Chapter 34

Isobel, Sierra, and Bella Rose perched on a bench beside the corral, intently watching the men as they separated the calves from their mothers. Wren, astride a horse, adeptly singled out the calves and directed them into a separate pen.

With the separation complete, the real work commenced. One man expertly lassoed a calf, flipping it onto its side. Kneeling on its neck to keep it steady, another man seized a branding iron from the fire and marked its hip, while a third injected it with vaccines and Terry affixed an ear tag. The entire operation was seamless and over within thirty seconds, leaving Isobel in awe of their synchronized efficiency.

Ryder then stepped into the arena, lasso in hand, capturing another calf and holding it down. Wren grabbed the branding iron as two more men administered injections and applied an ear tag.

Two teams were now efficiently processing the calves. Isobel noticed Celeste standing nearby with a clipboard, jotting down notes as the men called out tag numbers to her.

Leaning towards Rose, Isobel remarked with a smile, "This is incredible."

Rose grinned back and playfully nudged Isobel's shoulder. "Enjoying watching your man in action?" she teased.

As they neared completion, Ryder approached the fence where the women were seated. "Would you three like to come in and help?" he offered.

Rose immediately leapt off the bench. "I thought you'd never ask," she replied eagerly, quickly scaling the fence to join Wren at a calf's head. Sierra teamed up with Terry to assist with vaccinations.

Isobel laughed at her enthusiastic friends before approaching Ryder and climbing over the fence herself. Ryder caught her by the waist, gently lowered her to the ground, turned her around, and kissed her passionately for all to see.

Taking her hand, he led her into the heart of the arena. "Okay," he said, pointing out a small red calf without an ear tag. "See that one?" 

Isobel nodded in response.

"You're going to catch it."

Isobel glanced at Ryder with wide eyes. "What?"

Ryder stepped behind her, presenting a lariat. "I'll guide you," he murmured close to her ear.

Isobel shivered at the sensation of his warm breath on her ear and neck.

Ryder positioned her hands on the rope, laying his over hers, and lifted her right hand, moving it in circles.

"Release the rope when I give the word."

After several rotations, they flung the loop toward the calf, but it landed just a few feet away.

"You let go a bit too late, and your hand dropped, which is why it didn't go far. Let's try again," Ryder encouraged with a smile.

The closeness of Isobel's body distracted him slightly, causing them to fall short three more times.

Unaware of their audience, they persisted until Isobel finally landed the rope around the calf's neck. She jumped up in excitement and turned to face Ryder. That's when she noticed half the men, along with Celeste, Sam, and Rose watching them.

Ryder noticed the spectators and both he and Isobel blushed deeply.

"Don't you all have something better to do?" Ryder shouted with a laugh.

"Nope!" Bella Rose shouted back.

Ryder tugged the rope with the calf at the other end closer, showing Isobel where to hold it and helped her flip it to the ground. She knelt on its neck to secure it and gently petted its head, whispering softly to it.

Watching her tenderly, Ryder's heart felt as if it might burst.

Celeste approached Ryder, placing her hands on his upper arms and pulling him into a hug.

"She's perfect," she whispered in his ear.

Ryder turned toward his mother with a smile and nodded.

He knelt beside Isobel as three men approached the calf. With firm resolve, Ryder placed his hand gently on the calf's head, keeping it steady while it was branded, inoculated, and tagged. Once finished, Ryder swiftly removed the rope from the calf's head, setting it free, and extended a helping hand to Isobel. The calf sprang up and rejoined its herd.

Ryder then turned to Isobel, placing his hands confidently on her hips.

"So, what did you think of all this?" he asked, eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Isobel beamed. "I loved it." She leaned in and kissed him tenderly. "And I love you."

"I love you too," Ryder replied before bending down to kiss her again.

Their intimate moment was met with playful whistles and cheers from the group. Laughing together, Ryder and Isobel turned to face their enthusiastic onlookers.

That evening unfolded beautifully in Celeste's backyard, around the warm glow of the fire pit. Everyone had brought something delectable to share, resulting in an abundance of homemade food, more than enough for all.

Isobel reclined in her chair, observing people finishing the post-meal cleanup, another group engaged in laughter and banter, and others simply sitting and chatting. With a smile, she reflected on her new experiences from the day.

She had grown up surrounded by friends who helped only if there was something in it for them. The girls competed through their appearances and funds, often making fun of those less up-to-date with fashion trends. Even as a teenager, Isobel knew she didn't belong in that world.

In stark contrast, the people before her now would drop everything to help a stranger. They earned their money through hard work and never took it for granted. They worked seamlessly together without needing directives on how to support family and friends—it was instinctive.

Isobel began to see a life she deeply desired—a life filled with genuine people who weren't afraid of hard work and knew exactly when to let loose and have fun.

Ryder approached her from behind, knelt down, and kissed her cheek.

"What's on your mind, beautiful?"

"A life I never knew I wanted," she replied, turning towards Ryder and locking eyes with him.

"Is this really the life you want?" he asked earnestly.

Isobel nodded, her heart pounding from Ryder's nearness.

Tenderly, he brushed a strand of hair from her forehead and tucked it behind her ear. His hand cradled her neck as he drew her closer for a kiss.

As their lips met, the world around them blurred until only Ryder and Isobel remained in the yard. The kiss deepened, energy surging through both of them.

"Get a room!" Wren shouted playfully when he spotted them.

Ryder swiftly stepped back, recalling they weren't alone in the yard. The duo laughed with the crowd who had overheard Wren and turned to see who he was referring to.

Ryder stood up, saying, "I'll be right back," before disappearing around the corner of the house.

He returned carrying two guitar cases and handed one to Terry. Terry's eyes widened in surprise, then a smile spread across his face. The two men placed the cases on the patio table, opened them, and took out the guitars. After a quick tune-up, they settled into seats by the fire pit.

Gradually, the chatter and laughter diminished as everyone found a seat and focused on the men. Isobel leaned forward in her seat, stunned, and eagerly waited with them.

Ryder and Terry began to play as silence enveloped the group. Then the brothers started to sing.

"Amarillo by mornin'

Up from San Antone

Everything that I got

Is just what I've got on

When that Sun is high

In that Texas sky

I'll be buckin' at the county fair

Amarillo by mornin'

Amarillo I'll be there"

Isobel listened intently, feeling as if her heart might stop. Ryder and Terry were extraordinary together, their voices blending in perfect harmony.

"They took my saddle in Houston

 Broke my leg in Santa Fe

 Lost my wife and a girlfriend

 Somewhere along the way

But I'll be lookin' for eight

 When they pull that gate

 And I hope that

 Judge ain't blind

 Amarillo by mornin'

Amarillo's on my mind"

Isobel finally tore her gaze away from the brothers and scanned the room; several couples swayed gently, singing along with them. Her eyes landed on Celeste. In the flickering firelight, Isobel noticed Celeste's eyes glistening with emotion, a few tears streaming down her cheeks, her hand covering her mouth. Isobel glanced back at Terry and Ryder, then returned her focus to Celeste, who remained still.

Rising to her feet, Isobel walked over to Celeste and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Are you alright?"

Celeste smiled through her tears and nodded. "Ryder hasn't picked up a guitar since his dad died."

Isobel sat down beside her and took Celeste's hand in hers. Celeste squeezed it tightly and held on for the rest of the song.

"Amarillo by mornin'

 Amarillo's where I'll be"

When the men finished, the audience erupted into applause and cheers. Ryder glanced over to where Isobel had been sitting, noting the empty seat. His eyes roamed through the crowd until he spotted her beside his mother, holding her hand, which made him smile. Leaning towards Terry, Ryder mouthed something before they launched back into the music. Ryder then started to sing solo.

"When the rain is blowing in your face

 And the whole world is on your case

 I could offer you a warm embrace

 To make you feel my love

 When the evening shadows and the stars appear

 And there is no one there to dry your tears

 I could hold you for a million years

 To make you feel my love"

Celeste slipped her hand from Isobel's and embraced her, drawing her close. She bent down and whispered, "He is head over heels for you."

With tears brimming in her eyes, Isobel turned to face Celeste and nodded. "I love him, too."

Celeste's hug tightened briefly before they both turned back to the men, listening intently. Several couples had risen and begun to dance.

"I know you haven't made your mind up yet

 But I would never do you wrong

 I've known it from the moment that we met

 No doubt in my mind where you belong

I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue

 I'd go crawling down the avenue

 No, there's nothing that I wouldn't do

 To make you feel my love

The storms are raging on the rolling sea

 And on the highway of regret

 Though winds of change are blowing wild and free

 You ain't seen nothing like me yet

I could make you happy, make your dreams come true

 Nothing that I wouldn't do

 Go to the ends of the Earth for you

 To make you feel my love"

The crowd erupted into applause and cheers, punctuated by a few enthusiastic whistles. Suddenly, someone yelled, "Family Tradition." Ryder exchanged a glance with Terry, murmured something to him, and the duo launched into their performance.

"Country music singers

 Have always been a real close family

 But lately some of my kinfolks

 Have disowned a few others and me

 I guess it's because

 I kinda changed my direction

 Lord, I guess I went and broke their family tradition"

As the chorus began, the entire crowd, including Celeste, joined in singing. Rose, seated beside Wren, had started singing along as well. Isobel couldn't help but smile and laugh, enjoying the sight and sound of everyone passionately belting out the chorus.

"They get on me and want to know

 Hank, why do you drink?

 Hank, why do you roll smoke?

 Why must you live out the songs that you wrote?

 Over and over

 Everybody makes my prediction

 So if I get stoned, I'm just carrying on

 An old family tradition

I am very proud

 Of my daddy's name

 Although his kind of music

 And mine ain't exactly the same

 Stop and think it over

 Put yourself in my position

 If I get stoned and sing all night long

 It's a family tradition

So don't ask me

 Hank, why do you drink?

 Hank, why do you roll smoke?

 Why must you live out the songs that you wrote?

 If I'm down in a honky-tonk

 And some ole slick's trying to give me friction

 I'll say leave me alone

 I'm singing all night long

 It's a family tradition"

The evening buzzed with a string of melodies, inviting some guests to join in and make more song requests. Rose's soulful rendition earned her enthusiastic applause, while others danced gracefully to the slower tunes. As time passed and the atmosphere mellowed, Ryder gestured for Isobel to join him. She left Celeste and slid into the empty seat beside him. With a tender smile, Ryder turned to her, picked up his guitar, and started strumming a gentle song. Couples snuggled closer, captivated by Ryder's heartfelt serenade.

"She's a yellow pair of running shoes

 A holey pair of jeans

 She looks great in cheap sunglasses

 She looks great in anything

 She's: "I want a piece of chocolate."

 "Take me to a movie."

 She's: "I can't find a thing to wear."

 Now and then she's moody

 She's a Saturn with a sunroof

 With her brown hair a-blowing

 She's a soft place to land

 And a good feeling knowing

 She's a warm conversation

 That I wouldn't miss for nothing

 She's a fighter when she's mad

 And she's a lover when she's loving

And she's everything I ever wanted

 And everything I need

 I talk about her

 I go on and on, and on

 'Cause she's everything to me"

Isobel brushed away a tear from her cheek as Ryder serenaded her with his heartfelt song. Behind Terry, Sam gently placed her hand on his shoulder, which he enveloped with his own. Meanwhile, Rose, perched on Wren's lap, nestled her head against his chest.

"She's a Saturday out on the town

 And a church girl on Sunday

 She's a cross around her neck

 And a cuss word 'cause it's Monday

 She's a bubble bath and candles

 Baby, come and kiss me

 She's a one glass of wine

 And she's feeling kinda tipsy

 She's the giver I wish I could be

 And the stealer of the covers

 She's a picture in my wallet

 She's my unborn children's mother

 She's the hand that I'm holding

 When I'm on my knees and praying

 She's the answer to my prayer

 And she's the song that I'm playing"

With emotions running high, Isobel scanned the sea of faces that were intently watching her and Ryder. When her gaze landed on Rose, a supportive wink met her eyes. Tearing up even more, she shifted her focus back to Ryder, dabbing away a few more tears as he continued speaking.

"I go on and on, and on

 'Cause she's everything to me

She's the voice I love to hear

 Someday when I'm ninety

 She's that wooden rocking chair

 I want rocking right beside me

 Every day that passes

 I only love her more

 Yeah, she's the one

 That I'd lay down my own life for

 And she's everything I ever wanted

 And everything I need

 She's everything to me

 Yeah, she's everything to me

 Everything I ever wanted

 And everything I need

 She's everything to me"

As the final notes of his song faded, a high-pitched whistle pierced the air, prompting a cascade of applause. Ryder leaned in, kissed Isobel, and with their faces mere inches apart, mouthed, "I love you."

The crowd gradually gathered their things and exchanged goodnights before dispersing, leaving Ryder and Isobel alone with Celeste.

"We're heading out, Ma. Isobel's got a drive ahead of her," Ryder announced.

"Alright, Ryder." Celeste drew her son into a tight embrace, placing her hands tenderly on his cheeks. "You don't know how happy it made me to hear you sing and play again. You've truly lifted my heart tonight." She kissed him softly on the cheek.

"It felt incredible to make music with Terry again. I didn't realize how much I missed it until now."

Celeste pointed to Isobel, who was crouched down, petting Bandit. "Take care of that girl. She's the best thing that's ever happened to you."

Ryder glanced at Isobel and nodded. "I know, Ma. Trust me, I know."

Later, Ryder parked next to Isobel's car in front of his house. He walked around to open her door and took her hand, guiding her to her vehicle.

As Isobel leaned against her car to face Ryder, she said, "I had no idea you could play and sing like that. You and Terry are amazing together."

"Thanks. I didn't mention it because I hadn't played in years. The moment I picked up Dad's guitar again was incredible. I missed it more than I realized."

"I could listen to you all day," she replied wistfully.

Ryder stepped closer, placing his hands on either side of her on the car roof. He pressed his body against hers and kissed her deeply. Isobel responded by wrapping her arms around him and returning the kiss passionately.

Ryder pulled back slightly. "You should probably get going," he suggested gently.

Isobel smiled and nodded in agreement. "Yes, I should."

Ryder opened her door and stepped back as she got in, watching as she drove away into the night.