Bless the Broken Road.

Chapter Twelve

"You did what?!" Teddy exclaimed as he and Emmett were riding towards the Canyon. It was Tuesday and the wedding was less than two weeks away. Emmett and Teddy often went riding to the Canyon on Tuesdays and today was no exception. "I- I almost kissed her." Emmett exhaled, embarrassed. Emmett had just confessed to his best friend that he almost kissed a woman who wasn't his future bride. That woman was Taylor. Teddy sighed as they approached the Canyon. Never in the twelve years of knowing Emmett, had he ever heard Emmett do something like that. "Look," Emmett explained, "it was a dick move and I know that. But remember, I almost kissed her." Teddy nodded at that as his friend wasn't wrong. Clicking his tongue, his horse started to gain speed. "Race you to Westdenvor Creek." Teddy yelled as he galloped off. Emmett scoffed and clicked his tongue and yelled back, "Oh it's on! I'm gonna beat your ass!" The two young men hadn't forgotten about the "Taylor Incident" but both were enjoying the morning sun and it was like they were back to their-sixteen-year-old-selves. They laughed and whooped as they raced. The two horses were neck-n-neck as they were nearing the Canyon. Emmett shouted more encouragingly and soon overtook Teddy. Once both had reached the Canyon, Emmett laughed and panted, "Told ya I'd whip your ass." Teddy glared at his friend and cursed. Emmett jumped off Jeanie and tied her rein around a cutdown tree trunk. Teddy did the same and together the two men ran towards the creek. Emmett plopped himself down by a small lake there and lay down panting. Teddy followed and sat on a rock. The morning breeze blew gently over the calm waters. Hearing the distant rumble of cars and horses and shouting of men from the town. "Is Lucy happy? With all of this wedding business, I mean." Emmett said closing his eyes. Teddy replied saying that she was and was excited for the wedding. Teddy suddenly guffawed. Emmett sat bolt up right at that and asked what he found so amusing. Teddy continued to chuckle and shook his head, "Nah I can't say." Emmett threw a clump of earth at him and told him to say. Teddy sighed and said, "Luce is pregnant. She found out last night." Emmett chuckled and said his congratulations. Lucy and Teddy had been dating for some time but had an on-and-off relationship. Teddy thanked his best friend and then returned to throw the clump of earth and chuckled.

—•••••—

Taylor was in the truck with Chris, driving towards town to go and buy a bunch of flowers for Ms Gilbert to thank her for letting them stay at the farmhouse. Chris was driving and noticed that Taylor had been usually quiet. "Are you alright, Tay?" Chris asked as he turned to face her. Taylor was staring out the window and simply shrugged. She wasn't in the mood to talk to Chris. She was thinking about what had happened the night of the almost-kiss-incident with Emmett. She hadn't told anyone about it even Chris. She hadn't told Chris as she knew he'd freak out. She knew mustn't think about Emmett in the ways she was as he was due to be married in two weeks but she couldn't. Ever since that day, a week prior, she had thought of nothing but Emmett. "Taylor? What's wrong?" Chris pressed on, still looking at her as he drove. Taylor turned and faced the windscreen. "Keep your eyes on the road." Taylor said curtly. She felt a tear slide down her face. She wiped it away before Chris caught on. He exhaled loudly and continued to drive.

Once in town, the two got out the truck and walked towards the florist and entered the shop. The woman from behind the counter and smiled to welcome them. "Hi I'm Fléur. Is there any particular flower you're interested in?" She spoke softly and showed them a brief display of roses and pussy-willow. Chris rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly as he honestly had no idea what Ms Gilbert actually liked. Taylor rolled her eyes and then went with Fléur to choose a special bunch of flowers. Chris eyed Taylor suspiciously as she laughed and smiled with Fléur. Something was up with her and he was got to find out.