Claiming the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 7)

“It’s time to cut the cake!” Rowan states an hour later, and I shake my head at her.

“You knew the whole time.” I scowl.

“Of course, I did. Had to make it believable. Between you and your brother, you love to ruin surprises.”

I’m reminded of the time I caught my parents putting presents under the tree. It was then that I realized it was all a lie. Funny enough, Kane had caught them the same night. We believed for each other’s sake even though we both knew the truth.

“Okay, but that happened one time.”

“Shall I bring up the Easter Bunny?” Kaitlyn walks up, laughing.

“And the Tooth Fairy,” Kane reminds me.

Kaitlyn clears her throat. “And y’all wonder why I say you ruined my innocent childhood.”

“Innocent?” Kane asks, amused. “You know you wouldn’t trade either of us for the world.”

I wrap my arm around my brother. “Yeah, what’s better than one asshole?”

“Two,” he adds with a chuckle.

“Yeah, well this is why I’m the favorite child.”

“I love you all equally!” our mom shouts from behind.

Kaitlyn leans in. “She’s lying. I’m the youngest and the only girl. The golden one.”

“Keep up that attitude, and you’re gonna get the Bishop twin curse,” I warn.

“Yeah, right. Imma need a sperm donor for that to happen.”

Right on cue, Payton walks up. “Happy Birthday,” he tells us.

He gives us each a solid handshake, and I make googly eyes at Kaitlyn. Heat rushes to her cheeks as she gives me a death glare.

I lean in so only she can hear me. “He’s built like a tractor. Bet he has some good genes to offer.”

She nudges me with a scowl. “Shut up.”

I chuckle at how easy it is to rile her up.

Hadleigh returns after chatting with Grandma, then interlocks her fingers with mine. I kiss her knuckles as Kane chats with Payton.

“I don’t know how you were able to get everyone together. And where the hell did they all park?”

“Mostly in the back and on the side streets. Planning this was easy once I got your grandma involved.”

“So you weren’t really in San Angelo?”

“Of course not. I have spare clothes in the back seat of my Jeep, but I needed a story so you wouldn’t suspect anything.”

I lean in and kiss her as cake and ice cream are served. There are lots of people here from town, along with my entire family. I honestly thought today would be like any other day, but I feel so lucky. It’s times like this I like being wrong.

After Kane and I unwrap the few gifts, people start saying goodbye and heading out.

“Want us to help clean up?” I ask my uncle John and Evan.

“Nah, go enjoy your day.”

“Thanks for everything,” I tell them, then find Hadleigh and pull her away.

“Ready to get outta here?” I ask, sliding my lips across hers.

“Yes,” she says eagerly.

“Okay, just gimme one second.” I clear my throat and speak up. “Just wanted to thank you all for coming out and celebrating with my brother and me. Thank you. We appreciate and love y’all.”

The room fills with applause, and I wave, grabbing my girl and exiting. Kane walks out with us.

“Were you surprised?” I ask him away from the group.

“Yeah, I didn’t expect it. You planned this, didn’t you?” he asks Hadleigh.

“Sure did, and I’m taking credit because apparently, this is the first party you two haven’t ruined,” she says.

“People need to be smart when they try to fool the two of us.” I chuckle.

“That’s very true,” Kane agrees.

“Hope you have a happy birthday and get everything you’ve ever wished for,” Hadleigh tells him.

He gives me a small smile, then looks back at her. “I’m sure I will.”

“What’re your plans tonight?” I ask him before he leaves, noticing he keeps looking at his watch.

“Going on a date, actually,” he says, and I instantly smile.

“Yeah? That’s awesome.”

“It is!” Hadleigh’s face lights up. “She better be nice and sweet.”

I chuckle at the thought of Kane dating a sweet woman. “So when do we get to meet this special lady?”

He shrugs. “Not sure. Just want to see how it goes, ya know? Not in a rush or anything.”

I nod. “Well, I hope you have fun either way.”

“Really happy for you two.” He grins, and I break away from her and give him another hug.

“Enjoy your birthday.”

“You too.” He pats my back, then we release our hold and go our separate ways.

“Wait, did you drive?” I ask when we get into the truck.

“Nope. I rode with Harper.”

“Sneaky, sneaky. I enjoy a woman who can keep me on my toes.”

“You better.”

As soon as we arrive back at my place, I kick off my boots.

“Are we still going to dinner?” she asks.

“I thought we’d start with dessert.”

She smirks. “Gotta admit, the thought of that makes me wet.”

I lift my brows as she slowly peels her shirt off her body.