Rhett shakes his head. “He’s worried it’s serious. The Hollybrook farm had an outbreak of vesicular stomatitis, and he says he needs to notify the state in case that’s what this is.”
“Son of a bitch.” Jace rakes his hands through his hair. “But I thought we isolated all the cattle who had a fever.”
“He says there’s a chance the rest of them are still within the incubation period and could start showing symptoms.”
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 knowwhy 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.
