Chapter 51

Ryder pulled into the parking lot at 11 p.m., his headlights casting long shadows across the rows of trailers. Wren followed closely behind in Bella Rose's truck, the hum of their engines the only sound in the still night. Ryder navigated through the maze of parked vehicles, searching for two empty spots together. At the far end of the lot, he finally found an open space and pulled in, leaving room for Wren to park beside him.

As the cool night air settled around them, Isobel and Ryder quickly set to work. The slide-out was extended, and the trailer was secured, while Bella Rose guided Samson into the horse barn, her soft murmurs soothing the horse. With everything in place, Isobel joined Bella Rose, and Wren moved his belongings into Ryder's trailer. The day's fatigue soon overcame them, and they fell into a deep sleep, exhausted from their journey.

Ryder awoke early the next morning, the sky still tinged with the pink hues of dawn. The anticipation of the evening's events buzzed in his mind. He moved quietly through the trailer, careful not to wake Wren, who was sprawled out on the fold-out couch. Ryder started a pot of coffee and took a quick shower, the hot water washing away the remnants of sleep. Dressed in his favorite Wranglers and a plain black t-shirt, he poured himself a large mug of coffee and stepped outside, inhaling the crisp Tennessee air.

The campground was slowly coming to life. Ryder unfolded his camping chair and settled down, savoring the rich aroma and warmth of his coffee. He watched the horizon, the morning light spreading across the landscape, painting the world in soft pastels. After about half an hour of solitude, he slid down in his chair, pulling his black felt cowboy hat over his face and closing his eyes, the peacefulness lulling him into a light doze.

Isobel emerged from Bella Rose's trailer, stretching her arms and arching her back, feeling the pleasant stretch in her muscles. The parking lot was now a bustling hive of activity, with people sipping their morning coffee and others making their way to the arena. Still wearing her teal tank top from the night before, she had slipped into her jeans and boots before stepping outside. She walked over to Ryder's trailer and found him asleep in his chair, his coffee cup precariously balanced on his lap. Smiling, she gently took the cup from his hands.

Just as she managed to free the cup, Ryder inhaled deeply, pulling his hat off his face and sitting up quickly. "Good morning," Isobel chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Ryder blinked, orienting himself, then his gaze settled on Isobel. A slow smile spread across his face. "Good morning, beautiful," he said, reaching up to take her hand and pulling her down onto his lap.

Isobel squealed, holding the coffee cup out to avoid spilling it as she fell onto Ryder's thighs. He wrapped his arms around her, kissing the side of her neck, his lips warm against her skin. "What are you doing out here?" Isobel asked, giggling at the ticklish sensation.

"I couldn't sleep," Ryder admitted, his voice a low rumble.

"You couldn't sleep in that beautiful, comfortable trailer, so you come outside and sleep in a chair?" she teased, her eyes twinkling.

"It seems that way, doesn't it?" Ryder laughed, his breath warm against her ear.

Isobel turned sideways, resting her hand on his cheek. She leaned in and kissed him softly. "How are you feeling about tonight?" she asked, her voice gentle.

Ryder shrugged, tilting his head slightly. "I feel alright, for now. Ask me again after we draw bulls," he said, flashing his dimpled grin and kissing the tip of her nose.

Isobel laid her head against his shoulder, feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest. Ryder ran his fingers through her long brown hair, the repetitive motion soothing. He continued until he noticed a change in her breathing. He bent his head down to see her face and realized she had fallen asleep. Smiling, he pulled his hat over his face and leaned back, joining her in sleep.

Isobel stirred awake, feeling someone poking her arm. She swatted at the annoyance, but it persisted. Groggily, she opened one eye to find Bella Rose's face inches from her own. "Yes?" Isobel mumbled sleepily.

"What are you doing?" Bella Rose whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Trying to sleep," Isobel replied, sitting up slowly to avoid waking Ryder, but her movements roused him.

Ryder slid his hat from his face and placed it back on his head. "Good morning, Rose," he greeted, his voice raspy from sleep.

"Hi, Ryder," Bella Rose replied, her energy evident even in her whisper.

"Rose, you are way too happy for this early in the morning," Isobel remarked, a smile tugging at her lips.

"It's a beautiful day. We are all here and healthy. And we're at a rodeo, people! What's not to be happy about?" Bella Rose exclaimed, bouncing into Ryder's trailer with infectious enthusiasm.

Ryder leaned his head back and closed his eyes, "She has way too much energy."

Isobel laughed, running her hand across Ryder's chest, feeling the flex of his muscles under her touch. Ryder opened his eyes, looking at her with a mix of amusement and affection. "I cannot wait until you're my wife," he said, pulling her close and holding her tightly.

After lunch in Ryder's trailer, the foursome made their way into the bustling arena. Despite the numerous events Isobel had attended, the frenetic energy of the preparations always astounded her. Men on horseback herded calves from pen to pen, while others set up gates, constructed additional pens for the bronc riders' horses, and hung sponsor banners along the fences lining the tunnel they walked through.

Ryder slipped his hand into Isobel's, their fingers intertwining as they strolled past the various pens filled with steers and horses. They eventually reached a large pen where the bulls were kept. Ryder and Wren moved closer to the gate, scrutinizing the bulls they might draw for the evening. The two men leaned on the gate, pointing at one bull and then another, engaged in animated discussion.

Isobel and Bella Rose stayed back, watching as Ryder and Wren deliberated. Isobel's attention was drawn to a small group of women down the corridor leading to the arena. She nudged Bella Rose with her elbow and subtly nodded in their direction.

Bella Rose glanced over and sighed in annoyance. "That one in the white shirt is Polly," she said quietly. "She's a barrel racer and a regular at these events. She's been after Ryder for a while, even before you met him. I've heard it was just a one-night stand, but she's been trying to get him to go out with her ever since."

"Oh, great," Isobel muttered, her voice tinged with exasperation.

"Don't worry about her, Isobel. She's nothing."

"I'm not worried about her. I just don't want these...girls...messing with Ryder."

"What about me?" Ryder asked, joining Isobel and slipping his arm around her waist.

Isobel kissed his cheek. "Oh, nothing. Just talking about cows."

Bella Rose stifled a laugh, turning away to hide her amusement.

Ryder glanced at Wren, who shrugged, and then at the group of women down the corridor. He sighed and turned to Isobel. She looked up at him with a forced grin. Ryder mouthed "I'm sorry" and rubbed her arm.

Isobel smiled and shook her head slightly, reassuring him not to worry. He laced his fingers through hers, squeezing tightly, and leaned down to kiss her, his lips lingering on hers.

As they walked down the corridor towards the women, Ryder held Isobel's hand tighter. "Hi, Ryder," Polly called out as they passed.

Ryder merely tipped his hat to her and continued walking. Isobel and Bella Rose exchanged looks, receiving a hateful glare in return.

"Well, that was fun," Bella Rose blurted once they were out of earshot.

"Rose," Isobel chided, shaking her head.

They continued to the arena floor, where the dirt had been meticulously prepared for the weekend's competitions. Isobel had never seen the arena from this vantage point and took in the sight with awe. She slowly turned in a circle, marveling at the twenty thousand seats that wrapped around the arena, the enormous lights illuminating every inch, and the giant four-sided screen suspended above the center.

Ryder walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Amazing, isn't it?" he whispered in her ear.

"Yes, Ryder. It's incredible."

He kissed her neck. "I love you. Sorry you had to endure that earlier."

Isobel turned in his arms, wrapping her own around his neck. She kissed him softly. "That's what I think about earlier, Ryder," she said, pulling back slightly.

Ryder cupped her face, brushing her hair back. "You're so amazing, Isobel." He kissed her again, this time deeper and more passionately.

"We need to get going, Ryder," Wren called from near the chutes.

Ryder smiled down at Isobel. "I need to go."

"I know."

"Will you be alright?"

"Ryder, this isn't my first rodeo," Isobel said, giggling.

"Okay, that was a good one," Ryder laughed. He kissed her cheek and joined Wren.

Bella Rose waited as Isobel took one last look around the arena before leaving. As they walked behind the chutes, the murmur of women's voices reached them.

"So, you're the latest bunny of Ryder Hayes," a high-pitched, snarky voice said.

Isobel and Bella Rose spun around to face Polly and her entourage, who were staring at them with hostile intensity. Polly, in particular, stood a little too close, arms crossed, her expression contorted into a sneer.

"Excuse me?" Rose's voice carried a hint of steel as she took a step towards Polly.

Isobel instinctively extended her arm, blocking Rose and gently pushing her back, positioning herself partly in front.

"I was talking to this tramp," Polly continued, her gaze fixed on Isobel. "You do know you're just the next girl in a very long line that Hayes has left in the dust."

Isobel crossed her arms, ensuring her ring was prominently displayed. "No, I'm the end of the line. Polly, was it? Is that your name?"

Polly, taken aback that Isobel knew her name, nodded with a touch of arrogance. "Yes, I'm Pollyanna," she replied, emphasizing her name.

"Well, Pollyanna," Isobel said, her tone confident, "Ryder is done with that part of his life. I think you should be, too." She subtly wiggled her finger, catching the light on her diamonds.

Polly's gaze dropped to Isobel's ring, her jaw slackening in surprise. Slowly, her eyes rose back to Isobel's smiling face. "What do you have that I don't have?"

Isobel lowered her arms, reached back to grasp Bella Rose's hand, and replied simply, "Ryder." With that, she turned and began walking, pulling Rose along with her.

Bella Rose glanced back as they walked away, catching sight of Polly still standing there, mouth agape. With a triumphant grin, she lifted her fist into the air and spread her fingers, calling out, "BOOM!"