9. Emmy

Emmy reflects on her slow, supportive riding lessons with Luke Brooks, appreciating how his quiet care during her earlier panic attack made the fear feel real—and surmountable. Their routine of tacking, walking horses, and talking helps her focus on connection instead of trauma, and she learns pieces of Luke’s difficult family history.

Before the day’s lesson, Emmy has breakfast with her father, Amos, and asks why he took Luke in years ago. Amos describes Luke as fearless, sometimes careless, but fundamentally kind and in need of structure and love. Hearing about Amos’s steady support and Luke’s loyalty reshapes Emmy’s view of Luke, blending the reckless boy she remembered with the dependable man she now sees.

At the stables, Emmy’s attraction to Luke resurfaces. Luke proposes “back to basics” and has her ride Moonshine instead of Maple, choosing the safest, calmest option to rebuild confidence. As they groom and tack up, they trade personal stories (first kisses and rumors), further easing Emmy’s anxiety.

When it’s time to mount, Luke steadies Emmy with brief, deliberate guidance, then steps back, prompting her to do it herself. Emmy swings into the saddle and, with Luke leading by example, completes several walking laps. Focusing on breathing and trusting Moonshine, she realizes she feels safe and capable again.

They end on a win. Emmy dismounts smoothly, throws her arms around Luke in relief, and thanks him. He credits her, tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, and they teeter on the edge of a kiss. Luke pulls away instead, unties the horses, and leads them back, leaving the moment—and their growing feelings—unresolved.