Isobel woke to the gentle caress of sunlight streaming through the lace curtains, casting a golden hue across her room. She stirred, a soft smile gracing her lips as she lingered in the remnants of a dream, its sweetness still lingering like a whispered promise. With a contented sigh, she reached out and traced the delicate patterns of the antique ring adorning her finger, its facets catching the sunlight in a dance of iridescence.
"It wasn't a dream," Isobel murmured to herself, her voice carrying a blend of disbelief and delight. She marveled at the ring, turning her hand this way and that to catch every glimmer of its finely cut diamonds. Each sparkle seemed to hold a promise of the future, a future entwined with Ryder's.
As she savored the moment, memories of the previous evening flooded her mind, painting vivid scenes of forgiveness and love. She closed her eyes, letting herself be transported back to the porch where Ryder had knelt before her, his eyes filled with sincerity as he sought her forgiveness. The warmth of his touch, the sincerity in his words, and the depth of emotion in his eyes lingered in her memory, fueling her excitement for the days to come.
"I'll be home soon, Mom," Isobel said, handing her keychain to her mother with a gentle smile. "Here's the key to the front door."
"Take your time, honey. Enjoy this moment," Grace replied, planting a kiss on Isobel's cheek before climbing into Ryder's truck.
"Bye, Daddy. I'll see you soon," Isobel waved to her father, Thomas.
Ryder stood at the driver's door, exchanging a few words with his mom through the open window. "Thanks for taking them over, Ma."
"You're welcome, Ryder. Spend a few moments alone with your fiancé," his mom replied warmly.
A smile spread across Ryder's face as he savored the weight of that word... fiancé.
Once the truck disappeared into the night, leaving the couple alone in the dim glow of a fading fire, Ryder turned to Isobel. Cupping her face in his hands, he leaned in, covering her soft lips with his own. The warmth of his touch, the depth of his affection, enveloped her as he pulled her close, their bodies intertwining in a dance of shared longing.
Isobel matched his passion, each kiss igniting a spark of eagerness within her.
Pulling back slightly, Ryder murmured, "Isobel, I don't think you have any idea what you do to me." He brushed a few stray strands of hair from her face, his thumb grazing her blushed cheek. "I am so in love with you." His breath was still ragged from their kiss, his eyes reflecting the intensity of his emotions.
Desiring more yet knowing restraint was necessary, Ryder took her hand, leading her towards Harley, the horse patiently waiting nearby.
Before mounting Harley, Ryder drew Isobel close once more. Cupping her face, he pressed a tender kiss to her lips, his gaze lingering on her face. "I love you, fiancé," he said with a smile.
Isobel's smile mirrored Ryder's enthusiasm. "I love you, too, fiancé."
With Isobel settled behind him on Harley's back, Ryder guided the horse towards home. The moonlight illuminated their path, casting a romantic glow over the landscape. The cool breeze carried the scent of the night, mingling with the fragrances of Ryder's cologne and the horse, creating a sensory symphony that enveloped them.
"What are you thinking about, Isobel?" Ryder's voice broke the comfortable silence as he kissed her hand softly.
"A beautiful new future, here, with you," Isobel replied, her voice filled with warmth and anticipation.
Ryder squeezed her hand, a silent affirmation of their shared dreams.
They rode the rest of the way in peaceful companionship, the moonlight and the night itself seeming to bless their union.
Once home, Ryder carefully helped Isobel down from Harley, their shared laughter mingling with the night sounds. As they tended to the horses together, Ryder's question hung in the air, sparking excitement and planning for their impending wedding.
"So, when would you like to get married?" Ryder asked, his eyes dancing with anticipation.
"Soon," Isobel giggled, her eyes sparkling with joy.
Ryder laughed, the sound rich and full of happiness. "A fall wedding?"
"Yes, in October," Isobel nodded eagerly.
"Okay. Where would you like to get married?" Ryder inquired, his gaze fixed on her with adoration.
Isobel's eyes lit up as she made her decision. "The barn."
"The barn? This barn?" Ryder echoed, a hint of amusement in his tone.
"No, your dad's barn," Isobel clarified with a radiant smile.
Ryder's smile matched hers. "Are you sure you want to get married in that old thing?"
"Yes, it's beautiful and perfect," Isobel affirmed.
Ryder nodded, his heart full. "Dad's barn in October it is."
Isobel reached up, pulling him into a loving kiss that spoke of shared dreams and a future filled with love.
Isobel wrapped her arms around Ryder's neck, drawing him closer in a fervent embrace. Their lips met in a cascade of kisses, each one igniting a fire of desire that seemed to consume them both. Ryder responded with equal fervor, his body pressing hers against the rough wooden boards of Harley's stall, the rustic scent of hay and leather adding to the intensity of the moment. With each kiss, their passion grew, a tangible force between them.
As they reluctantly parted, Ryder took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling with the weight of their shared emotions. "October cannot come soon enough," he confessed, his eyes locked on Isobel's, a mixture of longing and anticipation in his gaze.
Taking her hand, Ryder led her towards the door, a smile playing on his lips. "You should head home," he said softly, a hint of reluctance in his voice.
As they stepped back into the darkness outside, Ryder adjusted his jeans discreetly, a silent acknowledgment of the physical response Isobel had stirred within him.
Before she got into her car, Isobel turned to face Ryder, her eyes shining with unspoken emotions. "You're awakening feelings in me that I never knew existed," she admitted, her voice filled with wonder. "I have a feeling that whatever I'm doing to you, you're doing to me as well."
She leaned in, planting a quick kiss on his lips, her gratitude and affection evident in the gesture. "Thank you for making this evening unforgettable," she whispered, her words carrying a depth of emotion that lingered in the night air.
"Anything for you, Isobel," Ryder replied, his voice low and filled with sincerity. He bent down, capturing her lips in a soft, lingering kiss. "I'll do anything for you," he murmured against her ear as he held her close in a final embrace before saying goodbye.