Page 63 of Don't Fall For Your Grumpy Neighbor

Anya: He said he was headed home six hours ago from Saint Pierce.

Tripp: I haven’t seen him since he left work this afternoon.

Paxton: What the hell was he doing in Saint Pierce?

He said he had a surprise. I have no idea, but I’m really worried. I’ve called and texted with no response. It’s not like him.

Anya: Don’t stress yourself. It’s not good for the baby.

I’m way past stressed!

Brock: I haven’t heard from him. Does anyone have his location? He won’t let me anymore since I kept showing up at random places he was at.

Callum: It’s late. Let me make a few phone calls and see what I can find out.

Thank you. I’m a mess over here.

Hartford: Paxton and I are on our way. You shouldn’t be alone.

Tripp: I can go ask Mom and Dad if they’ve heard from him.

Brock: Don’t you dare. You’ll likely scare them for no reason. Let’s see what’s up first. I’ll ask again, does anyone have his location?

Paxton: I do, but nothing is there. His phone must have died.

Callum: That’s definitely why he hasn’t called or texted Felicity. Don’t worry. I’ll call around.

Anya: Griffin and I are on our way too. Do you need anything?

I want to reply that I need Shepherd, but that’s not what she means. It’s also extremely thoughtful they are all coming over. This is what the Atwoods do. They show up for each other without a second thought.

Tears swim in my eyes as nerves and gratitude overwhelm me.

I don’t need anything, thanks.

Brock: Callum, let's take a ride and see if we can find him. Maybe his truck broke down.

Callum: On my way to grab you.

Hartford: That’s probably exactly what happened. His truck probably broke down and there’s no way for him to get in touch with anyone.

I hope so.

Griffin: Anya’s driving but wants me to tell you that she knows so.

Tripp: Griff, grab me on the way.

Griffin: Be outside, we'll be there in like two minutes.

Thank you all so much. I should’ve reached out earlier.

Brock: Don’t thank us. This is what we do and you’re one of us now.

The tears I’ve been fighting finally fall and I find it hard to stop them now. The support and love they all have for each other would make me jealous, but Brock is right, I do feel like one of them now because of Shepherd and our baby boy.

Just the thought of Shepherd makes my tears flow harder and I sit down on the couch and rub my belly as I stare out the window at his house. It seems like a lifetime ago that I walked over there yelling at him for throwing away my Christmas decorations. He was so grumpy, so cold. And now when I think about that guy, it’s hard to believe it’s the same person. Shepherd is anything but grumpy and cold. He’s funny, protective, warm, and loving. I’ve never been so happy in my life. All because of Shepherd.

Hartford: Pulling up now. Don’t wanna scare you.