i believe in you. lily.

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 570
Entire Word Count: 1'442
Status: Continuation from "What's to Come"

The ranch ahead, the one that Wyatt and Katy, Billy and Carl, and now Lily called home, had a brief history to it. The town was old but still small, but this ranch, Silver Stag Ranch, was every much a part of its history. His grandfather, not the very first working man of the Parker boys, had brought this ranch up from its foundations right up to the roof. Sure, the paddocks had been replaced and the barn practically rebuilt, but there was still Parker blood and sweat in those walls. All the other ranches had fallen to the ground. Flat out broke. Packing up their things, they left to find more prosperity in places like Texas or Nevada. Not this Parker kid. He believed that he could turn his luck around. After sighting a stag up in the mountains, in the cliffs where it was said not even deers could pass, his life had turned around. The stag was silver, bold and large. Its beady black eyes strong and intense, as Wyatt had been told by his own father. He remembered his grandfather, so full of life and always with a quote from some passage of this book and a saying from "back in the day". It had always been interesting to know his grandfather, who sadly, died by the time Wyatt turned thirteen. That was him gone. Then next came Allen, who had died in the worst of ways. His cane was still hanging on a hook in the kitchen and Wyatt looked at it every time he passed through the door. Or he always ended up looking at it anyway.

Wyatt rubbed his eyes again, feeling the strain of his eyelids as he forced himself to stay awake. What they didn't need on their hands was an accident involving the two of them. Not on top of everything else. Behind him, the tires were stirring up dust, which flew out behind them in a large cloud. He was looking in his rearview mirror and by the time his eyes looked forwards, he could see what he was dreading. Katy had run out of the house, standing there with what he presumed was one of her dolls. He rubbed the back of his head, his fingers lacing through his uncombed hair.

Lil, hun.

He gentled put his hand on her shoulder.

We're here.

Billy was holding a lead rope connected to a bright blue halter - Ace's to be exact. The young colt was prancing on the tips of his hooves, fighting the restraint that Billy had on his halter. He squealed, his eyes rolling back with one his ears twisting around, hearing the trucks engine as it came rolling up into the yard. Billy looked up, his eyes widening and he led Ace up to one of the poles near the barn, tying him up to it carelessly, but with a knot that would keep Ace grounded. The bay squealed his protest as Billy jogged away from him, slapping Carl on the back. Carl had been bent over a bucket, filling it up.

"Dimwit, they're back!"

Billy said over his shoulder, walking up to the car. Wyatt was already getting out, with Katy running up to him and jumping into his arms. Wyatt held his daughter against his chest, his arms wrapped around her, hugging her tightly.

"Daddy what 'appened? Daddy? Daddy please tells me. C'mon. Daddy!"

[Lily Parker]

Lily didn't know how this was going to go over with Katy. She dreaded telling the young girl what was wrong with her, and she really didn't want to worry her. She wished that there was some way that they could just tell her mommy had a bad stomach ache, and let that be that. But Lily knew that that wasn't happening, and it certainly wasn't possible. Katy would know. Katy knew better than that, and she was intelligent enough to understand that something serious had happened. Why else would her mother have been on the ground last night? As Lily allowed herself to rest on the drive to the ranch, she let the thoughts race through her mind. She had only opened her eyes once to look and see where they were, but it hadn't been a very good idea. The motion of the truck already had her feeling sick to her stomach, and on top of that, she was aware of everyone staring at Wyatt's truck. It wasn't exactly the smallest vehicle in the world, so it was easily noticed. As was the blonde in the passenger seat beside the man who many believed was finally getting over his wife.

And now she was back. Lily swallowed the lump in the back of her throat, and then bit her bottom lip. Her grey eyes flicked over to look in Wyatt's direction, but it was obvious she hadn't realized what she said. Lily didn't remember telling Wyatt that she loved him because she had been half asleep when it happened. She had a bad habit of that, but she always meant what she said. And of course no one knew that better than Wyatt. Lily sighed softly and looked out the closed window once more, and then realized she'd feel a lot better if she was getting fresh air. Reaching for the button, she pressed it down and watched as the window started rolling down. Leaning back in her seat, she let the breeze cool her warm face, glad that it was a nice day out. She couldn't take the stuffiness of the truck, even though it wasn't warm inside of the cab at all. Lily was still feverish, even though she'd never admit it. She didn't want this to be happening any more, but she didn't know if it would ever stop. It might stop only when she died. The young woman just leaned back and closed her eyes once more, knowing Wyatt wouldn't let anything happen to her. Soon enough she had drifted off into a light sleep, but it was obvious that she was dreaming. And she wasn't having good dreams. The worst one came when Wyatt was pulling up the long road to the ranch. Lily had tears streaming down her face, but since she was quiet, it was hard to realize. As Wyatt leaned over to wake her up, Lily jumped obviously, the dream scaring her more than Wyatt had. Her heart was beating a mile a minute as she went over what she had just witnessed in her dream. She couldn't believe it, and she was doing her best to calm herself down. Looking over to Wyatt, her wide eyes locked with his. "O-okay." It didn't come out as strong as she wanted it to, but she couldn't help it. That dream had effected her, and she was trying her best not to think about it at all.

But in it, she had seen herself, in a coffin. It was her wake, and her daughter was kneeling in front of her casket. The casket wasn't closed, and Lily didn't look good at all. She had worn down into a basic skeleton, and even now it was sending chills down her spine. And then Wyatt walked in. And even his eyes weren't dry, which was something that Lily never would think she would be witness to. And then everything changed around. First Katy was in the casket, dead from who knew what, and then it was Wyatt. She was dreaming of Wyatt when he had actually reached over and shaken her awake. She didn't want to be dreaming things like that, so she was thankful that he had waken her up. As he climbed out of the truck to talk to Billy and Carl, she saw Katy fly into her father's arms. Lily took a deep breath to calm herself down and exhaled slowly. She made sure that she wiped her face free of the tears, and then slowly opened her door. Stepping down, she closed the door after her, and made her way around the front of the vehicle, using the truck for support. Soon enough, she came to stand beside Wyatt, looking at Katy and their daughter's fretful eyes. Using the last of her energy, she gave her daughter an encouraging smile. Looking away, she made eye contact with her cousin. He would know that something was wrong, for he always managed to read her like a book. Looking at him for a moment, she turned to Katy and Wyatt. "Hey love. We're going to talk to you about it, okay?" She said, knowing that was the game plan. They would give her the nicer version, but they'd probably tell Carl and Billy the truth about it all. That she had to get surgery, and she'd be going through these treatments for a while. Lily wasn't looking forward to this at all. She was growing even more tired however, and soon couldn't really stand up straight anymore. Billy was close by, and since Wyatt had Katy, she had to reach out and take a weak hold of her cousin's arm. She felt horrible and like she was a weakling, but she didn't have a choice now. She had to be strong for her daughter, and if she had to rely on someone for once to do that, then she needed to give up her pride and accept this. She was going to need a lot of help.

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 571
Status: Complete

Billy watched his cousin wipe the tears from her eyes, getting out of the truck rather slowly. He hurried himself up, hearing Carl's fumbling behind him. Billy pulled his hat out of his eyes, catching up and walking next to Lily. He was there if she needed him. He hadn't grown up with her. He had only known her since the day she came to Westin as a young teen, or it was around that time. When Lily had enrolled into high school, he was in his senior year. He had been nineteen at the time but had been held back a year late when he was a kid going into elementary. Bill had watched Lily and Wyatt's relationship grow. Even before it had begun. Lily had been smitten and it was obvious. He had talked to Wyatt, getting to know the upcoming jock who was going to take in place in the football team some day. He had found out that Wyatt wasn't such a bad kid. Billy had worked on Silver Stag Ranch before but had never applied for a real job. Allen Parker offered him a summer job out of the blue and he took it. Billy never bothered with college because he wasn't the brightest tool in the shed. He had balls for business and for getting on the back of wild bronc fresh off the range. So, that's what he did. He became a ranch hand. His cousin married one of the Parker boys and Billy became a part of their family too. His life had turned out alright. But Lily? She didn't look alright. She had taken Billy's arm in her hand, looking to him for support.

Carl ran up alongside Billy, not wearing a smile as he saw Lily's pale face. She had been speaking and Carl had heard every word of it. Wyatt looked at Lily then Katy, opening his mouth to say something that didn't come out. The second time he tried, it worked.

Sweetheart, your mom ain't feelin' so good.

Katy nodded.

"I knows."

An' she goin' to back to the hospital next week. She's gonna be really sick for a while.

He said a bit slowly, making sure that their daughter understood what he had told her so far. Katy had her thumb in her mouth, chewing her finger a bit. Her light blonde hair reached down to her shoulders and was a bit tangled here and there. Her big blue eyes were Lily's through and through, although they were a bit more blue. Her pale skin was fine and her cheeks were rosey. She was a perfectly healthy little girl.

"Do ya feel okay mommy? Do ya want Matildas?"

She asked, holding out her doll called Matilda. The little doll had black hair, plastic glasses stitched to her ears and wasn't made out of plastic. She was a rag doll that had been made for Katy by one of the old ladies in town. It had been a present for her third birthday. Katy loved all of her dolls and teddies and carted one around with her a lot of the time. She never forgot any of their names as far as Wyatt knew. Wyatt smiled at Lily then looked at Katy, brushing her blonde hair behind her ear.

You're okay with it?

He asked and Katy was still holding out the doll.

"Matilda makes its all better, mommy."

[Lily Parker]

Lily didn't know how their daughter was going to take this. She was more worried about the little girl at this point then herself, and that showed that she still wanted to be a part of this family. She wanted to be the mother that Katy needed and deserved, and she wanted to be the wife that Wyatt should have. Sighing softly to herself, she came to the realization that maybe this sickness was a sign. It was going to bring them closer together, and it was going to test their strength as a couple, and as a family. She knew that it was going to be hard and long, but she needed to be ready for it. She needed to survive this so that she could show those who doubted her that she was stronger than they had ever imagined. Taking a deep breath, she exhaled slowly and then looked up suddenly as Billy appeared at her side. "Hey Billy." She said quietly in greeting, and then looked over thankfully to Carl as well. She reached to touch Carl's arm, and spoke to them both. "Thank you."

Her voice wasn't nearly as strong as it used to be, or had been during the weeks she had been here. She was tired and pale, and looked extremely fragile at the moment. It seemed that Lily could break at any moment, and that much was true. She was exhausted, and just wanted to sleep forever. But she needed to tell the guys and Katy what had happened to her. They deserved that much. Lily straighened slightly as she came into Katy's view, but her hand remained on Billy's arm. She was trying not to lean too heavily on him, but her small body weight probably wouldn't feel too heavy for him. She looked up at him apologetically, and then looked over to Katy as Wyatt began to talk to their daughter. She looked worriedly at the little girl, and then held her breath when Wyatt finished his first sentence. Right now, Katy was taking it all in, looking and watching from a distance. Lily made herself look alright in her stance, and she slowly released Billy's arm. As Katy suddenly held out her doll, Lily did all that she could to keep herself from tearing up. Biting her bottom lip, she forced a smile upon her face and took a few steps forward. Reaching out, she took hold of the doll, especially after their daughter's last statement. "Thanks baby. I'm only going to keep her for a while though, alright? I don't want to keep her from you." She said quietly, glancing to Wyatt as she spoke.

Holding Matilda at her side, she gave her daughter an encouraging smile. She didn't want to lie to their baby girl, but she didn't want to scare her even more. So she only spoke a small lie, but it was going to be true once she took a nap. "I already feel better Katy." She said to their daughter, and then gave Wyatt a smile. Katy was a good girl, and she had an even better heart. Lily didn't want to be responsible for breaking it. Or Wyatt's. Even though she was certain that he didn't care enough to let that happen. But she didn't want to suspect anything. She needed to be positive if she wanted everything to work out. Sighing once more, she looked up to Wyatt, and then to Katy. "I'm going to talk to Billy and Carl for a little while, alright?" She said mostly to Katy, but it was directed towards Wyatt as well. He did the hard part, breaking the news to Katy. She'd talk to Carl and Billy. Leaning forward, she gave Katy a light kiss on her forehead, and then touched her daughter's cheek. "I love you baby." She said softly, and then looked up at Wyatt. Giving him an encouraging smile, she turned from the pair and headed a distance away to Billy and Carl. She needed to be honest with them. "I..I have stomach cancer. They want me back Monday so they can start the surgery and give me instructions for the chemoradiation they want me on. I don't think I'm going to be able to help your lazy butts for a little while." She finished, laughing through the tears that were falling down her cheeks. Her back was to Katy, so she was letting herself cry for now, even though she was disgusted at herself for doing it. She knew they would undersand, out of everyone. "I don't want to die. I can't leave them again." She confided in them, knowing somehow that they would know what to do, or what to say.

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 448
Status: Complete
Lyrics: When You Love Someone by Bryan Adams

Wyatt swallowed the lump in his throat. He stared at Katy and then looked at Lily. He pierced his lips, trying to look away but how could he. Eventually with glassy eyes, Wyatt smiled. He smiled with such enthusiasm and love that it lit his face with a little hope. He had gone from near choking up to finding a way to hold on. He had to hold onto these two girls. His girls. Katy and Lily were beautiful in every way they could be and Wyatt loved them for it. Lily kissed Katy on the forehead and smiled at Wyatt. His smile gentled and he winked at her. She turned away but he hesitated. He watched her go then looked at Katy.

Are you really okay with this, Katy?

He asked, leaning his head down to his little girls bowed head. She wrapped her arms around his neck, holding herself close to her father as she cried. Her little sobs were muffled as she cried into his shirt.

"Tell mommy to stay. Don't let mommy leave."

She begged and Wyatt felt that lump in his throat grow. She was too damn smart for her own good. He didn't have the heart to tell Katy that her mom would stay. He didn't have the courage to make a promise that he wasn't sure he could keep. His breathing became heavier, his heart racing. He held Katy then started walking towards the house. Once he was there, he sat down on the porch steps, cradling Katy in his arms.

"I think Matildas gonna make mommy betta."

when you love someone - you'll do anything
you'll do all the crazy things that you can't explain
you'll shoot the moon - put out the sun
when you love someone

you'll deny the truth - believe a lie
there'll be times that you'll believe you can really fly
but you're lonely nights - have just begun
when you love someone

when you love someone - you'll feel it deep inside
and nothin else can ever change your mind
when you want someone - when you need someone
when you love someone...

Billy and Carl helped Lily up until the point where she had left them to speak to Katy. They had been hesitant to let her go. When Carl looked at Billy, Billy couldn't look back at his friend. He knew what Carl was thinking. They had gone a way off, talking amongst themselves when Lily interrupted. Wyatt was walking towards the ranch house and yet here she was when she ought to be in bed. Neither could say anything. They could see that Lily was trying to say something. Then she did. Carl removed his hat, holding it in his hand as he looked down. Billy stared at Lily, his eyes narrowed against the sun. Neither laughed.

"Oh heck, cuz."

Billy was the one speaking, bringing Lily into his deep chest and hugging her. Carl watched, his eyes showing his hurt. He didn't know Lily very well but they had all lived together since their high school days. Now this. Billy let go, looking down at her.

"How far has it spread?"

Billy looked at Carl, who had been the one to speak.

[Lily Parker]

Lily didn't know what to say or do anymore. For so long she had worked on herself to get better, and for so long she had been dreaming of the day she could return to the ranch, and to Wyatt. And to Katy. It seemed that once she finally gathered what little courage she possessed, she had finally made it back here. She knew she wasn't going to be greeted with open arms, but she was ready for that. She was ready to work hard and show Wyatt that she wasn't going anywhere, whether he wanted it or not. She loved him and their daughter with all of her heart, and she couldn't begin to think og abandoning them again. She had already done it once, and she wasn't too thrilled at the prospect of having to do it again. However, this time wouldn't be her fault. This time, it would be the sickness that was overtaking her small body, making her sicker and sicker as time went on. She didn't want to face this. She didn't think she could. Not if the outcome was going to be her death. Not if the outcome was going to be leaving her family again.

Lily looked over her shoulder at that thought, watching Katy cry into her father's chest. Her eyes went to Wyatt's, but she didn't know if he saw her stare or not. Apology and embarrassment were visible in her eyes, and there was a look of sadness that had only been matched by her looks when she was depressed. Lily wasn't depressed in any way, but things were getting hard for her. This sickness was unexpected and completely unreal, and she didn't know how to handle it. Shaking her head a little, she looked back to Carl and Billy, hoping Wyatt would be able to console their daughter better than she could. He had been with her for the past two years anyway. He knew her better than Lily did. The young woman sighed and just approached Billy and Carl after a few more minutes. When she spoke the truth, she watched them for their reactions, not really knowing what they were going to say. It was unexpected and very serious, and she didn't understand why it was happening to her. And now of all times. Lily felt the tears trailing down her cheeks, and she couldn't do anything to stop them. She didn't want to do anything to stop them. If she got all of her crying out now, then she'd be able to face her daughter and her husband. If Carl saw her fear first, then she could get it out. She was going to be alright with this. She was going to make it through this. She had to for the sake of Wyatt, and for the sake of Katy. Looking down for a moment, she stood as the silence washed over them, and then became aware of Billy's words.

Snapping her head up, she looked into her cousin's eyes, and then watched as he stepped forward and towards her. Lily met him without a moment's hesitation, and instantly felt safe and confident in her cousin's strong arms. She buried her face in his chest, trying her best not to start crying all over again. But it wasn't something that she could prevent. In another moment, her shoulder's shook with silent sobs, and she felt the warmth gather in her eyes before the tears started to fall. Lily wasn't a crier. She had never been, and never would be. This was a one time thing, and it showed her absolute fear and frustration. She didn't know if this was possible to survive. Sighing quietly, she heard Carl's question behind her, and knew that he deserved an answer. It took her a few seconds to regain herself, and as Billy let go, she stepped back. Wiping hastily at her eyes with her fingers, she looked to Carl and gave him a small smile of encouragement. "Not that far. They think they can remove it with the surgery. And then the chemoradiation is supposed to kill the rest of it. I hope it's that simple, but with this family, one never knows." She said with a shrug of her shoulders, wondering how everyone was going to respond to this.

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 856
Status: Complete
Lyrics: Lessons Learned by Carrie Underwood
Notes: Good to be back and great to continue with these two. Missed all the drama! Poor things.

Wyatt's eyes flicked towards Lily, in the embrace of Billy's arms, then he looked out towards the paddocks. He really couldn't wrap his head around Lily leaving. He remembered how he had kissed her, cradling her in his arms as he walked across the parking lot then the look in her eyes. Fear. It crippled you. It flat out hurt you. And sometimes the hurt was too much to bare on your own. Katy had quietened in his arms and when she spoke, breaking the lapse of silence in Wyatt's mind. He hadn't found peace in that moment. It had been eerie how the chill up his spine made him feel.

"Could I rides Martha lata?"

She asked, inhaling sharply after she spoke. Katy's eyes - Lily's eyes - looked up at him with innocence. Her eyes were red rimmed and yet they were lively. They held the same look that would fuel her firey spirit. Innocence, determination, kindness. She was all of the things that a young girl should be. She loved Billy and Carl and anyone else that came along into her life. She also loved her mother. Despite Lily's absence, Katy had learned to love the smile that looked back at her in Lily's pictures. Wyatt had no idea what Katy had perceived her mother to be from the photos, but he felt that she would love her mother any which way she turned out to be. That's just what Katy did - she loved so easily. Not blindly - her eyes, heart and mind were always so open. She loved because genuinely that's how she was.

Sure you can, Katy. I have to help your mom first, okay?

He kissed her on the cheek, then with a smile he pretended to bite at her neck, making all sorts of noises that made Katy giggle as she batted away at her father. She just loved to be loved. Then Wyatt stood up, leaving Katy on the step. But before he could even think of walking away, Katy tugged at his jeans. She held her arms out to him and Wyatt knew what to do. He pulled her up onto his shoulders, holding her hands to keep her secure.

Agh! You're...too...heavy...

He pretended that his knees were buckling and Katy squealed, holding onto his head and shouting.

"Daddy!"

She gasped.

What did I do?

He asked.

"I'm not heavy!"

There's some things that I regret,
Some words I wish had gone unsaid,
Some starts,
That had some bitter endings,
Been some bad times I've been through,
Damage I cannot undo,
Some things,
I wish I could do all all over again,
But it don't really matter,
Life gets that much harder,
It makes you that much stronger,
Oh, some pages turned,
Some bridges burned,
But there were,
Lessons learned.

And every tear that had to fall from my eyes,
Everyday I wondered how I'd get through the night,
Every change, life has thrown me,
I'm thankful, for every break in my heart,
I'm grateful, for every scar,
Some pages turned,
Some bridges burned,
But there were lessons learned.

Billy adjusted the stetson on his head, looking at Lily as they parted so that she could speak to the two of them directly. Carl was a quiet guy and by the hurt look in his eyes, Billy hadn't known how he would react. When Wyatt's dad died, the ranch hands had been pretty quiet. They gave him his space but they felt the emptiness. Wyatt hadn't been the same for a while and both were worried that he'd fall off his rocker. His wife, left alone with a little toddler and then his dad goes too. It was rough for that little family and all the ranch hands could do was offer what help they could or stand by and watch. The Parker's lives were unfolding in front of the two of them and although they were involved, sometimes it felt like they were just taking a back seat. Billy shoved his hands into his jeans pockets, looking at Lily when she spoke. Carl was listening, a soft look in his eyes.

"Huh, yeah. It could be even simpler."

Billy tried to joke, but the twinkle in his eye was lost. Carl's lips pierced as if he was thinking, which he damn well was.

"You got us behind ya."

Carl said meekly, though his small smile showed his determination to help her and encourage Lily as best he could. It was all about Lily now. The hurt that had been done was all behind them, or at least it would be soon. They had a much longer battle to fight now - one that involved solving lives instead of breaking them. They had to come out stronger on the other side. The other side wasn't heaven or what else you believed there was - it was going to be right here on this ranch, with mended hearts and a whole lot more beautiful memories that were going to be made. That was going to happen. Lily deserved so much better and they all knew it. They loved her. The new Lily or not - she was their Lily. They still knew her. She was in there. Maybe in a shiny new package but you can't replace someone's heart. It was in there. So was the hope that was going to shame the fear and get them through it. Maybe not safe and sound, but it would be that way sooner or later.

"C'mon. I bet bed sounds pretty good, right now."

Billy said, his eyes flicking over her shoulder and watching Wyatt hoist Katy onto his shoulders. She was giggling and Wyatt was laughing. He wasn't walking over. He was looking up at Katy as they spoke. The smiling faces were good to see.

[Lily Parker]

This was going to be a long battle. A battle that Lily was trying to prepare herself for, but she was losing hope. Cancer had never been a part of her life before. She didn't know what this was going to be like, and she certainly didn't know what to expect. The cancer she had witnessed and heard about had never had happy endings. When her friends back home had told her of their experiences, it had always ended in death. She never heard a positive story from this illness, but she refused to give in to it. If it wanted to kill her, then she was going to fight with everything she had. She wasn't going to leave her family again. Not when she wanted to stay and make things better. She was angry at the entire situation in all honesty. Why did this have to happen now? Why did it have to happen to this family? They had been through so much already, and she didn't think Wyatt and Katy deserved this now.

Even the ranch hands deserved some happiness. Lily had been looking forward to showing Wyatt that she wanted to be back, and that she wanted to make up her past mistakes. She didn't want him to feel as if she was taking advantage of anything because she was sick. SIghing quietly, the young woman looked down to the ground and then over her shoulder as a quiet moment passed between her and Billy and Carl. Her eyes found her husband and her daughter, and she smiled softly as she watched them together. Wyatt was showing a soft side, which she didn't think she'd see soon enough. He was comforting his daughter, talking to her about who knew what. But it was making Katy happy, and that was what Lily wanted to see the most. She didn't want her daughter to worry, and she hoped that it was something that would be over soon enough. SHe just had to go through these treatments and move on past this. It was that simple...really. Sighing once more, Lily looked back towards Billy as his voice was heard over the silence that had fallen over the ranch. Lily wished she could find happiness in anything that was happening here, but she could only find a heavy silence hanging over everyone. Biting her lower lip, she heard Billy's attempt at a joke, and she appreciated it more than he could ever know.

A small smile worked its way onto her face, and even though it didn't light her eyes as it normally would, it was still genuine. She nodded in agreement, and then spoke up as well. "I certainly hope so." She agreed, and then looked over to Carl. The stablehand had always been quieter, but Lily had always liked him. He was a nice young guy, which you didn't find easily around here. A lot of the guys here were kind enough, but none had the manners that Carl possessed. Besides, he was a hard worker, and he cared about what he did. And he also cared about the family that he worked for. Lily cared just as much about him and Billy as she did her own family members. She would be devestated if anything happened to them, and she was still trying to get her mind around the loss of Wyatt's father as well. She felt like a piece of her was now missing, but it would come back. She knew it would return with the outcome of her and Wyatt's relationship. They would find closure, but only if they were together in the end. Lily didn't know what was going to happen, but she prayed that it was going to be something positive. She didn't want to die. Not after she had come so far to try and convince Wyatt that she was trying to make all of this up to him. Taking a deep breath, she exhaled softly and then looked to Carl as he spoke up. She smiled in thanks, and then stepped up to him, bringing her arms around him in a grateful hug. "Thank you Carl. You don't know how much that means to me." She said honestly, and then slowly pulled away. She knew that Carl wasn't that good with affection, so she didn't want to make him too uncomfortable. That wasn't her goal. Touching hs shoulder before she stepped back, she looked to Billy as well.

When their eyes turned to watch Wyatt and Katy, Lily found that a genuine smile was working its way onto her face. As Billy spoke up, she just shrugged her shoulders. "I can take it or leave it. But I am more tired than ever before." She said with a small laugh, and then heard Katy shriek in laughter. Looking to her daughter and her husband, she saw Wyatt pretend he couldn't hold her up. Shaking her head at the play, she grinned and then turned slightly on her heel. She needed to see someone first. Telling the boys she'd be right back, she left Wyatt to spend time with Katy, and then slowly made her way into the stable. She knew it probably wasn't good for her with all of the dust and the dirt, but she wasn't going to let that stop her. What didn't kill her could only make her stronger, right? Crossing through the barn, she came out on the other side and saw the round pen up ahead. Flyer wasn't making a sound, but he was staring straight at her. As she approached the fence, he stood still, but he was fighting with himself. He wanted to step forward, but his fear was there. His body was trembling from the want to see her, but he just didn't know. It was her voice that did it for him. "Hey boy." She whispered, and it broke whatever spell Flyer was under. He sensed that there was something wrong, and a sudden want to make her feel better washed over him. He not only approached her, but he trotted to her as she leaned against the fence. Flyer let a deep throated whinny escape him, and as he pulled up at the fence, he was reaching for her hand in another instant. He was nuzzling and lipping at her hand, wanting her to feel better. The actions brought tears to her eyes. "Flyer. I don't know what to do boy. I wanted to show him that I changed. I wanted to show him that things would be better, if he let me make my mistakes up to him. But this...this isn't going to help. I've only caused him more pain by being back here. This wasn't how it was supposed to be. I don't want to make him suffer anymore." She whispered, and Flyer just continued nuzzling her hand, arching his muscular neck as he stood by her side. He wasn't going to let her down. He was going to be her rock when she no longer believed in herself, and didn't want to disappoint Wyatt. Lily wiped at her eyes with her free hand, and then stayed with Flyer for a while. She figured Wyatt would want to spend time with Katy anyway, and she wasn't sure about Billy and Carl. But she needed her horse, and she was more than thankful that he was here for her. The stallion was showing a soft side, and she was surprised, but extremely grateful. Maybe there was hope.

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 557
Status: Complete
Lyrics: The Man Who Can't Be Moved by The Script

Wyatt brought Katy about, messing around and walking in squiggles, teasing her constantly just to make his little girl laugh. It was times like this that really brought them together. He had never treated her like this before. Wyatt had loved his daughter but he had never really showed so much open appreciation and love for the blonde little girl. And suddenly he had opened his eyes, realizing how he had truly left Katy behind whilst he tried to move on. He shouldn't have been moving on. So he was back to square one and found his daughter again - giving her the attention she deserved. Finally Katy asked to be let down and Wyatt kneeled down, letting her crawl off of his back.

Alright Katy, go find Gunner.

He smiled, letting go of her hand and readying himself to stand but she had held onto his hand, bringing him back down. Wyatt looked at her, and she found his eyes.

Hunny, what is it?

"Do you love mommy?"

She asked, her head tilted. Wyatt paused, and his expression softened.

Yes, I do.

"Have you told her?"

This time Wyatt looked guilty, rubbing the back of his neck and avoiding his little girls eyes.

"Tell her daddy."

Going Back to the corner where I first saw you
Gonna camp in my sleeping bag I'm not gonna move
Got some words on cardboard, got your picture in my hand
Saying, "If you see this girl can you tell her where I am?"

Some try to hand me money, they don't understand
I'm not broke I'm just a broken hearted man
I know it makes no sense but what else can I do
How can I move on when I'm still in love with you

'cause if one day you wake up and find that you're missing me
And your heart starts to wonder where on this earth I could be
Thinkin maybe you'll come back here to the place that we'd meet
And you'll see me waiting for you on our corner of the street
So I'm not moving, I'm not moving

Katy was running off, calling out "Gunna!" and running into the barn. He would most likely be sleeping in an empty stall. Wyatt on the other hand was standing still, his arms at his sides as he looked out at the Arizona mountains surrounded by blue sky. None of it spoke to him. It didn't give him some kind of clue what he was supposed to do now. Sure, he knew he had to be there for Lily but how would he give her the proper support she needed? How the hell was Wyatt going to stay strong for her when he already felt so, so tired? You're just tired. He tried to tell himself, but that didn't sink in either. His eyelids suddenly felt heavy and he thought that maybe he was. Wyatt wasn't thinking straight.

Then he turned, looking towards Billy, Carl and Lily had been standing. They weren't there anymore. Frowning, he looked around, his attention directed towards the sound of a gate creaking. Billy was already at the paddocks, taking out one of the horses that was already filthy, throwing his hands up in the air. Then Wyatt spotted Carl walking into the barn. Probably off to muck the stalls. And Lily? He stood, frowning until he spotted her. She looked fragile, her mouth moving but he couldn't hear a word she said. What caught Wyatt off guard was the fact that she was with Flyer. The large stallion was actually nuzzling her, showing her plenty of affection. Maybe he had underestimated how far her bond with Flyer had come. How long had she been with him before finding Wyatt? Lily hadn't been very far from him. It struck Wyatt and he felt a pang in his chest. Wyatt looked down, squeezing his eyes shut and breathing quickly. Its just heartburn. He had to tell himself, but Wyatt just wasn't convinced. Time would have to heal old wounds.

Wyatt waited for Lily until she was ready. He would give her some time alone for peace. To get herself together and sort out whatever she needed to do.

[Lily Parker]

Lily didn't know what to do with herself any longer. This was a mistake. This cancer had to be something that wasn't really happening to her. The doctor's were wrong. They just had to be wrong. She couldn't have cancer. She was young and she thought she was healthy. But apparently life had something different in store for her. She was certainly paying for leaving like she had, but for a moment, she thought she deserved this. She should have never left Wyatt and their daughter to fend for themselves. Lily knew she should have been strong enough to care for the people that meant the most to her, as well as get over the serious depression she had sunk into. But it wasn't that easy. Wyatt's father had somehow understood that. He had always supported her, but now that small support system was gone. That man had helped her with everything in her life, and she had loved Wyatt's father unconditionally. But even he was gone. Was this all punishment for her leaving?

Lily bit her bottom lip for a moment, trying to sort through the guilt ridden thoughts that were apparent within her mind. She wished that Wyatt's father was still here, because somehow she knew that he would know what to do. He would have an idea on how to reconcile the relationship that she once had with her husband, and he would know how to keep her hopes up now that this new sickness was going to bring her down. She was supposed to be strong, but right now, she felt anything but. She was exhausted from the night in the hospital, and she knew that Wyatt must be as well. They had been awake for over twenty four hours, and it was trying on both of them. Lily was guilty that Wyatt had to go through that as well. He shouldn't have had to sit there all night with her in the hospital room. It should have been something she could and should have done by herself. She was tired of taking a toll on him like she was. She alreayd did enough damage to the man, and she couldn't live with herself for doing anything else. As she heard a joyful squeal from behind her, Lily glanced over her shoulder and saw father and daughter playing once more. It seemed that Wyatt was finally loosening up with his daughter. It made Lily smile, and it filled her heart with warmth, and with hope. Maybe there was a chance that these two wonderful people could help her pull through. She knew that Billy and Carl were going to be here for her, but she didn't want to lean on Wyatt and Katy. They had already been through enough because of her. She couldn't do this to them anymore. Sighing softly, she focused back on the Flyer.

She hadn't expected the blue roan stallion to be like this. He was like a domesticated horse, and it was something that she didn't think was going to happen anytime soon. What she didn't realize, and what no one else realized, was that Flyer knew exactly what was going on. He knew somehow that this woman was extremely sick, and there was a chance that she might not make it through. Flyer didn't want to lose the only person that had been kind to him. He didn't want the only person that had shown him compassion and care to fade away completely. So maybe, just maybe, if he was nice enough, and tried his best to be what she needed, then she'd stay. For him. And for the people that needed her as well. He snorted quietly in the silence surrounding them ,and as he lipped at her cheek, Lily felt the tears. They were surfacing before she could stop them, and her shoulders began to shake with silent sobs. This was a lot. This was a lot for Lily to handle. And it scared her. She was afraid for her life, but she afraid of losing the only two people she had in her life. The life she was trying to work so hard on getting back was falling slowly through her fingers. No matter how quickly or hard she tried to grasp it, it just slid out of reach. This wasn't fair. This wasn't right. She was trying so hard, but everything was made just that much harder for her. She wanted to hate the world, but she couldn't. She knew that much. Somehow she deserved this. She didn't know why or how, but it had to be obvious. It was because of what she had done to her family, and to herself. It was what she had done to the man that had shown her so much love and kindness, and that had done anything and everything for her. It was because she had abandoned him when he would have never even dreamt of letting her go. If she had just let him in, things could have been so much different. Things could have gone back to normal faster than they were now. If she had let down her guard for an instant, Wyatt could have helped her so much more than he was now.

Lily didn't think that anyone was watching her, so she was letting herself cry. She was letting herself get her emotions and her feelings out, and she knew that Flyer would be that shoulder for her to lean on at the moment. But even that wasn't enough. As she sobbed her silent cries, she tried her best to get herself under control. But eveything was surfacing. The frustration that had been weighing on her from day one, the fear that had just settled over her like a darkening cloud, and the hopeless emotion that was pulling at her heart and making her feel as if there was nothing left. Wyatt didn't want her back. Not now. Not when she was this sick. She had tried so hard these past few weeks, but it was all for nothing. He barely wanted her now that she had returned. Why would he want her now that she was sick? And she didn't blame him. She couldn't blame him. This was her fault and she admitted it. She would take the blame, and she wouldn't fall back into her depression. It wasn't happening. Lily sighed softly, but it did nothing to control herself. She couldn't even stand with Flyer anymore because of the sobs. She didn't want to spook him. The breath caught in her throat as she turned away from the stallion, and as Flyer whinnied after her, Lily just hurried away. This was not going well at all. But she only took a few steps. She only took a few steps before she allowed herself to sink to her knees. They had been shaking violently, and she finally let herself down. Gently as possible, she shifted from her knees to her back end, and soon sat dejectedly in the dirt. As the small cloud settled around her, she cried to herself, trying to bring comfort and bravery to her heart. No one could see her like this. She couldn't live with herself if they did. Crying seemed to help at this point in time, but it was a crying that she had never done before. She was sobbing, and her heart was breaking into pieces. What was she going to do? How was she going to show him that she hadn't meant this. Lily's eyes glanced up suddenly, and she caught sight of the man that she had loved, and that she still loved. And she didn't stop crying as she normally would have done. He had already witnessed it, and she was already embarrassed. He might as well. "Wyatt." Her voice cracked as she said his name, and she brought her knees to her chest as she sat upon the ground. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." She managed to sob, and then shook her head as the tears continued to fall.

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 880
Status: Complete
Lyrics: Breakdown by Daughtry

It had been about a year. A year since the last time Wyatt had ever seen his father. The old mans funeral had been on a saturday, and it was the only date that Wyatt could remember. The 21st of July. Wyatt stared off into the distance, watching the mountains but not really seeing. His eyes were glazed and his expression was blank. He was flashing back on those memories he had of his father in his last few minutes. Minutes. It hurt Wyatt so damn much to think of how little time his father had been given to say what he needed to say. How could he find the right words to say how his heart had crumbled? His chest had felt numb for days after that, his body on automatic. His hands reached for things that he couldn't remember he wanted, nor did he know how they were working. When he climbed the stairs, his feet felt heavy and his heart sank as halfway up the stairs, he would find that he didn't want to carry on. He didn't want to put in the effort in. Wyatt had just wanted to collapse on the stairs and forget why he was in mourning. He wanted to forget the feeling that he had weighing heavy in his heart.

Wyatt flicked the edge of his hat, bringing it up a bit and narrowing his eyes as he looked out at the desert-like scenery. It was bright under the sun, despite the fact that it was Autumn. Cold breezes flew by him, chasing the dead leaves around the ground, blowing up dust occasionally. Hero snorted, his body jerking with the effort and he raised his head then it shot down sharply again when the stallion coughed.

"Have you heard from Katy?"

His father asked him and Wyatt turned to his father quizzically.

Katy?

"Yes, Lily's mom."

Wyatt's lips pierced and he looked forwards, holding onto the reins a bit tighter, although the white on his knuckles wasn't visible beneath his gloves.

Give it up, dad.

"I will not."

His father replied stubbornly, also beginning to huff.

"Your stubbornness is a damn curse, Wyatt. You need to talk 'bout it sometime."

I don't need to talk about it. I'm fine.

[/b]

Wyatt's father sighed, shaking his head and looking the other way. He narrowed his eyes, like he would usually do when he was thinking. Allen Parker - the thinker. He'd lived a full life, although you had to wonder if maybe he'd missed out on a few opportunities he'd had himself. He always had a wise word to share, or a piece of advice. Most of the time, when it came to his own son, all Wyatt got was a swift kick up the ass for being too stubborn. Wyatt loved his father but sometimes they didn't have the best relationship a father and son should. Now was one of those times.

"What'll you do if ya lose her?"

Wyatt didn't answer, he just stared straight ahead. Then he opened his mouth, closed it and sighed.

I lost her over a year ago, Allen. She's long gone by now.

"She's not. You carry her around with you every day. I see that look ya have when ya look at Katy. She's got Lily's eyes."

Dad, enough!

Wyatt didn't have very long afterwards with his father, because it was that same fateful day that Allen died.[/i]

Open up the book you beat me with again.
Read it off one sentence at a time.
I'm tired of all the lines,
Convictions and your lies.
What right do you have to point at me?

Well, I'm sitting alone thinking about it all over coffee.
And still crowdin' my space are the things you still hold against me.
You cannot save me.

Well, it's not the time to breakdown.
It's not the time to breakdown.
It's not the time to break up this love,
Keep it together now.
It's not the time to break.

Wyatt was shot from his memoirs when he heard his own name. It was being called out in a desperately helpless voice, cracking when the female voice spoke. Wyatt's face was contorted in surprise and worry when his eyes traveled onto the small frame of his wife. His head inclined to the side and Wyatt just stood for a moment, absorbing the sight of her. On the floor, with her knees up against her chest, Lily looked fragile. It was just their first day bearing this news. He couldn't expect her to hold up a brave front so early in the game. The news was just sinking in now. All the possibilities, failures and hopes were not yet buried, in fact, they were just surfacing. It was going to be difficult to come to terms with, and Wyatt just hoped that he wouldn't fail Lily. Every fibre in his body lived for that woman and his daughter. Wyatt was bound to Lily, whether he liked it or not. But the problem was, he loved her. He loved being with her, even if old wounds would take time to heal.

Wyatt fast approached her, practically running and sliding down into the dirt alongside her, just to hold Lily in his arms, taking her into his embrace and holding onto her. Wyatt's face was pressed against her shoulder, buried into her clothes and cold of her skin. He then kissed her cheek and her forehead, kissing her again and again.

Don't. Don't be sorry.

He said, his voice cracking as he spoke to her.

I love you, Lily Parker.

He whispered in her ear, his cheek brushing against hers which was wet with tears. She couldn't do it alone. He couldn't do it alone. They had each other and that, that would be what got them through this. Each other.[/blockquote][/size]

[Lily Parker]

How could she do this by herself? She didn't want anyone else to feel as if they had to help her, or make this any easier for her. She had a long road ahead of her, and it wasn't going to be easy. It was going to one of the hardest things that she had to deal with in her life. But she knew that there had been a harder thing. It might not have had anything to do with her health, but it had everything to do with her heart. The decisions she had made and the mistakes she had taken credit for had ruined her and her life. But most of all, they had ruined the people that she had loved the most. She never wanted to hurt Wyatt and Katy, and she had reasoned that by leaving, she would protect them from the hurt she had placed upon herself. She would save them from what she had become, which in turn, she believed, would bring them the most pain in their lives. If she couldn't take care of herself and her own pain, then how could she take care of her family and keep them from feeling pain?

And that was the solution she had come up with. If she kept them safe by separating herself from them, then so be it. They would understand. They had to understand. She was trying to do what was best for all of them. But her choice had left them with a heavy agony in their hearts, and she didn't think that Wyatt's would ever heal. She didn't blame him for not wanting to forgive her. What she had done was unmentionable, and she believed that most, if not all, of the townspeople hated her for what she did to such a good man. Wyatt Parker was not just a good man however. He was a great man. The perfect man, and Lily had let him slip through her fingers because of her own selfish decisions, and her own selfish outlook on the situation they had been involved in. Instead of going to Wyatt and explaining to him what was going exactly, she had run. She had run like all cowards do, and she would never be able to forgive herself. She was nothing better than a coward through and through, and she honestly wasn't going to blame Wyatt for anything. He had every right to hate her, and he had every reason not to forgive her. She just wished that that realization didn't hurt as badly as it did, for it hurt. It hurt a lot more than she truly wanted to admit at the time being. That pain was what she felt now. She didn't believe it was the cancer that was bringing her this feeling. It was so much worse than that. The heartbreak and the helplessness she was experiencing was enough to send her over the edge. It made her stomach ache as it had never hurt before, and she doubled over, clutching her abdomen as she sat in the dirt. The tears were streaming down her pale cheeks, but the dust surrounding her was filling her lungs and making her even more uncomfortable. The coughing started soon enough, and Lily couldn't help herself any longer. She was falling apart, with no hope of ever putting the pieces back together again.

Not alone anyway. As she sobbed and coughed, trying desperately to get her breath back, she wheezed painfully and finally began to control her cough. Groaning from the pain and the effort, she took a shuddering breath and released it shakily. It was raspy and uncomfortable, but it was a breath. The tears continued to fall down her colorless cheeks, but now there was obvious dirt trails as well because of the dust that had settled upon her face. She was a mess, and she prayed that no one would come around that corner. But she had no choice if they did. She couldn't hide the fact that she was falling apart in the middle of the stableyard. Breathing in once more, it was then that she had seen Wyatt. She was at her weakest and most vulnerable point at this moment in time, and he was viewing that. She was embarrassed, but she couldn't get herself to stop. He would be witness to this, and she didn't know how to explain herself. But he knew. He knew exactly what to do. As she apologized, he came sprinting her way, and Lily felt herself being pulled into his arms. Wyatt's warmth and solid form instantly brought her comfort, and as he buried his head in her shoulder for a moment, Lily relaxed. She was still shaking and trembling because she was crying so hard, but it didn't matter. Wyatt was here. And he was holding her, which was what she had needed desperately since discovering this news. She let herself fold into him, her arms wrapping around his body as she remained in his arms, almost in his lap. Hearing his gentle words, she brought her tear filled eyes to gaze into his, as if she couldn't believe what he was saying. And that was when he said the words that she never believed she would hear him speak again. For a moment, she felt as if she was in shock, but it slowly passed as the tears rose in her eyes again. She couldn't believe it, and that much was obvious. "I love you too Wyatt. I never stopped, and I never wanted to. I don't deserve you." She finished quietly, feeling the familiar tears dripping down her cheeks. After a moment, she buried her face in his shoulder, leaning against him as they shared their first tender moment. "I don't want to die Wyatt. I don't want to leave you again, or Katy. I didn't mean for this to happen." She said hopelessly, knowing that he'd understand. He had to know what she was feeling inside. It would only help from here on out. She had him now, and she would fight for him and their daughter. They would get through this together, and that was what they both needed to reform their relationship.

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 350
Status: Complete
Lyrics: Sweet Dreams by Beyonce

The dirt still flew up around them before settling again. Wyatt's breathing was shallow, although he was far from calm. Inside of his chest his heart was beating so fast that he didn't know how it didn't collapse. Then it flew up into his throat and he seemed to slump, giving in to it. He held Lily in his arms, holding her as close to him as he could without the fear of hurting her. His hand reached down to her stomach, gently laid on it. His eyes moved down to her as she spoke but he was shaking his head.

No, no.

He carried on shaking his head, exhaling and his hand went up to his forehead. He had left his stetson in the car. His hands raked through his hair before collapsing onto his thigh.

(Turn the lights on!)
Every night I rush to my bed
With hopes that maybe I'll get a chance to see you when I close my eyes
I'm going outta my head
Lost in a fairytale
Can you hold my hands and be my guide?
Clouds filled with stars cover your skies
And I hope it rains
You're the perfect lullaby
What kind of dream is this?

You can be a sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare
Either way I, don't wanna wake up from you
(Turn the lights on!)
Sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare
Somebody pinch me, your loves to good to be true
(Turn the lights on!)
My guilty pleasure I ain't goin nowhere
Baby, long as you're here
I'll be floating on air cause you're my, you're my....
You can be a sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare
Either way I, don't wanna wake up from you

Stop with the don'ts, Lily. Just stop.

Wyatt looked at her, his brow furrowed together.

As much as it hurts us we deserve each other. I love you and you love me. We were always meant to be, hunny. And who wants to die? Who wants to leave who they care about the most? Look, life's lookin' real unfair right now, and yeah it is but look at what we got. Each other. Billy. Carl. And that beautiful girl who only sees the best in you.

He paused.

Stop and breathe. Things'll look up. I promise you. I promise.

He said his last two words with conviction, somehow convinced that he was making a promise he could keep. Wyatt sighed, as if relieved.

C'mon, we're just tired.

Swallowing, Wyatt wiped the tears away from her eyes, smiling a bit.

Ya look as if you've been rollin' around in a pig sty.

He laughed, pressing his forehead to hers and then, with his hand cupping her cheek, slowly sliding down to her neck, Wyatt leaned in. His lips barely touched hers, just a gentle little thing, and then he pressed his lips to hers. As if that kiss would seal the deal - he'd made his promise, and no Parker man was a liar.