by Kennedy Fox
“Tomorrow at twelve. I didn’t initially plan to stay very long. Get in, get out type of thing because I didn’t know what your reaction would be. Plus, I have to be back to work on Wednesday.” She props herself up on one elbow and looks at me with so much passion in her eyes I’m forced to hold myself back. She has no clue what she does to me with just one glance. I ball my hands into fists and tell myself I can’t do the things I want to do. But if I could, I’d lay her down, make sweet love to her, then fuck her really good for making me wait this long.
“Okay,” I say, my eyes wandering up and down her body. “Oh, we’re planning a surprise birthday party for Mama next month, so my entire family will be there, and I’d really like you to be there, too.”
River sits up straight. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea, considering she hates me.”
I sit next to her, needing to touch her in some way, just to make sure she’s really here. I face her and grab her soft hands in mine.
“It’s a really big deal. Mama’s turning fifty. All my aunts, uncles, and cousins are coming. Even the ones who have to travel from hours away. I’d really love for you to meet everyone, so we can share our news. Don’t know the next time we’ll all be together again.”
She chews her bottom lip, stewing it over. “Well, I can’t make any promises, Alex. If I can, I will, but I have to go back to Wisconsin first and make arrangements. Pack up my apartment. Find a moving company. Put in my two weeks’ notice and see if a transfer close is even available before coming back here. I don’t even know where I’m going to stay or what I’m taking with me. There’s so much up in the air right now that I don’t feel like I can commit to anything, even if it’s a month away. A lot can happen in such a short time, so I just don’t want to disappoint you.” I can hear the worry in her voice.
“Darlin’, don’t worry about anything here. I promise I’m going to work on all that and have it settled before you come back. And let me say, the sooner, the better. I honestly wish you didn’t have to go back at all.”
She nods, her green eyes meeting mine, and I can’t stop myself any longer. I pull her to my chest, my mouth magnetized to hers. River sighs against my lips, and her body melts into mine as we kiss slowly and passionately, not rushing. I want to take all the time I can with her because this moment seems too good to be true. When we finally break apart, her chest rises and falls, and I watch as she swallows hard.
“Sorry,” I whisper, knowing I’ve crossed her boundaries once again.
What we had in Key West, that insane connection, is still here and is as strong as ever.
Smirking, I stand. “I have a feeling I’m going to be apologizing for doing things like that a lot.”
“We’re supposed to be taking it slow, remember?” She chuckles.
I shrug. “I know. But it’s hard when I finally have what I’ve been missing all these months,” I admit.
“Yeah, what’s that?” River raises an eyebrow and studies me.
“You.”
Before we can get too caught up in each other, my phone vibrates in my pocket, and I realize I’ve lost track of time again. I reject the call. Dylan needs to find a little patience and give me a fucking break.
“Dylan and I will get your car from the diner and park it downstairs for you, so you don’t have to leave any sooner for the airport than you have to.”
River stands, digs in her bag, and hands me the keys. “That’d be great considering I have no idea how to get to the diner from here. Since my flight leaves at noon, I should be there around ten.”
“I wish you didn’t have to go,” I tell her and watch her face soften.
“It won’t be forever,” she reminds me as she hands over the keys. Leaning forward, I kiss her on the cheek before telling her goodbye—something I already hate doing.
“I’ll come back after work if that’s okay.”
“I’d love that,” she says, walking back to the bed. “I think I’m going to read for a while and maybe take a nap until you come back.”
“Okay, darlin’. Sweet dreams.” I smile before walking out. As soon as I’m in the hallway, I send Dylan a text and let him know I’m on my way to get the trailer then I’ll meet him. All I get in return is a middle finger emoji.
It takes me no time at all to drive to the middle pasture where the large storage barn is. Bales of hay are plopped on top of each other in the entryway, and I back in the old work truck and trailer. Slamming the door shut, I get out and yell, “I’m back, asshole!”
“’Bout damn time!” he says, throwing another bale of hay from the loft above. It hits the ground with a thud, causing dust to rise. I put on my gloves and begin loading them on the trailer until it’s full. It’s backbreaking work, but I welcome the distraction.
Once we’ve got the truck packed down, Dylan climbs down the ladder.
“So, how’s Daddy doin’?” he teases. When I told him earlier, he wasn’t shocked at all, but it hasn’t stopped him from giving me shit and making daddy jokes all damn day. I don’t imagine that will stop anytime soon, either.
“Shut the hell up,” I tell him as we climb into the truck.
“How’d it go today?” He turns the heater on full blast and places his hands over the vent.
“Mama wasn’t happy about it. Shoulda probably told her alone.”
“She’ll get over it, though. Remember that time Jackson thought he knocked up that preacher’s daughter? Remember how angry she was? I thought she was gonna grab a shotgun and hunt Jackson down.”
I chuckle, completely forgetting about that. “Yeah. I remember now. But she was pissed because she heard it through the grapevine at church and not Jackson’s mouth. So it’s kinda different.”
We drive down the rock road, kicking dust up in our wake, and head over to the B&B to unload the hay into the stables. Considering the group of riders will be back within the hour, Dylan and I make quick work of it and stack hay in the feed room until it’s full. After we’re done, we drive around the property and drop hay for the horses and cows. It takes more time than I predicted, but that’s to be expected when there’s so much land to cover.
Before we call it quits for the day, I ask Dylan if he’ll ride with me to get River’s car. Rolling his eyes, he agrees. We drop the work vehicles back at the barn and take my truck to the diner. The sun is setting in the distance, and I know we don’t have much time before darkness falls. Fifteen minutes later, we’re pulling into the parking lot. When I see Mrs. Betty inside wiping a table down and getting ready to close, I decide to step in really quick.
“Hey, honey!” she says with a big wide smile.
“Hey, Mrs. Betty.” I give her a hug. “Can I order a piece of chocolate cake to go? Actually, make it two.”
“Sure thing.” She walks around the counter and cuts two huge slices and places them in boxes, then bags it. I hand her a twenty and tell her to keep the change.
“You always spoil me,” she tells me. “Is that for your lady?” Her eyebrows raise as she waits for my answer.
“Yes, ma’am. The other piece is for Mama.”
“I’m sure there’s a story behind that one. You’ll have to come see me sometime this week and fill me in,” Betty says just as someone walks up to pay their check. I promise her I will and make my way out the door.
“I’m not driving that,” Dylan says, pointing to the Prius. “My dick may actually fall off if I even sit in that thing.”
I hand him the keys to my truck. “Hopefully your dick will be okay with that.”
Unlocking the car, I walk over to it and shake my head, understanding why Dylan was so reluctant. As soon as I open the door and attempt to sit, I search around the seat to slide it back so my legs have more room. Once I’ve adjusted the seat and mirrors, I press the button to crank it but can’t hear the engine. I don’t have to search around for the lights because they turn on as soon as the engine roars to life. Seriously, what is this futuristic shit? I put it in reverse and ste
p on the gas, and it moves, but I’m not convinced the damned thing is even on.
The whole way back to the ranch, I can smell her shampoo, and it causes my mind to wander back to the beach. That really was a trip of a lifetime that changed both our lives forever.
I turn onto the country road that leads to the ranch, and Dylan follows close behind me. Instead of going straight to the B&B, I turn on the long driveway that leads to my parents' house where Dylan’s truck is parked. When I get out with a to-go box and plastic fork in my hand, he looks at me confused.
“I’m gonna be a while. I have to talk to my Mama before going to see River. I have an apology to make for being disrespectful.”
Dylan hands me my keys and walks toward his truck. “You better apologize then. Mama can make your life heaven or hell, and you ought to know by now you get more bees with honey than vinegar.”
“Story of my life. See you tomorrow!” I tell him as I walk up the sidewalk that leads to the front door. Before stepping in, I inhale a deep breath, say a little prayer, and hope I can smooth this over. Pushing my ego to the side, I turn the doorknob and enter.
Mama is sitting on the couch with a blanket on her lap watching one of those cheesy movies on the Hallmark Channel that always fades to black.
She glances at me then focuses on the TV.
“Hey, Mama,” I say sweetly, sitting next to her on the couch.
“Hey, baby.” She speaks, but she doesn’t look back at me. The tension in the room is so thick, I could cut it with a knife.
“I’m sorry for being short earlier. You raised me better than that.” I hand her the piece of cake and fork.
She opens the box and immediately smiles. “Trying to sweeten me up with Betty’s cake? Your father taught you right.”
Before she even asks, I walk to the kitchen, pour a big glass of cold milk, and return to the living room. “I just want us to be okay. That’s all. I don’t like going to bed angry. Something you taught me a long time ago.”
“Sit,” she demands, taking the milk willingly. “Listen to me, son. I love you no matter what. Okay? I’ll always love you and your brothers and sister. Knowing that you’re all going to start having kids of your own makes me realize that you’re no longer my babies, that you’re growing up, and moving on.”
I open my mouth to speak, and she lifts her mighty finger to stop me.
“I always wanted you all to have a better life than I had. Than your father had. I wanted you to experience everything you possibly could, but most of all, I want you to be happy.”
“Mama, I’m so happy. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life right now. And that’s why it’s so important to have your acceptance. I want Dad’s approval, too. It hurts me to know that you’re disappointed in me or in the situation or that you don’t like the woman who’s carrying your grandbaby.”
She takes a bite of cake and closes her eyes as she chews. Betty’s cake is the best in six counties; even Mama knows it.
“Honey, I don’t know her. How can I not like someone I don’t know? I just thought you’d settle with some sweet Southern girl who has the same values as us, not someone from a different world. But I’ve had to realize that’s not my choice, that’s yours. However, I was shocked today. It took me by surprise that’s all. Out of all my sons, I didn’t think you’d be the one to be in this situation right now. If anyone, I thought it’d be Jackson, honestly.”
That makes me laugh because she really has no idea. Jackson talks a big talk, but he doesn’t walk the walk. He’s a loose cannon on most days.
“I know, Mama. But I thought you’d be happy to hear I’m doing the right thing. We’re going to do this together and be a family, which strangely enough, is all I want. She came here to tell me she was pregnant and keeping the baby but didn’t expect anything from me, just thought I deserved to know. I begged her to move here so I could be involved. She’s leaving the only life she’s ever known to be with me because that’s the best chance we have of having something real.”
She blinks, taking in everything I’ve just said, and her shoulders visibly relax. “Do you love her?” she asks.
It takes me less than a second to respond. “Yes, Mama. I think I do.” Memories of us together flash through my mind. The way River’s face looks when she laughs and how pretty she is when she’s sleeping are all I can think about. I try to imagine my life without her in it, and it’s just not possible. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone in my life.”
The corner of her lips tilts up. “That’s good enough for me, son. Come here,” Mama says, setting the cake on the coffee table. She opens her arms, and I fall into them.
“I love you, Alex.”
“I love you, too, Mama. I always will.”
Chapter Eighteen
RIVER
Instead of taking a nap, I sit on the back porch and read for hours. In Texas, they seem to eat before five o’clock, and I hadn’t realized I was hungry until someone mentioned dinner was being served. Somehow, I clear a plate of pot roast and mashed potatoes like I haven’t eaten in weeks.
After dinner, I read until dark. I had to know what happened at the end of my book regardless of my eyes being tired. Not knowing what time Alex would return, I decide to crawl into bed for the night because I’m exhausted. I don’t know how long I’ve been sleeping when I wake to the door of my room slowly being cracked open. The moonlight streams through the window, and I’m groggy as I turn to see Alex walking inside.
“Hey, sweetheart,” he says, softly.
“Hi.” I barely get out. I hadn’t realized how damn tired I was till now. He doesn’t turn on the lights, but instead, he sets a Styrofoam box and plastic fork down on the small dresser next to the bed. As he steps closer, I can smell him. He smells like hay and leather all mixed with sweat, and it’s a scent I’d like to bottle up and bring back to Wisconsin with me.
“I’m going to take a shower if that’s okay,” he whispers close to my face, brushing the hair off my forehead and pressing a soft kiss there.
I nod, closing my eyes, and drift in and out of sleep as I hear the water run in the bathroom.
Just as I’m falling deeper into sleep, I feel him crawl into bed next to me. The warmth of his body from the shower feels good against my skin as our bodies mold together. He holds me like he’s never letting me go, and when his hand brushes against my stomach, I smile, then tense up when all the memories of us in bed flood in.
“I just want to hold you,” he says against the softness of my neck, and it feels like home. For the first time in months, I feel complete with Alex next to me, and that thought scares me. Whatever’s going on between us has to work. I want it to work, but the possibility of it not is still there. I push the thoughts out of my head, and when I hear the low sound of his heavy breathing, I know he’s asleep. It doesn’t take long for me to follow him to dreamland.
I wake up in the early morning and wonder if last night was all a dream because Alex is nowhere to be found. The Styrofoam box is still in place, so I know it wasn’t.
Checking the time, I realize breakfast is still being served and take the opportunity to go downstairs to get more of those delicious blueberry muffins. As soon as I see them, my mouth instantly waters. I grab two and sit in my favorite chair by the window.
Just as I’m stuffing my mouth, a man walks in wearing dark blue scrubs with an ID badge pinned to his top. He must be the older brother, Evan—the doctor. I watch him as he walks to the counter and speaks with John. He shares similarities to Alex with the same dark blond hair and build, and those same bright blue Bishop eyes. However, Evan’s face is more aged, and I can tell he’s the oldest of the brothers. His jawline is cut with darker scruff, and the stress from his job is evident in his features.
I don’t realize I’m staring until John points over at me. Lifting my hand, I wave and try to swallow down the huge bite of muffin I took. Evan makes eye contact with me then walks over. The way he’s looking at me like he
knows all my secrets makes me nervous as hell. Cocky confidence must be a Bishop thing because they’ve all got it.
Evan doesn’t ask before he sits in the chair across from me.
“I’m Evan. Alex’s older brother,” he says, formally introducing himself.
“Hi, I’m River. Nice to officially meet you,” I tell him, wondering if he’s an asshole doctor because if I had to judge him by his looks and the way he carries himself, I’d say he was. He has that brooding and serious look down.
“I’m just going to cut to the chase.” He looks at his watch then back at me. “I know about you and Alex. I also know you’re a pediatric nurse. You know I’m a doctor. See what I’m getting at?”
I continue eating my muffins because I have no clue what he’s insinuating but pretend like I do.
“If you’re really moving here and need a job, I can put in a good word for you, if you’re interested. Alex said you were worried about finding work here, but we’re always looking. We can use all the help we can get at the hospital, especially on the children’s floor. Not many people with your experience move to Nowhere, Texas, so we’re always shorthanded.”
Well, these Bishops just get straight to the point, don’t they?
I swallow down the muffin. “You’re offering me a job?”
“Well, I don’t do the official hiring, but one phone call and you’d have an interview within an hour. Mostly just to make sure your references pan out and that you are who you say you are. Then there’d be official paperwork for you to fill out and all of that, but if you want it, then yes, I could help make it happen.” His words make my head spin because I hadn’t decided what I’d do for work yet or if I’d wait till after the baby was born.
“Wow…I don’t know what to say.”
“Think about it and get back to me. No pressure. Just wanted you to know the option is there.”
“I will, thank you.” I smile, feeling the stress melt away. I love my job and working with kids, and knowing I’d be leaving it behind is a hard reality to swallow. However, if I could continue some of that work here, I wouldn’t feel so useless and dependent on Alex.
