“Don’t get too cocky, Bishop.” I slip on my boots.
She laughs, and I love the sound of it. A real one, not the sarcastic act she plays with everyone else.
“Have a good rest of your day,” I say, grabbing a shitty protein bar but feeling on top of the world.
“You too. I’m serious about tonight!” she calls out, and I hear the springs of her mattress flex just as I walk out the door.
Kaitlyn’s everything I want and need, but the one person I can never have.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
KAITLYN
TWO WEEKS LATER
“Son of a bitch!” When I see the negative pregnancy test, I literally want to break it into pieces, but I rein in my frustration and toss it in the trash. Just to be safe, I take two more.
Both. Fucking. Negative.
Considering how many times we’ve had sex this past month, I was certain I’d see a plus sign.
I sit with my face in my hands and try to push away all the destructive thoughts that fill my head. Then I remind myself to be patient, even if every other Bishop woman has been a fertile Myrtle. I was hoping Payton had super sperm, and I’d be pregnant with blue-eyed, blond hair quadruplets.
After I’ve gotten dressed and stretched, I make coffee. Once I’ve drained my first mug, I text him the bad news.
Payton: Don’t worry, I’m not stopping until you’re knocked up.
I chuckle at his eagerness, though I’m still disappointed.
Kaitlyn: Thanks, but hopefully sooner rather than later.
Patience isn’t my strong suit. I’m not great at hiding my feelings, and my parents will be the first ones to call me out since they spend the most time with me during the day. I grab my keys and stop by the B&B to eat breakfast before work.
As soon as I walk into the buffet area, I look around and am thankful I’ve beaten the crowd. I fill a plateful of French toast and sausage links. As soon as I sit at a table, I see Maize coming out of the kitchen carrying more fruit. She sees me, then makes a beeline toward my table and sits.
“How’s the food?” she blurts just as I start chewing. Lifting her hand, she snaps for me to hurry and swallow. Maybe I’m not the only impatient Bishop woman in the family.
I gulp it down. “Great, as always.”
Maize tilts her head, studying my face. “What’s up with you today?”
I let out a huff and lean forward like we’re teenagers sharing secrets. Uncle John has been known to sneak up on us and listen to our conversations before. “I’m frustrated. Another negative test,” I tell her.
“That happens, Kate.”
“I know, but I’m worried I could have fertility issues like Aunt Courtney. What if I’ve waited too long to start this process, and now it’s too late? What if Payton is shooting blanks, and he can’t have kids? My mind is all over the place, and while I knew this wouldn’t be easy, I thought I’d have a better chance than being struck by lightning.”
She shakes her head. “Get it together before anyone suspects something. Stressin’ about it won’t help you either.”
I blow out a breath. “You’re right. I’ll try.”
A few ranch hands walk in, and Maize gives me a sweet look before lowering her voice. “Maybe more sex is the answer. Start before you get a positive ovulation test and do it three times a day if you have to.”
“That’s…not a bad idea.”
“Of course it isn’t because I only have good ones.” She smirks before heading back into the kitchen.
After eating, I put up my dishes and head to the training facility.