Catching the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 2)

“Of course she did.” Alex snickers before we go our separate ways.

Five minutes later, Alex turns on the stereo and blasts it while everyone sits on blankets and picnic tables, waiting for the sun to set so we can start popping fireworks.

“Life of the Party” by Shawn Mendes blasts through the speakers, and I walk across the pasture and mouth the words to Rowan. Her eyes widen with recognition and shock.

“What’re you doin’?” she mouths back.

Chelsea takes Dawson as I grab Rowan’s hand and pull her to her feet. I start dancing with her in front of everyone, re-creating the night of her winter formal when we first danced to her favorite song. I spin her around and dip her a few times until the airplane flies overhead. It’s low in the sky, and the engine’s loud, grabbing the entire town’s attention. Behind it flies a sign that reads: “Will You Marry Me, Rowan Bishop?”

Everyone in a fifty-mile radius can read it without a doubt. She looks up, then glances back at me, her lips parted.

“What does that say?” she asks just as I drop down on one knee.

I’m nervous as hell, knowing all eyes are watching us, but I try to focus on the beautiful woman in front of me who I’m going to make my wife. I fidget and pull the ring box from my pocket and flip it open. Rowan’s eyes are full of tears, but the smile hasn’t left her face.

“I knew when we were kids that you were the only woman for me. So many people have told me that when you know, you know, and I knew you were meant to be mine when we danced and shared our first kiss that night. Somehow, I’ve always known.” She covers her mouth with her hands, tears sliding down her cheeks and fingers. “Rowan, you make me the happiest man alive. You’ve taught me so much in so little time, and I can’t imagine a life without you. You love me wholeheartedly. You love and welcome my son in your life. I love you more than words can express. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted.” I reach up and grab her hand. “Sweetheart, will you marry me?”

Rowan nearly knocks me down as she wraps her arms around my neck. The ring goes flying as she kisses me in front of her whole family.

“Rowan Bishop,” her grandma says. “You better give that man an answer and not keep him and the rest of us waitin’.”

* * *

ROWAN

Everyone surrounding us laughs at Grandma Bishop’s outburst. She has her hand on her hips, impatiently waiting.

“Yes, yes, yes! I will marry you.” I scream out for the whole town to hear.

I’m nearly straddling him in front of God and country, but all I want to do is kiss his soft, perfect lips. Eventually, we break apart, and he helps me back to my feet.

“Oh, the ring,” he says, seeing the box on the ground. Neither of us cared about it and were too caught up in the moment of being together for the rest of our lives. He pulls the sparkling diamond out and slips it on my finger. I can’t help but gasp at how stunning it looks on me.

“This is too much,” I whisper, looking down at the rock.

“You deserve it all, baby,” he says, just loud enough for me to hear. “So let’s get you knocked up.”

I smack him across the chest, but the truth is, I have my own secret to tell. After everyone has given us a stupid amount of hugs and congratulations, Diesel takes me off to the side, away from everyone so we can have some privacy for the first time all day.

“Are you happy, Row?”

I look at him, feeling the tears creeping in my eyes. “You have no idea. I…I…didn’t expect any of this. Not today. I don’t know how you managed to buy a ring and plan all of this without me knowing.”

A sneaky grin sweeps across his lips. “You think all we do all day is work on the ranch? You’re sadly mistaken.”

I shake my head. “You’re so bad.”

He leans over, and I press my lips against his and melt into him. By the time we pull apart, we’re both breathless, and I’m more than ready to get out of here and consummate this proposal, but not before I say what I need to.

“Adam,” I say seriously, looking up into his eyes.

He tilts his head, furrowing his brows. “Yes?”

“I don’t know how to say this without just telling you….” I hesitate.

He searches my face and looks alarmed, so I give him a reassuring smile.

“I’m pregnant,” I say, swallowing hard, watching him process what I just said.

He blinks hard. “Wait, what?”

“I found out a few days ago. I was feeling weird at the bar and picked up a handful of tests from the store after work. They were all positive.” I shrug.