Contents
5. Emmy
Overview
Emmy arrives at Rebel Blue Ranch, chooses the secluded small cabin, and reconnects with Wes, learning their dad Amos has turned her old room into a yoga studio. At Riley’s riding lesson, Emmy sees Luke instructing kids and feels both pride and panic as her unresolved riding trauma resurfaces, while Luke’s attraction and jealousy deepen.
Summary
Emmy drives through Rebel Blue Ranch’s gates, reflecting on her family’s history and the land’s grounding effect. She notes Wes’s dream of a guest ranch and Gus’s hesitation, acknowledging their father Amos still leads the operation. Arriving at the Big House, she reunites with Wes, who welcomes her home.
Wes explains Amos’s new yoga habit has overtaken Emmy’s old room, offering Gus’s former room or the small cabin. Emmy picks the small, secluded cabin. Wes has already aired it out and started laundry. They confirm a stall for Emmy’s horse Maple, near Moonshine, and plan to move Emmy’s things after dinner.
Emmy rides a four-wheeler to the lesson corral, taking in Wyoming’s openness. She watches Riley confidently ride Cheerio and notices Luke Brooks teaching, to the nearby moms’ amusement. Emmy and Riley share a joyful reunion. Luke allows Riley to dismount early to greet Emmy, then directs her back to untack safely.
Seeing Riley ride triggers Emmy’s anxiety over last month’s Denver training accident, when she ignored warning signs of a skittish horse and lost control. She hides her panic and hangs onto the moment with Riley. Light teasing reveals Emmy still smells like the bar. Afterward, Luke’s point of view shows lingering attraction, jealousy about Wyatt, and surprise at how much Emmy affects him.
Who Appears
- Emmy RyderReturns to Rebel Blue, chooses the small cabin, reunites with Wes, visits Riley’s lesson, and battles resurfacing riding trauma.
- Luke BrooksTeaches the kids’ riding lesson, lets Riley greet Emmy, and privately grapples with growing attraction and jealousy.
- RileyGus’s daughter; rides Cheerio confidently, excitedly reunites with Aunt Emmy, then helps untack as instructed.
- Wes RyderWelcomes Emmy home, prepares the small cabin, supports her logistics, and embodies caretaker warmth.
- Amos RyderFamily patriarch; off-page but repurposes Emmy’s room as a yoga studio, signaling changing routines.
- Gus RyderMentioned organizer of lessons and ranch duties; his hesitations and directives frame the day’s setup.