Becoming a dad has been one of the greatest moments of my life. Just when I think I’ve got it all figured out, Riley surprises me, and I’m forced to adjust again. He’s already smart as a whip and funny, like a true Bishop, and makes me so damn proud to be his dad every day. The amount of love everyone has for him is almost unfathomable, and with a single look, he had all the Bishops wrapped around his little pinky. Mama and Dad spoil him and demand to see Riley every single day, no excuses. Jackson, John, and even Evan become big ol’ softies anytime Riley is around. They always fight over who gets to hold him first, but as soon as he shits, they can’t pass him off to someone else soon enough.

The day Riley was born, I made a pact with myself that I’d always provide, protect, give love and advice, while being firm but fair, just like my father. Though only a short amount of time has passed since he entered this world, he’s given me a new meaning to life. A once-selfish man has been transformed into a selfless one because of him, and for that, I will forever be grateful.

It took months, but we’re finally on a somewhat normal sleeping schedule. Good news is Riley’s already on a rancher’s schedule, up before the sun and snoozing right after dark. After he’s tended to each morning, it gives River and me a chance to drink coffee on the back porch before I leave for work. It’s those quiet moments together that I’ve learned to treasure the most.

After returning from Natalie’s wedding last month, I’ve had a lot on my mind. Mainly forever and what that really means. I met River’s parents, and they were more than kind. However, everything River had told me about her past finally made sense. I understood why she was so apprehensive about us and not wanting to follow in her parents’ footsteps of a failed relationship.

“Are you almost ready to go?” River asks, rushing around our room, completely distressed as she tries to finish getting ready. We’re supposed to all be meeting at my parents’ house for lunch.

“I’m ready,” I tell her as I put on my boots. She walks from the bathroom, putting her hair into a tight ponytail, and no matter how much time has passed, I still find myself mesmerized by her beauty. I’m so fucking lucky to have her as mine.

Stalking forward in long strides, I pull River into my arms and kiss the fuck out of her. She smells like flowers and summer breeze, and I just want to strip her of her clothes and lie naked for the rest of the afternoon.

“If we weren’t running late, I’d bend you over that bed,” I growl in her ear.

She playfully slaps at my chest. “Mama doesn’t like tardiness. Something you told me the first day I met your parents.”

“You’re right.” I wink. “Let’s go.”

We drive over to my parents’, and as soon as we walk in, Mama goes straight to Riley and pulls him into her arms and kisses his little cheeks. Evan and John walk in laughing about something and sit at the table. Soon, Jackson is rushing in—late, as always. We have lunch and talk about everything and nothing all at the same time. I look around, see everyone's smiles, and just know how lucky I am to have a family like this, a beautiful woman by my side, and a life worth living.

After we’re finished eating, River helps clean up and chats with Mama. Soon Jackson is pulling River by the arm. “Time to go, sweetheart.”

“Go where?” She looks at him like he’s lost his fucking mind, which is a normal reaction considering. I stand in the doorway and watch as she glances at me with questioning eyes.

“Go on,” I tell her with a smirk.

“Uhhh.” She nervously laughs as Jackson tugs at her by the arm. At first, River is super confused and almost protests until Mama shoos her out the door and turns and gives me a wink.

---

“You are as stubborn as a damn horse. Come on, now. Do I have to coax you with a carrot?” Jackson jokes.

I narrow my eyes at him. “What are you up to?”

“Don’t worry your pretty little face about it.”

We walk down the steps of the back porch, and there’s a side by side waiting with an envelope tied to the steering wheel. Confused, I untie it, open it, and pull out a piece of paper.

I look over at Jackson who’s smiling and shrugging his shoulders. The ranch is huge, and there are tons of picnic tables under trees, but I can only recall one body of water. Jackson jumps in the other side and allows me to drive.

“I might need oh-shit handles,” he kids when I press on the gas, and we take off faster than I expected toward the blue trail. The cool breeze blows across my skin as we take hill after hill toward the pond Alex and I once visited. I’ll never forget that day. I remember how the clouds reflected off the water of the pond and how he told me about the flowers that grew along the banks in the summer. At that point in my life, I was nervous as to what would happen between us, becoming a mom, and moving away from everything I ever knew. It feels like a lifetime ago, but then again, so does Key West. Jackson keeps talking shit about my driving the whole way over and has me laughing so hard that I purposely drive bad and run into every pothole I see.

We round the bend and drive into the prairie until the pond comes into view. I drive across the way until I see the picnic tables under the tree, but then I notice two horses tied to a post. Glancing over at Jackson, he laughs.

“Giddyup,” he says.

I park the side by side and walk up to the horses where another envelope is tied to the saddle. I can’t open it fast enough.

There’s a map of the property that’s hand drawn with different points on it. There’s a little X by the pond that says YOU ARE HERE.

“Wait,” I say, reading the note again. “I have to ride a horse?”

“Why do you think I was volun-told to come along?” He bursts into laughter. “Mainly to make sure you don’t hurt yourself or get lost.”

I look at the large, intimidating horse and saddle. “I don’t even know what to do.”

Jackson walks over and explains the details of riding. “This thing around her head is a halter, and this rope is called a lead rope. I’ll make sure to hold her steady for you just in case she wants to move as you’re trying to get on. This is the stirrup. You’ll stick your foot in here and hold on to the horn and pull yourself up. You’ll fully swing your leg over the saddle then place it in the other stirrup. Once you’re on, you’ll grab these reins, and then it’s as easy as driving a car. Move the reins left, the horse goes left, right she goes right, pull back and she stops. Her name is Willow. I know she’s a big ol’ girl, but she’s gentle and one of the horses we put the kids on. So there’s really nothing to be afraid of.”

I’m pretty sure he could see the worry in my eyes. I look over at Jackson’s horse, jet black, pawing at the ground with his hoof. “And I guess yours is the one the headless horseman rides? He looks like the devil,” I say with a laugh.

“He’s feisty, just like me. So we get along good. Better get going.” Jackson holds Willow steady, and I stick my foot in the stirrup like he instructed. At first, I struggled, then was able to finally pull myself up on the saddle. I look down at him and can’t believe I’m actually on a horse. “This is weird. I can’t explain it.”

“You get used to it. Hold the horn and the reins.” Jackson unclips the lead rope and walks over to his horse and hops on like it’s nothing. He looks over at me. “Come on. You’re leading.”

I reread the note again, trying to get comfortable on Willow and look at the map. There are several different places that could give me a view, but I have a feeling about this one. “The red trail to the lookout point. That’s where we should go.”

Jackson doesn’t give me any clues, as I turn the horse and head toward the post that’s painted red. Horseback riding is so different. This giant animal and I are as one as we continue slowly down the trail. I can’t stop smiling and looking at my surroundings. This place is beautiful, and the sun is shining on my shoulders. It’s so warm and covers me like a blanket. As I take it all in, I’m so grateful to be able to call this home and be able to raise our baby here.

“Ready to gallop?” Jackson asks, clicking his mouth and passing me up. “Just hold on real tight with your legs and keep your arms down, so you don’t look like you’re flying away. Willow is a sprinter, and she’s as fast as the wind,” he says before going into a full run ahead.

I suck in a deep breath and barely kick, and Willow takes off. At first, I feel like I might bounce right off until she goes faster and we’re moving in a smooth rhythm together, racing down the trail following Jackson’s dust. I’m absolutely fucking elated as I hold on to the horn for dear life. This is freedom as the cool October breeze hits my face. At the end of the trail, where it splits into two, Jackson is stopped and waiting for me with a huge smile on his face.

“Now I know why you want to do this every day.” I’m breathing hard, adrenaline rushing.

He gives me a quick head nod. “So which way now?”

I point. “Over there. At the top of that hill, where the lookout is.”

“After you,” he says, and I guide Willow down the trail, and Jackson follows. As we climb up a hill, I can see Mr. Bishop driving a tractor with a trailer full of hay bales. Once at the top, I pull the reins back, and Willow stops.

“Now, be careful getting off. Hold on to the horn, swing your leg over and touch the other side of the ground. She won’t move on you, but make sure you don’t stumble and bust your ass,” Jackson tells me. He rides past me, grabs the reins, and I somehow manage to dismount without falling.

“Alex may have gotten himself a little cowgirl after all.” He chuckles.

I flip him off where only he can see it, and he pats his leg, finding it overly hilarious.

My hair is windblown, and as I walk over to Mr. Bishop, he hands me another envelope with a big smile. I take a moment to fully take in the view. The land goes on for as far as my eyes can see, and it’s so calm and beautiful out here.

I can’t stop smiling. I’m pretty sure it may be permanent after this. Once I climb onto the trailer and sit on a bale of hay, I see Jackson lead Willow back down the trail we came from. The hay smells dry and sweet, and it reminds me of the first time I visited Texas.

We take an unrecognizable path, and I see parts of the property I’ve never seen. As we continue forward, I try to take it all in: the sunshine, the brown grasses, and the rumble of the tractor engine. I can’t believe Alex would go through such a big effort to celebrate our one year of meeting. It was a moment that changed the entire course of our lives, monumental even. This is all completely unforgettable, just like him.

Soaking in the scene, I can’t help but think about everything that’s happened over the last year. Though I was scared to death to become a mother, it all feels like second nature now. That unconditional love consumes me, and I never thought my heart could be so full. Between the love of my life and our baby, I’m living my greatest life possible.

I used to think love like that only exists in fairy tales, but every time I hear Riley’s little coos, I know that’s not true. Now, I can’t help thinking back at my apprehension of being a mother, because it’s one of the greatest joys of my life. Considering Natalie is pregnant, I’ve been helping her work through the mind fuck the hormones create too. Admittedly, I might not have it all figured out, but thanks to Google and all the mamas I’m surrounded by constantly, I can get answers quick. Alex was right; everything did work out just fine.

As I study my surroundings, I’m pretty sure we’re on the other side of the property by the ranch hand quarters. Moving closer, I see several bunkhouses and vehicles parked around, so my suspicion is confirmed. The gate is open, and Mr. Bishop rolls through it then stops by a Jeep, with the top off, waiting for me. I get off the trailer and wave bye to Mr. Bishop. He gives me a head nod and a quick wave and a smile before he pulls away.

The Jeep is still running, and I climb inside and take my phone from my pocket to navigate toward the diner since I have no clue where I am. Once the quickest route loads, I select it, then shift the Jeep into gear. I smile the entire drive over to the diner. Just as I put the Jeep into park, I see Evan standing by the door.

“I guess all the Bishops are involved in this little celebration,” I say with a chuckle.

“Of course. A year is a big deal for any Bishop boy.” He hands me an envelope, and I practically rip it open.

I look at Evan, and he’s all smiles. “You better tell Mrs. Betty hello before you hightail it on outta here.”

“Shit,” I say, not even thinking about it. As soon as I walk in, Betty comes to me and gives me a big hug. “Happy one year!”

“Thank you! I was told to tell you hi! But I really gotta go.”

She hands me a piece of chocolate cake in a to-go box, and I smile, but I have a feeling it was all to stall me. By the time I walk outside, Evan is already gone. I climb into the Jeep and head straight to the B&B. My heart is racing, and I’m so fucking excited that I’m smiling like a crazy person as I turn down the gravel road. The B&B comes into sight, and I can’t get there fast enough but force myself to drive slowly. Once I park, I get out and run to the front door, open it up, and go straight to John. There are a dozen roses on the counter waiting for me with another envelope. I take a quick moment to stop and smell the flowers.

“Go ahead, River. Open it up,” John encourages.

I swallow hard and do exactly what he says.

All I can do is laugh. Happiness like this should be illegal. I have no words as I tell my heart to stay calm because it’s about ready to flutter out of my chest. There’s too much excitement bubbling inside me as I grab the flowers and turn around.

“Wait up, I’m riding with you,” John stops me before I make it to the door. I wave him on because I’m so damn impatient right now, I can barely contain myself.

We get in the Jeep, and I carefully place the roses in the back seat. It takes no time at all to arrive at his parents’ house. As soon as I park and shut the door to the Jeep, my adrenaline spikes. John is nothing but smiles as we walk around the house. It takes everything I have not to run to the back like a kid.

Once we’re in the backyard, I look everywhere for Alex but don’t see him. At a closer look, I see a group of family members under the old oak tree and can hear them chatting and cutting up.

John and I move closer, and I can’t see Alex, but I see Benita and Aaron, the boys, Mr. Bishop, Mama, Patsy, Charlotte, Evan, Jackson, Dylan, and John goes to join them. When I get about twenty feet away, everyone who’s standing close together, moves out of the way, and that’s when I finally see Alex. He’s standing in a black tux and tie with messy hair and a sexy smile on his face. He’s holding Riley in his arms who’s also dressed in a little tux. When our eyes meet, the world around me fades away. My breath catches, and I feel like I can’t take a step forward.

I glance around at everyone, forcing myself to walk toward him, wondering what the hell is going on. Just as I open my mouth to say something, Alex drops to his knee, holding Riley close to his chest. My hands fly to my mouth when I realize what’s going on. Mama takes Riley from Alex’s arms, and he waves me closer with a smirk.

“River,” Alex says, digging inside his suit jacket. When he pulls out a black velvet box and opens it to show me the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen, I don’t feel like I can keep standing because my knees go completely weak.

“Meeting you a year ago has changed my outlook on everything. A life without you in it is no life at all, and every night, I thank God for you and Riley. I can’t imagine a day without the two of you, and I never want to. You’re the absolute best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I’m so happy to call you mine.”

Before he can even finish the rest of his speech, I fall to the ground and swing my arms around his neck, not able to hold back the tears that stream down my face. I have to kiss him, taste him, touch him.

“I love you, River.”

“I love you so much,” I say, my voice barely working. I don’t want this moment to end.

“Please spend the rest of your life with me,” Alex whispers across my mouth.

My eyes flutter closed, and it all seems like a dream. “Yes, yes. Forever.”

For a moment, I forgot everyone was standing around watching us until Jackson yells out, “GET A ROOM!” We start laughing and pull away, and he wipes the tears from my cheek with his thumb before he slides the ring on my finger.

We all exchange hugs and congratulations, and I’m so overwhelmed, so damn happy, and completely ecstatic that I’ll be a Bishop too. Today is the anniversary of our beginning, and it also marks the start of our forever. The excitement doesn’t wear off, and then Mama tells me she’s keeping Riley overnight. At first, I hesitate, but when Alex squeezes my hand three times, I agree.

“I want to be alone with you. I brought everything she could ever need for him while you were on your little treasure hunt,” he whispers in my ear as we walk hand in hand toward the house. Benita is chatting about bridal parties and wedding showers, and when she asks me if she can start planning them, I tell her yes, because it makes her happy, and I know she’ll go above and beyond because she’s a party planning extraordinaire. She hugs me tight, and Aaron pulls her away with a chuckle.

“Welcome to the family. So excited I get to keep my honey bun overnight,” Mama says, giving me a big hug. As soon as Riley was born, they turned Alex’s old bedroom in the house into a nursery. It was a sweet gesture that warmed my heart, and I’m happy his parents want to be involved. She’s a wonderful grandma and proves that every single day with her love.

After we say our goodbyes, I can’t stop glancing over at Alex in a full tuxedo and tie as he drives us home.

“What?” He smirks.

“Nothing,” I say with a smile, and he grabs my hand, looks at the ring that fits perfectly on my finger, and kisses my knuckles.

Once we park, and we’re inside, nothing in the world can keep us apart. Our mouths gravitate together as waves of need wash over my body.

“God, I need you so fucking bad,” he growls against my neck as his lips drag across my skin. Tracing the shell of my ear with his warm mouth, I lose myself in his gentle touch as his hand runs under my shirt and cups my breast. My head falls back on my shoulders, and I lose myself in his kisses.

---

Her skin tastes sweet, and I want to kiss every inch of her body, and tonight, I just might. To know River is going to be my wife, be my forever, makes me so fucking happy. I’m the luckiest man in the world, and each time I look at her, it’s confirmed.

As I try to take off my suit jacket, she grabs my hands to stop me.

“Keep it on, just a little longer.”

I smirk. “So you like this look?”

She wraps the tie around her fist and pulls my face closer to hers. “Sure do, cowboy.”

Taking my time, I unbutton her shirt, watching her breasts rise and fall as I remove it from her body. Gently, I run my fingers across the tops of her breasts and reach behind and undo her bra. She watches me intently as I touch her, and it’s so fucking intense. As the bra hits the floor, I dip down, taking her taut nipple into my mouth, swirling my tongue around the tall peak. River’s eyes flutter closed when my hands slip lower, snapping open her jeans. I slide my hands into her panties and can already feel her arousal. Her breath hitches when I hook my fingers in her panties, and I slide them down along with her pants. Kicking off her shoes, she steps out of her clothes and stands before me naked. Stepping back, I take my time admiring every curve of her sun kissed body.

“Damn,” I whisper, meeting her eyes, going all the way down to her cute toes and back up again. I take a mental snapshot of this woman who agreed to be my wife, my everything. “You’re so fucking beautiful,” I tell her, and she’s all smiles.

“You are too.” River stalks toward me, shaking her hips. Taking control, she takes her time removing my tuxedo jacket and tie and unbuttons my shirt. Her soft hands trace down my abs, and my breath increases. Not able to wait any longer, my greedy mouth is on hers. My hands are in her hair, and soon her legs are wrapped around my waist. Holding her ass tight as she straddles and kisses me, I walk us toward the bedroom. After I set her on the bed, she continues to watch me as I remove the rest of my clothes.

“I have to taste you first. Edge of the bed,” I demand once I’m fully naked, and she smirks.

She doesn’t hesitate, but I grab her ankles and quickly move her closer before dropping to my knees and placing her legs on my shoulders. As I dip my tongue into her sweetness, she lets out a long sigh, running her fingers through my already messy hair. I move my tongue up and down her slit, teasing her as much as I can. Immediately, her body responds, and I gently place a finger inside. As she moans, I watch as she grabs her nipples between her fingers and pinches. It’s such a fucking turn on to see. I slip in another finger, giving her exactly what she desires. She’s so fucking wet as I slide my fingers in and out in a slow rhythm while I apply pressure to her hard nub. River arches her back, writhing, as I apply more pressure and increase the pace. With white knuckles, she fists the comforter, pushing her body harder against me. Placing my hands under her ass, I pull her to me and drive my tongue deeper inside.

“Fuck,” she pants, practically begging for release. “I’m so close.”

Though I slow down, wanting the orgasm to teeter on the edge as long as possible, it doesn’t take long before she’s buckling beneath me. Her breath quickens, and her mouth falls open while she loses all control of her senses. As she rides the wave of her orgasm on my mouth, her moans are like sweet music to my ears. A crescendo of emotion as her body eventually goes still. I stand, and she moves her body up the bed until her head rests on the pillow. With a smile, she curls her finger, demanding I go to her, which I happily do. Kissing up her stomach, her breasts, her neck, I place flutters of kisses across her jawline until my mouth finally meets hers.

With hooded eyes, she looks up at me. “I love you, Alex.”

“You have no idea how much I love you.”

She grabs my face with her hands and searches my eyes. “I do.”

Taking my time, I tease her opening with the tip of my cock. She opens her legs wide, begging to feel me, and I can’t hold back any longer. In one long stroke, I fill her with my length. She’s so fucking wet, so fucking beautiful, and it makes me hard as steel. Her fingernails scratch down my back, and she holds me tight as if she’s never letting me go as we rock together in slow motion. Her soft pants against my skin cause emotions to swirl through me as I pump in and out of her.

“I want it harder, Alex. I need more.”

“Mmm, whatever you want, darlin’.” I grab her earlobe in my mouth and suck.

I don’t make her beg, and I give her exactly what she wants. She screams out my name as I slam my cock into her, over and over again. I don’t want this moment to end, but I know if I keep at this pace, I’ll be crumbling to pieces soon. The orgasm quickly builds, and I force myself to slow so I can enjoy her as long as possible. As we continue to make sweet love, our hearts and bodies mend together as one. The emotions I’m feeling are almost too much as the orgasms sneak up. Another thrust, and I almost feel blinded by the orgasm. The intensity practically takes my breath away as I lose myself inside her. River is my everything, and without her there’s nothing.

My heart is so full as she looks at me, her green eyes glimmering, completely satisfied, and I smile back. After we clean up, she crawls back into bed, and I pull her close, needing her skin against mine. As I hold her tight, she draws circles on my chest and listens to my heartbeat then wraps her leg around mine. We’re a tangled mess, and I never want this to end.

“I can never get enough of you, River.”

She props herself up on one elbow and smiles sweetly.

“Well luckily, we have forever,” she says, glancing down at her ring before leaning over and tugging my bottom lip into her mouth.