My Country Home

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 21

Later, Amelia decided to take a break from the party as she walked out to the pasture where Taylor approached her immediately and she rubbed her neck, leaning in for comfort.

"I know, I'm gonna miss you."

"Am I interruptin' somethin'?"

"Wyatt!"

His sudden approach had startled her as the horses nickered at the loud noise.

"Whoa, there, are you okay?"

"Yeah, it's just that I wasn't expecting anyone out here."

Wyatt leaned against the fence next to Amelia, taking in the acres of pasture before them.

"I didn't get a chance to tell you earlier but you look really beautiful tonight."

"Thanks."

"It's quite peaceful out here, great place to come and think."

He looked at her expectantly as she felt herself blush.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

"I was just thinking about what my heart wants."

"What's your heart sayin'?"

"That this place is more than a temporary stop and that a part of me will always be here wherever I go."

"Amelia..."

Wyatt placed his arm around her shoulders as she leaned into his embrace.

"You know you're welcome to stay as long as you want and hell, with everything that's happened, my dad probably admires you more than us."

"Well, I did help save the ranch by the way."

"That you did."

Wyatt lifted her chin until she met his gaze.

"But seriously, Amelia, are you okay?"

She looked away, not able to bring herself to say goodbye just yet.

"Yeah, I'm fine. It's just one of those nights, you know?"

"Sure, but if you need to talk..."

"I know where to find you."

Amelia and Wyatt walked back to the party tent as her heart was still heavy as she found the rest of her friends inside the tent, talking and dancing.

"Hey, what's with the long face?"

"Don't tell me Max was givin' you a hard a time with dancing again?"

"He wouldn't be Max if he didn't."

"I was just thinkin' about how my life changed when my car broke down."

"I hope it changed for the best."

"Definitely."

"Alright, less talking and thinking, more partying, come on, y'all!"

Megan started to lead everyone else back into the crowd while Amelia hung back as she found Wyatt in the crowd and grabbed his hand.

"Sneak away with me for a few minutes?"

"Anywhere you want."

Wyatt led her away from the party and laid a blanket down on the ground for them as she sat down next to him.

"I'm not sure if I'll ever get used to all this open space since it feels like the sky keeps continuing."

"Just another way of living out in the country instead of being in the city."