She lowers her voice. “And did I hear we’ll have a stork visit soon?”
“Yes, but we haven’t told anyone yet. Rhett’s brothers and you guys are the only ones who know.”
“This is so exciting! My lips are sealed.” She zips her hand across her mouth.
I glance around the living room. “I’m surprised so many people came out today.”
Baylee snorts. “I’m not. Everyone loves you.”
Syl nods and takes my hand. “This town has missed you.”
My eyes get watery. “When people showed up for our wedding, I thought they only came because they were nosy. But seeing everyone today, I think I was wrong.” And for the last few days, I’ve been worried everyone judged me because of what Darlene said at the Moonlight Mixer, but based on the relieved looks on people’s faces when they see me, they don’t care about the gossip.
“We’re a little nosy,” Sylvia admits with a grin. “But mostly, we care about you. I know you went through a lot in high school, and I think that distorted your perception of Wild Heart. It’s a good town with good people. And it’s a great place to raise a family, which you’ll soon learn.”
Rhett comes up behind me and wraps his arm around my shoulders. “Can I have my wife back now?”
Sylvia smacks him. “Oh, hush.”
He chuckles. “Glad you two could make it today.”
She glances between me and Rhett. “In case I haven’t said it, y’all make an adorable couple. And Rhett?”
“Yes, ma’am?”
“I’m glad you pulled your head out of your ass.”
My eyes widen, and Rhett chuckles again. “Never said I was perfect, but I’m trying.”
Sylvia nods. “I can see that. And I’m happy for y’all. Now stop hogging Paige, and let her talk to the rest of your guests.”
My husband’s chest shakes with laughter. “Yes, ma’am.”
As I chat with our neighbors and friends, my heart is full. I’m really grateful to have so much support.
Now I just need to get through Monday when we meet with the bank. I say a little prayer that we’ll be able to get the extension Rhett needs to untangle this mess that Harlan made.
50
RHETT
The ride to Cornerstone Bank& Trust is quiet. Paige’s leg keeps shaking, and I reach over and put my hand on it.
“It’ll be okay.” It has to be okay. Given the fact that Harlan tried to rip me off, the bank has to have some flexibility, don’t they?
She nods. “It’ll be okay.”
Fuck, she’s scared this won’t work out either.
We pull up to Cornerstone, and I turn off my truck. After I help Paige out, I take her hand. “Whatever happens, I want you to know that we’re in this together. If I default on this loan, maybe they’ll fine me or something but still give me time to pay it back.”
“I’m on board with that, but I’m not going down without a fight.”
I grin at my beautiful, feisty woman. “You make a damn good rancher’s wife.”
That gets me a beaming smile. “I got your back, babe.”
Leaning down, I kiss her. “Thank you, darling.”
