I try to keep calm, but nothing makes sense. He’s changed so much over the last few months. He’s been steadfast, strong, and even with his father being sick, he’s been happy. He wouldn’t leave like this. He promised me he wouldn’t just leave like this.

I head back to the hospital, hoping maybe he’ll materialize there.

Angie walks over and embraces me. “I’m sure he’ll show up. He couldn’t go far without someone seeing him.”

“It’s been hours.” My voice trembles. “No one has heard from him?”

She shakes her head.

Mrs. Hennington comes out from the back and heads right to me. “Where’s Trent?”

I look to everyone, but Zach steps forward. “We’re not sure. He’s been gone for a while now.”

“What do you mean he’s gone?” Mrs. Hennington asks with worry laced in her voice. “Gone where?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t seen him since yesterday when he said he was goin’ to see you and Rhett,” I explain. “I’ve checked his house, the station, our place, the ranch, but I can’t find him.”

“Do you think he left?” She looks to Wyatt. “With Dad in the hospital?”

I feel hollow inside. I don’t want to believe he took off without a word. His family, me, and his friends are all mystified. I know he’s in pain, I can accept that, but this isn’t the way to handle things.

Presley puts her hand on my back while Zach starts cursing and pacing. He’s had plenty to say about what he thinks.

Wyatt grabs his phone and dials. “Listen, you selfish son of a bitch. You got two hours to get your shit straight and then I better see your ass at this hospital.”

Wyatt doesn’t run away from issues, for the most part. He’s always been the one who forces us to deal with our issues. If he finds Trent first, I have a feeling someone will have a few bruises.

“I can’t believe he’d do this with his father in the hospital. I mean, I know he can do senseless things, but this seems out of character, even for him.”

Wyatt moves forward. His hands are balled into fists and his jaw is clenched. “He’s an asshole. Always an asshole. Dad’s sick, and he’s bein’ a selfish prick.”

Angie steps over to Wyatt. “Listen, until someone talks to him, I think we should all hold our opinions to ourselves. We have no idea what’s going on. For all we know, he’s handling something we don’t know about. Did anyone talk to Hank?”

“Hank hasn’t heard from Trent, but he promises he’ll call if he shows up.”

Mrs. Hennington sits and puts her head in her hands. “What if something is wrong? What if he’s hurt? Why wouldn’t he call his family?”

Angie shrugs. “I don’t know . . . I’m just hoping for the best.”

Wyatt leans in, kisses her lips, and shakes his head. “I love you, baby, but my brother has some explaining to do. He’s not at the farm. He’s run off because shit got hard. It’s what he does.”

“Those in glass houses . . .” Angie trails off and takes his hand. “I love you, too. I would really love you more if you could get me some fries.”

He laughs and crouches in front of her belly. “You’re hungry again, little one?”

“He or she has their daddy’s appetite,” she grumbles.

“It’s a boy,” Wyatt says proudly. “I can feel it.”

Angie rolls her eyes.

“I can’t believe y’all won’t find out.” Presley shakes her head. “Mama H. and I are goin’ crazy!”

“I’m sure—” Angie grabs her belly and winces. “Damn Braxton Hicks.” She breathes through a few seconds, and Wyatt helps her to a seat.

“You need to get my daughter-in-law to her bed,” Mrs. Hennington urges. “She’s been on her feet all day . . .”

“I’m fine.” She waves her off. “I’m in the hospital so if anything happens, we’re in the best place.”

“Angie, honey.” Mrs. Hennington takes her face in her hands. “You need to take care of that baby in there.” She turns to the rest of us. “Dad has a few hours before anyone can see him. Dr. Halpern said he needs his rest. Tomorrow, we’re going to talk to the doctor again, but we’ve all been here a while, and nothing is changin’.”

“If anything changes, you’ll call, right?” Zach asks.

She gives a sad smile. “Yes, honey, no more secrets. I promise I’ll call if anything happens.”

Everyone starts to hug and say goodbye. Mrs. Hennington heads back to her husband. Zach and Presley leave. Then Wyatt and Angie are the next to go, but I just sit here. I’m not family, but I don’t want to go home.

I start to rack my brain even more about where he could be.

My phone dings with a text, and I scramble to find the small device buried in my purse.

Hank: Trent called and said he’s going to be out of work for a while. Didn’t say why or for how long, but I thought you might want to know.

Me: Thanks.

If I thought I was confused before, it’s nothing like now. I vary from hurt to anger. He’s taking time off? He called Hank but not any of his family who are all worried sick? I can’t believe he would be so heartless. Not after all his promises not to pull away from me again and all the talk about wanting to marry me. He has roots here. He wouldn’t rip them out when he needs them most.

I drop my head and let out a loud cry of frustration. “Just talk to me, I would be here for you,” I mutter as my heart aches.

“Grace?” I lift my head and wipe my tears away, not wanting to face him but knowing I have no choice.

“Cooper, hi.”

“Is he? Is everything—with Rhett?”

I stand and shake my head. “Oh, he’s fine. I mean, not fine, but he’s okay. He’s stable.”

“Then why are you out here crying?” Cooper asks.

I’m not sure what to say. My heart is broken on one end and I’m angry at myself on the other. I knew this would happen. I would go back to Trent, and he’d do the same shit like he always does. Now, Cooper stands in front of me, and I remember how dumb I am. I fooled myself into thinking this time would be different.