Love at First Sight

by Kelly Elliott

  I got the ring.

  I didn’t respond. There was nothing to say.

  “Hey, what are you doing today?” Gage asked as he hit my leg with a baseball glove when he walked by.

  “Nothing. What are you doing?”

  He smiled. “A bunch of us are getting together to play a bit of baseball. Girls against guys. You want to come?”

  “You really want your older sister hanging out with you?”

  Gage laughed. “All my friends think you’re hot, Chloe. I’m positive they wouldn’t mind.”

  With a wide grin, I stood. “Okay, I’ll come. Will there be anyone I know there?”

  “I’m not sure. Sometimes a few people who used to be on the baseball team in high school will come in. We play every Tuesday night.”

  “Okay, I’ll come. I could use a distraction and a good time.”

  When Gage pulled up to the large baseball field, I couldn’t help but smile. The memories of watching both Gage and Rip play here filled my mind.

  “You seem a lot happier this week. Why is that?” Gage asked.

  I shrugged.

  “Wouldn’t have anything to do with that loser you finally got rid of, would it?”

  “Why in the world did you and Dad not like him?”

  Gage laughed. “That’s easy to answer. He wasn’t Rip.”

  I stared, not knowing what to say to that. He gave me a wink and got out of his truck.

  I looked around to see if there were any familiar faces. My heart nearly leapt from my chest when I saw Alyssa and Mike.

  Thanks goodness I’m not the only older person here.

  I jumped out of the truck and made my way to them.

  “What’s going on, y’all?”

  Alyssa beamed when she saw me, and Mike grinned as well.

  “You playing in this little game too, Mike?”

  He smiled. “Any time I am asked to play baseball or football, I am there.”

  Alyssa and I both laughed.

  Two girls walked by us giggling about something. They had to be Gage’s age. “Oh my gosh, I want to squeeze his ass!”

  “I want to do him.”

  My brows lifted as Alyssa and I watched them walk by. “Who are they talking about?” I asked while we watched the girls join a bigger group of high school-aged girls.

  “I have no idea.”

  We stepped closer to listen in. How I missed the days of high school. No, that was a lie.

  “He’s here tonight. Wait until y’all see him play. I have an orgasm just looking at him.”

  I covered my mouth in an attempt not to laugh. Alyssa gagged.

  “Good Lord, were we like that in high school?”

  “Probably,” I said.

  The girls all stopped and sat down. “Really, y’all, he’s six years older than you, do you really think Rip Myers will look twice at you?”

  Alyssa bumped my shoulder, and this time we did chuckle. I tried not to look for Rip. Once the girls mentioned him being there, I had to quietly work on keeping my breath under control. The girls were too wrapped up in their conversation to notice me and Alyssa.

  “How cute! They have a crush on Rip. Remember those days, Chloe?”

  I rolled my eyes. “All too well.”

  “He hooked up with Morgan Hicks, you know. She’s younger than him,” one of the girls said.

  Alyssa had already headed back to Mike, but I froze in place.

  “We all know why he went out with her. She’s an easy lay.”

  My stomach twisted.

  “That was months ago. I’m eighteen, I think I’ve got a good shot with him. Besides, who would the hottest guy in Oak Springs want to be with other than the hottest woman?”

  All the other girls laughed. “Keep dreaming!” one of them said as I picked up my pace and re-joined Alyssa.

  “First up to bat is the guys’ team. Girls, get into position.”

  “It looks like they have enough girls, Chloe. Let’s go sit in the stands.”

  “Okay. Sounds good.”

  The game started, and the guys were up to bat.

  “Have you decided on the wedding cake?” I asked, trying not to think about this Morgan Hicks person.

  “Not even close. Mike wants to do something fun and crazy. I, on the other hand, want something traditional, maybe even French-themed.”

  “Why not let him pick his groom’s cake and you do the main wedding cake?”

  She shrugged. “I really wanted just one.”

  “Why?” I asked.

  Looking around, she leaned in closer to me and whispered, “Do you not remember what putting Mike in charge of something is like?”

  I smiled at the memory of Mike planning Alyssa’s eighteenth surprise birthday party. We had it at a trampoline place. The guys had a hell of a good time there.

  Trying not to giggle, I replied, “You have to admit the trampolines were kind of fun.”

  Alyssa shot me a dirty look. “Yeah, for them.”

  Focusing back on the field I stopped laughing because I saw Rip. He was talking to someone I had never seen before.

  “Who is Rip talking to?” I asked.

  Alyssa followed my stare. “Oh, that’s Morgan. She owns a pottery studio down on the square.”

  “Morgan Hicks?”

  “Yeah, have you met her?”

  I shook my head. “No, but Rip’s dated her, right?”

  “Um, yeah, if you want to call a hook-up once or twice dating.”

  Trying to pull my attention off of them, I watched the game. I jumped and screamed when Gage hit a homerun.

  “Go Gage!”

  When my eyes drifted back to Rip, he was watching me. I lifted my hand and gave him a slight wave. Seeing him dressed in baseball pants, a T-shirt, and that ball cap had my mind going fuzzy, and for a moment I forgot I was mad at him. He smiled back, then turned his attention to Morgan as she placed a hand on his arm. It didn’t take long for that old familiar, angry jealousy to show up and rear its ugly head.

  “Chloe?”

  I was still staring at Morgan and Rip when I replied, “Yeah?”

  “If looks could kill, poor Morgan would be on the ground.”

  Snapping out of it, I looked at her. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  She laughed. “Okay, if you say so. Have you guys talked at all? I know you were upset with him.”

  “No, I texted him earlier to see if he could meet for dinner, and he hasn’t responded. Maybe he already has plans…with Morgan.”

  Even I could hear the jealousy in my voice.

  Alyssa raised a brow. “I swear to God, you two give me whiplash and you always have.”

  I smirked. “You and me both.”

  When I glanced back to Rip and Morgan, she was laughing. My chest ached, and I couldn’t help but wonder if this was what Rip felt when he saw me and Easton together. But it still didn’t make any sense that he would leave Texas A&M over it. And if that was the real reason, why in the hell hadn’t he just told me?

  Agitation crept in even though I tried like hell to stop it. I frowned at the thought of Rip pushing me away because he was too afraid to admit his feelings for me. Claiming he only wanted me to be happy. Did he for once stop and think I might be happiest with him?

  Morgan leaned up and kissed Rip on the cheek. He took a step back and looked up at me. His brows pulled in slightly, and I realized I was still frowning, possibly even giving him and Morgan a dirty look. My phone rang and I jumped, causing my phone to tumble around in my hands.

  “Hello? Hello?” I said, trying to calm my racing heart.

  “Chloe?”

  “Hey Daddy, what’s going on?”

  “Baby girl, where are you?”

  My breath stalled in my chest. Something was wrong.

  “I’m at the baseball game that Gage is playing in. At the fields. Why?”

  “Honey, you might want to head home. It’s Patches.”

  A sob instantly slipped f
rom my lips. “What’s wrong?”

  He didn’t answer.

  Alyssa looked at me, worry all over her face.

  “Daddy, what’s wrong with Patches?”

  Alyssa stood, and I quickly followed her lead. She took my hand, and we started down the bleachers.

  “Do you want me to come pick you up?”

  My hand covered my mouth and I closed my eyes.

  Patches. No. Please don’t leave me.

  “Chloe? Chloe!”

  Alyssa took the phone from my hand, and I barely heard her talking. The next thing I knew, I was in Mike’s truck.

  “Gage?” I said, my voice cracking.

  “I sent Mike a text to let him know what was happening. I got you out as fast as I could. You looked like you were about to break down crying. There is enough gossip going on in this town as it is. I didn’t want there to be more tongues wagging.”

  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?”

  He nodded. “I will too.”

  “Mike, you stay here in case she comes back…call me,” I said. He nodded.

  Gage and I rushed to the main barn.

  “Who do you want?” he asked as we stepped in. This was just one of a few different barns the Parkers had on their ranch. Chloe’s grandfather kept his prized horses in this one, along with the horses the family rode often.

  “I don’t care. Just give me a fast one,” I said.

  Gage brought over Walter, a blue roan. I started to take him out of the barn. “Dude! Walter has never been ridden bareback. At least put some reins on him.”

  I let out a frustrated groan as Gage handed me the reins. I slipped the bit into his mouth, threw the reins over his neck, then jumped on him when we got out of the barn.

  “Call me if you find her,” I said, looking back at Gage who was saddling up a horse.

  “Same. I texted Dad that we were here, so he knows we’re looking, too.”

  I kicked Walter, and he took off. If I knew Chloe, I knew exactly where she’d gone.

  Racing across the pastures, I cursed myself for not being honest with her that day she told me she wanted more. For giving up on trying to talk to her. For not telling her I loved her when she stood in her dad’s office and said she was marrying that asshole. I’d never hated myself like I did in that moment.

  When I rounded the bend, I saw her horse. Letting out a sigh, I brought Walter down to a trot. The old hunters’ cabin was where Chloe’s Aunt Amelia used to write a lot of her romance novels. She now only released a book or two a year, and the cabin pretty much sat empty. Chloe and I would come here and talk for hours when either of us needed to get away.

  I slid off Walter and tossed the reins over his neck, allowing him to graze with Chloe’s horse, Lizzy.

  Slowly, I opened the door and found Chloe sitting on the chair. It was a small cabin with the bedroom in a separate room. The living, dining, and kitchen were all one giant space. It was dusty and looked like no one had been here in years. The last time
anyone had been here was probably the night I almost told Chloe her how I felt about her before we left for college.

  “Chloe Cat?”

  Her head lifted, and she started to cry harder. “You found me.”

  With a small smile, I nodded. “I made you a promise I would be here for you.”

  She started to cry harder and made her way over to me. When she wrapped her arms around me, I held her tight.

  “It’s okay, princess. It’s okay.”

  “He’s gone, Rip. He’s gone.”

  I ran my hand up and down her back as she sobbed into my chest. There was nothing I hated more than hearing her cry. I wanted to take her pain from her. Any way I could.

  “I’m here. I’m right here.”

  Her legs felt like they were giving out, so I reached down and lifted her. She buried her face into my chest as I walked over and sat down on the small couch. I held her, letting her get it all out. When she couldn’t cry anymore, she lifted her head and our eyes met. My heart felt like it did a full somersault.

  “I’m so sorry he’s gone, Chloe.”

  Her chin trembled as her gaze moved across my face. It landed back on my eyes.

  “You came. You actually came.”

  “Of course, I did. I promised you.”

  The corner of her mouth lifted slightly. “Thank you.”

  I brushed away her tears with my thumb.

  She swallowed hard and closed her eyes as she spoke. “I made it in time. I was with him when he passed. It was like he…was w-waiting for me.”

  More tears slipped free and rolled down her cheeks. I used both thumbs to wipe her face again. “He loved you just as much as you loved him, Chloe.”

  With a nod, she pulled in a deep, cleansing breath, then exhaled. The warmth of her breath on my face had my insides pulsing with the need to kiss her. Make her forget this moment. Make her forget Easton. Make her mine.

  Chloe cleared her throat. “I’m sure everyone is worried.”

  “Your dad, Gage, and Trevor were out looking for you.”

  Her eyes met mine again. “How did you know I would be here?”

  I shrugged. “I know you probably better than you know yourself.”

  Her lips pressed tightly together before she gave me a sweet smile. “I guess you do.”

  Chloe wrapped her arms around her body. “I needed to be alone for a few minutes. Come to terms with the fact that I’ll never see him again.”