Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82279 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82279 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Please continue to watch out for the younger ones. You're a natural-born leader, and I have faith you'll do amazing things in the future. I won’t live forever, but when I’m gone, just remember I’m everywhere—in the wind, the stars, and in your heart. Always.
* * *
With all my love,
Great-Grandma Bishop
* * *
Today marks the second year since my great-grandma passed.
On her favorite holiday nonetheless.
She wrote me this letter six months before that, shortly after Great-Grandpa passed. It was as if she knew she wouldn't survive without the love of her life.
They were married for sixty-nine years and lived long, happy lives with five kids, twelve grandkids, and thirty-two great-grandkids.
And we still miss them every day. The ranch hasn't been the same, but we're still working, and it’s operating like nothing’s changed. Between my grandpa Alex and his brothers, they've kept it afloat, along with my dad and uncles. They're always finding ways to expand and grow the ranch.
July Fourth has always been a special holiday in our family, and although we're used to celebrating with a huge party and fireworks, that was halted the day she passed. But this year, we decided to honor her properly and keep the tradition alive. It's what she'd want, so we're going all out.
My grandpa's sister, Courtney, who lives in California, is here with her three kids, their spouses, and her nine grandchildren. The last time we saw them was at the funeral. So it's nice to get together for a happy occasion.
Dad put me in charge of grilling the meat today. Though Gavin and Grayson are usually the pit masters, I've been practicing for the past year to be just as good.
"Zach, you better get movin' if you're gonna get Lilia on time and make it back to start grillin'," my mom reminds me.
"I'm goin' now," I tell her, grabbing my truck keys and cowboy hat off the dresser.
She meets me in the hallway and smiles wide. "You look so handsome."
"Mom."
"What? You're handsome just like your daddy."
I roll my eyes. "I'm gonna be late."
She yanks me in for a hug and kisses my cheek. "Drive safe. See you there."
"Bye, Mom. Love ya."
Lilia lives fifteen minutes away in town, and although she has her own car, I prefer to pick her up. We've officially been together for two years, and although I just turned seventeen last month, I plan to marry her someday.
My cousin Amora is her best friend, but we all grew up together. Lilia and I were childhood friends long before we started dating.
As soon as I arrive and open my truck door, she flies out of the house and right into my arms. I catch her and plant my lips on hers.
"You look beautiful," I tell her, scanning down her floral dress.
"You’re lookin’ good yourself, Cowboy." She flicks my hat. "I love when you wear the black one."
I shoot her a wink, taking her hand and leading her to the passenger side. "I know."
On the way back to the ranch, Lilia blasts the radio and waves her arm out the window as she sings loudly to the music. I grin like a fool as I watch the love of my life. We might be too young to make lifelong plans, but I know without a doubt, she's the one. My great-grandparents married at nineteen and were high school sweethearts, and both lived to be eighty-eight. They knew each other most of their lives and set an example for all of us.
And I want to have a marriage just like theirs.
Lilia plans to go to college next year while I work full-time on the ranch. I knew I wanted a job with horses ever since I was eleven when Kaitlyn let me help her at the rescue. I was obsessed with getting my hands dirty and grooming the horses. I still am and continue to work as much as I can.
Since I'm staying, Lilia and I will do long distance until she graduates. She’ll come home during all the holidays and in the summer. Once she graduates, I'll propose, and we'll get married and start our family.
I still plan to enjoy every second we have together during our last year of high school.
"I'm gonna say hi to Amora," Lilia says when I park in front of the B&B. I have to stop and get the meat, but everyone's already crowding into the house.
I quickly grab her hand and pull her across the center console. "Hold on."
Then I cup her cheek and brush my lips on hers. "Stay with me tonight."
My parents would never allow her to sleep over, but that hasn't stopped us from putting blankets and pillows in the bed of my truck. We park at the Bishop spot and hang out by the fire until we fall asleep.
But I want tonight to be extra special.