Page 16 of Falling Hard for the Billionaire Cowboy

“It’s miiiiine!”

“The two of you, stop arguing and eat your food!”

Marcella's voice cuts through the argument, snapping me right back to the moment.

“What a peaceful moment.” I sigh contentedly, taking a sip of my coffee. I’m still at Santiago’s house and I haven’t moved to the ranch yet. I'm currently sitting around the breakfast table with Santiago, his wife, and their four kids, and yes – the dogs are also there. They’re lying under the table, also eating their own meals and whatever scraps the kids are dropping to them.

Absorbing everything in that moment reminds me that the past few days have indeed been chaotic, and I've barely slept. But I know I'll miss this lively atmosphere. As an only child, I can'thelp but wonder if this is what my home would have been like growing up if I'd had siblings.

Marcella looks up from her plate, her eyes meeting mine. "Are you sure you'll be okay moving in, Hayley?"

I shrug, showing a nonchalant expression. "Yeah, yeah... why wouldn't I be?" But even as I say it, the thought of Austin being my landlord is enough to make my head throb.

I notice Santiago keeps glancing at me, and I finally sigh. "What?"

He looks down, taking a bite of his eggs. "Nothing."

I focus on my food again, but I can feel their stares boring into the sides of my face, from both left and right. Finally, I throw my hands up in exasperation. "Okay, out with it."

"Nothing," Santiago repeats, but I wasn’t fooled a little bit.

I give him a look, then turn to Marcella. It's clear they want to say something, but they're holding back.

Suddenly, Charlie, one of the kids, pipes up. "Dad said you and Uncle Austin fight like Tom and Jerry."

"No, we do not," I say, glaring at Santiago. What was he telling the kids?

He looks down guiltily, and Marcella clears her throat.

"But are you Tom or Jerry?" Selena, his second daughter, asks innocently.

I can't help but smile. "Oh, I'm definitely Jerry. Because I'll be outsmarting him at every turn."

Santiago raises an eyebrow. "Should we be looking for another accommodation for you?"

I shake my head. "We both know there isn't any other place available right now. I'm moving to the cottage, and you shouldn't worry."

"So, I won't be getting any calls to come to settle a fight at the ranch?" Santiago asks a hint of amusement in his voice.

I grin mischievously. "If there's anyone who will need the police, it will be Austin."

Santiago raises both eyebrows now, and I finally sigh. "Fine, I'll behave."

Try, actually.

That’s all I was going to do.

I would try to behave, but there were no promises. After all, I have no plans on backing down.

Marcella intervenes before Santiago is about to nag me some more "She's an adult, honey. She can take care of herself."

Santiago finally gave up, causing me to grin. "Do you need a ride to the ranch?" he asks.

"No need, my car's being delivered today," I reply, checking my watch to see how much time I have left.

But – there is one thing I had forgotten. The kids.

"You're leaving?" they chorus, their cute little faces scrunched up.

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