Chapter 32

"Alright." Ryder drew in a deep breath. "So, after you left that night, I tried to sleep but I couldn't. I got up, came downstairs to the couch, grabbed my journal, and wrote this:

Tonight, my world transformed and my life truly began. Isobel is the enchanting woman who has turned my life upside down, much like the bulls I ride. She returned to me tonight, offered the forgiveness I so deeply craved, and opened my heart to endless possibilities. I am ready to give my whole heart to Isobel and hope she'll accept it. Never have I desired something more than the chance to spend my days knowing her fully and completely. I'm falling for her, falling hard. How I wish my father were here to meet her; since he isn't, I'll strive to be half the man he was so she can see a glimpse of the man who raised me.

Isobel, from that first day you stepped into my barn and ever since getting to know you...I've never met anyone like you. You've steered me back onto the path of becoming a man my father would be proud of, and I can't thank you enough."

Ryder stood up and walked around the island to face Isobel. He took her hands gently and helped her stand in front of him. He pushed her hair back tenderly behind her ear and gazed into her eyes.

"Isobel, I love you." Ryder leaned down and kissed her softly.

Isobel pulled back slightly and looked into Ryder's eyes, "I love you too, Ryder." She placed a hand on his cheek and rose up for another kiss.

Ryder wrapped his arms around her and held her close against him. He lifted his head to look into her eyes again, "God, I love you so much." He brushed his knuckles lightly across her cheek before kissing her more deeply with each passing moment.

When they needed air, Ryder stepped back and took a deep breath. "I think we should watch a movie," he said, trying to distract himself from the temptation of her lips. He took her hand and led her to the living room. Handing her the remote, he said, "Here, it's on Netflix. You choose what you'd like to watch."

Isobel scrolled through the options before selecting Nights In Rodanthe. "I've wanted to watch this one for ages."

Ryder raised the footrest on the recliner section of the couch as they laid together side by side. She nestled into Ryder's side with his arm around her and her head resting on his chest; they curled up closely on the couch. Ryder pulled a blanket from behind them and draped it over both their bodies while Diane Lane and Richard Gere lit up the screen.

In the dead of night, Ryder stirred awake and glanced around, trying to reorient himself. The TV flickered silently, looping through Netflix previews. He looked down to find Isobel nestled against him, sleeping soundly. Gently shifting onto his side to face her, he carefully pulled her closer without disturbing her slumber. Reaching for the remote, he switched off the TV, tugged the blanket over them, and slipped back into sleep.

Isobel woke to the gentle caress of sunlight on her face. Puzzled, she remembered that her bedroom window faced west. Taking a deep breath, she inhaled the familiar scent of Ryder's cologne and quickly sat up. She glanced down at Ryder, still asleep beside her, and smiled as she recalled how they'd dozed off together while watching a movie.

The last time she saw him sleeping on the couch was that chaotic night she brought him home drunk. He had mumbled in his sleep, screaming at his father with a face contorted in fear and sorrow before finally relaxing. But now, Ryder lay there peacefully, a small smile playing at the corner of his mouth as he let out a soft moan.

Suppressing a giggle with her hand, Isobel carefully slid her legs out from under the blanket and stood up. She headed towards the kitchen, smoothing out the wrinkles in her dress to no avail. As she ran her fingers through her tousled hair from lying against Ryder, a knock echoed from the door.

Without thinking, Isobel opened it and found herself staring into Celeste's beaming face.

"Good morning, Isobel," Celeste greeted with a wide smile. Panic flashed across Isobel's eyes.

Celeste grasped her hands reassuringly. "It's okay, Isobel. Relax."

"But...but...we didn't...we haven't."

"Isobel, breathe. I know." Celeste placed her hands on Isobel's shoulders. "I know."

"You know?" Confusion clouded Isobel's face as she looked at Celeste.

"Ryder mentioned you're different from the other girls he's been with," Celeste said, glancing at Isobel's crumpled dress. "And judging by your appearance, I'd guess you fell asleep in your dress."

Isobel exhaled deeply. "Yes. We were watching a movie and must have dozed off."

Celeste stepped inside and closed the door behind her. "What movie?"

"Nights in Rodanthe."

"I've seen that one. It's very good but quite sad."

"I fell asleep halfway through it," Isobel laughed as she felt herself relax.

"And where is my son?" Celeste asked as they walked through the house.

Isobel pointed towards the couch.

"Let him sleep," Celeste suggested as they headed to the kitchen. "Would you like some coffee?"

"Yes, please. That's where I was going when you knocked."

The two women settled around the island with their coffee, chatting like old friends while Celeste shared stories about Ryder and Terry's childhood antics.

"So, let me get this straight. Ryder tied Terry to a cart and sent him barreling down a hill?" Isobel chuckled.

"Yes, he was always pulling stunts on his brother. It sometimes felt like we had Terry just so Ryder could have someone to tease." The woman laughed heartily. "But honestly, those two were thick as thieves." Celeste's smile slowly waned.

"What's on your mind?"

Celeste looked up from her coffee. "Tyler's death changed everything. Ryder became distant from everyone. I spent years terrified I'd find him out here..." She hesitated, her voice shaky as tears welled up in her eyes. "Ryder has transformed so much these past few months." Her smile returned as she looked at Isobel. "You've been wonderful for him."

The women continued sharing coffee and stories, laughing at more of Ryder and Terry's antics.

Ryder woke to the sound of laughter drifting from the kitchen. Noticing Isobel's absence, he recognized his mother's voice. He leaped off the couch and hurried into the kitchen.

"Good morning, Ryder. Nice of you to join us today," Celeste teased.

"Morning, Ma," Ryder replied before turning to Isobel with a grin, "Good morning, Isobel." He walked over and planted a kiss on her head.

"Hello, Ryder," she replied with a smile.

"You two are simply adorable," Celeste gushed.

Ryder rolled his eyes at his mother. "What brings you here, Ma?" he asked as he poured himself a cup of coffee.

"I'm here to remind you about the cattle. It's overdue for branding and vaccines—we really need to get it done."

"Absolutely, Ma. How about Tuesday? I'll gather Wren and some others to help."

"Perfect. Thank you. You should come too, Isobel. It's an impressive sight if you've never seen it before."

"I don't know what you're talking about, but I'm eager to learn!" Isobel beamed at Ryder over her coffee cup.

"Fantastic, Isobel. We can make it a whole day and have a family dinner once we're finished."

"That sounds delightful, Celeste."

"It's settled then. Don't forget to invite Rose—she's always a lot of fun."

"Alrighty then, I'm heading up for a shower since you two seem to have everything under control." Ryder grabbed his coffee, kissed Isobel on the top of her head again, and headed up the stairs.

Celeste watched as Isobel's eyes trailed after Ryder until he disappeared upstairs.

"He is so much like his father," Celeste remarked.

Isobel glanced at Celeste. "Ryder would be thrilled to hear that. He truly admired him."

"Indeed, he did. They were inseparable." Celeste took another sip of her coffee. "So, Isobel, tell me about your family."

"Well, my father is an attorney, and my mom is a homemaker. They live in New Hampshire. I have two sisters. My older sister, Priscilla, is married and resides in London. She's a family counselor with two children, Max and Amelia, who are five and seven. My younger sister, Fancy, is married and stays at home with her three-year-old daughter Skylar. They live in Vermont."

"Just the three of you girls then?"

"Yes. I think we were all my dad could handle," Isobel quipped.

"Did you grow up in New Hampshire?"

"Yes, my parents still live in the same house, right on the coast."

"Do you visit them often?"

"Usually once or twice a year. My parents weren't very supportive of me moving out here at first, so I only saw them once that first year. It's been improving though. They've finally accepted that I'm my own person who makes her own decisions."

"Have they ever visited you here?"

"No, not yet. But I'm hoping they'll come sometime soon."

"I'd love to meet them."

Isobel smiled at the thought, "I would love that too."

As Ryder neared the top of the stairs and overheard their conversation, he paused and listened with a smile. He sat down on the top step to eavesdrop as they continued talking.

"Ryder cares for you so deeply. I just wanted you to know that."

Isobel smiled and nodded, uncertain of what to say.

"We all do, Isobel."

"Thank you, Celeste. I care deeply for your family too. You've all made me feel very welcome."

"You have captured his heart, dear. You are always welcome with us."

Ryder stood up and walked down into the kitchen. He moved a stool closer to Isobel's and sat facing her, his leg nestled between hers as he rested his hand on her thigh.

"Feeling better, Ryder?" His mom asked.

With a smile never leaving his face as he gazed at Isobel, he replied, "Yes, very much."

"Well, I'm going to leave you two alone," Celeste said as she rose, her smile directed at the clearly smitten couple.

Ryder and Isobel both stood and accompanied Celeste to the door.

"Goodbye, Isobel. It's wonderful seeing you again." She embraced her warmly. "Don't be a stranger."

"I won't. See you soon." Isobel replied with a smile.

"Goodbye, ma," Ryder hugged his mother and held the door open for her.

Ryder and Isobel lingered on the porch, watching as Celeste drove away. Ryder then swiftly turned to Isobel, pulling her close and capturing her lips with his. She opened her mouth, allowing his tongue to entwine with hers.

He pulled back, inhaled deeply, and cupped her face in his hands. His fingers slid into her hair as he kissed her again.

Isobel wrapped her arms around Ryder's waist, matching his growing fervor.

Ryder lifted his head to gaze into her eyes. "I love you, Isobel. Those are words I've never said to anyone outside of my family; I don't take them lightly. I love you so much."

"I love you too, Ryder. With all my heart." Isobel stood on her toes for a quick, tender kiss. Afterward, she slipped her hand into Ryder's, their fingers interlocking. "I hate to spoil the moment, but I should get going."

"Okay, see you tomorrow then? We're meeting at 5 to drive to Kansas City?"

"Yes, can't wait."

Ryder walked her to her car, kissed her goodbye, and watched as she drove away.