Chapter Fourteen

Jackson

THREE MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

“Is there a reason you’re always here?” I hear John behind me and picture him crossing his arms with a scowl.

I finish filling my mug with coffee before turning around with a shit-eating grin. “What can I say? You have the best brew.”

He rolls his eyes and shakes his head. “That’s for the guests,” he reminds me.

“And employees,” I correct with a smug grin. “You’re here early.” I look at my watch and see it’s barely six. “Trouble in paradise for the newlyweds already?” I laugh, enjoying giving him shit at all hours of the day.

“Maize ended up in our bed, and after the third junk shot, I gave up. Left her and Mila to sleep and decided to come in and get a head start instead,” he says, filling up his own cup. “And no. We’re fine, thanks. Going to take her on a surprise real honeymoon in a few weeks, so keep your damn mouth shut.”

“Wait…does that mean I’ll have to pick up your slack again? Or will Nicole actually do her job?”

John scoffs and rolls his eyes. Nicole’s been his assistant manager for several years, and he’s has always warned her away from me, but I know it’s only a matter of time before we cross that line. She hasn’t exactly kept her advances on the down low.

“I’ve picked up your slack for years. You owe me.” He sips his coffee and walks to his office.

“I like to think it’s been fifty-fifty,” I protest, following him.

John snorts and takes a seat at his desk, resting his cup on top. He pushes his chair in and wiggles the mouse to wake up his laptop. The ring on his left hand looks foreign, and I’m still getting used to the idea that he and Mila eloped last week.

“So is this a real surprise, or do y’all plan to come back pregnant?”

“Don’t jinx me,” he says way too seriously. “I’m not ready for another one yet, and by how some of Mila’s students act, I’m not sure I’ll ever be.”

I chuckle at his expense, anticipating Mila will get knocked up within the next year. The Bishop DNA is known for many things, but the top two are: strong work ethics and reproducing.

John proposed over seven months ago, so I’m not that surprised they finally got married, but I am shocked they didn’t want to go all out with a big over-the-top wedding ceremony like everyone else around here. Dad nearly had a stroke, and River almost went into labor when we all found out. I think it’s cool as hell that it was just the two of them. Small and intimate and no fuss.

Mama and Courtney, on the other hand, were blazing pissed.

John told everyone he was surprising Mila with a weekend away and left Maize with Mama. They left early Friday morning and returned late Sunday night with brand-new rings on their fingers. Apparently, that “surprise” trip was to Vegas where they “spontaneously” got hitched by an Elvis impersonator. It’s as fucking cliché as it sounds, but I’ve never seen my brother so damn happy. They spent the rest of their time there honeymooning—walking down the Strip, getting couples massages, going to shows, gambling, and drinking. In fact, I’m quite sure when they returned, they were still a little tipsy.

Although I definitely saw Mila as a glam girl and was stunned she didn’t want the whole wedding shebang, it actually made sense for them. Between John working at the B&B, Mila getting her daycare off the ground, and Maize, the two of them are insanely busy keeping up with it all, and she constantly mentioned how stressful planning a wedding would be.

Before I can respond, my phone dings with a text message at the same time as John’s. We both look at each other and reach for our cells.

Alex: On our way to the hospital! River’s been in labor all night, so it’s finally time! Dropped Riley off with Mama, so I’ll need you to cover my chores for me. I’ll update y’all when I can.

Fuck that. I’ll make Colton do them.

“Damn, looks like another Bishop is about to be born,” John says, smiling.

Jackson: I’ll take care of it. Let us know when we can come up! Go Team BOY!

I smile when I send the text, eager to find out what they’re having. Since they wanted the gender to be a surprise, we’ve all been taking guesses, and just to rile him up, I’ve been saying it’s going to be a boy and they’re going to end up with four boys just like Mama and Dad.

“Well, I better go make sure Colton’s ass is awake. I have lessons this morning, so we better get started on chores now.” I slide my phone back into my pocket and finish the last of my coffee. “Let me know when you guys head to the hospital so I can ride with ya.”

“Okay,” he says as I start walking out. “But you’re paying half for gas this time!” he calls out when I’m close to the front door. I shake my head and smirk, knowing he saw right through that one.

The hospital is an hour away, and diesel is expensive, so I try to bum a ride here and there.

Once I’m back at my truck, I call Colton and hear his sleepy voice on the other end.

“Get your ass up, Langston. Alex’s wife is having the baby, so you’re my bitch today.” I start my truck and pound on the gas as I make my way to the other barn.

“Fuck off, Bishop,” he grumbles.

“Don’t make me come over there and spray you with my hose,” I warn, revving up my engine.

“There ain’t no fuckin’ hose over here,” he scorns as I hear shuffling and movement on his end.

“Not a water hose, you dumbass. Now, unless you enjoy golden showers, you better be up and ready by the time I get there.”

“Shit…give me ten minutes, okay? Jesus,” he hisses. “Sorry babe, I gotta get to work,” I hear him whisper.

“You have a chick over?” I’m dying laughing. “Even better.”

“Shut your mouth.”

“No can do. Be there in five minutes.” I hang up before he can respond, thinking of all the ways I could fuck up his day. Colton’s become a good friend of mine since he started working here, but that doesn’t exempt him from getting hazed like a rookie.

I arrive exactly three minutes later, thanks to speeding most of the way to the ranch hand quarters. When I realize his front door is locked, I begin pounding as loudly as I can, banging my fist against the wooden door.

“Colton! You small dick, open up!”

“I’m going to fuckin’ kill you,” Colton says as soon as he whips open the door.

I raise my brows when I see him wearing red silk boxers with black knee socks. “Dude…” I keel over laughing. “What the hell are you wearin’? You look like fuckin’ Santa Claus.”

“I hate you. Get out.” He tries to slam the door in my face, but I’m too fast for his slow ass and stick my boot out.

“Not a chance, Kris Kringle. Horses need to be fed, watered, and brushed, gotta shovel shit, move hay, fix a few fences, oil the saddles, and pull some weeds by the B&B,” I explain, listing it all out for him and laughing at how annoyed he looks right now. “Oh, and that’s just half the chores since Alex isn’t gonna be here. So go find your plush red suit and let’s go.”

“You’re such a dick. I said I needed ten minutes.” He leaves the door open and walks away.

“And I gave you three, so tick tock.”

“Oh, hello…” A sultry, sweet voice comes from the kitchen as soon as I walk in and help myself to a bottle of water. Turning, I see Colton’s date for the night wearing nothing more than a baggy T-shirt, and no coincidence it’s red, which is so not helping his case right now.

“Ho, ho, ho…” I snort, but before I can tell her I’m joking, Colton comes up behind me and smacks me across the head.

“C’mon, Dana. Let’s go take a shower. It’ll be faster.” Colton grabs her hand and starts leading her down the hallway, but before he does, he looks over his shoulder and mouths, “Motherfucker.”

“Seven minutes!” I call out. “Or I’m coming in and joining.”

Dana giggles, and I have no doubt she’d probably like that.

Seventeen minutes later, he finally returns fully dressed and ready to go. I’m sitting at the table with my leg crossed over my knee, and when I look down at my watch, he rolls his eyes and moves past me.

“Ten minutes late,” I tsk. “That’s comin’ out of your lunch break,” I taunt, sliding the chair back and standing up to follow him out.

“And it was totally worth it,” he says, grabbing his hat off the coat rack and placing it on his head. “Sweet ass to share my bed with beats food any day.”

Laughing, I shake my head at him as we get into my truck. “Shit, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re worse than me. Guess Christmas is the most magical time of year after all.”

“Or you could say Christmas came early…” he adds, smirking proudly.

“You’re a nasty fuck.” I chuckle.

I go through our chores again, then Colton and I go our separate ways, trying to get as much done as possible. The morning quickly transitions into afternoon, and the sun is blazing hot, causing sweat to drip down my face and neck as I finish the majority of the day’s chores. I had three lessons this morning and then cleaned the barn to get ready for a ranch tour. I like to keep the barn as organized and tidy as possible, unlike my personal life, because it’s my second home. I spend every day with the horses, and even though I like to pretend I don’t get attached, it’s too easy to not. Kiera takes the new ones for a few months at a time, and I find myself missing them even when they’re huge pains in the asses before they’re trained.

Alex sent an update a while ago saying River would deliver soon, and I’m waiting on pins and needles to find out the gender and that everyone is healthy and okay. She had an emergency C-section with Riley and is now trying for a VBAC for baby number two. Since she’s a pediatric nurse, she knows a lot about the health benefits to at least try, which is why they didn’t schedule one for her.

Mama already took Riley up there to wait and be there as soon as he or she arrives, but the rest of us will wait to arrive when they’re ready for visitors.

“Heard you’re gonna be an uncle again soon,” Nicole sweetly says the minute she sees me walking into the B&B. I’m sweatin’ balls, yet that doesn’t seem to bother her one bit. “Congrats!” She smiles wide, holding her gaze on me as I head to the kitchen for a tall glass of cold water.

“Thanks. Still waiting for the news. Hopefully soon.”

“Well, I have off tomorrow if you want to hang later tonight. I was going to maybe have a couple of drinks on the back patio and relax out there for a change.”

Since the B&B runs seven days a week, Nicole works a lot, and although she’s been around for the past few years, she’s kept her distance for the most part. Until lately, it seems.

“Maybe,” is all I say. I down the large glass of ice water.

“Well, you know where to find me.” Nicole winks as I walk toward John’s office.

“You know it, babe.” I flash her my panty-melting smirk that all the chicks go nuts over. I shouldn’t be laying it on this thick, considering she works with John, but it’s just too tempting sometimes.

Just then my phone goes off, and I’m relieved when I see it’s Alex with another update.

Alex: Baby GIRL is here!! She and River are doing amazing. Y’all can come up anytime.

I smile wide, excited to hear the news. Though I was wrong about it being a boy, I’m genuinely happy for my little brother.

Jackson: Congrats, bro. Glad to hear it! I’ll be riding up with John in about an hour. See you soon!

“I’m gonna shower, then I’ll be ready to go,” I say into the office where John’s sitting. “Alex texted me the exciting news.”

“Sounds good. Mila said they’ll be ready in about thirty minutes, so meet us at the house if you want a lift.”

“I will.”

After an hour drive to the hospital, spending two hours there meeting the new baby and unwillingly overhearing the birth story, and another hour to get home, we’re finally back at the ranch, and I’ve never been more grateful to be a man. Though River took everything like a champ, the detailed images that are flooding my mind have me thanking God for not having a vagina.

Deciding to take up Nicole’s offer, I head to the B&B with a six-pack of beer and am surprised when I’m greeted by Colton who’s already drinking and sitting on the back porch with her.

“Thought you’d be crying in a bottle of whiskey after all the bitchin’ you did today,” I say to Colton as soon as he spots me.

“You must be mistaking me for yourself because I kicked ass today.”

I snort, shaking my head and taking a seat. “Is that why you pussied out before noon? Can’t play with the big dogs, huh?” I grab my beer and twist off the cap before handing one to Nicole.

“You motherfucker,” he spits, punching me in the arm.

“You might want to head in early since you’ll be doing it for the rest of the week while Alex is gone.”

He groans loudly, making all of us laugh.

“So what did they name the baby?” Nicole asks, breaking the playful tension.

“Rowan,” I answer. “She looks just like River, too. Dark hair and dimples. She’s a cutie.”

“Aw, I love that name! I can’t wait to meet her. I bet Riley is excited.”

I laugh, remembering what Riley said. “Actually, he said he didn’t want her to come home with them because she cries and smells.”

Nicole laughs, placing a hand on my arm to emphasize how funny she thinks I am. Though I was only repeating what happened, the act doesn’t go unnoticed. We continue talking about the baby and Riley, and soon Colton is forgotten.

“Well…since I’m the awkward third wheel here, I’m gonna head home and update my Tinder profile picture.”

I snort at his obvious butt hurt tone. Though I love giving him shit, he’s good company and a hard worker. But there’s no competition when it comes to getting a girl’s attention. I don’t have any say in that most times anyway.

“Don’t make me have to give you another wake-up call, Mr. Claus,” I taunt as he steps off the porch.

He gives me a one-finger salute and mutters for me to fuck off.

Once we’re alone, Nicole and I finish off the six-pack, and I invite her over to my place for another drink. I only have whiskey and beer, so as soon as we walk in, I pour us each three shots.

The rest of the night is mostly a blur.

letter

“Fuuuuuuuck,” I groan as my alarm goes off. I squint to find my phone and turn off the beeping noise. My head is pounding, which isn’t unusual for me early in the morning after a night of drinking, but it literally feels like I fell asleep ten minutes ago.

I try rolling over but am blocked by another body and soon realize I’m not alone. An arm snakes around my waist and flashes of the night before surface. Nicole’s hand slides down my stomach until she reaches my dick and grabs it.

“Mmm…is that morning wood or are you just happy to see me?” she asks lazily, pouring the seduction on heavily.

I snort, trying to hold back my laughter at her pathetic opening line. “Sorry, darlin’. Gotta get ready for work.” I peel her hand off me, but she tightens her grip as if that’ll suddenly change my mind. “I think you’re still drunk,” I tell her, maneuvering out of her reach. “Stay here and sleep it off.” Swinging my legs to the side of the bed, I find my shorts on the floor and quickly put them on.

Having slept with her is going to make things awkward really quick. I continue my daily duties, hoping she realizes it was nothing more than a one-night stand. Considering I don’t remember the before conversation, I’m not sure if I really drove that fact home. Hopefully, I did.

After my morning lessons, I walk inside the B&B and check in with John, but first I grab a cup of coffee because I need caffeine and a possible wake-up call.

“Is there a reason my assistant manager is asking for a raise?” John’s voice booms behind me, and I know without a doubt he knows.

I turn around, flashing a smug grin. “Probably because she works sixty hours a week, and lately, the coffee hasn’t been that great. Might want to check on finding a new distributor or—”

“Cut the shit, Jackson,” he interrupts, closing the gap between us. “You should know more than anyone that you don’t shit where you eat. Now she’s asking for a raise and claiming she’ll file a sexual harassment suit if she doesn’t get one.”

“What?” I shriek, taking a cautious step back. “That’s blackmail. Not to mention, she’s lying considering she had her hand tightly wrapped around my dick this morning before I even got out of bed.”

“Jesus fuck, Jackson,” he hisses. “How many times have I told you not to sleep with any of my employees, friends, or anyone who’ll come back to bite me in the ass? If she files a sexual harassment suit with the Department of Labor, we’ll get investigated, and I don’t need that shit around here. This is one of our busiest times of the year.”

“She’s bluffing,” I say, trying to calm his ass down. “I know it, and she knows it. She has no proof I harassed her.”

“And you have no proof that you didn’t. That’s why they’d bring an investigator in and interview the other employees. You really want to take your chances?”

Fuck. I hadn’t thought about that. “Look, I’ll talk to her, okay? Figure out what it is she wants and get her to leave you and the B&B out of this.”

“You better, Jackson. Or your ass is out of here. I mean it.” He walks away, slamming his office door behind him.

Well shit. That escalated to a level I hadn’t seen coming.