Total pages in book: 296
Estimated words: 284055 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1420(@200wpm)___ 1136(@250wpm)___ 947(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 284055 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1420(@200wpm)___ 1136(@250wpm)___ 947(@300wpm)
“You’re welcome, sweetie. Glad you’re a part of the family. Keep this one under control,” she tells me, pointing at Riley as we walk out the door.
Guilt surfaces as we walk to the truck. Riley’s introducing me to everyone as if I’ve already moved here permanently. After we climb in, my thoughts take over, and he senses my mood change.
“What’s wrong?” he asks, giving me his full attention.
I don’t even know how to say what I’m thinking without ruining everything. I blow out a breath and sigh. “I don’t want anyone to get too attached to the idea of us,” I admit as hard as it is.
He stares intently at me. “Why not?”
I tilt my head. “Because we’re in test mode, and nothing is set in stone right now.”
Riley grabs my hand and interlocks his fingers with mine, then kisses my knuckles. “I don’t want you to leave, Zoey. I know everything is still new, and eloping in Vegas is one of the most insane things I’ve ever done in my life, but I think what we have is special. The forever kind.”
I suck in a deep breath, and while I don’t disagree, it doesn’t stop me from worrying that we’re jumping the gun. “But what if it’s just the excitement of it all? What happens when the newness wears off? That’s the type of thing I think about.”
He searches my face, then grins. “Did you notice how my dad still looks at my mom after twenty-three years?”
I think about them and how their love seems to only exist in books. “I did.”
“That’s going to be us,” he says matter-of-factly, then leans over and kisses me. “See?”
“You’re presumptuous.” I laugh against his lips, enjoying the way he can’t seem to stop touching me.
“It’s one of my best qualities, baby.” Riley winks before starting the truck. He drives to the B&B and waits for me to change. Once I’m ready to go, he guides me to the garden where we find Mila bent over with buckets and small shovels surrounding her.
“Aunt Mila,” Riley calls out.
“Over here.” She stands and waves. I don’t know how it’s possible that all these Bishop women are so damn beautiful. I hope when I’m in my late forties, I look half as good as them. She takes off her gloves and goes to the wagon she has with supplies and grabs a jug of water.
“You two coming to help today?” she asks after she takes a long drink and wipes the sweat from her forehead.
“I am!” I say, and it’s hard for me to even hold back my excitement.
“Yeah, I’m gonna finish painting the barn before Grandma flips her shit.”
Mila gives him a look and grins. “I’m telling your mother you’re cursing in front of a lady, mister.”
“Aunt Mila. You know you’re my favorite aunt for a reason,” he tells her, and she laughs.
“True.” She hands me an extra set of gloves and a small shovel. “Imma put you to work, Zoey.”
“I’m so ready,” I admit, excited to play in the dirt.
Riley leans over and gives me a smack on the lips. “See you soon, sweetheart. Mila’s gonna kick that city girl right outta you.”
“Har, har.” I roll my eyes at his dig.
When we pull away, I look at him longingly. It’s hard to watch him leave, but damn, the view of him in those tight jeans is nice.
Mila clears her throat, bringing the attention back to her. “Ready?”
I nod, and she gives me instructions on what she’s doing, then puts her gloves back on.
“I’ve already added fertilizer to these two rows here, but now I need to plant seeds all the way down. If you want to start on this side, then I’ll start here, and we’ll get it done in half the time. Boy, am I happy you’re here.” She shows me how deep to dig, then sends me on my way.
We’re essentially working back to back, and I try to keep up with her as she plants.
“So how do you like it here so far?” she asks.
“Love it. It’s hot like Phoenix, but the people here are much nicer,” I say.
She chuckles. “Yeah, it is hot as hell here. The winters are nice, though. Still gets cold, and we sometimes get snow, but not often. Gotta love Texas. You’ll see what I mean.” She scoots down farther on the row. I swear she could run circles around me.
“Yeah,” I say, and the guilt comes rushing in again. If the time comes for me to leave, I know it’ll be difficult, but I won’t go until I know for sure what Riley’s and my future holds. I have a feeling I already know the answer to that, but it doesn’t make it less scary.
I love the smell of fresh earth and being able to plant something that will grow into food that everyone can enjoy. Plus, it’s so peaceful out here. In Arizona, it’s so busy, and there’s barely any downtime. I need this more than she even knows.