Chapter 67

Sam and Rose were slipping into their dresses just as Grace and Celeste entered the room.

"Oh, you guys. Those dresses are stunning," Celeste exclaimed, tears welling up in her eyes.

The sleeveless blush pink dresses ended above their knees, crafted from chiffon with a delicate lace overlay. The bodices featured a sweetheart neckline adorned with pink lace that extended up to their necks. The backs revealed a large keyhole opening reaching almost to the waistline.

Isobel emerged from the bathroom, her hair and makeup completed, but still wearing her white bride button-up shirt and jogging pants. Her hair was partially pulled up at the sides, pinned back with sprigs of baby's breath, while the rest cascaded down in large, loose curls.

"Oh, Isobel. Your hair," Grace said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"Mom, don't start already. You'll make me cry and ruin my makeup." Isobel dabbed under her eyes. She glanced at her mom and gasped, "Mom, you look incredible."

Grace was dressed in a black knee-length dress with half sleeves and an asymmetrical neckline adorned with a diamond brooch. Grace had always maintained her slim figure, and this dress accentuated it beautifully.

"Thank you, Isobel. Where's Fancy?" Grace asked.

"In here, Mom," Fancy called from the bathroom.

Grace walked in and teared up again at the sight of Fancy in her dress.

"I'm not getting married today, Mom. What's with you?" Fancy teased.

"It's just the whole day, Jules. You look gorgeous." Grace said, patting her face with a tissue.

"Just wait until you see Isobel."

"I know, I'm going to be a mess."

The pair stepped out into the spacious bedroom where Isobel was gazing at her dress hanging from the door.

Grace approached her and placed her hands on Isobel's shoulders. "Are you ready to put that on?" she asked softly.

Isobel laid her hand on top of Grace's. "I am so ready, Mom."

With Grace's head next to hers, Isobel leaned against her mom's head, both of them staring at the dress and trying hard to hold back their tears.

Ryder emerged from the back room he had crafted in the barn, clad in his new jeans and a crisp white dress shirt, struggling to fasten the cuff on his sleeve.

"How's it going, Ryder?" Thomas inquired, approaching him.

"I'm alright," Ryder replied, a hint of anxiety in his voice.

Thomas eyed him skeptically. "Really?"

Ryder let out a nervous laugh. "I'm terrified. It's all starting to hit me." As he fumbled with the stubborn button hole, he shook his arms out and took a deep breath.

Seeing Ryder's struggle, Thomas stepped forward and deftly buttoned the cuff for him.

"I remember my wedding day. Thought I was fine until we got to the church. Then I nearly fainted," Thomas reminisced with a chuckle.

"But you didn't, did you?"

"No," Thomas smiled warmly, "the moment I saw Grace walk in, everything fell into place and my nerves vanished."

"Can I ask you something, sir?"

"Certainly, Ryder."

"Do you think I'm good enough for your daughter?"

Thomas grasped Ryder's shoulders firmly and locked eyes with him. "Ryder, I have no doubt you're perfect for Isobel. Anyone can see the love between you two in the way you look at each other. You're a good man, Ryder. Your father would be proud of you."

Feeling his emotions swell at the mention of his father, Ryder inhaled deeply, trying to compose himself. "Thank you, Thomas. You can't imagine how much that means to me."

"How are we getting over to the barn?" Fancy inquired, clutching her flowers.

"I haven't a clue. Ryder assured me everything was taken care of," Isobel replied, gathering her train and draping it elegantly over her arm.

"Well, sis, are you ready for your big day?"

"Absolutely, Jules. Let's do this."

Sam and Rose exited through the front door, trailed closely by Grace, Celeste, Savannah, and Skylar.

"Horsies!" Skylar exclaimed with delight as she stepped onto the porch.

Grinning from ear to ear, Bella Rose reentered the house. "I believe your chariot has arrived."

"What?" Isobel questioned.

"Come and see."

Isobel and Fancy followed Rose out the door, their eyes widening at the sight of two stately white carriages, each drawn by a majestic white horse, standing poised in the driveway.

Ryder pulled on his black suit jacket over the crisp white dress shirt and matching black vest, and waited as Terry pinned the boutonnière to the lapel.

Terry glanced up to catch Ryder's gaze. "You look so much like dad."

A reluctant smile tugged at the corner of Terry's mouth. "I struggled on my wedding day, too."

Ryder gave a solemn nod, "He's missed so much."

"Yes, he has." Terry adjusted the pin, straightened Ryder's lapel, then let his hands drop. "All set."

Ryder glanced down at the delicate pink and white flowers before meeting Terry's eyes again. "Were you this nervous?" He held out his trembling hands for Terry to see.

"Yes, probably even more so." Terry grinned, placing a reassuring hand on Ryder's shoulder. "You've found a wonderful partner, Ryder. Dad would have adored her."

Ryder blinked back tears, looking earnestly at Terry. "Do you really think so?"

"I know so." Terry squeezed his shoulder. "Have you seen how Mom is with her? Just like with Sam, she embraced her into the family from the very first meeting. I believe Mom recognized that our wives were the perfect match before we did."

Ryder chuckled, "You couldn't be more right about that, brother."