Chapter 44

Isobel watched as he disappeared into the barn and then returned with his guitar. Terry followed closely, carrying his own guitar, and another man trailed behind them with a fiddle in hand. A wide smile spread across Isobel's face as she observed the trio settling around the fire, with Ryder taking the seat on the bale beside her. Terry started to play, the fiddle joining in soon after. Then Ryder strummed his guitar and began to sing along.

"I see the questions in your eyes

I know what's weighing on your mind

But you can be sure I know my part

'Cause I'll stand beside you through the years

You'll only cry those happy tears

And though I'll make mistakes

I'll never break your heart

I swear

By the moon and the stars in the sky

I'll be there

I swear

Like the shadow that's by your side

I'll be there

For better or worse

Till death do us part

I'll love you with every beat of my heart

I swear"

Isobel scanned the crowd and quickly found her parents. They sat close together on a bale, holding hands and smiling warmly as they enjoyed the trio's performance. Nearby, Sam and Celeste sat side by side, their fingers intertwined, while a few couples swayed gently to the music. She shifted her gaze back to Ryder, captivated by his singing.

"I'll give you everything I can

I'll build your dreams with these two hands

We'll hang some memories on the wall

And when there's silver in your hair

You won't have to ask if I still care

'Cause as time turns the page

My love won't age at all

I swear

By the moon and the stars in the sky

I'll be there

I swear

Like the shadow that's by your side

I'll be there

For better or worse

Till death do us part

I'll love you with every beat of my heart

I swear"

After finishing, he leaned in and kissed her gently. "Do you want to hear more?" he asked with a playful smile.

Isobel eagerly nodded in response.

Ryder exchanged a knowing glance with Terry before they both started to play again.

"I set out on a narrow way many years ago

Hoping I would find true love along the broken road

But I got lost a time or two

Wiped my brow and kept pushing through

I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you

That every long lost dream led me to where you are

Others who broke my heart, they were like Northern stars

Pointing me on my way into your loving arms

This much I know is true

That God blessed the broken road

That led me straight to you

Yes, He did

I think about the years I spent just passin' through

I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you

But you just smile and take my hand

You've been there, you understand

It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true

Every long lost dream led me to where you are

Others who broke my heart, they were like Northern stars

Pointing me on my way into your loving arms

This much I know is true

That God blessed the broken road

That led me straight to you

Yeah

And now I'm just a-rollin' home

Into my lover's arms

This much I know is true

That God blessed the broken road

That led me straight to you"

Ryder turned to look at Isobel upon finishing, noticing tears streaming down her cheeks. He leaned his guitar against the bale, reached up with both thumbs, and gently wiped them away.

"What's wrong?" he asked softly, wrapping his arms around her and whispering into her ear.

"Nothing. Everything is perfect." She smiled at him, prompting Ryder to kiss her gently on the lips.

He wiped her cheeks once more before picking up his guitar again. "Alright, let's liven this place up," he said as they began playing Chattahoochee by Alan Jackson.

The evening buzzed with music and dancing. Savannah twirled around with Ryder, moving in sync with the beat. Her little brother Luke was jumping and spinning in circles with another couple's little boy.

Thomas and Grace swayed to a few slow songs, as did Wren and Bella Rose along with several other couples.

After Ryder belted out another tune, he set his guitar aside and reached out a hand for Isobel. She grasped it, allowing him to lead her to the makeshift dance floor where the couples had been moving.

Terry began strumming a slow song, and Ryder pulled Isobel close, pressing his hand firmly against the small of her back, holding her other hand tightly against his chest. His cheek nestled against hers as they gently swayed to Terry's melody.

"I will love you forever," Ryder whispered into her ear.

Isobel closed her eyes, shivering at his words. She inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of his cologne that drove her wild. They remained embraced through the entire song, everyone watching them as if witnessing their first dance all over again.

Thomas reached over to take Grace's hand. "He's perfect for her."

Grace met Thomas's gaze and nodded. "I know." She returned her attention to their daughter and rested her head on her husband's shoulder.