Bless the Broken Road.

Chapter Six

At two o'clock that afternoon, Amelia sat down beside Ms Gilbert and looked at her. "No. I didn't have the chance to tell him." Ms Gilbert sighed. Amelia bit her lip and asked who was picking Taylor and Chris up from the airport. Ms Gilbert replied saying that the foreman was to pick them up. Just then Emmett appeared and sat down opposite his mother and beamed. It was a hot afternoon and he had just been riding with Teddy. His black shirt was creased and untucked from his dark navy jeans. He removed his hat and put it on the floor. Teddy was soon to follow and he, also, sat down opposite Ms Gilbert and Amelia. Emmett said, "Mom, I think you ought to go inside as you know what happens when you're cold." Ms Gilbert laughed and went in with Amelia, Teddy and Emmett following.

Frances was showing Ms Gilbert and Amelia some fabrics when Emmett said he was going to ride to Westbrooke field to get some fresh air and to harness Jeanie. "Okay Emmett. But remember to latch the gates when you leave." Ms Gilbert called as he left. Mounting Teddy's horse, he galloped off.

—•••••—

"Don't worry Chris. I'll wait for a taxi or walk up the road myself." Taylor reassured as the foreman pulled up. He had a great dog in the front and only one available seat. Chris sighed and asked if she was sure. Taylor nodded and stood by the fence. Chris knew he would lose if he tried to argue. Climbing into the truck, he waved goodbye to Taylor. After a few minutes, Taylor sat on the fence and noticed a familiar looking horse. "Jeanie. That's my girl." She cooed as she reached out to stroke the horse's forehead. But the horse shook her hand off and neighed loudly. Jumping off the fence, Taylor grabbed the horse by the bit and tried to calm it down. She was knocked off her feet and landed with a slight thump on her bottom. Exhaling and feeling annoyed, she just sat there until she heard a voice say, "She doesn't take it nicely with strangers, Ma'am." Turning her head towards the voice, she saw a very handsome young man in a black shirt. He was very attractive. She felt a blush creep up on her cheeks. Clearing her throat, she slowly got up and said, "I know. She's my friend's horse." The handsome young man's eyes widened and looked as if he recognised her but shook his head. He'd seen the foreman's truck driving up the road only minutes prior. Taylor swiped her jeans and then bent to get her bags. Jumping off the horse, the young man said, a little too quickly, "Ah. Lemme take that." And with that he fastened her bags to the back of the saddle and then lifted her onto the horse. Climbing onto the horse again, the young man and Taylor trotted back towards the farmhouse which was, too Taylor's great surprise, where the handsome young cowboy was heading.