I place a soft kiss on her lips before I have to leave.

“Hope you have a good day, birthday boy. Love you.” She leans into me, and I press my mouth against hers again.

“Love you too.”

Since Riley let me choose what I wanted to do today as his gift to me, I chose to feed the horses and cows, then I’ll organize the main trainer barn tack room. But first, I stop at the B&B and eat a plate of pancakes before making my rounds.

Just as I sit down, I open my phone and look at all the things I’ve gotten done for the stud farm operation and what else I need to take care of when I get a chance. Dad was very clear about normal ranch duties not being interrupted while we get everything together, so when I have any spare time, I’m doing as much as I can. What’s even better is Kane agreed to help me run it between helping at the goat farm. The fact that we’ll work together makes me so damn happy. Things are starting to finally fall in place. Once I finish eating, I put up my dirty dishes and leave.

While I’m working, I can’t help but think about Hadleigh and what it took for us to get where we are. It’s been a wild ride, one I wouldn’t change for the world. During her days off, she stays at my house, and during the week, she goes back home for work. She commutes a lot, but she’s also very greedy when it comes to me—and I fucking love it.

Every free moment, we’re together, and I’m completely head over heels in love with her. Something I’ve never felt with any other woman. She has me wrapped around her pinky finger and lets me think I'm the one in control when, in reality, she could crush my heart at any time.

As I finish oiling the saddles, my phone buzzes with a text.

Riley: Hey, you almost done?

Knox: Actually, yeah. Wrapping up now.

Riley: Can you do me a big favor? Rowan has some accounting documents at her house, and Uncle Evan wants to review them. Can you pick them up and bring them to the saloon?

I check the time and text Hadleigh.

Knox: Hey, babe. Are you still in San Angelo?

Hadleigh: Yeah. I had to do some laundry real quick. Are you off yet?

Knox: Almost. Do I have time to run an errand for Riley?

Hadleigh: My clothes have fifteen more minutes before they’re dry, then I’m heading that way. You’ve got at least an hour.

Knox: Perfect. See you soon!

Hadleigh: Yes, you will! ;)

I click on Riley’s name.

Knox: I’m gonna run home and shower because I stink, then I’ll take care of it.