Bless the Broken Road.

Chapter Ten

The next morning Taylor walked towards her window and pulled her curtains apart. Looking down she saw Chris walking towards the barn. She continued to stare until he suddenly stopped and turned to look towards the house again. Looking up, he saw Taylor at the window and waved. She just smiled back and then realised he was waving at her to come downstairs. She held up one finger to indicate she'd be down in one minute. She left the window and went towards her suitcase. She pulled out her favourite white shirt and black skinny jeans. Looking about her, she quickly put her hair into a loose plait. Walking down the stairs, she was greeted by an unknown woman. "Hi I'm Frances. The fiancée." The girl beamed. Taylor smiled and said, "I'm Taylor Peterson. Friend of the groom." Frances's mouth dropped. She looked very happy and very shocked. She suddenly stuttered, "You-you're Taylor Peterson! Oh my Gosh! I love your books especially Dreamcatcher. It's just so romantic." Taylor smiled and said that she may write Frances in a new book she's thinking of. Frances squealed with joy. Taylor congratulated Frances on her engagement and dashed off to meet Chris.

Once outside, Chris and Taylor were walking by the fields and talking. "It must feel strange," Chris said casually as he ran a hand along the fences, "Twenty years is a very long time." Taylor looked at Chris with her you-know-why-I-left look. Chris held up his hands in mock surrender and laughed. It was a cold, misty morning. Taylor checked her watch. 6:50. She breathed in the familiar morning air and sighed happily. She was home. She and Chris walked down to the meadow where the river was and where she'd gone and spoke to Emmett the night before. "This is mine and Emmett's favourite place." Taylor said. She wrapped her arms around herself as the morning air was still quite chilly. Chris removed his denim jacket and put it around Taylor's shoulders. She smiled to thank him. "It's beautiful here." Chris said as he sat down. Chris had always heard how peaceful Tennessee was. He couldn't agree more.

—•••••—

A few hours later, Emmett came by on Jeanie with Teddy and Teddy's brother, Damon; and saw Taylor sitting by the river. She was exquisite. The morning sun had caught the gold in her hair. She was laughing with someone whom he didn't know. Is he, her boyfriend or even..her husband? Emmett thought. Emmett smiled melancholically. She was home. She was here. Damon rode up to Emmett and asked, "Is that her?" Emmett turned to his other best friend and nodded. He turned back to where Taylor was and clicked his tongue. The horse trotted towards the couple. Taylor stood up the moment she heard the muted hooves thumping on the grass. Emmett smirked as he slowed and jumped off Jeanie. Chris craned his neck around to see Emmett and the two others. He stood up. Emmett gave a huge big bear to Taylor and introduced her to Damon and Teddy. Teddy tipped his hat and smiled. Damon furrowed his eyebrows. Taylor did the same. "Damon Rodney?" Taylor questioned. Damon's eyes widened. Taylor remembered him from her sixth birthday party and he managed to eat his way through twenty MilkyWay Bars before eating three jumbo donuts and still managed to fit in a slice of her birthday cake. "Oh my God. Taylor. Long time, no see." He laughed as he pulled her into a huge bear hug. He was like a brother to both Taylor and Emmett growing up as he was two years older than they were. Chris cleared his throat. Emmett glared slightly at him. The nerve to do that, to stop Taylor hugging her childhood friend, what a dick! Emmett thought. Taylor pulled away. She introduced Chris and Emmett pulled out the most kind looking smile he could pull off. In reality he wanted to punch that Chris guy in the face. The four men shook hands. When Taylor introduced Chris to Emmett, he made sure to give the guy an idea of what he'd do if he hurt Taylor. Whilst shaking his hand, he tightened his grip and eyed him, coldly and hard. Chris noticed this and smirked. "Emmett. What a firm grip you got there." Taunted Chris. Emmett raised an eyebrow and smirked back at him. Taylor looked at both men worriedly. Damon acknowledged the awkward silence and handshake and coughed to gain everyone's attention. "Oh. Right. Uhm- my mom wanted me to tell you that lunch will be served soon." Emmett said, dropping Chris's hand and staring at Taylor. Taylor thanked him. Emmett and Damon got back onto their horses and galloped away whilst Taylor and Chris walked back.