“Also, please don’t forget that I know everything that happens in this town.”

“And? Not everything you hear is true.”

“Most of it is, and after what I’ve heard, and then when I see how you and your brother are actin’, I’d say there’s some truth to it. There’s usually a little mixed into every lie. Just have to be smart enough to see the embellishments.”

“Grandma,” I mutter when I see more ranch hands flood in.

“I know your heart, Knox Bishop. I know you’re not what everyone says and that you actually care about this girl.”

I swallow hard, almost shocked that the only person who’s on my side right now is my grandmother. I’m almost tempted to pinch myself because this is weird as hell. “You’re just being mushy.”

She grabs my cheek and gently tugs just like she used to do when I was little. “I worry about you, kid. Please behave and stay out of trouble.” She leans in close like she’s pulling me in for a hug but then whispers in my ear, “You deserve happiness too.”

I pull away and give her a boyish smile. “Thank you.”

“Now, try not to murder your brother. Okay?”

I roll my eyes. “Tell that to him.”

“Oh, trust me, I will the next time I see him,” she states matter-of-factly, just as my uncle John comes from around the corner. He steals her attention away, so I go to the buffet and put two huge scoops of shepherd’s pie on a plate and grab a glass of sweet iced tea. I take a seat, and soon, Ethan, Payton, Gavin, Diesel, and Riley all join me.

“Well fuck,” I state with a chuckle. “I thought I was gonna get to eat in peace and quiet for once.”

“Not happenin’,” Diesel states. Gavin shakes his head and immediately digs in just as Riley answers his cell.

Ethan sits in front of me and smirks but doesn’t say anything. After an awkward minute, I meet his gaze.

“What’d you want?”

“Oh nothin’,” he sing-songs. “Just wondering if Hadleigh’s put you two out of your misery yet.”

I huff. “You’d know before I do, considering she tells Harper everything.” I lean forward. “And she repeats that shit to you.”

He throws his head back as he laughs. “You’re right. I know more than you think I do. Perks of being married!”

“Doubt it,” I say. Shoving more food into my mouth, I no longer want to talk about it. Not when Grandma is only a few feet away.

“Well I know she said she can’t control herself when she’s around you…”

My interest is piqued. “Really?”

He shrugs. “Maybe.”

“If you’re making that shit up, I swear, I’ll fill your truck with cow shit and not apologize.”