Sneaking around with Maize for the past month has been incredible. I wish we wouldn’t have wasted so much time chasing each other, but it’s better late than never. While all her cousins know about us, and so do the guys, none of the Bishop adults do. And tonight is the big reveal to her parents.

While I’m nervous as hell, I’m also ready to yell from the mountaintops how much she means to me. We’ve spent all our free time together, but it never seems like enough. I genuinely want to know everything about Maize Bishop—her likes, dislikes, dreams, and aspirations.

Though it took a while, I think she finally understands I’m not some twentysomething looking for a one-night stand. I’m a man searching for my forever woman, and I’ve found that in her. I’m ready to settle down, and she is too. While she doesn’t want to rush into things, I’d marry her tomorrow, but I keep it to myself. I selfishly want to wake up next to her every day and see her pretty smile before I leave for work.

After I get out of the shower, I put on my Sunday best, comb my hair, and rehearse articulating the way Maize makes me feel. While John and Mila are amazing, being introduced as her boyfriend could be a disaster. I’m not sure what their reaction will be, and that makes me nervous.

I’m falling hard and fast for Maize in ways I never imagined was possible. I’ve not loved anyone or anything as much as I loved bull riding and training, but I’d hang my saddle for her.

What we have is the real deal.

As I slip on my boots, there’s a knock on my door. I open it and see Maize standing in a sundress with velvety red lips. A cute smirk forms as she looks me up and down.

“Damn,” I say, pulling her into my arms and devouring her mouth. “Do I have lipstick on me?” I ask when we finally break apart.

“No, silly. It’ll last fifteen hours.” She steps inside.

“Really? I’d like to put that to the test then.” I waggle my brows at her.

“I’d be up for the challenge,” she admits. “Are you ready for this?”

I check the time and grow more anxious. I let out a cool breath, and Maize notices. Tilting her head, she moves closer and wraps her arms around my waist. “It’s gonna be fine. I promise. My parents already love you.”

I create just enough space so I can look into her baby blues. “They love me as an employee on the ranch, not as their twenty-five-year-old daughter's boyfriend. There’s a big difference.”