A New Start || Wyatt

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 526
Status: Complete
Lyrics: Turn by Lovex (this sounds like their theme song xD)

When one of the men approached Lily, Wyatt braced himself in his seat. If that bastard laid a hand on her, he'd get Wyatt's four knuckles right up against his face, fixing that new nose job of his. But Lily surprised him, coming up with a response that pretty much swept the wind out of his sails. Wyatt had hidden his smile then, tucking his chin in and pretending to fidget with something on the keys. Now they were on the road, on the way back to Silver Stag. Home. He wondered if Lily still called it home, or if she had some other place to go to. Their earlier discussion came to mind, about the divorce. She didn't want one and neither did he. So...where did that leave them? Okay, so it was a dumb question, but Wyatt couldn't wrap his head around it. It was like the answer sat right in front of him but he was too blinded by something to see the solution. It made his fidget in his seat, shuffling around and eventually resorting to just tapping his fingers on the steering wheel. He nodded at Lily's fumble of words, keeping his eyes on the road as he responded.

If its in your heart then you can do it. Back there when Flyer started approaching you, that's what we've got to aim for. Well, you, I mean. You two have just got to improve on closing that distance. Then when he trusts you enough we'll ease him into his training.

Wyatt seemed to be working out the plans, sorting them around and voicing them out loud to her. There were various techniques that they could use. He couldn't remember what the one was called but if you stayed in a paddock with the horse (of course keeping a bit of distance), you chased him, making him keep moving until eventually he became too tired. The horse would then approach you or allow you to approach him. That was the rough outline of it, but it was a technique that had been used on wild mustangs before.

I lost track of good sense 'cause I never
Learned when to stop
And somewhere along the way I dragged you
Into this mess
I chose to fight but I lost
I ruined all and you paid the cost
But I hope that you would

Turn and stay with me
I know you hate me now
But now I need you to

Turn and stay with me
Through these tormenting days
That only you can alleviate
I did everything I feared I would do
When the pressure cracked me

When Wyatt looked over at Lily, she was rubbing her stomach. His brow pulled together, frowning as some concern wrapped itself around his expression.

You did that this mornin' too. Something wrong?

Don't tell me you're pregnant. Don't tell me you're pregnant. That single sentence had warped itself into various scenarios that only made him worry. However, cancer never crossed his mind. Wyatt had also wondered about Lily's mom. She had phoned a couple of times during Lily's absence. Thing about those phone calls was that she was just checking up on him, asking how he was and how Katy was. She had even been down at Silver Stag for a few days to be with Katy. That was around the time that Wyatt's own father died, and somehow Wyatt had leaned towards Lily's mother. He had still considered her his mother-in-law, whom he had liked quite a lot. It seemed her grandmother wasn't doing bad either, but that had been a while back. Had Lily been in contact with her own family?He'd never asked.

[Lily Parker]

Lily hated some of the workers at the BLM. They were rude and obnoxious, and didn't have faith in a lot of the horses. Lily wanted to place and save every single one that passed through, and she had a lot of credit in her direction because of some of the things that she did. She had gotten a lot of the horses that were deemed un-adoptable out in foster homes, and the foster people have slowly fallen in love with them. They didn't want to give them up, and that was exactly what Lily had been hoping for. Using those methods, she saved a lot of horses that would have otherwise lost their lives, and that no one would have given the time of day before now. She had used gentle methods instead of violent approaches on the mustangs, and she had thought that she was rather successful with it all. Until Flyer came. Frequent Flyer was a hard case, and sometimes Lily didn't know if she could handle him.

He was spirited and fiery, and downright dangerous. He wouldn't let anyone get close to him, and if they even tried to enter his pen, he'd charge with his ears pinned and his teeth barred. It was a frightening sight because he was a rather large stallion, and still young enough to have a lot of power behind him. Once he got older however, he'd be even stronger, and that was a bit of a concern. Lily wanted to gentle him before he turned four really, and that left them with two years. She figured to have most of the work done by the time he was three, but she didn't want to rush things. She gave herself and Wyatt plenty of time for the horse so the stallion didn't feel like he was being pressured. Nothing would ever happen if that was the way the Nokota felt. Lily remembered what her grandfather would always say: act like you have days and it'll take weeks. Act like you have weeks and it will take days. She lived by that saying, and it normally worked a lot of the time. She just had to find the faith in herself now, in order to give Flyer the faith he needed in order to succeed, and in order to get through this training and gentling. Lily would take it at his pace and his pace only. She trusted and knew that Wyatt would do the same thing. You never rushed a wild horse, because that never worked in your favor. The young woman took a deep breath now, and suddenly became aware of the fact that Wyatt was speaking to her. She looked over in his direction, and felt like the awkwardness on the ride up here had somehow suddenly disappeared.

It was comforting in a way, and she instantly relaxed in his presence. She nodded quietly in response to his words. "He's just so different than any of the other horses I was dealing with. I feel like he'll never trust humans again." She said quietly, but she couldn't think like that. She had to focus on gaining Flyer's trust, and to show him that not all humans were bad. There were good people out there that the stallion could trust and feel safe with. She just needed to show him that. And Wyatt would be a big help, as well as the other ranch hands because everyone was so gentle. She didn't know how Fly was going to be with all of the other horses on the ranch, but she had a feeling that he would be alright. He might even like the situation, and the domestic horses might calm him down a little. Lily just had to think positively like that and then maybe they'd be alright. They could make it through this situation. Sighing quietly, she grimaced as another strong pain ripped through her stomach, and for a moment, she thought she was going to cry out. What in the world was going on? As she thought about that, she heard Wyatt's question voicing both their opinions. "I think it's just a stomach ache. I thought it was from nerves because of this." She explained, meaning the fact that they were coming to get Flyer. The fresh air on her face was helping her, but she couldn't get over the idea that it didn't feel like any normal stomach ache. She wasn't nauseous or anything, it just really hurt. She felt like someone was stabbing her repeatedly in the stomach. Shaking those thoughts away, she turned to Wyatt. "Are we just going to put him in the round pen?"

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 356
Status: Complete

He will.

Wyatt looked back on the road, somehow having confidence in the fact that Flyer could and would have an easier relationship with humans in the near future. On Silver Stag, horses had been treated like family and were still being treated in this fashion. The horses made the ranch, even if it was the cattle bringing in the income. Wyatt could not remember a time when he hadn't spent most of his days in the saddle of one of his fathers horses.

When Lily spoke again, Wyatt had to wonder what she meant about "this". The most obvious answer was Flyer, and that was where he left it and made it the conclusion of those thoughts. He couldn't keep meandering around that idea. He rubbed his lips with his index finger, his thumb skimming just under his chin. Wyatt had a thoughtful look on his face, the sun shining in through the windshield, the reflections scattered all about him. His eyes were narrowed, so he reached for his sunglasses and slid them on. They were Blu Ray sunglasses, and he had had them for only a few weeks now. His others had been trampled by Hero after he was thrown rather unceremoniously onto his ass. In the dirt. It was always a joy to have your horse outsmart you. Wyatt knew Hero too well, and Hero knew Wyatt too well. It was always a give and take situation, with both wanting the latter.

Yup. He'll be goin' into the pen we've kept open for him until he settles down. Then we'll put him into his own paddock.

Wyatt replied, reaching down next to him to fetch something, but he missed and he had touched Lily's hand. He looked up at her, his hand still on hers and then he acted like nothing had happened. Behind his sunglasses, it was impossible to tell what was in his expression, but the way he pierced his lips showed his restraint. He didn't carry on looking for whatever it had been, he just knew that he felt heat rise into his cheeks like he was turning red. Shit.

[Lily Parker]

She needed to have more faith in Flyer, and more faith in herself. She had been working around the mustangs for two years now, and she had more experience than she was giving herself credit for. She could do this, she knew she could. Handling and training the horse wasn't going to be the hard part. It was going to be difficult, but there was going to be something that was even more difficult. And that was working with Wyatt. She wanted to of course, because she wanted to show him that she was different. She wanted to show him that she was no longer depressed, and no longer the impossible woman that she had been in her last few months here. She had changed, but not that much. She was still the old Lily. The Lily before the depression hit, and the Lily that loved Wyatt with all of her heart.

That emotion and those feelings hadn't left her. She still cared for him as much as she had before she left. She felt horrible for leaving like she did, but she honestly believed that she wouldn't have been able to change while here. She needed to go away, and change her life. Leaving Katy and Wyatt had been the hardest decision of her existence, but she hadn't been able to change her mind once she left. Wyatt would never take her back so soon after her leaving like she had, but she thought it would be different now. She doubted he would welcome her with open arms, but she felt that maybe the two years that had passed had softened him. He wasn't happy with the fact that she was here, and she could tell, but he wasn't making her leave. He wasn't forcing her to get off of his ranch, which was what she had first believed. That was the reason as to why she hadn't told him she was coming. She had just told her cousin, and that was the day before she got here. Sighing softly, she shook her head and then focused on the landscape that was rushing past her window. She remembered back to Wyatt's words a few moments ago. He had faith in the horse, and that had to mean a lot, didn't it? Wyatt was the best judge on horses around, and Lily trusted him. Flyer had a chance. Nodding her head when he spoke about the round pen, Lily was quiet for a moment, and then became aware of movement to her side.

As his hand brushed hers, she froze immediately, but her heart began beating wildly. The young woman figured it was so loud that he'd be able to hear it in the small space of the truck cab. She reddened immediately, and wished that she had sunglasses to hide her expression. Taking his cue, she acted like nothing had happened, even though she wanted to reach across and take his hand in hers. She wanted to feel his touch again, and she wanted to remember their walks around the ranch, hand in hand. He would make his rounds at night, and she'd go with him just to spend time with him. She'd hold his hand and they'd flirt and joke about something. Lily missed that, and as she crossed her arms she wished it could be like that again. Thinking about the past made her realize there was a person she hadn't seen yet. His father. She was afraid to ask because if the man had passed, it might ruin the small progress that they had made. But she needed to know, didn't she? "Wyatt?" She didn't want him to get angry...she prayed that he wouldn't get angry. "Your father...I didn't see him around the ranch.." She said almost silently, wishing that it hadn't come from her mouth. But it was now or never, and it was something that they needed to talk about. The time was moving fast anyway, and she was glad to see that they only had two hours before they'd be home. She sighed quietly and then shook her head. "I'm sorry..I shouldn't have asked, I shouldn't have said anything. I'm sorry..." She pushed out, feeling herself redden even more. She had just made things so much worse, and she figured he'd ask her to leave now. Maybe he would turn around and take Flyer straight back. That had been a great plan. Might as well get the pen ready for the divorce papers now, because there was no way he'd want to stay with her after all of this now.

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 581
Status: Complete
Lyrics: Since U Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson

Wyatt could see her fold her arms out of the corner of his eye and immediately he wished he could do the same. It was like defending yourself, putting up a space around you that no one could invade. It made you safe. Safe against heartbreak and anything else that could threaten to break you. But its like they said, it either breaks or makes you. And what does break you might also make you. But what makes you can break you. It was like an endless cycle of vice versa that threatened to capsize you at any moment because of your insecurities. Have you ever held your breath before you do something? Braced to take the fall? And then when you make it out okay, all you can do is feel relief. Wyatt wished that he didn't have to hold baited breath for much longer because he was going to suffocate sooner or later. He needed to figure a way out of this, to find some kind of solution...neutral ground. But what did come to mind disturbed him a little. A kiss. A kiss told you a lot of things. The first time he had kissed Lily, he just knew. Wyatt Parker just knew that he was going to love her. He wasn't a very sentimental or 'mushy' kind of guy, but he was different when he was alone with her. He was softer and gentler, showing her what he was actually all about. He could be the same guy with her. But a kiss? It sounded insane. For the moment at least.

Here's the thing we started out friends
It was cool but it was all pretend
Yeah yeah
Since U Been Gone

You dedicated you took the time
Wasn't long till I called you mine
Yeah Yeah
Since U Been Gone

And all you'd ever hear me say
Is how I pictured me with you
That's all you'd ever hear me say

Lily said his name, but what followed didn't sound much like 'music to the ears.' Wyatt's grip loosened on the steering wheel when Lily mentioned his father. He had been thinking about his old man for ages, ever since she had arrived come to think of it. He had gone ice cold, his extremities numb like he couldn't do anything with them. He stared straight ahead then finally gained a little feeling before speaking. His grip tightened on the steering wheel to the point where his knuckles turned white.

You were as close to him as I was. You have every right to know.

He straightened up in his seat, having slumped at the mention of his dad.

The old man had an aneurism while we were out in the Red River Bed.

Wyatt seemed still other than his lips moving when he spoke. He breathed in then released it, sighing deeply as he remembered walking past the coat hanger that very morning. He had walked right on by it where his father, Allen, left his cane hanging on one of the hooks. Wyatt and Allen had been alone on horseback when the aneurism came out of nowhere.

It just sort of happened. And he was gone. Just like that.

Wyatt shrugged, as if there was no other way to explain how he had held a limp form of someone he cared for. There was just no explaining it. Wyatt was turning into one of the main roads that led back to Westin. In the horizon you could just see the faint outlines of Westin's buildings. He seemed focused on them, reminiscing in fact.

I'd rather have him pass away than have to depend on someone else.

Wyatt paused.

He moaned enough all ready.

He joked, smiling a little bit in an attempt to divert the subject somehow. Thinking of Katy made him smile a little wider.

[Lily Parker]

Lily didn't know what she had been thinking. Maybe she shouldn't have brought up this idea. Maybe she should have just researched trailering services, and then researched ranches and stables around the area. Was this asking too much of Wyatt, too soon? She felt horrible now for even suggesting this idea, but Wyatt hadn't seemed to mind at the time. Now it was like the walls were being built up once more, and Lily didn't know how to bring them back down again. Heck, she hadn't even known how to bring them down the first time. She was certain that they had stayed up around him and herself, and she knew it was because both of them didn't want to be hurt again. They had been hurt and broken hearted for different reasons, but those reasons had been caused by her. She knew and accepted that, and she was trying to make up for it. But she was beginning to feel as if he would never forgive her. She was afraid that things would never go back to how they were before.

Sighing slightly, she turned to gaze out the window, and she realized that the countryside was flying by them. They were making good time, and she knew that Wyatt was driving a little faster than normal so they could make it back before Flyer's sedative wore off. It was a good plan, since the stallion would be next to impossible to handle if he was wide awake and in a small, enclosed space like he was. She thought for a moment how it would be if they were eventually able to train him. He was sturdy and strong, and had stamina that she had never seen in a horse before. He was defiant and spirited, but he had an intelligence that most wild horses possessed. He could also herd and cut. She knew he had the ability because of the swiftness of his movements in the pen before, as well as how fluid his sharp turns and stops had been. He was exactly what she needed, both for the ranch work and for her mental state. It was true that she had Beau, but she felt guilty for riding him again. Didn't he belong to Wyatt now? It made the most sense in all honesty. The young woman continued staring out the window of the truck cab, trying to figure out what else she could do to get through Flyer, as well as Wyatt. She knew one thing that could make or break them, and that was something she was too afraid to try. She wanted to, more than anything else, but she was afraid he would reject her faster than she could blink. She wanted to kiss him again. She wanted to show him how much she still cared for him, and that her feelings had never waned, even though her mental state had. She still loved him, and had never stopped. But his words slowly brought her from her quiet state, and she glanced over in his direction.

As he slowly explained what had happened, Lily's mouth remained partially opened, and her eyes were wide with shock. The man couldn't be dead. It wasn't possible. He had been as strong and as stubborn as Wyatt...possibly more so than Wyatt. She had loved him anyway though, and she remembered the quiet moments where she would just sit with him and admire the horses, or think in their silence. She missed him a lot, and now she would never be able to say goodbye. Or explain to him why she had left. Guilt clouded her mind, and she did her best not to cry. It didn't work that well, for she felt like she had been punched in the stomach. For a moment she felt like she couldn't breathe, and her hand went to the side of the door. She clutched to it until her own knuckles turned right, and the pain she felt in her stomach was enough to make her cry out, but she held it in. Hopefully Wyatt would just think she was really upset about the death of his father. She gasped for air at the moment, but felt like she was going to be sick. She was fine. Just fine. Ignoring the symtoms that would slowly lead to her cancer, she felt a lone tear running down her cheek. As the pain in her stomach passed, she reached up to wipe at the trail it left. "I'm sorry Wyatt." She knew he had probably heard it a million times, but hoped that maybe it would mean a little more coming from her. Just maybe. As he spoke after another moment, a small laugh came from her, and she instantly reddened, feeling bad immediately. "I'm sorry.." She said quickly, but couldn't help herself. What Wyatt said was true, and she couldn't deny it. As they sat quietly for a moment, she felt like the air in the truck was lighter, and easier for her to sit in. As Westin came into view, she was glad, even though she was thankful for the ride and day with Wyatt. It had been what they both had needed. It was close to night now, and she was surprised to see that the skies were darkening. That had taken a long time, and she owed a lot to Wyatt.

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 592
Status: Complete
Lyrics: Night before (life goes on) by Carrie Underwood

Wyatt had admitted a bit of humour in the situation but honestly, a year down the line, he was still affected by his fathers death. He took in a breath but he couldn't do much to the ache in his chest. It wasn't much compared to what Lily was going through at the very same time. Out of the corner of his eye he saw her gripping the door. He looked over at her, keeping a firm hold on the steering wheel. She was in pain and Wyatt couldn't figure it. What was wrong? It had been going on since that very morning. She had spoken but he ignored whatever it had been. Despite his denial, Wyatt was concerned. Then suddenly he didn't have anything to say. He reacted like he would usually, with anyone else but her: he started to get uncomfortable. He shifted in his seat, even straightening up a little bit and clearing his throat. No matter what he thought of to say, it just didn't sound right. Why did it have to be that way. Inwardly, he was kicking himself for it.

Tomorrow she'll be rolling down I-10
Baton Rouge, LSU
18 years in her rearview
He's got a Friday paycheck lined up down the block
At daddy's shop
It ain't much but its a job
They've been dreading this moment all summer long
The night before
Life goes on

A tear falls off her cheek and
Right when it hits his arm he says
"Come on baby
Let's get outta here"
They take one last drive around town
And man it
Already looks different
He bangs the wheel and says
"Life ain't fair
And this growing up stuff man I don't know
I just don't wanna let you go"

Suddenly Wyatt came out laughing, shaking his head after minutes of silent. He looked at Lily again with a good-natured expression mixed with a bit of disbelief.

The old man even predicted you'd come back.

He looked back on the road, his grip tightened on the steering wheel then relaxing again. He smiled in disbelief, looking a little more conservative. Wyatt was on the main road and had come into Westin a while before. A few people stared at the two of them in the truck together, whilst others waved a little faintly. Wyatt raised in hand, nodded his acknowledgement, and carried on going. He wasn't affected the slightest bit by their looks. He had expected it. Wyatt and Lily hadn't been seen together for a while and the news would spread like fire throughout the town.

Ever wonder what things would be like if we'd been together these past few years?

Wyatt asked, looking dead ahead. The ranch was still fifteen minutes away, driving through town.

I don't think we would have changed much. Still the same stubborn people.

He looked relaxed, but Wyatt's mood changed like the wind. Lily was honest, stubborn and had a strong will matched to Wyatt's. They had been great together right from the get-go. Lily had been new in town when they were paired up in English for an assignment. Wyatt had seen her before, but when he had the chance to get closer to her, he realized how pretty she really was. She was also beautiful in more ways than one. She laughed, smiled...maybe a little bit shy, but the both of them seemed to open up around one another. They were different people around each other. More affectionate, open, bold and all the things high school sweethearts should be. Then going to college, sneaking into each other's dorms at nights when they could be together, taking drives out around town, lying wrapped in each other's arms. They had matured together during that time and returned to Westin. They got married and Wyatt couldn't imagine himself with any other girl because Lily was the one. Was there any other way to describe it? Then they had Katy and things went downhill for Lily. Wyatt could understand but making his aggressive grudges back down was another accomplishment, especially the feeling of vulnerability and exposure. Progressing year from year, he was realizing that a relationship wasn't all fun and games.

[Lily Parker]

Lily didn't understand why she was feeling so sick all of a sudden. It was true that she had gotten the bad random stomach ache in the past few months, but she just attributed to an illness. She thought it was the stomach bug, or just aches from everyday life. The young woman would never begin to believe that it was something as serious as it actually was. It didn't seem like anyone would, because she was young and healthy, and still full of life. Cancer wasn't a possibility in the blonde woman's mind, and it was obvious that everyone else didn't consider it a possibility either. But now it was getting more serious. Lily had been in pain from it before, but nothing that brought her to tears. She had never cried because of the agony in her stomach, but now it was getting out of hand, and out of control. She felt the need to double over, as if it would relieve some of the pain inside of her. Lily refused to do it however. She didn't want to look weak, or sick in front of Wyatt. Not now.

Not when she had just returned from a mental illness. Not when she had just proved that she was no longer depressed, and no longer sick. This could not be happening now. She had worked too hard to be healthy and happy again, and she refused to let this sickness take its hold on her. Taking a deep breath, she let a shakey one out, and then heard a sudden noise from her side. Jumping a little from Wyatt's sudden outburst of laughter, Lily let a small smile slide upon her face. It was distracted and forced at first because of her stomach ache, but as it slowly started to subside, and she heard Wyatt's words, she let a genuine smile appear on her features. Wyatt's father had always had a good sense about most things. And knowing that the old man hadn't given up on her gave her heart a sense of courage and of belief. She could do this. But more importantly, they could do this. Lily needed to continue to show Wyatt that she was here to stay if he wanted her here, and that she wasn't planning on going anywhere anytime soon. The woman had changed, but not by much. The only thing that was different was the fact that her depression was gone, and she was back to the old Lily, with a bit of new personality within her. She stood up for herself now, and made sure that people knew that. Her love for Wyatt was unconditional still though, and she would back down when it came to him. It was whatever he wanted now.

Lily sighed slightly as she thought about his father. She had been close to the man, and she felt like a piece of her was gone now because of his absence. He had helped teach her what Wyatt couldn't, or didn't have time for because of all of the work he had to do around the ranch. She always felt guilty, but it allowed her to grow closer to the love of her life's father. That was important to her, and she had a feeling that it was important to Wyatt as well. So all of those years had allowed Lily to grow extremely close to Wyatt's dad, and she missed him. She hadn't even been here for Wyatt when he did pass. That made her feel even worse for what she done. Taking another deep breath, she exhaled to try and get her breathing udner control. It had sped up because of her pain, but now that that was fading, she was trying to relax. It was working slightly. She glanced over to Wyatt for a moment as he started speaking once more. "I think about it all of the time." She said with a small smile, and nodded in agreement with his statement. "I think so. To me though, I think the distance has made me realize a lot of things." She pointed out, not sure that he was ready to hear what she wanted to say. She would wait of course, until he was ready. This was all on him. She let her eyes focus to the window once more as they drove through the town, and she did her best to ignore the pointing fingers and the comments that were no doubt being tossed back and forth between the townspeople. She felt like she was on display, and it was making her uncomfortable. She sat far back in her seat, trying to hide herself from view. She couldn't face those accusing stares right now. Everything was still too fresh. She just couldn't wait until they got back into town.

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 449
Status: Complete
Lyrics: Breakeven by The Script

Wyatt listened to her, being able to enjoy her company. He didn't even understand himself. One minute he enjoyed being reunited with his wife, but at other times he wished she had never come back. Then he would regret that decision and wish she had never left at all. Once again he brushed his fingers through his hair, stopping midway and listening, calming himself down. It sounded like she was doing the same. Her breathing was calming down. He hoped that he was able to help her in some way, but distractions couldn't last forever. His smile waned a bit as she finished speaking but at least it did not disappear completely.

What did you realize?

Wyatt was speaking before he had even thought about what he was saying. He pierced his lips, still staring straight ahead. With his sunglasses on, it was still impossible to tell much of his expression apart from his smile.

I'm still alive but I'm barely breathing
Just prayed to a god that I don't believe in
Cos I got time while she got freedom
Cos when a heart breaks no it don't break even

Her best days will be some of my worst
She finally met a man thats gonna put her 1st
While I'm wide awake she's no trouble sleeping
Cos when a heart breaks no it don't breakeven

During those few years of agony, being separated from Lily, Wyatt had matured faster than he had with her. Mainly because of the things he experienced, which many people seemed to be going through more often these days. When Lily left he didn't know quite how to feel. He had loved her to the point where he got up every single day to think of some way to get her to smile. To wake up beside her, kiss her and hold her as she awoke from slumber. To know that you could say that you loved her and receive the same response. It was the experience. The process of learning to live without her had been a bit easier. He had experienced losing her for nearly three years straight. Wyatt had been used to not knowing who his wife was anymore. She had grown apart whilst he tried to hold on. Thinking back, maybe it was selfish to expect so much of her. To accept her life with their child, and to go try and understand her depression. Wyatt could understand why she needed to leave but he still could not wrap his head around her sudden change. It was like she had been swapped for someone else. And now...well, Lil, as he so fondly used to call her, was sitting in his truck and well in reach. He could touch her, feel the softness of her skin and the tenderness of her lips. But he didn't. Wyatt thought about it, and he nearly went red for the thoughts racing around in his head, but he never did any of it. The ranch was well in view now, and he was about to turn into the dirt road that led to the main yard.

[Lily Parker]

Lily couldn't believe how fast that it got dark here in Westin. She had forgotten in her time gone that the sun set earlier than she was honestly used to, but she didn't mind. Dusk had been her favorite time of the day when she had been happy with her life. It had been the best time of the day when she hadn't been depressed. Lily remembered that she would drag Wyatt away from whatever he was doing and make him sit on the front porch with her. She secretly believed that he enjoyed watching the sun set with her, even though he never let on. She would sit with his arms around her, leaning against him as she sat upon the porch step directly below his own step. She had loved it. It had been everything that she had looked forward to in her day, and even in the dead of winter, when the stars seemed to appear suddenly, she would make him come out and watch the stars with her. Lily had always been fascinated and enthralled with the sky, and Wyatt had always put up with her nonsense. She loved him for that.

Lily loved him for a whole heck of a lot of things. He had been patient, and he had been the strong one in their relationship when she had given up all sense of hope and will. She hadn't been living in all honesty during her depression, and she was sure that it had effected Wyatt and Katy. She felt horrible for what she had done, but she couldn't change it. She also didn't know why it had set in the way it had, but she couldn't go back and switch the past around. How she wished she could have been stronger. How she wished she could have been like Wyatt through all of that time. Then maybe she would have been strong enough to fight against the mental illness that had taken its hold on her. She hadn't been though, and that killed her. Wyatt would have been. He wouldn't have abandoned his family, no matter what he was going through. Even with losing his father, he hadn't run away. He had stayed because Katy had needed him. Just like he and Katy had needed her when she ran off. She was a coward, and she'd never forgive herself for those actions. Never. The young woman sighed softly to herself, and then glanced over to Wyatt. Seeing the smile upon his face brought relief and happiness into her heart once more. She was glad that he could be somewhat of himself around her at this point in time. Didn't that mean something then? Didn't it show that maybe they were made for one another, and that this was just a test of their love? Lily prayed it was, and hope that maybe they could get through this together, and get back together. She certainly didn't want a divorce.

The young woman finally became aware of the question that had been directed her way. What had she realized? Did he really want to know her answer? Was Wyatt really ready to hear what she had to say? Lily didn't know, and she didn't want to ruin anything that they had made progress on. But she was tired of lying to him, and tired of not being honest. She didn't want to hide anything else from her, like she had the severity of her depression. It would not turn out that way any longer, for she was a little bit stronger, and she could handle this. Taking a deep breath to regain her confidence, she let it out slowly, and then turned to look at him. She wanted him to know that she was being as honest as she ever could be. "I realized that I still loved you, and I still love you. I realized that leaving was the worst thing that I could have ever done to you, and to Katy, and that there will be nothing I can do to fix what I've done. But I'm here, and I'm trying. And I also realized that you may not want me back, and I'd have to be okay with that, even though that's the opposite of what I want. But mainly, I realized that I never stopped loving you, and I never could. And...I never want to." She finished, and was soon looking at her window once more. They had turned onto the dirt drive of the ranch ,and they had pulled by the round pen. She looked over at him, whether he had responded or not, and spoke up once more. "I'll help you back up." She said quietly, letting her eyes get used to the gradual darkness. Jumping out of the cab, she closed the door and then went to the pen, opening the gate and waiting for Wyatt to back up. And once he did, she opened the trailer door and watched as Fly trotted groggily forward and settled into the pen for now, with her securely locking the gate. Now all that they could do was wait.

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 466
Status: Complete
Lyrics: Undiscovered by James Morrison

Wyatt's smile had faded along with his speech. His pierced lips loosened but the grip he had on the steering wheel tightened, which probably had a mark from all the times he had tightened his grip. His knuckles were white and his face was blank. Lily had just spoken about still loving him, and that she was trying. She really was. So why was he being such an asshole to her? Why the hell couldn't he just...His head turned towards her and she was already out of the truck. He stared after her, seeing the empty space beside him again.

Shit.

He said, sounding exasperated as he pressed his forehead on the steering wheel. Wyatt hadn't even registered pulling up into the yard. Lily had a way of coming back with a bang. Muttering a few things under his breath he pulled the gear into place, putting his arm around the seat next to him and backing up into the pen. He reversed carefully, directing the trailer into the now open pen gate. He heard the sound of Flyer's hooves and once the stallion was out, Wyatt also got out. He left his door open with the engine humming. He looked at Lily then hid beneath his stetson, which he had secured onto his head. He closed the trailer door, pausing with his hand pressed against the cold steel. Then Wyatt turned around, facing Lily with what looked like a hopeless expression on his face.

You see the look that's on my face
You might think I'm out of place
I'm not lost, no, no, just undiscovered

Well the time it takes to know someone
It all can change before you know it's gone
So close your eyes feel the way I'm with you now
Believe there's nothing wrong

You think that I wanna run and hide
I'll keep it all locked up inside
But I just want you to find me
I'm not lost, I'm not lost, just undiscovered
And when we're alone we're all the same as each other
You see the look that's on my face
You might think I'm out of place
I'm not lost, no, no, just undiscovered

Out of nowhere, between the silence and hopeless stares, Billy rocked up. He flung his arm around Wyatt's shoulder, dragging him down under the ranch hands arm.

"'bout time you pitched up. Been waitin' on you two for hours."

He said, as loud as ever.

Jesus, Billy. You're chokin' me.

"Huh?"

Billy looked down then let go of Wyatt, who had to pull his shirt back down, looking a bit ruffled.

Son of a...

"Ahem."

Wyatt shot Billy a look, shaking his head and eventually smiling as he gave up. Behind them by the bunker house, Carl was entertaining Katy with a couple of goofy expressions. He then picked up the young girl as she laughed excitedly, looking at her dad and raising her hands up into the air. She called out to him but Wyatt froze. He looked at Lily. As far as he knew, the two hadn't seen each other for a few years. He didn't know how Lily would react. Katy on the other hand, also paused, her eyes wide and her smile brightening. She began to jump up and down.

"Cawl! Cawl! Its my mommy!"

Katy wasn't able to pronounce Carl's name right, but that's not what everyone was concentrating on. The men were looking between Katy and Lily, then to Wyatt, then back at Lily again.

[Lily Parker]

Lily wasn't sure how Wyatt was going to react to her words, but she had known and learned from experience to give him some time. His thoughts and his opinions would surface sooner or later, if not at first. The young woman was just anxious to see how this entire situation was going to turn out. What would he think now that she had opened up to him like that? She had had a feeling that it would have been way too early to tell him something like that, but it had to be better now that he knew. She even felt better now that he knew, and she felt like a giant pressure had been lifted off her chest. That didn't take care of her stomach problem however. As she jumped down from the truck, the landing seemed to awaken the pain inside of her abdomen. A small cry of painful surprise escaped even though she had tried not to. What in the world was going on?

For a moment, the young woman felt sick to her stomach, and she felt like the world was spinning in circles around her. Clutching to the side of the truck for support, she realized that it was suddenly moving away from her, and she needed to focus so that she could free her stallion. Groaning quietly, she clutched at her stomach, trying her best to relieve the pain that was pushing at her. Sighing, she straightened even though it was agonizing, and was soon heading to the trailer and to the pain. Flyer came out easily enough since the sedative was still taking its toll on the stallion. His blue roan coat was filthy and disgusting, but Lily didn't want to take advantage of the situation. Flyer would take care of himself, and she didn't need to take any chances with him. She wanted him to accept the brush and the human presence, and under the tranquilizer he would just be frightened and out of sorts. She wouldn't do that to him in his new home. Lily watched him for a moment as he settled into the middle of the pen, trying his best to look out at all angles, but having a hard time because of his exhaustion. Lily leaned against the rails, trying her best to rid herself of this intense pain. She stood still for a moment longer until it finally passed, and then jumped slightly when she heard the commotion behind her. She hadn't been expecting Billy to suddenly appear out of no where like that.

A small smile lit her face as she watched Wyatt and Billy play around, but Billy's words still filled her mind. Waiting for them? Waiting for them for what? Lily furrowed her brow as Wyatt was soon released, and then she was able to get her question in. "Wait...what were you waiting for?" She questioned, and then looked over as everyone seemed to shift their gaze. Wyatt was frozen, and Lily didn't know what was going on. Looking at him in question, she remembered their glances just before Billy popped in. They had been hopeless and confused, but Lily saw promise there. There had to be a chance that they could be who they once were. She sighed softly, and then finally turned her gaze to look over at what everyone was staring at. And that's when she heard her daughter's voice. Her heart filled with pain as she looked across at the little girl, and then turned her gaze hestitantly to Wyatt. She didn't know how he'd react to this, but she didn't want to offend him. Hearing Katy's ecstatic voice gave her strength though, and she turned to stare at the spitting image of both her parents. Lily couldn't hold herself in any longer, and she covered the distance between her and her daughter in moments. Reaching Katy, Lily crouched down before her, wanting Katy to make the first move to touch. She didn't want to push her. "Hey Katy. Have you been behaving for your daddy?" She said quietly, so that only Katy could hear. The smile on Lily's face was obvious, but there was hesitation there as well. Would her daughter accept her after all of these years?

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 334
Status: Complete

Billy wasn't even paying attention to what Lily was saying when he started up on a whole new topic.

"Who's the stud?"

Billy was pointing at Flyer, looking oblivious as Lily ran past him with his thumb still pointed in the direction of the Nokota stallion.

"Or not."

He turned back, watching with a smile as Lily ran off towards Katy. Wyatt, on the other hand, wasn't smiling. He had looked at Lily just before she went off to meet her daughter. He went limp, leaning against the trailer with his arms hanging by his sides. His expression was unreadable. His sunglasses had been left in the truck but there was no expression in his face. It all seemed a bit much for him, who had waited a few years for something as big as this. Now that it was here, it was all a bit overwhelming to have happened in such a short period of time. He watched. He simply couldn't do anything else.

Katy jumped away from Carl, her excited grin lighting up her face as she clapped her hands together. She continued bouncing until Lily crouched in front of her. She didn't even answer before Katy had wrapped her arms around her mothers neck.

"Mommy!"

She said, her voice rather high pitched. Katy was an excitable little girl, and a very typical toddler. Pink frills, teddies, dolls and all sorts of little toys. She also loved to talk, as Lily would discover.

"Grandpa saids you'd come back. And I gots your photos. Oh! And I gots a ponies!"

Wyatt by that point had begun to smile faintly. He honestly did love his daughter, and seeing her so happy, made him a little bit happy too. Although, despite his efforts, he felt miserable and tired. He stayed in the background, watching to see how the two most important girls in his life would turn out. Was Lily okay with this? Was she ready to be a mother after all of these years?

[Lily Parker]

[

Flyer was standing quietly for the time being, but the stallion was beginning to wake up. And when that happened, he would be an angry ball of fury and energy. The stallion tossed his head sleepily, but soon became aware that there was attention on him. Picking his head up, Flyer stared over at the man that was pointing at him, and suddenly became apalled that a human would have the nerve to give him such attention. The stallion reared in spite of his sedation, and it was obvious that he was coming to. He tossed his dial as he reared, and suddenly a bugle was heard from his open mouth. Snapping his teeth together, he landed with a hollow thud, and then kicked his legs forward. He galloped head on to the fence, knowing that he needed to test it first. The stallion seemed as if he was going to crash head first into it, but at the last moment he started sliding in the sand, turning his body so that his shoulder rammed into it instead. The fence was sturdy and solid, and barely moved from his impact. He trotted off, looking at Billy menacingly.

Lily heard Billy's words, and just spoke absentmindedly over her shoulder. "That's Flyer. He's a Nokota" She gave the basic details, but was too focused on what was going on in front of her. Even if Wyatt didn't want her approaching Katy, she couldn't help it. Katy was her daughter too, and she felt connected to the little girl. Her love and motherly instincts were coming forward immediately, and that much was apparent as Lily crouched in front of her daughter. It was obvious who Katy's parents were however, for she had inherited looks from them both. Lily smiled widely as Katy bounced over to her, clapping her hands and looking absolutely ecstatic to have her mother back. Lily was thankful and relieved. If Katy had staretd crying, she wouldn't know what to do. Sighing relieved some of the tension in her shoulders, and as Katy ran her way, Lily was ready. The young woman caught the little girl in her arms in another instant, holding her close as Katy wrapped her arms around her mother's neck. Lily balanced her on her hip as she straightened, standing with her little girl in her arms. The smile never left her face, and it was obvious to anyone that was watching that she was ready to take on this role again. She was ready to be the mother that Katy needed and wanted. Taking another deep breath, she exhaled softly and then brought Katy close to her.

Leaning forward, she let her lips brush against her daughter's forehead, and the tears were gathering in her eyes before she could stop them. She couldn't believe that Katy was so accepting, and just the opposite of her father. Wyatt had wanted nothing to do with her at first, but she couldn't blame the man. He actually understood what she had done, and what she had been going through. It hurt him a lot more then it hurt Katy. She turned her head to glance back at the men gathered in the area. Wyatt didn't look happy, and her eyes met his for a moment. She wished he would be, or at least just a little bit. She wished that he would show some other emotion then the stoic one he seemed to possess in her presence. Disappointment rushed through her immediately, but Katy was beginning to speak to her, and she turned back to the young girl in her arms, balancing her easily on her hip. She missed Wyatt's smile because she had turned right before it had occurred. As Katy spoke, Lily's eyes grew wide as her smile got bigger, and she laughed slightly at the girl's words. "Did he? Well Grandpa always seemed to know what he was talking about, love." She spoke fondly and lovingly, and then tried to ignore the pain that was welling in her stomach and her heart from missing the man. She heard the rest of Katy's statement and started responding. "You do? What's your pony's name? When do I get to see him?" She questioned, just excited and happy that her daughter was talking to her. She couldn't believe how happy she felt at this moment in time.

/blockquote]

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 589
Status: Complete
Lyrics: Dance with my father again by Kellie Coffey

Katy giggled as her mother grabbed her up into her arms, cuddling and kissing her on the forehead. She was glad for the attention. Wyatt also did it, but there was nothing better than getting it from your own mother, who wasn't afraid of all the 'touchy feely' things without getting a little uncomfortable.

"Grandpa knewed everythin'!"

Katy nodded vigorously, with so much enthusiasm that her bounced around her face and clung to her red lips. Then to her delight Lily asked about her 'ponies'.

"I actually gots twos. But don't tell Daddy that's too much."

She put her finger to her lips, speaking in a whisper, which even Carl could hear.

"Martha and Dee. Dee is a babies though."

Back when I was a child
Before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high
And dance with my mother and me and then
Spin me around till I fell asleep
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure, I was loved.

If I could get another chance
Another walk another dance with him
I'd play a song that would never ever end
How I'd love, love, love to dance with my father again.

In the pens, Hero was pacing up and down his paddock fence. He was far from the wild horse's pen, but the other stallion was well within his sights. Wyatt had known that Hero would not be happy about his dominance on the ranch being challenged, and would react rather violently. Hero bared his teeth, his ears flattened against his crown as he began to charge at Flyer. He bucked like a bronc, his hind legs kicking fiercely. His whinnies were just as violent, ending with a trumpeting tone. Wyatt eventually seemed to wake up, leaning away from the trailer and moving around it.

Hero! Get off your damn high horse!

He called, approaching the paddock with a rather fast stride, like he was trying to get away. He had caught Lily's eye when she looked back at him, but he regretted the disappointment in her expression. Now it was his turn to run. He came up to Hero's paddock, and Hero eyed him with his nostrils flaring. He soon approached the gate, prancing and unable to stand still as he looked pointedly at the other stallion.

That ain't your only problem if you carry on like that.

Wyatt eyed his stallions leg, which had been lame only a few days ago. He reached out to his stallion, roughly patting his neck. The mustang then shot off, again charging the fence. There wasn't much he could do about it but let them sort it out. Billy had come after Wyatt and stood in front of him, his hands on his hips.

What?

He hadn't meant his voice to be so sharp.

"And you're tellin' that horse to get off his high horse, ya damn drama queen."

Oh for the love of...

"Lily."

Billy said, staring at his friend. Wyatt was quiet, looking away.

"Lily's back, Wyatt. She's just been reunited with Katy and you're sulkin' like an alley cat."

You're too damn cheeky for your own good.

Billy had swiped at him and Wyatt dodged the older mans fist but was caught by surprise with his arm in a steadfast headlock. Wyatt managed to slip past him again, laughing as he stole Billy's stetson off his head and shoved it into his face. He then jogged off, looking back over his shoulder with a grin on his face. Billy was walking after him, and he knew that Billy was going to get him back somehow.

Wyatt was approaching the yard again and Carl approached him. Carl was the quiet one and he shot Wyatt a glance, then looked back at Katy and Lily.

What did you all have planned, anyhow?

He asked, only seeing the made-up fireplace now with the logs around it. There was a bag of marshmellows, beer, juice cartons for Katy as well as other snacks.