“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Why? You don’t have any guy friends?”

“Not exactly,” she breathes out. “And you’re reminding me why I don’t.”

I slam a palm to my chest. “Ouch.”

“Well, I warned you.”

For a moment, I thought she would let her guard down, but she’s smarter than that. As soon as she showed a sliver of her vulnerabilities, it’s like she realized it and locked it away.

Maize Bishop isn’t gonna make this easy, but I do love a challenge.

Once I’m back in the barn, Jackson strolls in with Knox and Kane behind him. They’re laughing and smacking each other, but immediately stop when they see Kiera. I hold back laughter at how obnoxious they are, but even at twenty-one, they know to quit playing when their mother’s around.

“What are you boys doin’?” she asks as Jackson kisses her.

“Making them clean stalls and organize the tack room. Then after that, they’ll be washing all the work trucks and tractors.”

Kiera’s hands fly to her hips, and she scowls as if she knows this is a punishment. “What’d they do now?”

“Stole the Cotton’s goats last night and hid them in our sheep barn,” Jackson explains, shaking his head, but I can tell he’s trying not to burst out laughing.

“Seriously?” she scolds, but then her expression softens. “That sounds like somethin’ you’d do.” Kiera teases Jackson. “Have them wax my car, too.” She smirks before walking to the office.

“You’re making this way too big of a deal, Dad,” Knox complains. “The goats are back safe and sound. No one got hurt.”

“Except when you pushed me and I tripped, nearly doing a face-plant in the gravel,” Kane interrupts.

Although they’re identical twins, they have different personalities. Knox reminds me a lot of myself, confident and ready to take on the world, whereas Kane is more reserved and loyal. Though I have a feeling he gets roped into doing crazy shit with his brother, then has to deal with the consequences later.

“Too bad Kaitlyn isn’t here. I’d pay her to do my half.” Knox barks out a laugh.

“Who’s Kaitlyn again?” I ask.

“Our little sister. She left for college right before you arrived,” Kane explains, but I remember Jackson telling me about her.

“How old is she?”

“Nineteen. Just started her second year of college,” he answers.

“Don’t get any ideas,” Jackson snaps.

My eyes widen at his demanding tone. “No, sir. Absolutely not.”