Bless the Broken Road.

Chapter Twenty

The next day Emmett woke up early to go riding. He lay on his bed and turned his head to see his alarm clock. 5:30am. Sighing quietly he rose from the bed and threw on his riding kit. He looked at Frances who slept peacefully with her ginger hair flowing over the pillow. He exhaled and crept out the room before she woke.

Once downstairs, he unlocked the back door and went out. He latched the door as he left so he wouldn't be locked out. He yawned suddenly and thought about going back inside but shook his head. He needed time to think. He walked towards the barn and found Jeanie eating some hay. "That's my girl. Ready to go the canyon, eh Jean." He muttered softly. Patting her and stroking her mane, Emmett began to saddle up. Jeanie had been Emmett's horse since he was young. She was given to him as a gift to say congratulations on getting his license. Jeanie was saddled up and Emmett climbed onto Jeanie's back and started riding. He clicked his tongue and slightly shook the reins and started to gallop away.

—•••••—

Taylor was sat by the creek in just her thin jumper and cotton shorts. She had gotten up extremely early as she had a hard time sleeping due to her penetrating thoughts about Emmett. She put her hands in the ice cold waters and let the water run over every crease and the cool water calmed her thoughts. She was just splashing gently when she heard the sound of hooves. Turning around, she saw Emmett. Looking down at her watch, it read 5:50am. Why was Emmett here? Did she wake him when she slipped out of the window downstairs? She shivered slightly as Emmett approached. "Hey, why are you up so early?" Emmett spoke as he slid off Jeanie's back. Taylor shrugged. She did know why she was awake. She needed to think. The wedding was next week. When she was around Chris hating yet loving her and she felt tense and scared around him yet when she was around Emmett, she felt safe. Safe and happy. But she mustn't think like that as he was to be married. Emmett sat down beside her and put an arm over her shoulders. Suddenly she felt herself relax. Emmett turned to Taylor and smiled to himself. She sighed and rested her head on his side and closed her eyes. She felt safe and happy. Emmett kissed the top of her head gently and let her rest. What are you doing, you fool! a voice screamed inside of his head. He ignored it. He knew what he was doing. He felt happy. But he suddenly felt a sharp pain. He was getting married to Frances yet he was falling in love with Taylor. He slightly shook Taylor and whispered, "We should get back." Taylor nodded and unwrapped Emmett's arms from her shoulders and slowly got up. Emmett sighed and then suddenly found himself kissing Taylor. Taylor felt her knees go weak. Emmett wrapped his arms around her waist whilst Taylor looped her arms around his neck. Taylor's thoughts were going mental until she realised what she was doing. Pushing Emmett off, she said, "We shouldn't have done that." Before Emmett could even open his mouth to reply, Taylor ran off. "Taylor!" Emmett shouted. She was gone.