Chapter 16

Ryder lingered on the welcoming steps of his mother's home, his eyes tracing the road for any sign of Bella Rose's familiar truck. The anticipation of reuniting with Isobel twisted knots in his stomach; their last encounter seemed ages ago when she met Savannah. Anxiety bubbled within him as he murmured to himself, a volume that wasn't meant for others but reached his mother's ears nonetheless.

"What troubles you, Ryder?" Celeste emerged, eyeing her son's restless movements.

A flush crept up Ryder's cheeks, "Oh, it's nothing. I'm fine," he attempted to dismiss his worries with a casual wave.

But Celeste's perceptive gaze knew better. "Spill the beans, Ryder. What's on your mind?"

The truth tumbled out with a desperate shake of his limbs. "I just... I really hope I don't mess things up with Isobel," admitted Ryder, the vulnerability clear in his voice. He confessed his rare nerves about her impending visit, an unfamiliar sensation clawing at him.

With a knowing smile, Celeste teased, "Could this mean my son is falling for this young lady?"

"Me? No way!" Ryder sputtered defensively, tripping over an avalanche of hasty denials.

"The heart isn't one for negotiation," she said sagely before leaving him alone with his thoughts on the porch.

Resting against the porch railing, Ryder lost himself watching Bandit frolic after a butterfly in the lawn until the crunch of gravel under tires yanked him back to reality, and Bella Rose's truck eased beside his own. Wren helmed the vehicle while Ryder eagerly made strides toward them and flung open Isobel's door.

A beaming "Hi," escaped him as he extended a helpful hand to her.

Isobel matched his smile and accepted the gesture, her response uplifting as a light kiss planted on his cheek accompanied her birthday wish.

Echoes of celebration came from Wren's hearty greeting and backslap followed by Rose's warm embrace and admiration for the tranquility surrounding them.

Hand in hand with Isobel, Ryder ushered her inside where Celeste awaited eagerly, opening her arms wide for Isobel in an embrace that spoke volumes of welcome and affection.

"Please, dispense with the formalities; Celeste will do just fine. And Wren, it's been too long," Celeste chimed in as she wrapped Wren in a warm embrace. "And who might this lovely young lady be?" she inquired, her fingers lightly dancing with Bella Rose's hand.

Wren beamed, "This is Rose, Bella Rose."

Celeste greeted her with a beaming smile, "Delighted to meet you, Bella Rose. Friends of Wren are always cherished guests here."

"Much appreciated, Celeste," Bella Rose replied with a smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"You'll find Terry, Sierra, and the little ones out back," informed Celeste.

The friendly troop made their way through the house and spilled into the sunlit backyard where Terry and Sierra lounged comfortably in Adirondack chairs. Sierra cradled one-year-old Austin; Savannah who was six and four-year-old Luke buzzed around them like busy little bees, their feet thumping against the grass as they chased a soccer ball.

Ryder laced his arm around Isobel's waist as they approached Terry, "You recall Isobel?"

Terry nodded with recognition, "Certainly do. Lovely seeing you again," she said, punctuating it with a hearty handshake.

"The feeling is mutual, Terry."

A convivial afternoon unfolded as they shared stories over delicious food and hearty laughter. The kids threw themselves into games with their dad, Uncle Ryder and Bandit while the women indulged in heartfelt conversation.

Isobel couldn't help but notice Ryder beneath the shade of an ancient tree, knee-to-knee with Savannah. They mirrored each other's cross-legged posture and engaged in a lively hands-only dialogue filled with shared chuckles.

"They have quite the special bond, don't they?" Celeste murmured to Isobel with a tender gleam in her eye.

Gazing affectionately at the duo, Isobel agreed softly, "Indeed they do."

With an encouraging squeeze on Isobel's shoulder, Celeste returned indoors.

Shortly after that interval of joyous serenity, Celeste emerged bearing a celebratory birthday cake and declared cheerily, "It's time for cake and gifts!"

A sheepish Ryder teased back, "Celeste... don't you think I've outgrown this tradition?"

With motherly affection sparkling in her eyes she replied confidently, setting down the cake before him, "One is never too old to cherish the day we've been graced by their presence."

As they concluded the candle-blowing ceremony customary to birthdays everywhere, Ryder unwrapped his presents. His gifts included an elegant Cinch dress shirt from his mother; exciting tickets to a Chiefs football game courtesy of Terry and Sam; from Wren and Bella Rose came an artfully crafted weathervane adorned by a bull rider.

With genuine gratitude shining across his face Ryder expressed his heartfelt thanks: "These are superb gifts everyone. My thanks."

"There's something else for you," Isobel hinted coyly before presenting Ryder with a small box drawn from the depths of her purse.

He gently raised the lid of the box and discovered a tome wrapped in leather. Etched into its surface was the evocative image of a cowboy astride his steed. Drawing out the volume, Ryder leafed through it, noting each page was an unmarked canvas.

"It's a journal," Isobel revealed, catching Ryder's questioning gaze. "Journaling can be quite therapeutic. My sister, a counselor, swears by it—for herself and her clients. Maybe it could offer you some solace as well," she suggested, her eyes glistening with hope.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Ryder murmured, "This is extraordinary, Isobel. My thanks," before expressing his appreciation with a tender kiss.

Amused by the sudden show of affection, Celeste and Terry exchanged knowing glances and suppressed smiles.

The celebration concluded sweetly with laughter and dessert. Little Austin became a comical display of ice cream smears rather than consumption. The sight was delightful; it had truly been an evening of joy—a rarity for Ryder since the sorrow of his father's absence began.

The night wound down, and soon it was time for farewells. Outside, Ryder escorted Wren, Bella Rose, and Isobel to their vehicle.

"Thanks for celebrating with me. Today meant a lot." His voice held genuine warmth as he bid Wren and Rose farewell before accompanying Isobel to her door.

"How are things with you, Ryder?" She leaned inquisitively against her truck.

"I'm managing—sorting through some stuff." Clasping her hands in his own, he added solemnly, "The journal will be put to good use; that's a promise."

Her face lit up with joy. "I'm just glad you enjoyed your day as much as I did—your family's company is truly delightful."

Ryder cracked a slight smile himself before conceding, "They have their moments."

Isobel glanced towards the waiting truck. "I should get going—but call me anytime, okay?"

A soft kiss sealed his agreement.

"Bid goodnight to Rose for me," he softly urged.

With that parting exchange, Isobel climbed aboard the truck and departed beneath Ryder's waved farewell.

Back at the gathering area, Celeste and Terry were wrapped in casual conversation over coffee.

"Well then," Celeste turned to him with anticipation sparkling in her eyes. "Did our little party give you joy?"

"Yes ma'am," he replied settling into a chair beside her. "It did—truly."

Terry tossed a glance towards Ryder. "Isobel seemed like a breath of fresh air."

A chorus of nods followed from Celeste who expressed warmly, "She's genuinely sweet."

"And unique," Ryder added reflectively under the blanket of night sky.

"You look... lighter somehow," Terry observed astutely.

Ryder considered this for moment before responding with newfound clarity in his eyes—a lightness in his tone.

"I feel lighter... It's as though I've found my footing after so long."