Barnes Ranch

18

Today's the fourth and Rachel is hosting a big party. All of the first responders are invited, Marcus's family and friends, and my family. I'm very excited but I don't know what to wear. Especially since my boyfriend will be there but also my parents.

I am wearing white snip toe boots, denim shorts, a red crop top with ruffles for sleeves, and a white felt hat. The bust of my shirt crosses over leaving a small gap in my cleavage. The shirt stopping at my belly button.

Walking out of my room I ask in a yell, "Who all am I driving?"

The reason I ask is because all my siblings are here, and my grandparents. Since I have four seats beside mine I have to drive some people.

When I get to the living room I see almost everyone ready. Georgia is the only one still getting ready.

My meemaw says, "Ah darling, you look beautiful."

I smile, "Thank you meemaw."

My mom walks up behind me, her hand on my back, "Take your siblings. My parents are coming with us."

I nod, "Yes ma'am."

My phone rings in my purse so I pick it up.

"Hey honey," I say to Dakota as I walk outside.

"Hey baby, can you pick up some ice please. I forgot it, I'll pay ya," he says.

I tell him, "You don't have to pay me."

"Well I am. We need about 30 lbs, can you get a 20lb and 10lb bag?" he asks.

I nod, "Mhm, anything else?"

"No thank you, I'll see ya here," he says.

"Alright bye honey," I tell him.

"Bye baby," he says before hanging up.

Everyone starts to come out, my dad asking, "Who was that?"

I say, "Rachel, she wants me to pick up ice."

He nods, I walk to my truck. Waiting for my siblings.

As they all come in Savannah says, "Can you please turn on the AC."

I tell her as I start to drive, "It's broken, roll down a window."

She sighs, fanning herself. I feel bad, I've been doubting her pregnancy but she's showing now. Proving all my doubts wrong. I'll pray on it tonight.

Georgia who sits beside me says, "Who all is gonna be there?"

Buck answers, "The fire and police department. Her family, his family, ours, and some military friends of his."

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As I pull up I park next to my dad.

I must say this farm is nice. It belongs to Marcus's family and it sits on many acres. Perfect for a big gathering like this.

As I jump out of my car I see Dakota walking over. Buck, Savannah, and Georgia don't stay long enough to see him.

He's wearing a green army shirt, dark blue denim jeans, and tan boots to match his felt hat.

"You're not really on theme cowboy," I tell him.

He chuckles as he walks to the side of my truck bed.

"Well you look gorgeous," he says he places his hand on my waist.

Pulling me closer he kisses me. I smile as I kiss him, which doesn't last long. Only a short innocent kiss.

As I pull away I say, "I haven't told my parents yet so please be mindful."

He asks, "And Rachel?"

I shrug, "She already knows."

"Good, I told Marcus bout a week after we started dating," he says.

I laugh, "Grab the ice water boy."

He gives me a playful glare then reaches over. Grabbing the two bags and walking with me towards the coolers.

Rachel walks over to us, hitting us both many times as she eagerly taps her feet on the ground.

"You two! Together! Oh my gosh!" she squeals.

Dakota laughs and pours the ice into the coolers.

Marcus joins us, "Isn't she subtle?" he jokes.

I giggle, he gives me a half hug, "How you doing?"

I say, "Good, and you?"

"Pretty good," he says as he stands beside Rachel.

Marcus is tall too, about 6'2. He is 50% native so he looks nothing like Dakota. He's got tan skin, black hair, and his eyes are a light brown.

Dakota takes out a beer for all four of us.

"No thank you," I tell him.

He gives me a questioning look, "I don't drink in front of my family," I tell him.

He nods, putting one away.

Rachel takes hers then says, "Alaska and I are gonna make our rounds."

They both nod, as we walk away she says, "Y'all are too cute."

I smile, "Thank you."

As we near our families my dad asks, "What took you so long."

Rachel says, "Her and I filled the cooler with ice."

Her dad, the sheriff says, "Nice to see you Alaska."

I smile, "Thank you sheriff."

Her mom, Mrs. White brings over River and Rain.

Rain and River both run to me, "Auntie Waska!"

I smile, crouching down and hugging them both.

"Hi sweethearts!" I say.

River says, "You so beautiful."

Everyone around just melts, a harmony of aw's sounding around us.

I say, "So are you!"

Rain say, "Happy birthday!"

Rachel laughs, "No honey, today is the Fourth of July," as she lifts her up.

Mrs. White takes River somewhere else. I stand putting my hands in my back pockets.

Georgia walks over, "See any hot guys?"

I laugh, "No Georgia, I ain't looking."

My mom comes over, "Girls I've scoped out a couple cute boys for you two."

I groan, "Momma."

She shrugs, Georgia asks, "Since you don't want any let me get em. And can you get me a water please?"

I nod, walking over to the cooler where Dakota still stands with Marcus.

"Hi boys," I say.

Marcus asks, "Back so soon?"

I nod, "Fetching my sister water."

Dakota reaches down, grabbing two.

"Thank you," I say.

I grab them then turn to leave but Dakota says, "Ay, wait a minute."

I turn around, "Yes?"

He asks, "Which one's your brother?"

Marcus groans at the mention of him. Which I want to but can't, he's my brother unfortunately.

I point to my brother and say, "The one in the blue under armor shirt. The fake blonde beside him is his wife. She's not very kind."

He takes a sip of his beer, "Looks like a fun crowd."

I laugh, "Bye boys."