Stealing Hearts (Wild at Heart #1)(76)

I turn to Beau. “What does that mean?” I whisper. “Will they get better in a few days?”

“Hopefully, but until we get their test results back, it’s hard to tell if this is a minor respiratory thing or something more serious, like vesicular stomatitis, which is viral and super contagious. I’m hoping we’re just jumping the gun. Except…”

“Except what?”

“We won’t get the vet clearance in time for the auction. Especially if a state agency gets involved. Which means…”

“That we’ll default on the loan.” I cover my mouth.

He nods.

I push away from the kitchen table and run over to Rhett. “Go talk to Harlan. Ask for an extension. A week or two. He’ll give it to you. I’m sure we can sort everything out by then.”

My husband’s expression goes flat. “The man just told me last night that he couldn’t extend the terms.”

“But he doesn’t know what we’re dealing with.”

“He said he needs the money to invest in another project and can’t put it off.”

“But maybe he’ll change his mind if we explain. Your families go way back together, and I’m sure—”

“Paige, he said no. How many ways do I need to explain that to you?” he barks.

I flinch, and my eyes flood. Embarrassed, I shuffle backwards. “You’re right. What do I know?” I run to our bedroom and lock myself in the bathroom.

All of a sudden, I’m fifteen years old again, wishing I had a window I could escape through.

A few minutes later, a knock at the door makes me jump.

“I’m sorry, Paige.” Rhett’s gruff voice is muffled. “I didn’t mean to yell at you.”

I force a lightness into my voice I don’t feel. “No problem. I’m just going to take a shower.”

He starts to say something, but I flip on the water. I’m not ready to hear what he has to say.

I strip out of my clothes and stand under the hot water, where I cry until there aren’t any tears left.

My life here—my marriage, this ranch, my future—everything feels like it’s crumbling.

And I have no idea how to save it.





41





PAIGE




I don’t know why I expect to see Rhett in the morning. Of course he’s gone.

From the couch, I stare at the empty bed. Rhett’s side is perfectly made. I don’t know if that means he slept in the living room last night or made it before he left.

More concerning is why I’m still exhausted after sleeping twelve hours. I’ve never slept that long before.

After I get dressed for the day, I drag myself into the office, where I find a vet bill that makes my eyes bulge.

We’ve waited as long as we could for the auction, but that also means our funds are getting low. I cut the check and stare at it with a stone in my stomach.

I turn to the wall calendar, where this Friday and Saturday are circled in bright red Sharpie. Will we be able to sell any of our animals this weekend? Will the farm be ruined if we don’t?

I can’t believe that Harlan would pull the rug out from under us. Is he that heartless? Rhett must know him better than I do, but I don’t think we should give up.

My phone rings. It’s Abby.

When I answer, her happy voice makes me smile. “How’s the baby?”

“Janie’s doing great. She’s such a happy girl. Nick says she’s perfect.”

“Of course she is.” That knot I’m getting familiar with tightens my throat. “I’m so happy for you. Send me photos when you get a chance.” I might be in misery, but I love Abby and Nick and want the best for them.

“I wore your vest to Saturday’s game. I got so many compliments. I hope you don’t mind, but I gave your info to a few of the other wives and girlfriends.”

I tilt my head. “You mean NFL players’ wives and girlfriends?”

She chuckles. “Yes.”

“That’s… wow. That’s cool.”

“Think you could make me something else if I send you more jerseys? I want to get in the queue in case you get busy.”

This is the perfect project to get my mind off everything. I grab a piece of paper to take notes. “What did you have in mind?”

When I get off the phone, I’m feeling more hopeful. I decide that Rhett needs me to be optimistic. We can figure our way out of this situation if we put our heads together.

I’ll deal with him and the Darlene situation later. There’s a reckoning coming for sure, but first we have to make sure we don’t go bankrupt. Then I’ll chew out his ass.

I get into the kitchen and start making lunch. I’m sure the guys are going to have another long day. The least I can do is get them something to eat. Eventually, Pauline brings the boys in, and I feed them a pasta salad and some grilled ham and cheese sandwiches with pickles.

After an hour, though, I start to worry that the guys aren’t going to make it home again, when I hear a truck door slam.

Beau and Rhett are back. They look exhausted.

“Hey, guys.” I force some cheer into my voice because they look like they could use it. Rhett and I might not be in a good place right now, but I know he’s going through a lot. So I put the Darlene drama and my pregnancy and the fact that he’s being distant aside. “I’m making lunch. Are you hungry?”