I didn’t know what to say. My whole life, all I ever wanted was to be a part of the ranch, work next to Layton, help my father with the racing side of the business, and marry Liza.
Wait. What?
I smiled bigger and returned Layton’s handshake. It was all I could do not to jump up and down and yell like a kid. Yep, I was that excited. I’d done it. I’d proved my worth.
Layton turned to Liza. “I say we should all get dinner tonight to celebrate.”
Liza was about to answer her dad when Mr. McMurphy walked over, chuckling.
“I knew when the boy pulled out those three horses that you had a natural on your hands, Layton,” Mr. McMurphy said, winking at me. He was dressed in the rancher’s uniform of jeans, boots, and a button-down. His white cowboy hat looked like it had seen better days.
Layton seemed to be beaming with pride. Liza stood off to the side with a smile as big as the Grand Canyon. I’d never felt so happy in my life.
Layton nodded and said, “I knew he had it in him. He used to follow his daddy and me all over the ranch back home. Started asking questions about the horses when he was three. His daddy, Reed, has the gift as well.”
“Apple didn’t fall far from the tree! Don’t forget, I’ve worked with Reed before. Bastard knows how to drive a hard bargain. He has a way of buying a million dollar horse for two hundred and fifty thousand.”
We all laughed as Liza came and stood next to Layton. “I heard y’all saying dinner. How about you be my guest at some fancy-ass party my wife is a part of?
“How fancy?” Layton and I asked at the same time.
Liza giggled and rolled her eyes.
“Semi-formal. Dixion Bourbon Distillery is having a grand opening this evening. It’s invite only,” Mr. McMurphy said as he raised his eyebrows.
“Sorry, only brought my jeans and T-shirts,” Layton said.
An older woman came over and let out a deep, rumbling laugh. Her silver-grey hair was up in a tight bun. She was dressed in jeans, a blue blouse and fancy cowboy boots.
“Nonsense, Layton Morris. You are not getting out of this that easily. Let’s all head into town. This may be a small town, but the area is known for all its wedding venues. There’s a whole street filled with nothing but fancy dress stores, and even a tux rental place.” She turned to Liza. “My daughter is your age, Liza. I’m sure she’d love to go shopping with us for something that you’ll probably never wear again and your daddy will bitch about all the way back to Texas.”
Liza laughed, then looked at Layton with pleading eyes. “Oh, Daddy. Please? You said this trip was for us. I want to dance with my handsome father.”
I smiled knowing that Layton didn’t have a chance in hell.
“Taylor Elizabeth Morris. You cannot bribe me with that look any more.” Layton said.
I give him ten seconds.
“Daddy…please?” Liza bit her lower lip and threw it up a notch.
Layton looked away as he rolled his eyes. Then he looked at me.
I held up my hands. “Oh no. No way in hell I’m going.”
Layton gave me that look. “Shit,” I whispered. “I’m going aren’t I?”
Layton nodded. I didn’t want to look at Liza—I could already feel her stare burning into me.
Mrs. McMurphy clapped her hands together, startling me. “Let’s go shopping,” she said, lacing her arm with Liza’s.
Layton walked next to me, sighing. “This ought to be an interesting evening.”
I nodded as I watched Liza walking ahead of me. “Yep. Should be.”
I STOOD IN Lori’s bedroom looking at myself in the mirror. Lori was the youngest of the McMurphy clan, with three older sisters and one older brother.
“Oh my, Liza,” she said. “Heads are gonna turn this evening when those boys get a look at you.”