and everyone loves her food. Though, I’d never tell her as much. Don’t want it to get to her head.

“Today must be my lucky day,” I tease when she brings out a pile of hot buttermilk biscuits, sausage patties, and white gravy.

She smirks. “Oh, look what the cat dragged in.”

I tilt my head. “Someone piss in your oatmeal this mornin’?”

“Oh, shut up,” she says with a grin. “I’m actually surprised to see you in one piece.”

“I know, everyone wants a slice of Knox Bishop. I mean, check me out—good lookin’ and charmin’—a real lady teaser and pleaser,” I say confidently, piling a plate full of food, then grabbing a coffee mug.

She snorts. “That’s not how I’d describe you, but I’ll keep my opinions to myself.”

We like to give each other a hard time when we can. She’s so busy working and raising her family that I don’t get to see her nearly as much as when we were younger. I kinda miss those days.

My stomach growls as I move to a table by the window, and I scarf down every last bite. It’s so good that I’m tempted to go for a second serving, but I don’t want to be too stuffed dealing with those stinky-ass goats. I should’ve just called in sick today, but honestly, the distraction is needed.

After I put up my dishes, I grab a coffee to go. The dining room was only filled with guests since most ranch hands stopped by earlier this morning. I’m kinda glad I missed them because they would’ve hounded me for details. After my night, I’d rather keep things to myself.

Before leaving, I say hello to my uncle John. He’s my dad’s twin brother and runs the B&B. He gives me a cautious look. “You stayin’ away from trouble?”

I arch a brow at him. “Don’t think I’ve met someone named Trouble, but if I do, I’ll make sure to keep my distance.”

He shakes his head and chuckles under his breath. “Just like Jackson.”

“Nah, they say I’m a million times worse.”

“Then I’m glad you’re his kid and not mine.” He gives me a playful grin.

“I am too. Have a good one, Uncle J.”

I get into my truck and drive to the goat barn. Before I can walk inside, my cousin Ethan meets up with me.

“Didn’t expect to see you today.” He greets me with a stern glare. “Also, you look like total shit.” He’s only a year older than me, but he already has his life together. On top of running the goat farm, he and his wife, Harper, just had a baby boy a couple of months ago.

“Does that mean I can go home then?” I taunt.

“Hell no. So…how was your date last night?” He narrows his eyes at me, but his devious smirk doesn’t fade. Of course, Harper told him.

“Noneya damn business. You know I don’t kiss and tell.”

Ethan acts like he wants to say something else but doesn’t.

We walk through the barn, where most goats are already in their stalls hooked up to be milked. He’s very particular about their schedules and keeping the milk fresh. He sells it to different companies across the state and take orders well in advance, so it’s important that none of it spoils. Next door is Harper’s warehouse, where she makes homemade soaps and lotions from the goats’ milk.

“So what’s on your mind? You’re actin’ like you got something to say.” I glance over at him, and he shrugs with a smug-ass look. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he’s hiding something.

“You’ll find out soon enough, I’m sure.”

“Don’t think I like the sound of that.” I grunt.

Ethan shrugs as we come out of the other side of the large barn. He turns to me with a shit-eating grin. “Did Riley tear you a new one for being late again?”

I snort. “He wishes. He needs to grow a beard or something so he’s more intimidating.”

Ethan bursts into a roar of laughter.

The exhaustion starts to hit, and I just want to get this day over with so I can go home and pass out. “So tell me what I’ll be doing today.”

“I need the back barn cleaned and fresh hay laid out for bedding since the temps are supposed to drop. Oh, and check the water well. Make sure it’s ready for a hard freeze. Last thing I need is that pump goin’ out.”

“Oh, what fun…” I groan, but I’m not surprised, considering it’s the end of November.

“Don’t worry. We’ve all done this bullshit too. This isn’t forever, Knox. Just a part of doin’ your time, like our dads did when they were our age,” he reminds me.

“Yeah,” I say, wishing I had the courage to start something of my own like Ethan. It’s obvious he really loves it. But I keep those thoughts to myself.