Page 54 of Lasso Lovebirds

“Sure,” he said with a smirk. “It’ll just be a matter of time, I'm sure. I should make a bet with Billie and Benny.”

“You will do no such thing, Boone.”

He chuckled and pecked my cheek. “I’m gonna go make sure all the food is being put out where I want it. Should I send Abilene to get Dennis?”

“Yes, please,” I said.

It wouldn’t be a Rainbow Ranch picnic without our unofficial mascot. Hopefully he behaved himself today.

Boone left my side to join everyone else under the tent. I turned and scouted the ranch, looking for anything that might be out of place. Rainbow flags whipped in the wind, the crops wavering as a breeze rolled through. Sunshine warmed me through my pastel plaid button-down and jeans.

My attention turned back to Pris and Sky. The two of them were setting up a couple more tables underneath one of the tents. Boone had joined Wylie and Winnie in getting the rest of the food and refreshments set out.

We were ready.

It was about time to grab my truck and head up to the front of the property to help direct people. While we had signs that we'd put up yesterday to guide people to the ranch, it never hurt to have someone at the front to welcome them in.

I rolled my shoulders and stretched my neck. I finally left my post and headed toward the tent, slowing as I approached. Everyone was working so well together. It was like watching magic happen right in front of me.

“I’m gonna head to the front,” I said. “I’m gonna welcome people in.”

“Sounds good,” Boone said. “Why don't you take someone with you?”

I heard the knowing smirk in his voice.

“Don't you need the extra hands here?” I asked.

“You can take Sky,” Pris said.

Sky shook their head. “How about you go?”

I saw mischief and their sweet brown eyes, and they winked at me before grabbing a cooler full of water. Pris smoothed her hands down her hips, and then shrugged her shoulders.

“Sure,” she said. “I’ll come with you.”

She walked up to me and as she got close, the urge to pull her in and kiss her came over me.

I couldn’t resist it.

Pris squeaked as I dragged her close to me. I swooped in, pressing my lips to hers before the whole ranch. Boone let out a low whistle and there were a couple of claps, becauseof courseeveryone was gonna be dramatic about it.

I let her go and half expected her to be scowling at me, but she was grinning ear to ear. My heart melted in my chest.

“Let’s go welcome people in,” I murmured.

She nodded and glanced back at Sky. “We’ll be back for you in a bit, little storm. Can’t miss your first Pride.”

Sky’s cheeks turned pink and they smirked. “Have fun.”

A couple hours later, the Y’all Pride Picnic was in full swing, and I felt like I was on top of the world. I sat on a spread-out blanket next to Pris and Sky, the sun shining on the three of us as we chatted with some of the guests as they passed by or stopped to say hello.

I bit into a sandwich as I looked around. Everyone was having a good time as usual. Music floated on the breeze, the clouds drifting above us.

It was the perfect day on Rainbow Ranch.

Pris and I had worked the front gate for a little bit only to be relieved by Billie and Benny. We were taking a short break to eat and relax before getting back to helping out with all the other activities that were going on.

In about an hour, we would have an amazing drag performance, followed by Dennis making his famed appearance.