#outer range series

━━━

There’s a quiet hum coming from the radio, the warm evening breeze blowing through the open window. Your hands sink back into the hot water, pulling out another plate to rinse off. Dinner had come and gone and the house sat quiet for once; all the boys were out in the barn prepping things for their morning chores while Cecilia and Amy went out searching for fireflies as the dusk settled. It left you alone in the house, and allowed you to be a doting house guest; cleaning up the table and washing the dishes. It was the least you could do to thank Cecillia and Royal for letting you stay in their home while you worked nightshifts. It was much quieter out here during the day than it was at your place in town so it meant you could actually sleep peacefully. Your quiet bubble doesn’t last long now though. The front door creaks and steady footsteps stalk toward you. You don’t bother to look to see who it is, just continuing to scrub at the plate in your hand, lost in your own little world. The wandering hands on your waist pull at your attention, rushed kisses placed along the edge of your collar.

“Woah, there cowboy,” you giggle. You grab the dish towel to dry your hands, turning on the spot until your face to face with Rhett. A big grin plastered to his face as his hands shift to knead your ass. “Don’t start, I’ve got to finish these dishes and get ready for work.” Rhett audibly groans, his head lolling to the side before he pulls you closer. He places a gentle kiss to your cheek before he lifts his head to look into your eyes. It’s only for a moment before he leaning in again, kissing down the expanse of your neck until shivers trickle down your spine. You indulge in his touch for a second before his name falls sternly from your lips. Your next words come out in a sigh as he bites down, “You’ve no business starting something you can’t finish.”

“Who said I won’t?” His head immediately snaps up, a smug look on his face.

“No.” You muster up your sternest tone, pushing a finger into the center of his chest but the smile on your lips gives away your true feelings.

“I just miss y’ darlin,” his accent coming out thick like fog. It washes over you and makes your resolve falter.

“Just a few more days and my shifts will be back to normal.” Your hand raises to his cheek and he briefly pushes into your palm. “Then I’m back to being all yours, promise.” Guilt fills your heart. Agreeing to work nights the last week had meant you barely got to see each other. Rhett would work all day while you slept and you would work all night while he slept. It had meant a week of stolen moments like this; passionate kisses that led nowhere because of time restraints or proximity to the other people you lived with. You were both suffering the temporary loss of your physical relationship but your need for each other only grew by the day.

Rhett comes in close again, brushing his nose against yours. “Please.”

That one damn word is enough to have you surging forward, pressing your lips to his in a searing kiss. Your damp hands weave into his hair while Rhett leans further into you, his hands slipping down to your thighs. He tugs your legs up, moving you like a ragdoll until you’re perched on the kitchen counter. Rhett moves his hands along the tops of your thighs now, massaging your flesh. He brushes them upwards, slipping his fingers under the hem of your shirt. His touch tickles against your skin, it causes giggles to bubble in your throat. You move to cradle his face as he deepens the kiss, his tongue pushing against your own until you're gasping for air. Rhett doesn’t stop to catch his breath, he just dives into the crook of your neck again. He lavishes your skin with kisses while his hips rut against yours. The desperation of it all has your head spinning. You had missed this, missed him.

Your hands slide down his flannel covered chest, finding their place at his waist. This had to be quick even if you did want to savour every moment with him. Your fingers slip into his belt loops and assist him in grinding against you. The move earns you a deep groan from him, the sound makes you smile. A feeling of pride blooming in your chest. Then your fingers make their way to the obnoxiously large buckle that sits loud and proud just below his stomach. Expertly you undo the belt, like you had a hundred times before, while Rhett continues making marks along the base of your neck. It’s no effort when your fingers move on to undoing his jeans, making room for you to slip your hand into his underwear. An animalistic sound vibrates against your neck, his forehead pressing against your shoulder as your fingers wrap around him. Rhett has to take a second to collect himself, his hands bracing the counter on either side of you. He takes in a sharp breath before he raises his head to look at you, eyes wild and a faint blush growing on his cheeks. You have to bite down on your lip to suppress a moan because god he looked so good like this. Your grip on his cock grows firmer, moving your wrist slowly because you know for sure he’s never going to last long, not tonight.

“Don’t start something you can’t finish darlin’” he’s panting like he’s ran a mile and you can’t stop the grin that follows his words. So pleased with yourself that such simple actions can make him putty in your hands.

“Who said I would be the one finishing?”

“Fuck.”

You change the speed of your movement, getting quicker and more deliberate. Rhett’s caught off guard. His hands suddenly grip your hips, his touch rough as he squeezes your love handles. He pushes forward with a similar roughness as his lips reconnect with yours. It’s hot and passionate and has both your heads reeling.

“Rhett! Did you get lost on your way to the fridge or somethin’?” Perry’s booming voice calls and it’s only then that you both register the sound of the creaking door.

“Shit.” Rhett mutters. You completely remove your hands from him, as if touching him suddenly burns. He has to compose himself quickly to call out to his brother. “I’ll be out in a minute!”

That doesn’t stop Perry’s echoing footsteps from coming closer. Rhett moves fast to fix his jeans and redo his belt, while you push yourself off the counter and act like you’ve been washing dishes this whole time.

“You were supposed to grab a couple beers and be straight back out. What are you do-?” Perry halts in the doorway and you stare into the sink in hopes you’ll magically disappear down the drain. Rhett’s still fiddling with that goddamn buckle and that’s all it takes for things to click in Perry’s head. “No. No. No. No. Not in the kitchen!” Heat rushes up your neck and your eyes screw shut because if you can’t see him then he can’t see you, right? “Heathens! Both of you!” You hear the fridge door open, bottles clink and the doors shut with a thud. Perry starts muttering under his breath as he turns to leave. “Disgusting, doing it where we eat.”

“Don’t act like I never caught you and Rebecca doing more than eating at the kitchen table more than once!” Rhett talks over his brother's insults. The front door slams and slowly you open your eyes. Your whole body is tight from that interaction but the second Rhett’s hand grazes your lower back that tension disappears. You turn and rest your head against his chest before breaking out into a fit of giggles. Rhett’s arm secures itself round your waist and his own laughs vibrate against your ear.

“I don’t think I can ever show my face at the dinner table again.” You try to hide your face in his flannel. He places a kiss on the top of your head.

“I mean you might want to wear a scarf.” Rhett says smoothly and you’re confused at first. Then you remember the feeling of his lips on your neck, sucking bright bruises onto the junction of your neck.

“Rhett!” You swat at his chest, pulling away from him slightly. There’s a sickly sweet smile plastered to his face when you look at him and your moment of anger fades. Your eyes roll playfully before you push up onto your tiptoes. You place a kiss on the corner of his mouth before sinking back down. “Just for that you can finish the dishes.” You return his sweet smile before casting your eyes downward. “Oh, and you can finish that off yourself.” You slip out of his hold squealing when Rhett tries to grab for you. Fortunately for you, you’re quicker. Moving swiftly out of the kitchen towards the stairs and you can just hear a deep chuckle come from Rhett.

“I’m gonna get you back for that. Y’know that, right sweetheart?” Your heartbeat rushes at the promise and you have to fight the urge to go back and plead to him. The ticking of the clock is the only thing that stops you from turning. The quicker these night shifts were over the better.

Y/N had always hated the stupid animals hung up on the fireplace wall. Back when she was a girl, there were only two, maybe three of them hung up on display. Now, there was hardly any room to hang up even a squirrel. It made her uncomfortable, like their cold dead eyes were watching every single move that she made. She sipped her tea, keeping her eyes trained on the white owl in the corner as Luke was explaining to Sheriff Joy the buckle he had found behind the Pit Bar. 

Y/N had told Luke that Trevor was making out with some blonde the last time she saw him. Luke didn’t fully believe it. It wasn’t unlike Trevor to go home with a buckle bunny from the bar, but it was unlike him to not tell either one of his brothers where he was going. Once Luke dropped Y/N back at the Tillerson land, he went back to the Pit Bar, and that’s when he found the buckle and the blood splatters on the gravel. Y/N heard him come home and get Billy, and the spinning of his tires as he sped out of the driveway and over to the Abbotts. She watched from the bedroom window his headlights draw near to the property. She had hardly slept as she paced the bedroom floor in nothing but one of Luke’s t-shirts waiting for him to come back. 

“What do you want me to do with this?” Sheriff Joy asked him, holding the buckle. 

“Investigate!” Luke said, pointing to the buckle, “Look, there’s blood right there.” 

“You know damn well that could be anything. And as sheriff-” 

“Acting sheriff,” Luke said, cutting her off. Y/N sighed and set her mug down on the coffee table and stood up, walking over to them. Unlike Luke, Y/N actually liked Sheriff Joy. Joy was the one who made the call about Chad in the middle of the street. Instead of arresting him like Sheriff Burt wanted to do, Joy talked to Chad and got him calmed down. 

“Listen Sheriff, we know how this looks, but this isn’t like Trevor,” Y/N said, putting a hand on Luke’s arm, “Just please keep an eye on it?” 

“I can do that Y/N,” Sheriff Joy smiled at the woman, “I can keep a lookout for anything that may seem suspicious.” 

Luke scoffed and walked away back towards the office. Y/N jumped as the heavy wooden door slammed shut and she gave Joy a shy smile as she led her to the front door. She watched as the squad car left the driveway, and closed the door leaning her back up against it. Her mind was spinning, there were only two people she could think of who had something to do with Trevor’s disappearance and the blood on the buckle, and that was Brooks and Rhett. 

— — — 

“Twice a day, every six hours, and no, you can’t wash these down with alcohol,” Y/N said as she handed the prescription to her patient. The older male tipped his hat before exiting the waiting room. 

There was only one medical facility within a 60 mile radius of Wabang, and it happened to be the county hospital. It was a small building with a barely functional ER, and a walk-in clinic. It made do for the population that was around, most of the folks were anti-doctor anyway and only going if they could see bone or where hacking up a lung. The doctors that worked in the hospital were either middle-aged women with kids in the school area, or old men who had been working there since the seventies. Y/N was thankful to get a job so close to home, instead of driving an hour to the big hospital in the city. 

“Hey, we’re going to grab a bite to eat at the dinner, want to join?” One of her nurses, Michelle asked. 

“Sure,” Y/N smiled, and stood up from her desk, “Doctor Keith still in?” 

“Yeah,” Michelle nodded, “How’s baby doing?” 

“Well the morning sickness has finally somewhat seemed to fade. Still get terrible headaches and my back hurts like a bitch,” She said, as she put her coat on and walked by the elder physician’s office, “Going to lunch sir, we’ll be back.” 

“Sounds good,” Doctor Keithe said, “Oh, I got that number for that midwife over in Alice County that you wanted to see. She’s the best, and the closest that we got.” 

“Thank you sir,” Y/N smiled and took the sticky note from his outstretched hand. Y/N was a tad apprehensive about living so far away from a proper labor and delivery center. The hospital in Wabang could deliver a baby if it was an absolute emergency, but most expectant mothers drove the hour to the city to have their babies there. 

The bell above the door dinged as Y/N and Michelle walked through the door. The waitress at the counter smiled at the two of them, and told them to see themselves. Rhett looked up from the cup of cooling coffee in front of him, to catch Y/N’s smile. He had noticed since telling Luke about the pregnancy, she wasn’t hiding her bump as much. The tight black shirt she wore accented the small bump and Rhett could remember the feeling of it under his hand. 

“Someone’s staring at you,” Michelle said as she grabbed the menu and started looking at it, “Oh, he’s-” 

“Y/N,” 

“Rhett,” Y/N said, greeting Rhett. Michelle bit back a laugh as she looked between the two of them, “What are you doing-” 

“Wanted to see how you were after the uh, other night.” 

“I’m fine, thanks for checking. How are you though? You were the one fighting.” 

Rhett chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck, “Yeah I uh, bruised my hand.” Rhett held his hand in front of him, flexing it in and out of a fist. 

“Why don’t you come by the clinic in like, an hour?” Michelle said, “Y/N can check that out for ya.” 

“It’s really no-” 

“Her schedule is free for the rest of the day. She can take a look to make sure nothing is broken. Can’t have the possible county champ riding with a busted hand.” 

“Oh, I’d have to take down Brooks to get that,” Rhett gave his classic half smile, “If it’s really no trouble, I would like to get it checked out.” 

“It’s no trouble, Rhett,” Y/N said, and looked up at his beautiful blue eyes. 

“Perfect, uh, enjoy your lunch,” Rhett said, and made his way towards the front door. Y/N watched with her eyes as Rhett walked across the street with a little extra pep in his step. She smiled down at her menu, her eyes landing on the ring on her finger. 

“I know what you’re thinking,” Michelle whispered, leaning in close, “But it’s just looking at a patient’s hand, ain’t nothing to it.” 

“A patient I used to be in love with,” Y/N said, looking at her, “It just. . . he touched my belly the other day and I got this, like flutter feeling in my body like I was sixteen again, watching Taylor Lautner take his shirt off to wipe blood off of Kristen Stewart's forehead. But when Luke did it. . . it felt strange. Maybe it’s just hormones. I mean, I had an episode with my father and Rhett was just there and-” 

“You don’t have to explain your feelings to me,” Michelle said, “I just want you to do what’s right for you.” 

Y/N nodded and smiled as the waitress walked over to them. She couldn’t help the sinking feeling in her chest that what she was doing with Rhett was wrong, even if it was just taking a look at his injured hand. Luke didn’t like Rhett, he had made that clear time and time again. Rhett had even been a topic of an argument between them a time or two. Y/N had always had a crush on Rhett, it had started when they were young. Rhett was the only boy who seemed to actually see Y/N for her, and not because she was Brooks’ little sister or someone who would get half the Lawton Ranch. 

After they ate lunch, and walked back to the hospital, Y/N waited in the nurses station area for Rhett to show up. She did have a mostly clear afternoon, except an appointment up in the city for an ultrasound. Luke was supposed to drive her, but he had been radio silent all day. She sighed as her call went directly to Luke’s voicemail box. She didn’t even bother to leave a message, just hung up and slammed her phone down. 

“Hey, Rhett’s in room four,” One of the nurses said, and Y/N nodded. 

She took the file from the nurse’s hand, and walked down the hallway towards the room. Rhett looked up from his hands as Y/N walked in the room. He swung his feet slightly as he sat on the exam table, and gave her a smile, but quickly dropped it seeing the look on her face. 

“What’s wrong?” Rhett asked. 

“Nothing, just tired,” Y/N said and looked around the exam room, pulling out different tapes and stuff to tape Rhett’s hand up. 

“Nah, not buying that shit,” Rhett said, “Forgetting I’ve known you since you were a young girl. Tell me what’s wrong.” 

“When I told Luke the other day, he promised me that he was going to. . . be there and all this shit, but his mind is so clogged up with Trevor missing and the shit with your land,” Y/N sighed, and grabbed Rhett’s bruised hand, looking it over. He hissed as she played with his fingers, bending and moving them to see if they were broken, “I have an appointment at the big hospital in the city, he’s supposed to drive me since my truck is in the shop. I’m going to have to cancel-” 

“I’ll take you,” Rhett said, 

“Rhett, I can’t ask you to do that. Your dad will kill me if-” 

“I want to,” Rhett said, and Y/N looked down at the roll of ace wrap in her hands, “What time you done?” 

“Now actually,” Y/N grabbed a pair of scissors and cut the wrap, securing it around Rhett’s hand, “Wiggle your fingers for me.” Rhett does as she says and moves his fingers, “Keep them wrapped, and ice that hand. I’m guessing you have painkillers at home?” 

“Ya know how us bull riders do, girl,” Rhett smirked and Y/N shook her head, and began cleaning up her supplies. Rhett scratched at the back of his neck as he watched her, “This uh. . . this appointment is uh, is everything okay?” 

Rhett could hardly remember when Rebecca was pregnant with Amy, mainly because he was so heartbroken about Maria and was just getting into the life of bull riding with Brooks. Perry had also lived in his own place in town when Rebecca was around. Rhett could remember whenever she came over, her stomach seemed to double in size until she came home with a newborn baby. 

“Yeah, everything is okay,” Y/N said, as she filled out some paperwork, “It’s just a checkup, they’ll do an ultrasound, measurements, maybe some blood work. Doctor Keith could do it, but my midwife is at the big hospital and it’s easier to just go there and get all the prenatal stuff done.” 

“Midwife?” Rhett whispered to himself. It was another thing he was going to store to memory until he could get home and google what a midwife was. 

“Ready?” Y/N asked him, and Rhett nodded, standing up from the exam table and placing his hat on his head. He followed behind her as she stopped to grab her coat and bag, saying goodbye to her coworkers and Doctor Keith. She checked her phone one more time but sighed in defeat seeing that there were no messages from Luke. 

“Come on,” Rhett said gently, seeing the look of disappointment on her face, “We got a long drive.” 

— — — 

The drive was filled with laughter from stories of Y/N’s days at college and from Rhett’s time doing rodeos with Brooks. The two had nearly five years of being apart, both leading different lives. Y/N went to a college in Kansas, studying biology, joined a sorority and then went to nursing school. Rhett worked on the ranch and doing odd end jobs for Chad with Brooks, and he rode bulls on the weekends and often got too drunk afterwards with Brooks. Rhett loved seeing the smile on her face as she tilted her head back in laughter and wiped the tears from under her eyes. 

“Stop! Oh my god, that sounds just like Brooks!” Y/N laughed, “Oh! I’m sorry baby,” Y/N gently placed a hand on her growing bump, rubbing it slightly. 

“What’s wrong?” Rhett asked, concern filling his voice as he looked between her and the road. 

“They started kicking the other day, and haven't stopped since,” Y/N said, “They’re not big enough to really see anything on the outside, but I can feel it, and Brooks could too.” 

“I remember I used to be scared to touch Rebecca’s belly, it looked like a thing from Alien when Amy would kick and move. Perry was obsessed with it.”

Y/N laughed and looked down at her belly, her glistening ring catching her peripheral vision. Even though Perry had his faults, he was a good dad to Amy. Even with all the things he had been through this past year with Rebecca missing, having to move back in with his parents, Amy seemed happy and healthy. Perry was very attentive to anything she was doing, whether it be a school science project or a dance recital. 

“Do you think. . . Do you think Luke will be a good dad?” Y/N said, not taking her eyes off her ring. 

“I mean, yeah,” Rhett shifted in his spot, “I think it’s a thing you have to learn. I don’t know much about all that instinctual stuff, but I think a lot of parenting is a learning thing. I think he’s got some learning to do.” 

“I hope you’re right,” She sighed leaning back in her seat, “Sometimes I feel like I made a mistake. Not saying the baby is a mistake but maybe, sticking around with Luke was.” 

Rhett didn’t even know how to answer that. Of course he thought her staying with Luke was a mistake, but what was she to do now? She was set to become a parent with him and eventually get married. Some of the people in Wabang were set in their ways, and Rhett was no stranger to the whispers and stares of the older folks about him, he could only imagine what she was going through. He knew that staying with Luke was to save her reputation, to save her family’s reputation. She was the one who made it out, the perfect child. Brooks had been in trouble as a young adult, their mother drank herself to death, and Chad was losing his mind. But Y/N Lawton, she was the straight A student, the future doctor, the one who would come back for Christmas and drive a BMW that everyone would stare at. But now she was pregnant, and unwed. 

Rhett sighed as he pulled into the parking lot of the hospital and put his truck in park. He turned his body to face Y/N, who was still looking at her ring, “Listen, I know Luke has had his problems, but he’s changed. He’ll come around, I know he will. He’s not gonna leave you out to dry. He’s a good guy, Y/N, probably one of the best ones you’ll find in Wabang.” 

“You said the other night you don’t bring much to the table, but I think that’s a lie,” Y/N said, turning her head to look at him. A strand of his dark blonde hair fell in front of his face, and Y/N softly pushed it back behind his ear, “Cause I can’t think of any other guy in Wabang who would drive an hour to take some pregnant lady to a doctor's appointment.” 

“Brooks.” 

“Yeah, if he was getting a blowjob after it,” Rhett chuckled and Y/N smiled and looked at the time on the dashboard, “I should head in.” 

“Yeah,” Rhett said, and opened his door. 

“What are you doing?” Y/N furrowed her eyebrows as she reached out to grab his arm. 

“Going with you?” 

“I- No, Rhett, you don’t have to.” 

“I want to,” Rhett gave her a smile and Y/N removed her hand, and got out of the truck.

Rhett’s blue eyes were wide as he looked around the waiting room of the OB clinic. He had never seen so many pregnant women in various stages of their pregnancy. He couldn’t even fathom what it would be like to carry an extra 15-20 pounds on him for months. His eyes nearly popped out of his head as he watched one woman be wheeled out from the back of the clinic. 

“Are you gonna get that big?” Rhett whispered to Y/N. Y/N looked up and smiled at the mom in front of her. 

“Possibly,” Y/N whispered back and Rhett felt a shiver go down his spine. Y/N giggled softly as she finished filling out paperwork and waited for her name to be called, “You’ve been reading those parenting books, you tell me Doctor Rhett.” 

“That kinda has a nice ring to it,” Rhett smiled. 

When her name was called, Rhett stood up first, and offered his hand out to pull her up. Y/N smiled at him as he gently put his hand on the small of her back and they followed the nurse down to the exam room. Rhett was surprised how spacious the exam rooms were compared to the ones at the hospital in Wabang. Y/N sat on the table and answered the nurse’s questions, while she took her vitals. The nurse explained what they would be checking for at this appointment, and Rhett pretended like he knew what they were saying. He made mental notes to google everything that they were saying after the appointment. 

“Alright, Paula will be in a bit. No blood tests today, thankfully,” The nurse said and smiled at Rhett and Y/N before leaving the room. 

“So you like. . . understood what she said?” Rhett asked shyly, and Y/N giggled. 

“Yes, I did,” Y/N said, and looked at the various posters around the room, “Everything is going okay. Paula is my midwife, and she’ll take measurements, listen to the baby’s heartbeat, and take an ultrasound. Standard stuff.” 

Rhett nodded his head, like he understood what she was explaining. His eyes looked over the posters in the room, widening at how graphic some of them were. The one with a baby being delivered, made his stomach churn. He had delivered cows and horses before, he wasn’t afraid to pickup and hold a brand new philly in his arms. But there was something about the image of a human baby being born that didn’t sit right in his stomach. He looked over at Y/N, as she scrolled through her phone, laying back on the exam table, and absentmindedly running her hand over her small bump. Even doing literally nothing, she was beautiful. 

Rhett finally understood what his mom said when she would refer to the pregnant ladies at church as “glowing.” Y/N always seemed to have a natural glow to her, but now that she was carrying a baby in her belly, she seemed to have a golden halo following her around wherever she went. Rhett could hardly keep his blue eyes off of her when she was around. How Luke didn’t notice her “pregnancy glow” was beyond Rhett’s knowledge. 

“Knock, knock!” A chipper voice said, as the door to the room opened, and two women walked in. Y/N sat up a bit, handing her phone to Rhett, who took it and sat it on the chair next to him, “Y/N, you’re looking better than the last time I saw you!” 

“I feel better than the last time we saw each other,” Y/N giggled, “Rhett this is Paula, my midwife, and MaryAnn, my doula.”

“Nice to meet you,” Rhett said, giving them both a small and shaking the two women’s hands. 

Paula gave Y/N a look and she shook her head. During her first appointment, Y/N had spilled it all, about how she was engaged to a man who didn’t know she was pregnant and she wasn’t sure if she could tell him. Y/N didn’t know if it was because of the hormones, or because Paula and MaryAnn gave her the same vibes as her mother once did, but it was easy to tell them everything. 

“Alright, well, friends are good to have!” Paula smiled, and walked over to the counter, and started running through the prenatal exam. 

Rhett watched as MaryAnn helped Y/N lay flat on her back, and pull her shirt up. His blue eyes went straight to the small protrusion in her stomach. Her bump looked even bigger than it did last week. MaryAnn pressed on her stomach, trying to get a measurement of where the fundus was at. 

“Does that hurt the baby?” Rhett asked, leaning slightly forward to watch what MaryAnn was doing with her hands, and Y/N looked over at him, “I mean, all that pushing and stuff.” 

MaryAnn smiled down at you, before turning to Rhett, “No, it doesn’t hurt the baby. Trying to get a measurement on where the fundus is at. It's a part of the uterus. Next, I’m going to measure her belly, and see where we are sitting for overall percentage.” 

“Oh okay,” Rhett nodded and sat back in his chair, seeming happy with her response. Y/N couldn’t help but feel her heart flutter at his concern. MaryAnn and Paula shared a knowing look, as MaryAnn read the measurements she took. 

“Alright, looks like you’re sitting right at the perfect place we want you to be,” Paula said, and closed the file, walking over to the ultrasound machine, “Let’s get to the fun part, seeing the baby.” 

Y/N smiled and looked over at Rhett, who gave her a smile in return. His eyes quickly moved from her, to her belly, and then to the screen. He let out a soft gasp, as Paula placed the ultrasound wand on Y/N’s belly, and the image of the small baby in her uterus appeared in front of him. He hadn’t ever seen an ultrasound before, just the images of after when Rebecca was pregnant with Amy. It was much cooler to see it live, Rhett could see the baby moving around, and even the beating of their heart. 

“Alright, let's listen to that heartbeat,” Paula said, clicking a button and a loud whooshing sound filled the office. Rhett, nor Y/N had realized that he had moved closer to her, leaning down by her head to watch the screen closer. He was in complete awe that what he was seeing on the screen was what was growing inside of Y/N. 

“Are you okay?” Y/N said softly, looking up at Rhett. 

“Huh? Yeah, I’m fine,” Rhett said, looking down at her. She lifted her hand up, and wiped a tear from his cheek, “Shit, I’m sorry.” 

“It’s okay. I cried during my first ultrasound too,” She responded. 

“It’s just. . . that’s really cool,” Rhett said, giving her his classic half smile. Paula smiled softly at the two of them, before taking and printing some pictures. 

Paula got Y/N set up for her next ultrasound, and gave her another package of prenatal vitamins. Rhett couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as they got back in his truck or during the whole ride back to Wabang. Y/N looked over the ultrasound picture, pointing out different features and showing them to Rhett. Rhett asked her about all the things that Paula and MaryAnn had said, and Y/N did her best to clarify it for him. For once in his life, Rhett wished he paid more attention in anatomy and biology class in high school. 

“So the next one, they’ll be able to know the gender?” Rhett asked, as he turned on the gravel road towards the Lawton ranch. 

“You are kinda obsessed with knowing what I’m having,” Y/N giggled. 

“Gotta know if I need to buy a tiara or a cowboy hat.” 

“Hey! Little girls can have cowboy hats too.” 

“Well obviously. I gotta know if I gotta get one with a-” Rhett’s smile dropped the second he pulled into the hospital parking lot and saw Luke’s and Brooks trucks parked at the entrance to the Lawton driveway. They both looked pissed, as Luke was staring down Rhett’s truck and Brooks was staring down Luke, “Want me to stay?” Rhett asked softly. 

“It’s probably better if you don’t,” Y/N said barely above a whisper. She felt her throat constrict with tears as she looked down at the ultrasound picture. 

“He’s not gonna hurt you, not with Brooks here. I atleast feel better about leaving you knowing that he’s right there.” 

Y/N turned her head and looked at Rhett, “Thank you, for everything. I’ll see you around.” 

Rhett nodded his head, as Y/N got out of his truck, and slowly walked over to where Luke was waiting. Rhett watched for a moment as Luke said something to her, and Brooks walked up between them. Luke pushed Brooks hand off his shoulder, and pointed Y/N in the direction of his truck. She kept her head down as she walked towards the passenger seat of Luke’s truck. She didn’t even glance back towards Rhett, which made his heart ache. Luke hardly let her back hit the seat, as he started up the truck, turning the wheel quickly and leaving a cloud of dust as he drove away from the ranch. Rhett pulled up his truck towards where Brooks was standing, watching the truck leave. He rolled the window down and leaned over the side. 

“I don’t know what you’re doing with her,” Brooks said, not taking his eyes off the retreating truck, “But for once. . . back off.” 

“You and I both know I can’t do that,” Rhett’s blue eyes looked back at his steering wheel. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of the black and white photo she had left on the bench seat of his truck. 

“I know you can’t,” Brooks sighed, and turned back towards his truck, getting in it and leaving Rhett alone with his thoughts.

--- --- ---

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Rhett was sitting by the bar and had been absentmindedly drinking his beer, thinking of many different troubles that bit at his heels, until a couple didn't become his bar neighbours. Although to clarify, the pair itself wasn't a problem, Rhett had little care for lovebirds, it's rather only the drunk half of it that got on his nerves. He would've recognized that tacky hat with plastic seashells anywhere and at any time. It belonged to none other than Preston Mabel - a man approaching his thirties that hadn't been told 'no' enough times throughout his life. Through his childhood antics, Preston gained the prestige of the guy who throws sand at others and spits in other kids' porridge. Rumour had it, he never quite outgrew one of those habits...

He wouldn't have cared about Preston - worst case scenario, Rhett could have just found another seat and continued his lonely drinking. It was Mabel's companion, however, who changed Abbott's mind. Sitting on Preston's left side, he could get a look at her face and the unmistakeable discomfort she was experiencing:

Giving the man an empty chuckle, you casually brushed his hand away from your shoulder once again. No matter how nice and charming he had seemed, your regret was growing more potent ever since Preston's fourth beer. Although his behaviour was without a doubt criminal you were quite torn about what you should do: part of you was ready to bail at any moment, while the other was gullible enough to downplay your feelings, claiming that you were blowing the situation out of proportion. It was a small southern town, after all - only a fool would expect its citizens to act like the middle-class white-collars from big northern cities. In fact, quite a few people had said that you were 'stuck-up', mostly Tinder dates for the record, so maybe that's what painted your night in the colours of doom: you just couldn't take it easy.

"I'm just gonna get some fresh air, alright?" Your words were accompanied by nervous laughter. Hopefully, a few cold breaths could clear your mind and who knows: maybe you could even laugh at your anxious discomfort. The aftermath of his unwelcomed touch felt hot on your skin like sunburn before the dead epidermis flakes away.

"Just don't run away, sweetie," Preston slurred a little louder than necessary. He was leaning on the bar counter and Rhett was quite convinced it was the only source of his balance. A shiver ran down your spine hearing his words - it was as if he had somehow known it was a viable option in your mind.

In an impressively big gulp, Mabel finished his beer, setting the bottle down loudly against the counter. Hearing that, the bartender watched him closely from underneath his eyebrows - experience taught him that Preston was showing symptoms of trouble.

"Bambi's mine," the man slurred to the ambivalent bartender before burping loudly.

Stepping away from the counter, Mabel swayed for a moment but caught his balance quite swiftly. Then, with a swing to his step, he followed you outside. When the backdoor closed behind him, the bartender sighed to himself and went back to serving beers and drinks.

Although the situation had nothing to do with him, Rhett's gut was telling him that something was bound to happen - and it wasn't going to be Christmas arriving early. Staring through the circular window in the backdoor, he watched Preston force you against the wall. His leg started to nervously bounce as Rhett tried to decide whether it was his problem or not. Whatever decision should he make, it had to come fast.

"Fuck this," Rhett whispered to himself and rushed outside.

You tried turning your head away from Preston as much as you could, suddenly feeling impossibly ashamed of your inability to set your foot down. Keeping your hands on his chest, you tried to keep his away from yourself but not as assertively as you probably should have: the only worse thing than a drunk creepy man was offended drunk creepy man. And there were too many stories of women 'mysteriously' disappearing from small towns.

"How 'bout we go to mine, sunshine?" he offered. His body language, however, was too forward and decisive for the offer to remain an open question - it was more as if he was stating the end result of the night. You were disillusioned that with the state Preston currently was in it was either 'yes' or 'convince me'.

"No, thanks. I should be going home," you answered as certainly as you could. It felt as if your heart was a frenzied beast kept in place only by the confines of your ribcage.

The sound of the backdoor being pushed open directed your attention towards the unexpected stranger. He caught your gaze, for a moment looking at Preston and the anger on his face became only more prominent.

"Come on, girl. Don't be a little prude," Mabel pushed on. It seemed quite funny that he thought calling anyone 'prude' would work in his favour.

"She said no, Pres."

Rhett's voice could hardly be described as calm, it was more of a warning - anger was boiling inside him like a bull waiting for the slightest glimpse of the red cape. Your breathing became ragged, realizing that the ordeal might get a whole new spin as Rhett Abbott didn't seem like a man who backs off easily.

Preston, however, was deaf to Rhett's words: his shaky hand reached for your face but Abbott grabbed his wrist before you could even wince at the incoming unwanted touch.

"She doesn't fuckin' want to, pal."

Only then, when he was physically restrained, did Preston finally acknowledge Rhett's existence:

"Go fuck yourself, Abbott. She's mine."

Without much thinking, Rhett took a swing and landed a punch square to Preston's jaw. Mabel stumbled backwards, visibly struggling to keep his balance. In shock, he touched his face but winced at the smallest touch. For a moment, Preston stood still - in disbelief that someone laid their hands on him.

"Apologize and go home, Preston," Rhett demanded as he moved to stand in front of you. His right fist was clenched, prepared to repeat the offence.

"You-..." Preston stuttered. Words simply wouldn't leave his mouth. "You fuckin'-..."

"I told you to apologize and go home," Rhett repeated. His persistence impressed you, leaving you grateful that it was a man like him who noticed your plight.

Probably still unable to believe he was put in his place, Preston Mabel threw a short 'sorry!' and disappeared around the corner of the building, stumbling over his own drunken feet.

"I've always wanted to do that," Rhett said quietly as he watched Preston Mabel cower away. Then his worried expression was directed at you and, somehow, the shadow of a man throwing fists seemed to be gone. His hand was no longer clenched. "You doin' alright?"

"Yeah, I guess," you answered while averting his gaze. Rhett noticed how you rubbed your arm awkwardly. "I mean, not now. But I will be. Not the worst thing that happened to me." Rhett would have asked about clarification, feeling his anger rise again but your uneasiness was too prominent and so he tried to chase his vigour away. He could ask about things worse than drunk Preston Mabel some other time - should it, hopefully, arrive. "Thank you."

"How'd you even know the guy?"

You felt a blush of embarrassment creep unto your cheeks remembering the events of the morning. Now that you thought about the earlier hours of the day, you couldn't help but feel slightly ashamed of your naivety. How humorously human it was - to be wise and reasonable only in hindsight.

"He stopped me in the streets," you confessed. Feeling your embarrassment only growing stronger, you started to mindlessly pick at your skin. Your statement elicited fairly mixed emotions from Rhett. On one hand, he was beyond bewildered that anyone could take Preston Mabel for a 'nice man' but at the same time, he found it somehow completely expected that you would get asked out in the streets - no matter how cliche the scenario might seem. You did look like that kind of woman: the type that Rhett would never even think of asking out, simply because the possibility of getting rejected was, quite frankly, ridiculously high to the point of being obvious. If he knew he had no chance with someone, there was no point in putting his neck or rather his ego's neck in the noose. "Seemed nice enough and it's not like I know many people 'round here, so I took a gamble. It's stupid, I know."

"No, it's not," he answered quickly. Confused, you look at his face not understanding the unexpected redemption of your actions. "Maybe a little."

His eyes were stuck to your face as you laughed at his words. The anxiety Preston managed to instil in you was fading away and the newfound relief only added to your sudden joy. Feeling how warmth sparkled inside his chest watching your amusement, Rhett began weighing his chances. He was disillusioned about the reality: the only thing he had that Preston didn't have was respect for others and the lack of tacky seashells. Rhett wasn't the type of man to shoot in the dark, taking a risk only when he's fairly certain of the net result but at the moment, standing outside The Handsome Gambler, he naively thought that maybe it was his shooting star of a chance.

"You think I could call you tomorrow?"

"Call me?" you repeated in a shocked tone. Rhett's heart sunk and for a moment he really wanted to slap his own face for ever thinking he could aim outside of his league. "It should be me, bringing a fruit basket to you."

You fished out a pen from your purse and, without warning him or asking, you wrote your phone number on the inside of his forearm. Rhett's hands were rough, littered with callouses and scars - hands of someone who knows the price of an honest and humble life. Rhett's knuckles were hot, and flushed, as the skin started to turn from red to purple. He was quite displeased with how quickly you scribbled the digits on his skin only to leave him cold in the absence of your hands.

"Just don't call before 8AM, I'm not an early bird. And I'm paying for dessert, cowboy."

Rhett's eyes glazed over the quick writing in black pen and a triumphant smile appeared on his face. Aside from the nine digits, you had scribbled something else:

"(Y/N)?" he read the few letters above the phone number. "Pretty name. So, (Y/N), you need a ride home?" Your name sounded quite odd coming from Rhett's mouth as if he was the only person in the world to pronounce it in a certain way - it sounded special.

"Sure, I'd love that."

There you lie in the grass with a beer in your hand and listen to the chirping of the crickets as you look up into the night sky at the twinkling stars. You talk about your ups and downs in life and soft music plays in the background.

After a while, he then belts out the corniest line ever with a little twist.

"The stars are beautiful," he says as he looks up at the sky. His eyes glittered with the little shining dots high above.

"Yeah they do," you answered.

"You know what else is beautiful?"

You smile at his words, presumably knowing what will come next. "What?"

"Me winning," he said with a laugh, turning his head toward you.

At that moment you couldn't help smirking yourself, his smile has always been contagious to you. "What? I mean it. You can't say I didn't look good tonight."

To get his ego back on the floor you playfully punched him in the arm and he stopped laughing. A silence fell over you as you both look back up. And you murmur a soft, "I know."

Rhett couldn’t help who he loved. It was just who he was. Behind that tough exterior and the tough cowboy act he tried so hard to push, he was a sweet, old soul. You would just never know it behind the constant revolving door of girls that seemed to follow him wherever he went. There was always a trail of broken hearts following behind Rhett. Rhett didn’t care when he broke a girl's heart, he knew that their arrangements were nothing more than a quickie in the bathroom of the Pit Bar or Handsome Gambler. He hardly knew their names, probably couldn’t pick their faces out in a crowd. They were girls who were there for the whole crew, buckle bunnies, if you will. Except for her. 

When Rhett’s blue eyes first landed on her, he knew that he had to have her. But her face was bright red as she stood toe to toe with Luke Tillerson. Their fight could be heard on the other side of the rodeo ground, and this was one of their more tame fights. Cecilia had said one time she was pretty sure she could hear the two of them yelling from their ranch. Both of them were stubborn, and it was beyond Rhett to figure out whatever she saw in Luke Tillerson. 

Y/N Lawton was perfect. Her perfect hair, her perfect smile, her perfect body. She was kind and gentle to everyone, even when they took that for granted. She grew up in the church, her family usually sitting next to Cecilia and Royal on Sunday mornings. Her older brother, Brooks, had been in Rhett’s class. Rhett never really paid attention to Y/N, she was always the annoying little sister that tagged along when Brooks and Rhett would go on hikes on the Lawton Ranch. She had always been quiet, growing up in the shadow of Brooks bull riding success. Her parents seemed more focused on him than they ever had been on her. She disappeared for some time, then came back a beautiful, and smart woman. 

“Can’t you just shut the fuck up, for once!” 

“It’s not that hard to ask that my fiance doesn’t stare at other women!” 

‘Fiance’? Rhett asked him, ‘When did that happen?’ 

“It’s also not that hard to ask my fiance to stop staring at these stupid rodeo boys like she’s starving!” 

“Screw you Luke. Don’t even bother coming home.” Rhett watched her turn on her heel and walk away from Tillerson, leaving him heaving. 

Luke and Y/N had been on and off for years. Luke was a known cheater, but hell so were most of the rodeo guys. What happened on the road, stayed on the road. The wives of the riders all knew what they got up to on those long weekends in the middle of nowhere. Most chose to ignore it, those were the strong ones, others let it get to them. Clearly, Y/N was one of the ones who let it get to her. Even Rhett could see that she deserved better than Luke Tillerson, but it wasn’t like he was much better. As much as Rhett hated to admit it, Luke was probably the better option as a husband for her. 

“Hey, you good?” Perry asked, walking up to his younger brother. 

“Yeah,” Rhett said, shaking his head, “When did Luke and Y/N get engaged?” 

“Two, three weeks ago,” Cecilia said, “If you went to church with us, you would’ve known. They announced it to the whole congregation.” 

“I thought they were broken up.” 

“Rumor going around that she caught him with another woman and threatened to tell everyone, and that’s why he asked. I can only imagine what her folks think,” Cecilia tisked, “Pay for that fancy nursing education just for her to come back, and get engaged to a Tillerson.” 

“Won’t have to use that education. Be set for life,” Perry grumbled and Rhett glared at him, “What? It’s true. Can be just like their mother.” 

“Crazy and fly off to Aspen?” Royal chided. 

“She’s better than that.” Rhett said under his breath, “I gotta go.” 

“Good luck son,” Royal said, and each of the family members wished him luck before the ride. Usually, Rhett’s mind was focused on the 2000 pound animal he was about to ride, but for some reason his mind was focused on Y/N. It was the first time he had seen her in almost a year, and here she was engaged. Rhett kept his head down as he walked, which inevitably made him run into someone. 

“Oh shit-” “I’m sor-” 

“Rhett?” 

“Y/N,” Rhett said and looked her up and down, “It’s been-” 

“Abbott! Let’s go!” One of the rodeo hands called out for him. She smiled at him and moved past him. Rhett watched as she walked over to the stands, taking a seat right next to Luke. He clenched his jaw as he watched Luke put his arm around her shoulders and pull her into him. She looked up at him and he mumbled something against her lips, and she shook her head and kissed him, “You ready?” 

“Yeah,” Rhett grumbled and took the rope in his hand. 

— — — 

The ride went about as good as all the rest of them went. Rhett had scored enough to keep himself safe and advance on to the next round. Everyone congratulated him as he walked into the Pit Bar that night. Rhett gave him a simple nod of his head as he made his way up to the bar. 

“The man of the hour! Rhett fucking Abbott!” The loud voice that called out to him could only belong to one Brooks Lawton. 

“Brooks,” Rhett smiled and greeted him with a hand shake, “How ya been? Didn’t see you in the circuit.” 

“Nah, I had to bail out of this one. Dad wasn’t doing too hot, disease is making him fucking crazy,” Brooks said and Rhett sighed. The word that Y/N and Brooks’ old man had gotten dementia spread like wildfire in the town, “I got lucky and was placed next weekend. Gonna give you a fucking run for your money.” 

“No doubt about that,” Rhett said and thanked the bartender for placing a beer in front of him, “Where’s your sister?” 

“Over there with that fucking Tillerson boy.” 

“Why did she come back?” 

“He knocked her up,” Brooks clenched his jaw, “Get this, she called me in tears four months ago saying that he went and cheated on her at some rodeo up in Cheyenne and that she’s done with him and all this shit. Never coming back to Wabang. . . just to find herself back here, with a ring on her finger and a baby in her belly. And that’s not even the craziest thing, she hasn’t even told him.” 

That made Rhett choke on his beer, “What?” 

“Scared of what might happen if she does. You know how they are. Who knows what hippy shit Wayne might try and do. She’s already terrified as it is.” Brooks looked down at his boots. Rhett’s eyes were set on the table across the bar. All three Tillerson boys sat there, each with a girl under their arm. Y/N looked like she would rather be anywhere but right next to Luke, while Luke looked like he would rather have the girl next to Billy. 

Y/N could feel eyes on here as she looked down at the diamond ring on her finger that felt unusually heavy. The smell of alcohol and smoke made her feel nauseated as she tried taking small sips of air to and stop the feeling of rising bile in her throat. She shifted in her seat and Luke looked down at her. He had noticed her odd behavior all night but brushed it off. She was probably still pissed about their fight at the rodeo. 

“You okay, Y/N? You look a little green,” Trevor asked her. She bit her lip and nodded, but Luke narrowed his blue eyes at her. 

“You sure babe?” Luke asked, and that was the last straw for her. 

“No, c-can you move?” Y/N rushed out, her voice breaking. Luke moved quickly, feeling the urgency radiating off her body. As soon as Luke was out of the booth, she quickly stood to her feet and ran for the door. 

“The hell was that about?” Billy asked, looking from his brother to the door of the bar. Luke just shrugged and shook his head sitting back down. 

On the other side of the bar, Rhett noticed her leaving quickly. He excused himself from Brooks and Perry, and made his way towards the same path she did. She must’ve moved fast cause when Rhett got outside there was no sign of her. He looked around the dark parking lot and sighed. 

‘What am I even doing? She’s fucking engaged,’ He thought to himself, ‘She’s engaged and. . . throwing up on the side of the building’ 

“Holy shit,” Rhett said to himself and shuffled over to her, as she was bent over and throwing up. She had one hand on the side of the wall to brace herself as her other hand held back her hair from her face. “You okay?” He called out to her as he approached. What a dumb fucking question. . . 

“Y-yeah I’m fine!” Y/N answered. She stood up straight and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, “Just the smell in there is. . .” 

“Gross?” Rhett asked, finishing her sentence. She nodded and turned to look at him. Her eyes were even more beautiful than he remembered, even if they were bloodshot and red from her getting sick. He took a step closer to her but stopped when he heard Luke calling her name. 

“Babe?!” Luke said, brushing past Rhett and grabbing her face gently, “What happened? Are you okay?” 

“I’m fine,” Y/N said. 

“Did you get sick?” 

“No-” “Yeah.” Rhett and her said at the same time. Luke looked over his shoulder, noticing him still standing there. 

“I came out for a smoke and saw her getting sick.” 

“Well thanks for checking on her,” Luke said, “Let’s get you home, sweetheart.” Y/N nodded her head as Luke placed his hand on the small of her back, gently leading her to walk forward. 

“Oh Rhett, tell Brooks I’m staying with Luke. I’ll be by in the morning to meet with the health aides,” Y/N said softly and Rhett gave her a nod. 

“Yeah. . . thanks again. . .” Luke gave Rhett a fake smile as he rammed his shoulder into his as he walked past him. Rhett stumbled a bit and clenched his jaw. He turned around and watched as Luke’s hand traveled down lower to grab your ass, which he did mainly to piss off Rhett and show him that she belonged to him. Rhett kicked around a couple of rocks before going back inside the bar. 

Luke opened the door to his truck and helped her get in. When the door shut she leaned her head against the window, still feeling gross from getting sick on the side of the building. Luke climbed in his truck and sighed, tapping his fingers on the wheel, not yet turning it on. They sat in silence for a moment before Luke turned to look at his fiance. 

“I’m gonna ask you again. . . are you sure you’re not pregnant?” 

Y/N looked down at her hands in her lap, staring once again at the large diamond ring, “No, I’m not pregnant.”

--- --- ---

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Chad Lawton was one the big three in the small town of Wabang. He owned a ranch on the opposite side of town, far away from the Tillersons and Abbotts. His old man once said that it was the smartest thing his great-great grandfather could’ve done to purchase land as far away from the Tillerson/Abbott mess. It gave them peace and comfort, and it kept the “noise” that the Tillerson and Abbott boys liked to cause. But that of course didn’t seem to stop as the kids grew up. Wabang was a small town full of people who never escaped. The Tillersons, Lawtons, and Abbotts had been somewhat friendly since the day they all moved there. 

So when one day Chad Lawton found himself in the middle of town in just his pajamas and bathrobe, Cecilia knew there was something very wrong. She had called Brooks immediately and told him what was going on. The Lawton boy came into town very quickly seeing his father all worked up and yelling at Deputy Joy to get the fuck away from him. It took nearly ten minutes for Chad to calm down enough for Brooks to even approach and another ten for him to get into Brooks’ truck. That night the town gossip was hot as they talked about what had happened.

Brooks tried to ignore it the best he could, but it was everywhere he went. Even weeks after the incident, the town heifers were still talking about it. He heard the whispers at the grocery store, at the barber shop, at the trading mill, at the rodeo. He was thankful to have a good relationship with the Abbotts, and for Cecilia putting a squash to it. 

“I wouldn’t be talking about other folks’ business, when your husband was running around chasing an under aged tail at the rodeo last weekend.” Cecilia had whispered to one of the church ladies in the middle of a service. Brooks couldn’t help but laugh and felt like he could go to Cecilia for help. It was actually her advice in calling Y/N back to Wabang. 

Which is how she found herself now, sitting at her kitchen table with her brother and fiance, looking like they were ready to murder each other. Y/N had come back about five months ago, a couple weeks after the pajama incident and found the house in disarray. Brooks had told her that their dad had started to lose his mind, she just never really knew what he meant until she saw it for herself. Her heart shattered in her chest when Chad Lawton didn’t even recognize his own daughter. She had cried in Luke’s arms for hours that night about her dad’s condition. And with his help they drove up to Cheyenne to get Chad seen by a specialist. 

“I am not hiring some stranger to take care of him! We can do it!” 

“No we can’t, B!” Y/N sighed, running her hands through her hair, “You and I both have day long jobs, you have rides on the-” 

“I’ll give it up!” 

“Are you hearing yourself? You’re going to give up your dream-” 

“If that means staying with dad then yes I will,” Brooks said, stomping his foot. 

“Do you not hear how you sound right now! Like a child, Brooks!” Y/N yelled. Luke stood up from his spot and stood behind her, rubbing her shoulders, “You can’t take care of him on your own. What’s to stop him from wandering into town again? Or worse, driving off somewhere on the ranch. We have hundreds of acres he can get lost on.” 

“It’s the best for him, Brooks-” 

“Hey, you shut the fuck up,” Brooks said clenching his jaw and pointing a finger at Luke, “You have no right to talk about our family business, you damn vulture. Why don’t you go sleep with some-” 

“Fucking christ!” Y/N cursed and pushed herself up from the table, and stormed down to the bathroom, slamming the door shut. Luke looked down at his boots as Brooks walked out the front door, slamming it shut as well. Luke sighed and walked down the hallway, knocking on the locked door. 

“Babe?” 

“Go away,” She mumbled, leaning her head against the cool porcelain of the bathtub. Between fighting with Brooks and the headache from the morning sickness, the last thing she wanted to do was deal with Luke. 

“Listen, he’ll come around. It’s a hard thing to deal with, having to make a hard decision about your parent’s health.” 

Y/N pushed herself up from the ground and opened the door, “He’s always cared more about this land, and the old man than I ever had. But I’ve seen this one too many times. He can’t take care of him on his own.” She sighed and ran a hand over her forehead, “You love me right?” 

“Of course baby,” Luke said, grabbing her hand. 

“I’m going to need to stay here, for a little longer,” Y/N said, “I need to be here with Brooks in case something happens. Between Brooks and I, I think we can make it work, taking shifts.” 

“You got me too, babe. I’ll be here to help too.” 

Y/N nodded as Luke kissed her forehead, and then turned to go out towards the barn. She dropped a hand to her stomach, rubbing absent minded circles on the barely there bump. She knew her time was ticking before she popped, and it was harder to hide the pregnancy from him. She swallowed thickly and walked out to join the boys. 

— — — 

It took less than a day for Luke to help Y/N move her stuff back into her childhood bedroom. She had been staying with Luke since coming back to Wabang a couple weeks ago. Brooks had put it out at the church that they were looking for people to help keep an eye on Chad during the day. Y/N hated it, it felt like asking for babysitters, but it was the only thing Brooks would agree too. The list was mostly made up of church ladies, who promised to drop off casseroles and roasts, and some of the local farmers, who would stop by and check the cattle. 

Rhett had been one of those farmers who decided to sign up, which surprised pretty much everyone. Y/N didn’t even know he was there as she was counting the cattle, moving them from the barn to the pasture. Rhett had drove up in his truck, and Y/N tipped her hat up seeing his familiar body walk over. 

“You supposed to be riding, with your uh. . . condition?” Rhett asked, scratching the back of his neck. 

“Condition? Is that what we call it now? I’m guessing Brooks told you about it,” Y/N laughed, and Rhett nodded sheepishly, “And I already got the all clear. Just no riding bulls.” 

Rhett smirked and walked over to the fence, “Brooks said he’s got a list. Where’s pops?” 

“Dad’s in the house with your mom eating lunch. Brooks ran into town to get some more feed.” 

“So they left you to do all the hard work.” 

Y/N just shrugged and moved her horse back into the stable. Rhett followed her in, as she dismounted from the steed. 

“Here let me,” Rhett said, moving to help her take the saddle off of the horse. 

“I’m pregnant, not handicap,” Y/N said, and grabbed the saddle off with a grunt and walked it over to the hooks. 

“How long? Nah, that ain’t-” 

“How far along?” Y/N smiled, “Fourteen weeks today. Little buddy is giving me a run for my money, I'll tell you that. Never been so tired and so sick in my life.” 

“Tillerson ain’t caught on?” Y/N sucked in a harsh breath and looked down at her boots, “Sorry I didn’t mean-” 

“I was waiting to see if this was a viable thing, ya know. I didn’t want to get him excited and have it taken away. Luke has always talked about being a dad,” Y/N knew she was lying, but it was something that she told herself night after night as she lay awake. It wasn’t that Luke didn’t want to be a father, she could see it in his eyes as they spent time with the little ones at church outings, and they had only talked about it a handful of times. Everytime, Luke said he wanted to wait just a little longer, until they were married and hand their own house on the Tillerson Land. 

“I can see,” Rhett said, leaning against a post, “I reckon he oughta know soon.” 

“He will,” Y/N said, crossing her arms over her chest, “I should go inside and see what our parents are up to.” 

Rhett nodded and followed behind her. They were welcomed with laughter as they walked into the house, something Y/N hadn’t heard in the house in years. The sound of her dad’s hearty laugh was like music to her ears as she walked into the kitchen and saw Cecilia Abbott near tears as her father was holding his stomach in laughter. 

“What’s going on here?” Y/N asked, smiling. 

“Your dad was just telling me this old story about Royal and him during the rodeo days,” Cecilia said, wiping under her eyes, “Oh boy, you two really got up to some antics back then.” 

“Oh heavens yes,” Chad laughed, “Then the kiddos were born and it seemed to multiply. Heather was always gettin on Y/N about hanging around the boys. If she could see her now, running around with them Tillerson boys.” 

“Dad,” Y/N warned with a smile, “Let’s not talk about all that-” 

“Can you believe Cece, that damn blonde one got her pregnant.” 

Y/N closed her eyes and sucked in a breath as her father revealed her secret to none other than one of the biggest gossip in town. Y/N loved Cecelia Abbott, she really did, but sometimes she put her foot in her mouth. Cece loved a good gossip story as much as the next cowboy hat wearing farm-wife did. 

“Oh wow, congrats,” Cecelia smiled at her, her blue eyes darting over to Rhett, who placed his hands in his back pockets, “How far along?” 

“Fourteen weeks,” Y/N smiled shyly, “You can head out now, I think I got it handled from here.” 

Cecelia nodded, knowing that her presence probably wasn’t welcomed anymore. She stood up from the kitchen table and walked over to hug Chad, before grabbing her hat off the counter. She smiled at Y/N and then gave Rhett another pointed glance, before slipping her hat on her head and walking out the front door. 

“I’ll walk her out,” Rhett said, and Y/N nodded, as the boy followed his mother out to her truck. Rhett waited until he was at his mom’s truck before opening his mouth, “Tillerson don’t know. . .about the baby.” 

“Is it even his?” Cecelia asked, looking back towards the farm house. 

“She’s not like him or any of the other buckle bunnies,” Rhett said, “She wouldn’t just say it's his without it being true.” 

Cecelia chuckled and shook her head, opening the door to her truck, “A mess she’s gotten herself into. She had such a bright future.” Cece sat in the driver's seat and smiled at her son, “I know you, Rhett, I can see it in your eye. . . but you can’t get mixed up in her shit. It’ll only end bad for you and for her and for that baby.” 

“I know,” Rhett said barely above a whisper. Cece placed a hand on her son’s cheek and rubbed his cheek bone softly with her thumb. 

“You ride at eight?” She asked him and he nodded, “Good. Gives me time to go home and bake a pie. I’ll see you later.” 

“Yeah,” Rhett said, closing the truck door. Cece rolled down the window and started the old Ford up, “Don’t. . . Don’t go around sayin’ stuff about it. She’s probably giving Chad an ear full right now. Bad enough Brooks was runnin his trap the other night to me and Perry.” 

“Secrets safe with me. Bye, Rhett.” 

Rhett waved to his mother, and watched her pull out of the Lawton driveway. He watched the truck turn off the gravel and then walked back into the house. He was surprised when he heard crying and walked into the kitchen, seeing Chad crying in his daughter’s arms. Y/N looked up at Rhett, her own eyes red with tears as she tried to comfort her dad. Rhett waited outside on the porch as Y/N calmed her dad down enough that she could get him up from his chair and to his room to rest. 

She sighed as she walked out the front door and sat down next to Rhett on the slider. She ran her hands through her hair and let out a soft groan. 

“I wish I could fucking drink,” Y/N laughed to herself, and sniffled, “He could tell I was upset about what he said, and it was just. . . his emotion center is all-” 

“You don’t have to doctor ‘splain anything to me,” Rhett said, and put a hand on her back, “He okay now?” 

“Yeah,” Y/N bit at her thumb nail, “Mrs. Johnson was supposed to come tonight and watch him while I go watch Brooks and Luke but I don’t think-” 

“You need the break,” Rhett spoke and Y/N looked up at him, “I know he’s all you got, but you also can’t stress yourself out too much, for the baby.” 

Y/N bit her lip before standing up, “Wanna see something?” 

Rhett nodded and Y/N stood up. She untucked her blue flannel from her jeans, and lifted it up enough to show the black tank top underneath. Rhett’s eyes widened as he looked at her stomach, seeing the small swollen spot. She put her hand on the tiny, tiny bump, accentuating it even more. Rhett could remember how touchy Perry was when Rebecca was pregnant, and he got that same sudden rush. 

“Noticed it the other morning, even though Brooks says I’m just seein things.” She smiled down at the small belly, “It’s only up from here.” Rhett looked up at her with bright blue eyes, and Y/N could read his mind, “Not much too feel quite yet.” She picked up his hand and placed it on her skin. His eyes widened and he let out a small chuckle, “My mom said in her diary that she could feel me starting to move around fifteen weeks. Any day now.” 

“That’s uh. . . that’s cool,” Rhett retracted his hand and Y/N put her shirt down. 

“Yeah. . . I’m gonna tell Luke tonight,” It felt like a stab to Rhett’s heart when those words escaped her mouth, “I’m only gonna get bigger and there’s milestones he’ll miss if I wait any longer.” 

All Rhett could do was nod. 

— — —

The smell of livestock had never bothered her before, but something about being pregnant and waiting behind the arena with Brooks had her wanting to turn and vomit. Perry was helping tape Brooks’ wrist as Royal was tapping Rhett’s. Luke never liked to be distracted and had told Y/N that she was a distraction, so she waited until after his first ride to go see him. 

“You okay there?” Perry asked Y/N and she looked up at him, her fist still covering her mouth and gave him a thumbs up. Perry chuckled and shook his head, “Rebecca couldn’t stand the smell either when she was pregnant.” 

“Jesus Christ Brooks, who haven’t you fucking told!” Y/N yelled at her brother. 

“The pastor,” Brooks shot back, and Y/N stared at him with wide eyes, “I’m kidding, just these two. And well, Perry technically told Royal.” 

“Cece told me this afternoon,” Royal answered and finished taping Rhett, “Don’t worry, I won’t say anything. Cowboy’s promise.” 

“Well I thought this,” Y/N said, delivering a slap to her brother’s chest, “Cowboy could promise.” 

“Hey!” Brooks laughed, right as the announcer called Luke’s name, “Better go see the baby daddy.” 

Y/N flipped her brother off, before walking over to near the shoot where Billy and Trevor were waiting. Trevor smiled down at his soon to be sister-in-law and put his arm around her shoulders. Out of all of them, Trevor seemed to like Y/N the most. She thought she was good for Luke, and it helped that she was Chad Lawton’s daughter and would be set to own one of the three big Wabang ranches. 

Luke’s ride was going to be easy, he had drawn an easy one, but it still got the boys excited as they stood next to her and cheered on Luke. Watching Luke and Brooks ride always brought a type of excitement in her body, but right now she was feeling dread as Luke got bucked off in five seconds. She could see the look in his eye as he watched his name drop under Rhett’s on the scoreboard. Trever and Y/N shared a look as they walked over to where Luke was coming out of the arena. 

“I should’ve gotten fucking eight. It was an easy fucking ride,” Luke cursed as he threw his gloves down. 

“You still did good,” Y/N said. 

“I’m gonna lose to that stupid fucking Abbott,” Luke seethed and she knew better than to talk. Luke looked up and could see the way her body language shifted and he sighed, walking over to her, “Hey,” He grabbed her face with his hands, “Let’s go watch Brooks. He needs to see us there.” 

Y/N nodded and took Luke’s hand, walking back to the side by Trevor. Brooks’ ride was going to be a little bit harder than Luke’s and Rhett’s, but it wasn’t the worst bull in the circuit. Y/N climbed up on the fence, watching as Brooks dropped into the chute, and the bull already started bucking. 

“Hey,” Y/N said, and placed a hand on Brooks’ shoulder, “You good?” 

“Always,” Brooks smiled at his sister, “Don’t get too close, don’t want ya hurtin the kid.” 

“If this kid is like us, it’ll take a lot more to knock it down,” Y/N smiled and patted his shoulder, “Get ‘em cowboy.” She hopped back down and landed next to Luke, whose face was unreadable. He placed his arm around her shoulder and pulled her in close. 

Y/N waited with baited breath as the gun went off and the chute opened. The second the bull was free, the animal bucked hard to try and get Brooks off. Brooks’ black cowboy hat was knocked off as the eldest Lawton held on with one hand and the other in the air. It seemed like time ticked on forever, Y/N’s eyes trained on the clock as it ticked down until the buzzer sounded. Brooks let go of the rope and let himself be bucked off the animal. He picked up his hat and looked at the scoreboard, seeing himself slide into first. 

“Brooks!” Y/N cheered and the Lawton boy looked at his little sister, pointing at her with a big smile. He ran over quickly, climbing the metal fence and dropping down next to her, hugging her tightly, “Dad would be proud.” 

“Did it for him,” Brooks said into her hair. 

— — — 

Y/N didn’t stick around long after Brooks' ride, mainly because of Luke and the Tillerson boys pulling her away after Rhett’s ride. Rhett didn’t ride nearly as well as Brooks, and was just shy of beating Luke. Brooks had won the circuit, securing his position in the semi-finals. Rhett and Luke would have to ride again next weekend if they wanted to secure a place in the semis. Y/N wanted to congratulate Rhett, but Luke was not about to let her leave his side. His sudden possessiveness was giving her whiplash, as she sat next to him at the Pit Bar.

She was hardly paying attention to what the boys were saying, knowing it had something to do with the conversation they had with Royal Abbott about the deed to the land. Y/N could never figure out why Wayne Tillerson was so obsessed with Abbott's west pasture. He had been that way since she had met the man when she was young. It seemed to have gotten worse after he had his heart attack a year ago.  

“Did he say anything to you when he was helping out at the ranch?” Luke asked, Y/N. 

“No,” Y/N shook her head and sipped her water, “My old man said there was a reason why my grandaddy settled on the opposite side of town. To stay away from this shit.” 

“Smart old man,” Luke smiled and kissed her cheek, “Trev, Maria just walked in.” 

Y/N looked over where Luke pointed his head towards. Maria smiled at her and Y/N gave her one back and a small wave. Maria was one of the girls that Y/N used to be jealous of in high school. She was naturally beautiful with her shiny brown hair and big brown eyes. Y/N swore that girl never had a zit in her life or had a bad hair day. They were friends, both being on the dance team together in high school, and had plans on studying pre-medicine at the same college. The boys seemed to notice Maria first, and then Y/N. Even Rhett noticed Maria over Y/N, the two of them dating briefly in high school. Y/N seemed to be the shoulder to cry on for both of them when they would argue. 

“Go get it, Trev,” Y/N smiled, and nudged the Tillerson boy with her foot, “She’d be good for you. Keep you a bit. . . tame.” 

“Tame? Huh? And that’s what you did with lil Luke here?” Trevor laughed. 

“Of course she did,” Luke smiled, putting his arm around her, “Calmed me down into a perfect family man, I mean. . . I’m going to be a father soon.” 

Y/N tried not to let her jaw drop at Luke’s revelation. She knew he probably overheard what Brooks had said, but didn’t think he’d spill it out on the table now. She gave him a tight lipped smile and looked over at the other two Tillerson boys who weren’t hiding their shocked looks. 

“Surprise?” She said, softly. 

“Wow,” Billy said, “And I thought maybe you had some breast implant surgery done.” 

Y/N scoffed as Trevor hit his younger brother upside the head, “Ignore him, he was choked by his cord when he was born. But congrats, you two. Excited to have a little one running around. Better start looking for an ATV for the rugrat.” 

Y/N smiled and nodded as Trevor stood up from his seat and walked over to the bar where Maria was. She didn’t dare to look up at Luke, scared to find the expression on his face. But the wave of nervousness washed over her as he put his hand on her thigh, and rubbed it gently. He placed a kiss on her temple and fell back into conversation with Billy. 

The Garth Brooks song playing through the speakers was one of Y/N’s favorites as Luke spun her around the floor. Billy had disappeared going to find a girl for himself, and Y/N wanted to dance. She giggled as Luke dipped her, and stood her up, placing a kiss on her lips. When the music changed from the up-beat country song to a slower one, she sighed as Luke brought her in close. They swayed to the familiar voice of George Strait, Y/N leaning her head on Luke’s shoulder. 

“When were you going to tell me?” He asked, softly. 

“Tonight, after the rodeo. I was judging the ride to see how your mood was going to be,” Y/N said, honestly, “I didn’t want to tell you too soon and then something happened.” 

“Well,” Luke took her hand, and spun her around so her back was against his chest, “I would’ve liked to know sooner, either way. If something did happen, I wouldn’t want you to go through it alone. Besides all the extra shit with your brother and dad couldn’t have been good on you or the baby.” His hand traveled down to her bump, and for some reason, it felt odd having his hand against her skin. Unlike when Rhett touched her belly earlier that day. 

“I know it’s just. . .Oh shit,” Y/N pushed away from Luke as she saw Brooks and Rhett head outside. She could see in the way Brooks was walking, this wasn’t going to end well, “I’ll be right- Brooks!” 

“Why don’t you go back inside and find Luke,” She heard Perry slur, as she pushed the door open as Brooks and Rhett walked in on the fight waiting to happen between Perry and Trevor. 

“Brooks,” Y/N called out to her brother. 

“Go back inside,” Brooks said to his little sister as he pushed Perry back from Trevor. 

“Don’t tell her what to fucking do!” Trevor yelled, grabbing Brooks’ arm. 

Rhett grew angry, as he put his hands on Trevor pushing him back from the two men and Y/N. Y/N could hear him muttering under his breath as Brooks came and stood in front of her, almost as if he was both protecting her and blocking her from watching Rhett lay a punch on Trevor’s face. The single punch sent Trevor flying towards the ground and Y/N gasped, taking a step closer, only to be stopped by Brooks. 

“Can’t get in the middle of that,” Brooks muttered, “Too dangerous to stop an angry drunk man.” 

Trevor got up quickly, and grabbed Rhett’s legs trying to tackle him to the ground. But Rhett had some height and strength on Trevor, and could keep himself on his two feet. Trevor broke free from Rhett’s grasp and landed a punch to Rhett’s jaw. 

“If you won’t I will,” Y/N said, and took a step forward as the door to the bar opened again and Maria walked out. Rhett’s name fell silent on Y/N’s lips as Rhett delivered one last punch to Trevor, knocking him back down on the ground. Rhett’s blue eyes looked at Y/N, and then over to Maria. Y/N went to reach out for Rhett as he walked past her, going straight to Maria. Brooks watched as his little sister’s confidence diminished a bit as once again, Maria was chosen over her. 

“Come on,” Brooks said, and guided his sister inside, “Let’s go find Luke.” 

Y/N nodded, and didn’t bother looking over at Rhett again as she walked back into the bar. Rhett looked up briefly from Maria, seeing the two walk back inside. Rhett felt a pang in his chest as he watched her go sit back down by Luke, who put his arm around her and his hand on her belly. She must’ve told him, and by the look on Luke’s face, he must’ve taken it well. Which made Rhett feel even worse for how he felt early at the Lawton Ranch. 

“Can I tell you the truth real quick? I know I don’t bring much to the table,” Rhett said and looked back down at Maria, “But that guy’s the biggest asshole you’re ever gonna meet.” 

Maria didn’t say anything as Rhett walked back inside, just looking over at Perry, and Trevor, who was still groaning on the ground. Y/N’s eyes looked from her glass of water in front of her, to Rhett, who had a certain swagger in his step as he walked into the bar. She shifted in her seat slightly as he walked by their table, and knocked on it, giving them a slight greeting. Luke watched him walk on by, grabbing his stetson from his table and then walking out the front door. 

“I wanna go home,” Y/N said, grabbing Luke’s attention, “I’m getting a headache.” 

“Yeah, of course, baby,” Luke said and kissed her temple, before getting up, “I’ll go close the tab.” 

“I’ll go wait outside,” Y/N said and Luke nodded. He grabbed her hand and helped her stand up, but not before he placed his hat on her head. She smiled and kissed his cheek, before heading out the door and waiting by Luke’s truck. 

“You told him?” Rhett’s voice startled her as she jumped and looked over at him. He took his hat off his head and held it on his chest, “He looked like he took it well.” 

“He overheard Brooks saying something to me about standing on the fence next to the chute. Said it was dangerous.” 

“Well he’s right,” Rhett said and walked closer to her, “I read that at fourteen weeks, the baby is the size of an orange.”

“You googled that?” 

“Read a book that Perry had,” Rhett smiled, sheepishly, “I hope he treats you alright.” 

Y/N nodded and Rhett leaned forward, to place a kiss on her cheek. His lips lingered for a second, then he placed his hat back on his head and walked away. 

“Hey, baby,” Luke said, walking out the door, “Have you seen Trevor?”

--- --- --- ---

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Rhett hadn’t talked to her in nearly two weeks. He saw her around town and at the rodeo, talking with Brooks and standing by Luke, but he didn’t have the balls to go up to her and talk to her. The smile she plastered on her face was a fake one, and Rhett could see that from a mile away. She looked uncomfortable as Luke touched her belly, as he conversed with Billy. 

It had been a rough two weeks for Y/N as well. The second she had gotten in Luke’s truck after coming back from the city with Rhett, they were fighting. Like normal, the two of them spewed words that they didn’t even mean, and it led to Luke storming out of the house, and speeding off towards the handsome gambler. Rhett was already there, several drinks in when Luke walked in. Rhett hid himself the best he could from Tillerson, knowing if Luke saw him, there would probably be a fight, and he didn’t need to give Sheriff Joy anymore ammunition to question him. 

Rhett chose to enjoy his drink in the dark corner of the bar, watching as Luke smirked and sweet-talked some Buckle Bunny into meeting him in the bathroom. Rhett felt disgusted as he down his drink and left the bar. He contemplated calling Y/N and asking if she was okay, but it was late and she was probably exhausted from her long day. So he went home, and sat in the driveway for at least an hour looking over the ultrasound picture. 

“Hey, you focused?” Royal asked his son, snapping his attention away from where the Lawton siblings and the Tillerson siblings stood. 

“Yeah,” Rhett said, shaking his head and looking down at the tape his dad was applying to his wrists. 

“Ya know, walking over here I saw Ricardo Olivares’s daughter, Maria,” Royal said, hoping that maybe the mention of Rhett’s high school crush would get his attention, “She’s back in town, huh?” 

“Yeah, guess so,” Rhett shrugged. Maria hadn’t hardly crossed his mind since that night at the Pit Bar when he tried to go and ask her for a dance. His mind had been clouded with the thoughts of Y/N Lawton. 

“You guess so,” Royal chuckled, “Ya know, I always rode better when your mother was watching. Figured if I won-” 

“No,” Rhett cut his dad off, scrunching his face in disgust, “Oh my god, No. Stop it.”

Royal smiled, and patted his son’s shoulder, as Y/N approached the two of them. Rhett looked like a deer in the headlights as she waved and smiled shyly at the two of them. Rhett looked her up and down, his eyes glancing at her bump, he couldn’t believe the change in just two weeks. He wondered if she had noticed anything different either. 

“Sorry to bother you, I just wanted to wish you good luck,” Y/N said, awkwardly folding her hands in front of her bump. Royal looked between his son and the girl, and suddenly realized he shouldn’t have mentioned that Maria was here, no, he should’ve mentioned that Y/N was here. Royal excused himself from the two, not before tipping his hat towards Y/N and going to find Cecelia in the stands. Y/N moved closer to Rhett, and could smell his cologne, a scent she didn’t realize she had missed these past weeks. 

“You look good,” Rhett said, “How are you?” 

“Good, good,” Y/N said, and smiled at him, “Paula and MaryAnn asked where you were today. Had another appointment.” 

“Yeah, that’s uh, that’s right. Luke go with?” 

“No, Brooks did. Luke stayed back with dad while we went,” Y/N sighed in defeat and looked down at the boots on her feet, “I’m sorry if I caused any issues between-” 

“Sorry to bother you two,” Sheriff Joy said, while walking up to the two of them. Y/N moved and stood by Rhett’s side, looking the officer up and down, “Can I talk to Rhett for a moment?” 

“He’s about to ride,” Y/N said and Rhett looked down at her, his chest filling with pride as she stood up for him. He couldn’t help but ghost his hand over the small of her back, “Can it wait until after he rides?”

“I’m sorry Y/N, it can’t. And I need you to go,” Sheriff Joy said, a little more sterner. 

“This is really bad timing, Sheriff.” 

“It’s about Trevor.” 

Y/N felt her heart stop as she looked up at Rhett. It had been weeks since Trevor’s disappearance, and they were starting to believe that he hadn’t just run off. Luke had been hounding in on Sheriff Joy and trying to find out where she was with the investigation. He kept threatening to take this down to Luddington county, if the sheriff couldn’t get the job done. Y/N remembered that Rhett had fought with Trevor that night, but she didn’t think he had anything to do with Trevor going missing. 

“It’s okay,” Rhett whispered to her, “I’ll be fine.” 

“You’re about to ride,” Y/N said, facing him, “She can wait.” 

“Y/N,” Rhett said, and touched her face with his hand, “I don’t want you messed up in this more than you already are. Please, I’ll be okay.” 

Y/N nodded and squeezed Rhett’s hand, before whispering a quiet ‘good luck’ to him. She glared at Sheriff Joy as she walked past her and went to go stand with Brooks’ team. The older Lawton boy didn’t have to ride in this circuit, his spot had already been claimed in the finals from his perfect ride a couple weeks ago. Brooks smiled as his sister appeared by his side, throwing his arm around her. She gave him a weak smile, and Brooks shook his head. 

“Whatever you’re doing with Rhett, you need to stop. He’s bad news.” 

“Since when did you start calling Rhett ‘bad news’.” 

“Since he’s been labeled as the prime suspect in Trevor’s case.” 

“Who told you?” Y/N said, and Brooks nodded his head towards where Luke was standing with Billy. Her blood was seething as she looked at him talking to some buckle bunnies. They hadn’t 100% made up from their fighting, but they were better than they had been. He still told her that he couldn’t come to her appointment today, which upset her more than him not showing up to the last one. This was the one where they found out the gender of their baby. Y/N had Paula write it down and stick it into an envelope so she could tell Luke later, but it never seemed like a good time to sit him down and find out. 

“He’s got a lot of stress right now,” Brooks said, rubbing his sister’s arm. 

“And I don’t? I’m carrying a fucking human, which, he helped make,” Y/N said, pointing to her bump, “I ask him to do the bare minimum, Brooks.” 

“I know, I know,” Brooks sighed, “He’ll get with it. Once this Trevor stuff gets figured out, he’ll be less stressed and more attentive. Come on, let’s go sit.” 

Y/N rolled her eyes, and followed Brooks up to the stands, where he went and sat right next to the Abbotts. Cecelia smiled as Y/N sat down next to her, the woman immediately asking her about the baby. Amy had moved over by them too, sitting down in between Cecelia and Y/N. Brooks and Perry fell into conversation about their ranches when Royal came and joined them. The second Rhett’s name was called, excitement filled Y/N’s body as she watched him climb over the rails and sit down on the bull. 

“Y/N, do you know what you’re having?” Amy asked, her small hand drawing circles on Y/N’s bump. 

“Yeah, I do,” Y/N smiled down at her, “I’ll tell you later, okay.” Amy nodded and Y/N looked up, sending Rhett a small wave as he looked up towards his family. 

There was almost a moment of silence, as Rhett gripped the rope in his hand and waited for the chute to open. Y/N held her breath and gripped Cecelia’s hand as the gun fired, and the bull shot out of the chute. Her eyes kept on Rhett the whole time, not leaving him as he was bucked around on the bull, holding one hand in the air. 

“Hold on! Come on, Rhett!” Y/N yelled. Time seemed to last forever, until she heard the buzzer and Rhett released his grip on the rope and hopped off the bull. He scrambled for a second to stand on his feet, turning towards the score board, and seeing his name move up to first place. 

Y/N stood up in excitement, cheering loudly as Rhett looked from the scoreboard to the stands. She beamed with pride as he looked around the arena, seeing everyone cheering for him. Everyone, except Luke Tillerson, who was glaring daggers at the Abbott boy. But Rhett paid no mind, as his blue eyes looked on Y/N, and her beautiful smile. Rhett hit his chest several times with a smile on his face. 

As soon as Rhett came out of the ring he wanted to find Y/N. Random people he hadn’t ever met before or couldn’t remember their names congratulated him as he moved through the crowd, in search of her. He didn’t even stop to say anything to his family, all he wanted to do was hug her and only her. Rhett made it over to where the trailers were, and looked around trying to find her, but the loud yell of a male’s voice had him turning his head. 

“What the fuck did I tell you about being around him!?”

“I was cheering on a friend, Luke!” Y/N yelled at her fiance. 

“Oh whatever, a friend you want to fuck!” 

“God, do you even hear yourself right now!” Y/N said, running a hand through her hair and taking a deep breath, “I can’t fight with you right now. I am exhausted, and nauseated, and my back is killing me and I just want to go home. Now you either take me, or I go find Brooks.” 

“I’ll take you home,” Luke said, and looked down at his boots, “I’m sorry for fighting with you, it's just. . . this stuff with Trevor.” 

Rhett clenched his jaw as he saw her move forward, and grab Luke’s face in her hands and lift his head up. He didn’t want to see anymore, so he turned the other way and walked back to his trailer. The cloud he was riding on was slowly crashing down in just a matter of seconds from watching the girl he loved fall back into the arms of the man he hates. Rhett sat down on the step of his trailer with a sigh, as he took his hat off and rested it on his knee. He sighed and looked around at the people passing by, until his eyes landed on a certain brunette. 

“Hey, Maria!” 

— — — 

Y/N was pissed as she was driving the streets of Wabang late at night. She had been dead to the world, in a much needed sleep after a much needed bubble bath. Her and Luke had come to an agreement about some things. He made a promise to come to her next appointment, so he could finally see his baby, as long as she promised to not talk to Rhett. She thought the compromise was slightly ridiculous but if it got him to finally attend an appointment, it was what she would have to agree on. 

After their little make-up, Luke drew her a bath, and rubbed the painful spots in her back. They also sat down on his bed and opened the envelope containing the gender of their baby. Y/N swore that Luke shed a tear when he read it, but Luke told her she was seeing things. For the rest of the night, Luke had cuddled with her bump, feeling the occasional kick and turn from the baby inside her womb. It was the most affection Y/N had felt from Luke in months, and it was enough to make her fall into a deep slumber. 

Until her phone started buzzing with calls from Brooks. She ignored the first one, knowing that if he was drunk he’d get the hint. But when he called again, she thought it possibly had something to do with their father. She answered it quickly, sitting up the best she could without disturbing Luke. She swung her legs over the side of his king bed, and padded her way towards the bathroom to answer the call. 

“What is it? Is it-” 

“Rhett got picked up by the sheriff. He called me to ask you to go get him.” 

“You’re fucking kidding me.” 

“I wish I was.” 

Y/N sighed as she put the truck in park and looked at the entrance to the sheriff's station. She should go home. Go back to the Tillerson house, back to her sleeping fiance, and leave Rhett there for the night. But she knew that she couldn’t. There was a reason why Rhett had asked for you when he called Brooks. 

“Fucking Rhett,” Y/N mumbled as she opened the door and climbed out of the truck. She knew she looked a mess in her oversized t-shirt, sweatpants and boots on, but it was nearly 1AM, and she wasn’t worried about her fashion appearance. 

“Y/N Lawton,” Mark said, as she walked into the sheriff’s office, “How can I help you?” 

“Looking for,” Y/N narrowed her eyes, as she saw Sheriff Joy in talking with Rhett, “Oh you bitch.” Y/N didn’t think twice as she walked past the desk, and towards the back where the holding cell was. 

“Y/N! You can’t go back there!” Mark said, stepping in front of her. 

“You gonna manhandle a pregnant lady?” Y/N said, putting her hands on her hips. Mark shook his head, “Then move. Or I’ll start talking about how you and Ann Collins-” 

“Okay!” Mark said, and stepped aside, letting the Lawton girl go through. 

Y/N smiled at him, and followed the hallway back to the holding cell. She stopped in the hallway, leaning against the wall, hearing his voice as he told Sheriff Joy about what happened at the Pit Bar. She held her breath, waiting for Rhett to mention herself or Brooks or Perry being there as well, but he didn’t. He did, however, tell Joy about what happened after Luke had dropped Y/N off at his house the night of the fight. Y/N didn’t know that Luke went to the Abbott house, or that he drove through their fence. She shook her head and pushed off the wall, knocking on the door as she walked in. 

“Y/N,” Sheriff Joy said. 

“Quit talking to her,” Y/N said, looking at Rhett, “And you know better to question a man when he’s under the influence of alcohol. Whatever he just said can’t be held against him.” 

“You a lawyer now, Y/N?” 

“No, but I know a damn good one,” She looked down at Joy and then over at Rhett, “Let’s go.” 

Rhett nodded and stood up, following Y/N out of the holding cell. Y/N stood a step behind him as he filled out paperwork and got his stuff back. Rhett could tell she was annoyed, her arms crossed over her body, her hip was stuck out, and her eyes were burning holes into the back of his head. But she also looked adorable, half awake, her hair being held back by a claw clip and she had her glasses on. 

“You’re free to go,” Mark said and Rhett gave him a head nod as he put his hat back on his head. 

Y/N was already halfway out the door when Rhett jogged to catch up to her. He placed his hand on the small of her back as he pushed the door open for her. She didn’t even bother to look at him, mumbling a thanks under her breath. Rhett stopped on the sidewalk and sighed as she walked towards the truck and placed her hand on the door handle. 

“Get in the truck.” 

“Thank you,” Rhett said, “I didn’t know you were coming. I called Brooks.” 

“That fucker,” Y/N shook her head, and turned her body to face Rhett, “Listen. . . Thank you for not telling Sheriff Joy about Brooks being there. He doesn’t need this mess falling on him too.” 

“He didn’t do anything,” Rhett said, “Neither did you.” 

“Or you,” Y/N said. Rhett looked at her eyes and then casted his gaze down at the ground, “Rhett, I’ve known you for a lot of years and I can always tell when you’re covering for someone. What aren’t you telling me?” 

“It’s late,” Rhett said, looking back up at her, “You need rest. The baby-” 

“She.” 

“She?” 

“It’s a girl,” 

Rhett raised his eyebrows in surprise as he took a step forward. He gingerly reached his hand out and placed it on her bump, feeling the baby girl in her belly move around, “Guess I need to go invest in that cowboy hat with a tiara on it.” 

Y/N laughed and leaned her head against Rhett’s shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her, bringing her in for a hug. The two of them stood like that for a moment, taking in the warmth of each other's bodies. It was probably the most intimate touch either one had had in months. Sure Rhett had gone through his fair share of buckle bunnies, but it was nothing more than harsh grips and rushed touches. Rhett couldn’t remember the last time someone had hugged him like this. Y/N pulled back and looked at Rhett, and leaned up on her toes, placing a kiss on his cheek. 

“Now come on, I’ll get you home.” 

Rhett nodded and climbed into the passenger seat of her truck. The drive to the Abbott/Tillerson ranches wasn’t a long one, and the two of them sat in comfortable silence as they got there. Y/N debated taking him all the way to the house, but decided against it and Rhett could since that in her body. He thanked her as she dropped him off at the entrance to the ranch. 

Y/N waited a beat, before continuing to drive the rest of the way back to the Abbotts. She turned her lights off, trying to be as discreet as possible when she got in. Luke was still asleep, laying on his back, his pink lips parted with light snores. She slipped her sweatpants off her legs as she climbed back into bed with him. She laid on her side, facing the large window in the bedroom, and felt Luke shift, rolling on to his side, and pulling Y/N into his chest. 

“You okay?” He mumbled. 

“Yeah, she’s just really active at night,” Y/N said, which wasn’t a total lie, baby girl seemed to have her days and nights mixed up while Y/N was praying she got sorted out before she made her entrance into the world.

Luke hummed in response, spreading his hand slipping under her shirt and pressing against her swollen belly, “She’ll settle. She knows her daddy is here.” 

Y/N nodded and kept her eyes trained out the window. The window overlooked the gravel road that led to the Abbott ranch. She hoped that Rhett had gotten in safe. He was probably showering the stench of alcohol off his skin, hoping that he could’ve been spending his night with some buckle bunny instead of in a jail cell. But in reality, Rhett was wishing that he was laying next to her in bed instead of being by himself. 

— — — 

“Do you like this one?” Y/N said, pointing out another nursery design, “The yellows and stuff.” 

“I think it looks like the last one,” Luke said, leaning over her shoulder, “I like the giraffes though. Those are my favorite animals.” 

“I know,” Y/N smiled. Luke kissed her head, before going to grab a cup of coffee from the pot. 

It had been a somewhat quiet morning at the Tillerson household, Luke was yet to ask Y/N where she snuck off to last night. He knew that she had left the ranch, the second that she rolled out of bed to answer Brooks’ phone call, Luke woke up. When her footsteps descended down the stairs, he had gotten out of bed and walked to the window, and watched her truck pull out of the driveway. He wanted to ask her the second she got home last night, but he remembered. He had made a promise to her, a promise that he intended to keep. The moment that he had read that he was going to have a little girl, his demeanor changed. He suddenly felt very protective over his unborn daughter, and would do anything to protect her. Which meant, not arguing with her mother and keeping Rhett away. 

Billy was singing some stupid song as he made himself a sandwich. Luke sat a mug of tea in front of Y/N, and sat down on a chair next to her, his blue eyes looking out the window. 

“Do you want to go for a ride later?” Luke asked her, talking over Billy’s obnoxious singing. He reached down, grabbing her knee and picking up her leg to place her foot in his lap. She groaned at the feeling of his thumbs digging into her sore ankles and nodded. It was one of those perfect Wyoming days, it was perfect sweatshirt weather and Y/N wanted to take advantage of it before the winter hit. 

“I gotta stop at my dad’s at some point, maybe we can take the horses out,” Y/N said, “And can you shut your brother up? He’s giving me a headache.” 

“Billy!” Luke yelled. 

“Yeah?” The youngest Tillerson said, and looked up at his older brother. 

“Can you shut up?” 

“Sorry,” Billy mumbled, “I made you guys sandwiches.” 

“I can’t have deli meat,” Y/N said, “But thank you for the thought.” 

Luke tried to hold back his laughter, when he noticed the sound of tires turning on gravel. He looked from his fiance, to the kitchen window. He gently brushed her leg off as he stood up and walked to the window to see the sheriff’s car pulling up. Y/N held her breath as she stood up and walked over to him. She gently placed her hand on his shoulder, and his lip quivered as he looked at her. 

“What?” Billy asked, looking at the two of them. 

Luke held Y/N’s hand as he walked to the door, Billy following behind them. He took a deep breath as he opened the door, and Sheriff Joy stood there. She took her hat off, and held it to her chest, her face was solemn as she spoke. 

“Luke, Y/N, Billy. . . I’m sorry, but we found Trevor’s body this morning,” 

Billy let out a ridiculous loud sob, and Y/N hid her face into Luke’s shoulder. Luke thanked Sheriff Joy for stopping by and telling them. When the door shut, Luke wrapped his arms tightly around Y/N, burying his face into her neck, and sobbed. She did her best to try and console him, rubbing his back and whispering sweet nothings into his ear. But her mind was elsewhere and there was one question on her mind: Where was Rhett?

--- --- ---

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