The music echoes throughout the room, along with loud cheers and laughter.
Payton leans in and slides his tongue in my mouth. The kiss is deepened, and we lose ourselves in each other for a moment. I feel eyes on us when we pull away, but I don’t care.
“Happy New Year’s, baby mama,” he tells me, laughing as I hold on to him like this moment might disappear.
“You too, BD. It’s gonna be our best one yet.”
“For the first time in my life, I truly believe that.”
Although my feet hurt, we make sure to stay and celebrate with everyone.
When I find Grandma, she wraps me in a hug, then does the same to Payton. “So earlier when we were chattin’, I was rudely interrupted by your father playin’ that terrible music, and I forgot to ask…when’s the weddin’? I know we discussed fall time before, so if that’s the case, that gives me a good nine months to plan.”
I laugh. “Grandma! Baby first.”
She gives me a knowing look, one I’ve seen many times over the years. “But I can clear my schedule for then?”
“Grandma…”
Payton interlocks his fingers with mine, and Mom rescues us before he can speak up.
“Sweetie, you should get home,” she says. “You look exhausted.”
“I know, I know,” I say, then look back at my grandma. “Guess it’s up to Payton. Okay, we’re takin’ off. Love you.”
“Love you too, sweetie.” She gives me a brief side hug, then pats Payton on the shoulder. “Buy that ring, Payton.”
He’s so used to her antics that he just responds with a smile.
When we walk outside, I suck in the fresh, cool air. I was starting to sweat because Grandma likes keeping it hot in there. Payton opens the truck door for me and helps me climb in. Once I’m settled, he reaches across and buckles me, then places his strong hand on my thigh.
“Don’t worry, I always planned on makin’ you my wife someday. Even when I wasn’t sure I believed in love anymore, there was always somethin’ about you.”
“Yeah?”
“My first day workin’ on the ranch, and you cut in front of me at the buffet line, I knew I was already enamored by you.”
“Oh really? Because I was thinking about what a nice ass you had.”
He chuckles, bringing our mouths close. “Glad it worked out the way it was always supposed to.”
I press my lips to his. “Only took us seven years.”
“And maybe in our eighth year, we’ll get married.”
“Don’t mess with me. I’m hormonal and tired.”
“A lethal combination,” he cracks.
I playfully smack his chest. “You’re hilarious,” I say dryly.
“I know.”
Rolling my eyes with a grin, I add, “Hopefully, our daughter gets my sense of humor.”
“If she’s anything like you, she already has me wrapped around her fingers.”
“Like a true Bishop.”