Shart

Soulmates were special.

Your perfect match.

A spark of first touch.

But to get your soulmate you need to touch people.

And to touch people you need to talk to people.

AND to talk to people you need to leave your house.

Unfortunately as the youngest and only Tillerson daughter. Your family practically kept you locked up in the ranch.

You could run errands with your brothers once in a blue moon but overall you were usually stuck.

But tonight was different. 21st birthday landing right on a rodeo.

So you did what any grown woman did if they were practically trapped. 

Snuck out the window.

You had set it up earlier in the day. Making sure the bales of hay were by your window tonight instead of back of the house.

And after hours of primping and getting ready. You were ready to make your debut. In jeans and a hoodie.

Damn Wyoming.

Warm days and cold nights. Never a moment's peace.

The rodeo was somewhat exactly like how you imagined it. Like a less exciting fair. Food trucks and stalls. A few little cowboy themed games for kids. 

But a lot more people than expected.

Trying to b line to the beer stand. Pushing past people standing in the middle of the paths or walking on the wrong side.

Finally getting a bottle of cider. Before getting shoved to a building of a person.

Looking up and quickly and embarrassly saying “I’m so sorry- just got knocked around-“

“Slow down” he chuckles, his smile warm “it’s fine- I get pushed around worse by bulls, hey- I don’t think I’ve seen you here before- you new?”

“No- well yes to this, but uh, I’ve been here forever”

“Farm girl? Sheltered?” He chucks, you nod. “Pretty common round here, people stuck in their ways keeping women locked up”

“Yeah- parents dream for me to be a home maker, so taking as much as I can”

“Where’s my manners? I’m Rhett,” he says, extending his hand. 

“y/n” you say. Taking his offered hand.

It felt like the world stopped. A jolt shot through your hands. A small sparkle around where your skin meets. 

You both are too stunned to do anything, staring at each other with dreamy eyes,

Like magnets and the earth itself pushed you together.

“The hell are you doing here?” Luke yells, grabbing you harshly, pulling you from Rhett. “You stay away from her Abbott”

“Let go of me” you grumble to your brother as he pulls you back. You watch as Rhett stares at you as you're taken away. Lips slightly parted and eyes wide.

Then. A girl. Tan, dark haired. Beautiful, putting her hands on his shoulder. As she talks to him breaking him out of his stare on you, only glancing back one last time before losing sight

“You ain’t supposed to be out” Luke grumbles

“I’m a grown ass woman I’m sure I can make up my mind” you say fighting his arm off your shoulder 

“You can when you don’t immediately start fraternizing with an Abbott.” He hisses “go home or I’ll take you home”

“Can’t know who’s who when I'm locked up” you groan making your way to the parking lot 

“Don’t act like you’re some prisoner- cause you ain’t. You’re just. Naive” 

“And who’s fault is that?” You say rolling your eyes

“Listen, you need a ride? I won’t go telling on you.” He says trying to soften his tone

“Wow thanks”

“I’m tryin to be nice” Luke groans

“I rather walk then get into your truck”

He huffs once. Leaving you to walk. 

And it was a long walk. Especially in the dark. You hadn’t actually planned on how to get back. Just assumed you’d walk back. But forgot about how damned dark it is away from the town. And each rustle you were scared of was a coyote or mountain lion. 

Not to mention the dreaded fact you met your soulmate.

Who was clearly taken. 

And your family’s mortal enemy.

The man you met was nothing like what your family had said. Yes, you only exchanged a few words. But he didn’t stand like he was full of himself or like he believed he was the best. His eyes weren’t snake-like and were soft. Smile not cruel and mocking, but comforting. Tone wasn’t harsh or anything, it was so- sweet

God how he looked at you after. It was like it was just you. Only you in this world.

The sound of a rumbling truck kicked you out of your daze. Body stiffening as it drives down. its head lights making your shadow project.

Then. Just as it starts to pass it pulls over.

Yup this is it. You're getting kidnapped and murdered.

The door opens and all you can see is the silhouette. A man with a cowboy hat.

That sure down narrow it down here in bum fuck Wyoming.

But, what's weird is that. Your body wasn’t scared. No adrenaline. Heart not pounding.

“The hell are you walking out here for?!” Only a voice you were just thinking about. When he gets closer he holds you by the sides of your arms, looking you over. “Jesus Mary and Joseph you know how many things out here could eat you? Not to mention just, bad people? Shouldn’t have expected anything from Tillerson”

“Pardon?” You ask broken from your daze. Did he, just insult you?

“Luke, should’ve known he would just dump you on the side of the road. You ain’t his girl still right?”

Oh, he had- no clue-

“Ew!” You say before thinking “no- no- he’s-“ you hesitate, knowing you had to break it to him, that you were his family’s enemy “my brother-“

He pauses. Staring at you.

“Yeah-“ you say softly 

“You’re a-“

“Tillerson-“ you finish. Chewing on your lip nervously.

“You- I didn’t know they had a daughter-“

“Yeah they keep me in, kinda- to be like a house wife-“ you say awkwardly. “Not my thing really-“

“I uh- can tell”

“So.”

“You know- I’m an Abbott”

“Yeah, been thinking bout each outcome on the walk.”

“Best one?”

“They put aside their differences and tolerate each other since we’re bound by the fates”

“And- worst one?”

“We stay separated and eventually die from soulmate withdrawal. Or we run away and lose our entire lives and everyone we love here”

“Shit” he scoffs holding his face. “Neither- sound ideal. And my pa can sure hold a grudge”

“So can mine”

“Let me- take you home first-“

“They’ll recognize your truck if they see you.”

“I’ll drop you off by the gate then, it’s still two miles, please”

“Fine-“ you conceded, almost too easily. Say yes to the man you just met to drive you home and not your brother. You huff at the absurdity and follow him to the truck. Staring at him as he opens the door for you

“Well, you gonna get in?” Rhett asks staring back

“What are you doin?”

“Opening the door for you”

“Why?”

“Cause, you're a lady. And- it’s respectful” he says confused “do Tillersons not open the doors for their ladies?”

“I just thought that was a thing fancy people did like in the movies” you say getting in the truck using his hand to help yourself. Trying to ignore the small fizzle in the touch

“It’s what gentlemen do for ladies no matter the age or whatever” he sighs running to the drivers side “no one ever hold it for you in public? Like just opening a door cause they're in front of you?”

“I don’t go out that much”

“Makes sense, I know most of the women in this town-“ he starts before pausing. Realizing his mistake “and men, I know just everyone” he coughs turning the truck on with a vroom 

“Smooth” you chuckle

After about 2 minutes of silent driving, watching at how much faster home is getting to you now, you can’t help but itch to just, reach out and feel him again.

His jaw was clenched. Eyebrows furrowed. Chewing on the inside of his cheek.

Only looking away from the road when he notices you staring at him 

“What? Do I got something on my face?”

“Can I- hold your hand-“ you mumble, his eyebrows raise like he’s considering his options, his hands fidgets on the wheel like it was already about to reach for her. “I just- wanna feel the spark again”

He nods, clearing his throat, putting his right hand down, palm facing up. You softly lay your own hand on his, feeling the fizzle, only word that you could even explain to how this feels was, poprocks

“Poprocks?” Rhett asks, you said that out loud didn’t you?

“Yeah, feels like that” you say doubling down. If he’s your soulmate he has to get used to you in every way.

He chuckles before nodding, intertwining his hand with yours “yeah it does. Like, when you pour some in your hand and accidentally get them wet or something?”

Doesn't think you're insane, that's good.

“I like it” you say softly, using your other hand to sandwich his hand between yours 

“I do too” he grins “I do think we need to exchange numbers or something-“

“All I have is a landline”

“They really are keepin’ you in the stone ages huh?” He scoffs “surprised they let you come to the rodeo.”

“They- kinda didn’t” you say softly “I had to climb out my window“

“Grown ass woman having to sneak out of her house” he chuckles, you can help but laugh too

“They kinda keep me trapped, not like I have money to move out cause they don’t let me work other than. Well, house work. And they consider that payment for living and eating at their house”

“Sounds- rough. I get it. I guess. I live with my folks still. More or less cause I work with my parents on the ranch”

“Oh they don’t even let me do that anymore, when I was a kid I could ride horses with my brothers but the moment I grew boobs they immediately saw me as another version of my mother, forced to make jams and bread all day”

“You get a few years of peace before people start getting uncomfortable, my niece is getting to that age. Still sneak her out for rides behind my brother's back, not to mention junior bull riding.”

“Junior bullriding?”

“Yeah they technically don't ride bulls, they're hogs. But hog riding don't sound quite right” he chuckles

You chuckle, looking at his hand around yours, then remembering, 

“Was- that your girlfriend? At the rodeo.” you ask softly

“You saw that huh?” he says sighing “no, old highschool fling”

“Why’d you leave? Still pretty early”

“Well I knew I had to find you. And when I saw Luke come back glaring daggers at me, I assumed he made you go home, so I drove the main road and here we are.” he chuckles

“You assumed he made me walk?” you ask

“Not exactly, I assumed you drove, so that's why I was speeding.”

“You know I thought you were a murderer when you pulled over”

“Good to know you don't trust strange men who pull over to you” he teases, you can see the lights of the ranch come into view. “So, you really don't have a phone? Or email?”

“Nope, most of my mail is screened too.”

“Jesus” he sighs “you go to church?”

“Yeah,” you nod, you’ve only seen his mom and dad at church and they usually sit far- far away.

“Then I will see you sunday, with a phone”

“What? No- you don't have to get me a phone”

“Dont think im getting you anything fancy,” he chuckles pulling up to the gate “just a flip phone-”

“Still that's gotta be- pricey”

“Darlin, I need to stay in contact with you, and I'd rather not only talk to you once a week. Besides, its at the cheapest eighty dollars, and god knows ill be spoiling you our entire life” he says pulling in front of the gate

Our entire life

you hadn’t heard anything else he said after that. Wasn’t until he snapped in your face with a grin.

“You okay? Lost you for a second. I say something wrong?”

“No- no. Just. Kinda hit me that. You’re gonna be in my life forever”

His grin softens to something more pure and nods 

“Once we- figure this mess out. Won’t be a moment without each other" he chuckles

“Kind sappy to say to a girl you just met” you say grinning, positively giddy

“The girl who is my soulmate”

“Touché”

“Now get in there before your folks find you're gone. I’ll see you on Sunday.” He says reaching over to open the door for you. “Ain’t the last time you’re seein’ me sweetheart”

“Thanks, Rhett” you grin hopping out of his truck, looking back at him “see you Sunday” 

You practically matched each step you took when leaving to make it back to your room. Finally letting out giggles and squeals into a pillow when you get in.

One day until you see him again.

Sunday could not come fast enough, you spent the majority of Saturday in your room, reading or trying to read. Being interrupted by your own excitement.

Getting up too early for church. Showering and putting on your best church clothes. Messing with your hair way too long. 

Your brothers don't usually go to church, sometimes on Easter or Christmas just to please your mother but other than that they spend Sunday sleeping off whatever hangover they got Saturday night.

That would make today easier, Luke already knew you were talking to Rhett Friday, if he caught you again he would become suspicious. But he kept his word the first time, not saying a word to your mom or pa.

Luke was more of an older brother to you than Trevor. Billy was more like you, but he had the freedom of being a man.

But Trevor hated the Abbots more than anyone.

He was the one you were most nervous about, He’d kill Rhett if he found out. 

Your father at least had a history and a past friendship with Royal. But it was like the stars aligned for him to hate Rhett and Perry, from the moment they came across each other as kids. Your brother held a deep hate for them.

But trying to imagine the best case scenario the entire car ride helped your nerves.

It was a weird feeling, to not feel self conscious, to not feel, ugly. Usually when you had gotten crushes you felt your entire stomach twist at the idea of seeing them in your church clothes. But right now you were giddy, excited. You have never felt prettier than in front of him friday. And was he handsome. Yeah a rough cowboy like most men but he had a softness. 

Once in the church you hovered by your mother as she makes small talk, watching the door as people filtered in. 

Then seeing Cecilia and Royal walk in, just them.

You could feel your heart drop, swallowing as you continue to watch the door as people come in, the last few came in, sitting down, following behind your mother to sit in your usual spot.

Coming in quickly, Rhett with what looked like his mothers handbag and Amy holding his hand. That dreaded feeling disappeared as quickly as it came. He scanned the room and visibly smiled when seeing you, his attention snapped back to his family. Going to the bench they were sat at, handing the bag to his mother, amy sitting next to her grandmother. 

Making eye contact with you again as he moved to another hall, you quietly excused yourself following behind, going down the same private hallway, looking for him.

A welcome hand grabbed your arm softly pulling you into a storage room. Smiling as he looks you over.

“Hey darlin”

“Hey” you giggle, watching as he takes a flip phone out of his pocket, opening it and pressing a few buttons 

“Ive set it up already, has my number in it” he grins turning it to face her “you know how to use it?”

“Yeah I think so” you say, holding it while opening the chat with Rhett on the phone. “The numbers are the letters”

“Yeah write hello or test or somethin” he chuckles

You chew on your lip as you figure out the layout, successfully typing out hello.

“Like a damned natural” he grins

“Not rocket science” you say rolling your eyes

“Took me a week to teach my pa how to use a tv remote.” he smiles “now hide that away, we should get back”

“Your stayin’ for the service?” you ask

“Yeah Amy was excited I was comin’ so thought I'd commit, you religious?”

You shrug tucking the phone in your boot “not super, just kinda all i know.”

“Makes since” he grins “now you go I’ll be out in a minute” 

You grin at him one last time before leaving. Looking back at him as you make your way to the hall.

“Now what's got you all smiley?” Your mother asks as you sit next to her

“Hmm? Oh nothin was just thinking of something” you say shaking your head

“That something has you glowing” 

“Just imagining meeting my soulmate” you say, that was almost the truth, 

“Oh speaking of that, you know your brother mentioned-” she started before the reverend started speaking “well I’ll tell you after” she whispers

That ball of anxiety pooled in your stomach as the service went on. Did Luke tell them?

Glancing at Rhett a few times during the service, his arm loosely on the back of the bench around Amy. 

After the service that felt too long, you had run to the bathroom as your mother continued to talk to the women around her. When leaving, finding little Amy outside with a cord in her hands.

“M uncle said to give this to you” she says holding it out 

Gently taking it from the girl smiling “oh thanks- you must be Amy, I’ve heard a bit about you”

“Good?”

“Of course, Your uncle says you’re in junior bull riding”

Amy glows at you and nods “yeah! I’m really good too! My record is 12 seconds!”

“Oh my goodness, that’s longer than some adults” you grin, Amy giggles and nods. You see Cecilia come down the hallway.

“Amy? Come on your pas waiting for us at the diner- oh, hello” she says politely 

“Hi Mrs.Abbott,” you smile nervously shifting

“You must be the Tillerson girl.”

“Uh yeah- hope that don’t mean nothin-“ you chuckle nervously 

“Oh I’m not the boys, you seem sweet enough, what were you two talking about?”

“Uncle Rhett had me give her something” Amy says simply, like it wasn’t the most scandalous thing

“Just a charger- I let him borrow mine” you lie chuckling

“Oh” she says grinning “is that why he came to church today?”

“Um- maybe” you say fumbling, you see Rhett at the end of the hallway speed walking to us

“Hey Ames- ma, Let’s uh go” he say looking back 

“Oh don’t worry we won’t tell Royal right honey?” Cecilia grins to Amy 

“Ma- just had to give her something that’s all” Rhett groans. “we better go before pa throws a fit. Bye. Y/N”

You can’t help but grin as he tries to usher his family away. Watching as his cheeks heat up.

“She's cute-” you hear Cecilia say to Rhett as they walk away,

“Ma-” Rhett says embarrassed, you chuckle tucking the charger in your other boot. Going back to meet your family.

Your pa was leaning against the truck smoking as watches your mother wave her friends away. 

 “Ready?” He asks as you walk up

You nod scooting in the back seat,

“Oh now that I remember,” your mom starts when she gets in the car “Luke brought up that we might be keeping you a bit locked up”

You look up at her through the rearview window

“I mean you’re a grown woman, you aint gonna find your soulmate stuck in the house with me each night, so thinking we might loosen the reigns on you”

“Really-” you ask, you remind yourself to thank Luke, and his impeccable timing on the fact you did just meet your soulmate “can I have the old corolla too?”

Your father grumbles at the question and your mom thinks for a bit.

“You can’t, have it. But you can use it” she says “also, another rule, Wayne?”

“You avoid those Abbott boys, the little one is fine she don’t know nothin yet but those two nothin but trouble” he grumbles

“I mean, they don’t seem that bad, Rhett went to church today” 

“How you know it was him?”

“Heard his mom talk to him”

“Well that’s a fluke, probably got bribed into goin, or just wanted something out of it, even royal only goes to get food after” you father mumbles the last part under his breath “they approach you treat them like you’d treat a wild animal just ignore them”

“Gotcha” you say lying through your teeth, you could avoid one of them, the other- that was a bit more complicated.

You practically buzzed with excitement the whole way home, saying your taking a nap. When really you quietly opened the flip phone, and opened Rhett’s contact, 

Y/N- turns out, Luke isn’t a total ass. And helped us

Rhett- that’s like you just told me pigs fly darlin

Y/N- turns out Fridays little escape from my home got him to tell my parents I’m grown and need to be let free a little

Rhett- you sayin I’ll be seein more of you? 

Y/N- seems like it cowboy

Rhett- thank the gods I was already ready to yearn and die without you

Y/N- Dramatic…

Rhett- I would say I’m plenty matic

Y/N- you’re lucky you’re my soulmate

Rhett- luckiest guy in the world