Bless the Broken Road.

Chapter Seven

She's stunning thought Emmett as he and the beautiful stranger rode back to Grandma Gilbert's farm. He mentally shook his head. He mustn't think about other women, he's due to be married. The beautiful stranger sat behind him and held onto his waist. "So uhm- why are you here? You seem like you're the usual type from the city." Emmett said as they were going through the water meadows. The stranger crossed her arms across her chest. "Huh? What's that supposed to mean?" She replied in a slight huff. Emmett smirked to himself then said he didn't mean to offend. The beautiful stranger rolled her eyes.

"So how come your going to the Gilbert Farm?" The stranger asked as she wrapped her arms, once again, around his waist. Emmett knew it was wrong to give personal information to complete strangers but he felt as if he knew her so he simply said, "I uhm work there...with the horses." A white lie. She won't know thought Emmett. The stranger shifted slightly and then Emmett felt a weight on his back. Turning his head slightly, he saw that the stranger was resting her head on his back. "I'm not asleep if that's what you're thinking," The stranger spoke softly, "I'm just feeling a bit dizzy." Emmett stopped and then slowly dismounted the horse. The beautiful stranger exhaled slowly as she put a hand to her forehead. Suddenly the stranger almost slipped off the horse. "Whoa. Steady there." Emmett caught the girl. She raised her head and smiled up at him. She was very beautiful. Her blonde hair was swaying loosely in the afternoon breeze. The setting sun highlighted every freckle and her blue eyes turned a dazzling amber-jade colour. Emmett mentally shook his head and cleared his throat awkwardly. He knew he was being an idiot. You can't fall in love with someone else at first sight, what the Hell thought Emmett as he quickly unfastened the stranger's luggage. "I can do that." The stranger called. Emmett turned to face her and smiled sheepishly, "It's my job. Other than helping out with the horses." The stranger smiled back awkwardly and together they walked towards the big red brick house.

—•••••—

The handsome young man was very kind at helping Taylor with her things. Whilst she carried her handbag and a small carry case, he was behind with her suitcase slung over his shoulder. Taylor thanked the young man once they approached the door. Just then two women came out. The older one of the two stopped dead in her tracks. "Oh my, I didn't know you two came home together." Taylor furrowed her eyebrows as the younger one cocked her head to one side and smiled. She was so confused. She'd only just met the handsome young man. She suddenly heard Chris's laughter and sighed. He had gotten to the farm safe. The handsome young man also looked confused as he set down her suitcase. The older woman was Ms Gilbert. Taylor realised this when she welcomed her into her home like a long-lost daughter. "Oh hi sorry Ms Gilbert, I didn't even recognise you. You're ever more beautiful from when I was last here." Taylor breathed as she hugged her. The young man was about to walk back when Ms Gilbert called out to him, "Emmett, please can you show Taylor to her room." Taylor's jaw dropped slightly and the young man stopped dead in his tracks just as Ms Gilbert had done only moments before. So the handsome young man was Emmett. Her childhood best friend and she hadn't even recognised him! How embarrassing. Now it all fell into place. The moment in the field when she was tending to Jeanie and how he reacted slightly to her telling him that Jeanie belonged to a friend. It was his horse.

Turning to face her; Emmett sighed, closed his eyes and turned. Opening his eyes, he saw that Taylor was stood right in front of him. A smile crept up on his face and he laughed. Pulling Taylor into a bear hug, he laughed even more. Taylor was also laughing. Retreating from the hug, Taylor cleared her throat and smiled as she said, "Howdy stranger."