Each day, Riley grows up more and more. He definitely has a strong personality but is an all-around happy baby. In nine short months, Alex and I have already watched him crawl for the first time, and even heard him say his first word, which happened to be “horse.” I know once Riley starts walking, we’ll be in trouble because he’s already so independent, super curious, and wanting to do everything himself. We’re raising our own little cowboy and couldn’t be prouder.

With the exception of the day Riley was born, my wedding was the second most beautiful day of my life. Natalie and Adam flew down, and so did my parents. They all stayed in the B&B for almost a week, and I had a hell of a time showing them around the ranch and teaching them how we do things in Texas. I may be an implant, but I consider this home now.

After the proposal, we wasted no time on planning. The wedding was more than I could’ve ever imagined. The weather was perfect, which was needed considering it was outside. Since Alex’s sister was married a few years prior on the ranch, the boys had plenty of practice with setting up giant tents and dance floors in the backyard. When the sun set, that’s when the dancing and drinking really started. There were so many family members and friends in attendance, it felt like the whole town was there. All I have to say is the Bishops really know how to throw an epic party.

Looking back a few years ago, I never would’ve imagined this would be my life—a happy little family living on a ranch in West Texas. I didn’t know what truly living was until I met Alex Bishop. My household is so full of laughter and love that it makes my heart burst with emotion. Though we didn’t all get off on the right foot, Alex’s family is everything I could’ve ever wished for and more. I’m the luckiest woman in the world, and each day that I hear my little boy giggle and feel my husband’s touch, I know that’s true.

Six months after having Riley, I decided to take Evan’s offer and put my application in at the hospital. I was offered a position the following day and was happy to get back to a job I knew I loved, even though I knew I’d miss Riley tons. Mama Rose begged to watch him during my shifts, but she didn’t need to beg hard because I know how much she loves and adores him. Riley loves his grandma so much and instantly smiles every time he sees her. They keep each other company while all the boys are out working too.

Alex and I decided to postpone our honeymoon because of our work schedules. However, we’re planning to visit Key West again, and I can’t wait to check things off the new bucket list we made. After the wedding on Friday, we said goodbye to our guests, then spent Saturday and Sunday alone at home as husband and wife.

Monday morning comes quick, and Alex and I rush around. After I feed and change the baby, I kiss Alex goodbye then take Riley over to Mama’s house. She greets me with a smile at the door in her robe. I pass him off with a quick smooch, give her a big hug and thank you, then head to work.

While I drive to the hospital, all I can think of is how quickly the weekend went by. How everything these past six months have gone by so fast. The wedding events happened too quickly, and my head is still spinning at how magical and unreal it feels. As soon as the hospital comes into view, I let out a laugh when I think about Evan. A little birdy told me a rumor about him, and I can’t wait to call him out on it because I’m pretty sure it’s true.

I park and walk in, taking in the familiar smell of the hospital. No matter the location, they all seem to smell exactly the same—sterile, clean, and oddly enough, it brings me back to my childhood when we’d be in and out of the hospitals for Rylie. As I ride the elevator, I think about my baby sister. Though she’s not physically here with me, I’ll always carry a piece of her in my heart.

A smile touches my lips, but when I step off the elevator and see Evan, it grows into a shit-eating grin. My timing couldn’t have been more perfect. He looks up from the chart in his hand and sees me walking toward him. Pretending to groan, he goes back to his paperwork.

“So…how was your weekend?” I keep the right amount of sweetness in my tone.

Evan glares at me. “How do you think it was?”

“If the rumors are true, I’d say it started off at a ten and dropped down to a one really quick.” I chuckle.

Amelia, my labor and delivery nurse with Riley and who also became my partner in crime after I started working here, walks up smacking her gum with her eyebrow popped. “Rumors?”

Evan’s uncomfortable with the conversation, but it’s good for him to squirm every once in a while, and now that I’m family, he can’t be rude. Mama’s rule, not mine.

“Oh yeah. Juicy rumors, too. Apparently, Evan hooked up with some random chick the night of my wedding. Some friend of a friend and no one knows who this mystery woman is other than her name. Stelllllllllaaaaaaaaaaaa.”

I watch as he takes a deep, annoyed breath and releases it slowly. I bet he’s hoping I don’t know the end of the story too, but he’s not that lucky. There are no secrets when Jackson is around, and even he knows that.

“And apparently the morning after, he woke up and she was gone, along with every piece of the tux he rented. Underwear and all.” I chuckle, biting down on my lip to keep my laughter under control. ” Had to call every single one of his brothers to bring him a set of spare clothes.” I’m laughing so hard, I can barely get the words out. “And the only person who answered his call was John. Apparently, there were some pretty desperate voicemails left.” I glance at Evan who’s wearing a scowl.

“Damn,” Amelia says, her eyes wide. “Who does that?” She chuckles.

“Stella! He would’ve been better off wrapping a sheet around his waist and making a run for it. Because they’re never going to let him live it down,” I tell her. We’re both bent over laughing, and Evan isn’t amused, but we continue talking about it like he’s not there.

“Don’t you think I’ve gotten enough shit from my brothers about this weekend? Just had to bring it to work too. Go ahead, laugh it up. I’m glad I could amuse you both.” Evan shakes his head before handing the file to a passing nurse.

Amelia and I continue poking fun when we hear Evan suck in a deep breath. I look up and realize the new doctor is stepping off the elevator with a lost look in her eye. Trying to make a good example, Amelia and I straighten up but continue giggling at Evan’s expense.

“Who’s that?” Amelia asks, looking back and forth between us.

“I’m pretty sure that’s the new ER doctor they told us about last month. Dr. Emily Bell. She just finished her residency and has to work under Evan.”

I look over at Evan who’ll be training her considering he’s the attending supervisor. Evan’s been working as a emergency medicine doctor for several years and when Dr. Lockhart retired recently the hospital had to find a replacement.

Evan becomes stiff as a board, and I elbow him. “Lighten up before you scare the poor girl away.”

He stifles a sarcastic laugh, and his entire demeanor changes as she stops at the nurses’ station. I hear her ask for Dr. Bishop, and he rolls his eyes with a deep groan.

“What’s wrong with you?” I ask him.

His jaw tightens. “That’s her. That’s the woman who stole my goddamn clothes,” he says under his breath, shaking his head and scrubbing a hand over his scruffy jawline.

Amelia and I both turn our heads and get a good look at her. She’s gorgeous, stunning actually. Her chestnut brown hair is pulled back into a long, sleek ponytail, and she’s wearing a black pencil skirt so tight it could be painted on. Her cream blouse is tucked into her skirt, revealing a small waist. Her slender legs are accompanied by red heels at least three inches high. Black glasses frame her dark eyes and the deep red lipstick she’s wearing says she doesn’t take anyone’s shit—the ultimate man eater.

As I glance back at Evan, I’m dying inside trying to hold it together. What are the odds?

“It was her?” I ask, confused. “Emily?” My jaw drops. “I thought mystery girl’s name was Stella?”

“So did I,” he says between gritted teeth, and now it all makes sense. Ultimate man eater confirmed, except she chews them up and spits them out.

Evan shakes his head and crosses his arms over his broad chest. The air in the room seems to dissipate and is replaced with thick awkwardness. Someone points out Evan, and she smiles then walks toward us. Once closer, recognition and maybe a hint of regret flash across Emily’s face before she pushes the emotions away and continues forward.

Before she can even open her mouth, Evan speaks. “Emily? That’s real cute.” Evan throws shade her way.

She sucks in a deep breath and releases it. “And you’re Dr. Bishop, aren’t you?”

Going to work just got way more interesting.