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My head snapped to look at her. “Gossip about what?”
She chewed on her lip. “You. Rip. No one knows you broke off your engagement yet. I didn’t tell Mike, like you asked. People saw the way you were looking at Rip and Morgan, and then if you were to break down in tears, you would for sure be on the prayer chain in a heartbeat.”
I blinked to keep the tears at bay. “Maybe I need to be on the prayer chain.”
Alyssa took my hand in hers. “You don’t want on the prayer chain. Trust me.”
I managed a small smile. The prayer chain was a group of local women, mostly older, but some of the younger women in town were joining in on it. It was mostly a gossip mill. A way to quickly spread the word about something happening in town.
“I’m sorry I zoned out back there. I’m worried about Patches. He can’t be…”
Her hand squeezed mine. “Let’s just get you back to see what’s happened. In the meantime, take some breaths. We’ll be there soon.”
I turned to look out the window. Images of Patches filled my mind. He was such a naughty little goat. Always getting into something and causing grief for Grammy, and especially Aunt Waylynn. It was like Patches knew how to push Waylynn’s buttons. I smiled thinking of all the parties Patches had invaded. How many times I had batted my eyelashes so he could be a part of wedding ceremonies. I loved him so much.
“Do you remember when I asked my mom and dad if Patches could come to our elementary graduation?”
Alyssa laughed. “Yes! I also remember Patches being in almost all of the weddings—and the receptions—in your family!”
I giggled. “My aunts and uncles must surely love me because I managed to have Patches walk down the aisle many times.”
“Do you remember that Fourth of July picnic when Patches chased Waylynn all around the backyard because she had food in her hand?”
We both laughed.
“He lived for tormenting her,” I said. “I think he knows she has a love-hate relationship with him.”
“Love? Chloe, I’m pretty sure Patches is Waylynn’s archenemy.”
I sighed. “I hope he’s okay. He’s gotta be okay.”
Rip
SWINGING AT THE ball, I struck out. Again.
“Dude, what is wrong with you? Your game is off tonight in a big way!” Mike said.
“I don’t know. A lot on my mind, I guess.”
He gave me a knowing look. When I glanced up into the stands, Chloe and Alyssa were still gone. Was Chloe upset that I’d been talking to Morgan? It certainly seemed that way.
Jerking my fingers into my hair, I exhaled with frustration.
How in the hell can she be upset with me? She’s marrying someone else, for fuck’s sake.
Mike’s words popped back into my head. “Tell her before it’s too late. Tell her how you really feel about her.”
Sitting down next to me, Mike pulled his phone out and checked it. “Alyssa and Chloe left,” he said.
“Did she say why?”
Mike stood, then ran out onto the field and called Gage’s name.
“Gage! Gage!”
He looked at him, confused.
“Gage!” Mike shouted again. I walked over as Gage jogged up to him.
“What’s wrong? What is it?” I asked.
Mike looked at me and then back to Gage.
“What’s up, dude? I’m in the middle of the game!” Gage said as he came to a stop.
“We need to leave. It’s Patches. Alyssa sent me a text over an hour ago when they left. Your dad called Chloe, said Patches isn’t doing good. Alyssa just sent another text. Patches died ten minutes ago. Chloe took off on her horse.”
“Fuck!” I said, turning around and grabbing my bag. I made her a promise. I made her a promise I’d be there.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
“Rip, dude, where in the hell are you going?” Mike asked, grabbing my arm.
“I need to get to Chloe.”
“Let me drive. Alyssa took my truck.”
Gage was already in his truck and speeding out of the parking lot. I shoved the keys into Mike’s hands. “Just get there, Mike. I promised her.”
As Mike drove, I stared out the window. Neither of us said a word. We both knew how special Patches was to Chloe.
“What did you mean earlier when you said you made a promise to Chloe?”
“Back in high school, before we left for college. Chloe made me promise I would be there for her when Patches finally passed away.”
Mike didn’t respond, but he did press down on the gas a little more.
By the time we got to Chloe’s grandparents’ house, Chloe had been gone for almost an hour.
Paxton walked up to us, giving Gage a hug, then me and Mike. “I don’t know where she is. She jumped on her horse and took off. She didn’t even put a saddle and reins on.”
“Is Dad looking for her?” Gage asked.
“Yes, but she could be anywhere.”
Rubbing the back of my neck, I looked at Gage. “Can I saddle up a horse?”
