The twins are responsible for making sure it doesn’t get dry and checking the internal temperatures. Right now, it’s just a waiting game. I’ve done this process at least a hundred times since I knew I’d be competing, but it still makes me anxious. If something can go wrong for me, it usually does.

“Girl, you got this,” Elle encourages, noticing my mood. Kenzie walks up and bumps her hips against mine.

“Can we eat yet?” she beams.

“Not yet. I made an extra brisket just for y’all, though,” I tell her, knowing they’d want some after smelling it all day.

“Seriously, if I could cook like you, I’d probably already be married,” Elle says with a smile.

Her joke makes me laugh, and it’s exactly what I needed. “But then you wouldn’t be available for that hot boss of yours.”

She rolls her eyes. “Don’t even. He’s still being a total and utter dickhead. Because I took today off, I have to work the next three weekends. How in the fuck is that fair?” I can tell she’s upset.

“Oh no. I’m sorry,” I offer.

She shakes her head. “Not your fault. That’s just how rude he is.”

“Sometimes that attitude makes them even hotter,” Kenzie quips, giving her a nudge. When I hear Uncle Jackson and Kiera, I turn around with wide eyes.

“Oh my gosh, what are y’all doin’ here?” I ask.

“I had to come and see my honorary daughter kick some ass,” Jackson howls. He sometimes calls me his honorary daughter because I couldn’t tell Dad and Uncle Jackson apart when I was a baby. Honestly, though, some adults can’t tell them apart now, especially when Uncle Jackson reels it in and tries to trick people.

“I might not win, though. I’m trying not to get my hopes up,” I admit.

“You’re doing the best you can, sweetie. That’s enough,” Kiera says and grins. As we chat about the weather, I overhear Riley and Diesel talking to Grandma. “So when you gonna give me more babies?” She glares at Riley.

Immediately, his face turns red, and Diesel nudges him. “Oh, come on. Don’t pretend you’re not banging every day.”

Riley’s eyes go wide. “My grandma is literally right there.” He points at her, though she doesn’t look offended. She raised Jackson, who was a total hellion, so she’s pretty much immune to everything.

“And that’s why I didn’t say the f-word. I got respect for Grandma Bishop.” Diesel lifts his cowboy hat and gives her a curtsey. I snort and shake my head.

“Thank you, Adam. But we’re not done with this conversation, Riley,” Grandma continues.