Chapter 27

Isobel sat quietly in her chair as Ryder knelt before her. His arms encircled her waist, hands pressing warmly against her back. His head rested gently on her chest as she clung to him. Both were in tears, beginning their journey of healing together.

They had finally acknowledged, accepted, and confessed their feelings for each other, leading to a heartfelt forgiveness.

Ryder eased back onto his heels and grasped Isobel's hands. "I'm so sorry," he whispered hoarsely, his voice barely audible.

Isobel gently lowered herself onto her knees, facing Ryder directly. "You are forgiven. There's no need to apologize anymore," she reassured him.

Ryder lifted his hands to brush away the stray strands of hair from her face, tucking them behind her ears. His fingers caressed the sides of her face as he leaned in, entwining in her hair, and kissed her passionately—more intensely than ever before.

The lingering kiss left them breathless. Ryder wrapped his arms around Isobel, drawing her closer. He shifted to sit on the wooden porch deck and positioned Isobel across his legs without breaking their embrace.

They held onto each other tightly, cherishing the burgeoning love between them as they watched the sun set behind the barn.

As the last rays disappeared behind the trees, Ryder lifted Isobel's chin and kissed her softly; their tongues lightly touched.

Neither had ever felt such an electrifying connection or experienced the blossoming love that filled that evening on the porch. Neither wanted to break away from it.

"Isobel?"

"Yes."

"I can't feel my legs."

They both burst into laughter as Isobel slid off his legs and stood up. She offered a hand to help Ryder stand, steadied him until circulation returned to his legs.

Isobel walked over to the railing, gazing out at the full moon that bathed Ryder's ranch in its glow. Her mind filled with dreams.

Ryder came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her shoulder, neck, then cheek softly.

"What's on your mind, Isobel?"

"Changes. Things I never imagined wanting in my life. Possibilities."

Ryder gently turned Isobel to face him, cupping her head in his hands and stroking her cheeks with his thumbs. He claimed her lips with a kiss, and Isobel welcomed him by parting her mouth, inviting his tongue inside. They only broke apart when they needed air, and Ryder stood there, gazing deeply into her blue eyes.

"I've been dreaming of changes and new possibilities too, Isobel."

"What have you been imagining?" she asked.

Ryder tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and let his hand glide down her bare arm. "A brighter, more fulfilling future. One that includes you."

Isobel's heart pounded. "I've been envisioning a future with you as well."

Ryder's smile widened, reaching his eyes for the first time. It was a genuine smile that lit up his entire face, his dimples more pronounced than ever. This was the smile of a truly happy man, and Isobel found herself smiling back.

"What are your plans for tomorrow?" Ryder asked while wrapping his arms around her waist once more.

"Rose and I are going riding. Maybe you could join us," she replied.

"I'd love that. I'll give Wren a call tonight and see if he wants to come along."

"If Rose is going, he'll definitely be there," Isobel teased.

"Yes, those two are inseparable," Ryder noted.

"Yes. They've been spending almost every day together."

Ryder's smile faded slightly as he looked into her eyes. "I've missed you so much."

"Oh, Ryder." Isobel stood on her toes to kiss him again. Each kiss became more passionate and urgent until she pulled back with a smile. "I think I should head home now."

"I agree," Ryder said with a grin.

He intertwined his fingers with hers and walked her to her car. Opening the door for her, he waited as she got settled inside. He stood in the doorway, one arm resting on top of the door and the other on the car's roof, waiting for her to start it.

Once the engine roared to life and she buckled up, Ryder bent down for one last kiss goodbye.

"Good night, Isobel. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Good night, Ryder."

He closed her door and stood watching as she drove away. Smiling to himself, he turned back towards his large house, picturing once more the vision of Isobel inside, waiting for him.

Ryder, restless and unable to sleep, descended the stairs and settled onto his couch. Reaching for the guitar that had found a permanent spot on the stand beside the side table, he swiftly tuned the fresh strings. As his fingers strummed a familiar tune, memories of the right chords resurfaced. Soon, his voice filled the house with a Big & Rich song, turning solitude into melody.

Sealing our love with a kiss

Waited my whole life for this

Watching all my dreams come true

Lost in this moment with you

I smell the jasmine floatin' in the air like a love song

Watch my words draw sweet tears from your eyes

Bow our heads while the preacher talks to Jesus

Please bless this brand new life, yeah

After Ryder strummed the final chords and sang the last notes of the song, he gently placed the guitar across his lap and reached for his journal.

Isobel parked her car and began searching the farm for Rose, eventually spotting her emerging from the backdoor of her house. Isobel had arrived early to chat with Bella Rose.

"You're early, Isobel."

"I know. I figured we could catch up before our ride."

"I just saw you a couple of days ago. What is there to catch up on?" Rose asked, puzzled.

Isobel smiled, "A lot can happen in a day, Rose."

"Alright, Isobel. Clearly, something's up. Spill the beans." The two strolled over to a bench under a shady tree and settled in.

"I went to Ryder's last night," Isobel began.

"What? Really? Tell me everything! What did you decide?"

"Rose, breathe." Isobel giggled before recounting her conversation with Ryder.

"Wow, Isobel. That's fantastic. You look so happy!"

"I really am. We have a long journey ahead, but Ryder has already made so many positive changes."

Isobel then shared her talk with Celeste.

"She's such a wonderful woman. It seems you'll be one of the lucky ones who get along with their mother-in-law."

"Rose. Ryder and I aren't there yet."

"Yet. That's the key word."

"Oh, Rose." Isobel laughed and shook her head. "By the way, the guys are coming over to ride with us today."

"Great! Let's grab some coffee before they show up."