Chapter 46

Isobel's eyes shimmered with tears of gratitude as she gazed at her ring, a silent prayer of thanks whispered to the universe for bringing Ryder into her life—a man who had filled a void she hadn't known existed until he arrived.

She rose from bed with a renewed sense of purpose, the morning rituals of showering and dressing flowing seamlessly as she prepared breakfast for her parents. Grace, her mother, was the first to join her in the cozy kitchen, her eyes wandering appreciatively over Isobel's townhouse and the inviting patio outside.

"Your place is adorable, Isobel. And that patio...absolutely gorgeous," Grace remarked, a genuine smile lighting up her face.

Isobel returned the smile as she plated eggs, the sizzle of the skillet adding a comforting rhythm to their conversation. "Thanks, Mom. I love it here."

"I'm sorry we didn't visit sooner," Grace apologized, her tone carrying a hint of regret.

"Don't worry about it, Mom. Really. I know it was a big change for you both when I moved out here alone," Isobel reassured, wrapping her arms around her mother in a warm hug. "But you're here now, and that's what matters."

Grace sipped her coffee, watching Isobel with pride. "You've really made a home for yourself here, Isobel. I'm so proud of you."

Thomas, Isobel's father, joined them, his presence adding to the familial warmth filling the kitchen. "What's making my girls so proud?" he asked, enveloping Isobel in a bear hug.

"We were just telling Isobel how much we admire her and how wonderful Ryder is," Grace explained, a fondness in her eyes.

Thomas nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. "You've got a special man there, Isobel."

Curious about Ryder's surprise visit to New Hampshire, Isobel turned to her parents as they moved to the patio for breakfast. "So, he just flew out to meet you in person?"

"Yes, he did," Grace confirmed. "He called us the day before, asking if he could come out, and then there he was."

Isobel chuckled. "I had no clue he was planning that."

"That was the idea, sweetheart," Thomas chimed in with a chuckle of his own.

Their conversation flowed over a delicious spread of fresh fruit, bacon, eggs, and muffins, the morning air filled with a sense of familial love and togetherness.

Grace set down her glass of orange juice, her gaze turning thoughtful. "Have you and Ryder talked about a wedding date? I was thinking next spring or summer in New Hampshire."

Isobel's response was firm but gentle. "We're getting married here, Mom."

Surprised, Grace questioned, "Why not back home? That's where your roots are."

"This is my home now, Mom," Isobel explained. "This is where Ryder and I live, where we'll start our life together."

"But what about your friends and family back home?" Grace pressed, concern coloring her tone.

Isobel's smile remained unwavering. "Allison is the only one I've stayed close to. This is where I belong now."

Thomas interjected, offering his support. "We understand, Isobel."

As the discussion turned to wedding details, Isobel shared, "We were thinking of October."

Grace's surprise was evident. "A fall wedding. How lovely. That gives us time to plan everything."

"No, Mom. This October. And we already have a venue," Isobel revealed, her excitement palpable.

Grace's eyes widened in astonishment. "That's just two months away. Why the rush?"

Isobel took a deep breath, steeling herself for their reaction. "Ryder and I...we haven't been together before. We want to start our life together as soon as possible."

Thomas's initial shock melted into understanding. "That's wonderful news, Isobel."

Grace processed the information, her expression shifting from surprise to acceptance. "Okay, then. If you're sure about this, we'll support you."

"So, where's the venue?" Grace asked, curiosity piqued by the sudden turn of events.

Isobel's eyes sparkled with excitement as she shared her wedding plans. "Yes, Ryder's dad's barn. Where Ryder proposed."

Grace's response was immediate, her voice carrying surprise. "That old thing?"

Isobel nodded, her enthusiasm undiminished. "Yes, Momma. That old thing. I loved it there, and I think it would just be perfect."

Thomas, ever the voice of reason, chimed in with a supportive tone. "Yes, sweetheart, it's perfect."

Curious about the specifics, Grace delved further. "What day in October?"

"We don't have a day yet," Isobel explained. "Ryder and I thought we could all discuss that at lunch today after his baptism. That way, we can find a date that works for everyone."

"That's a very wise idea, Isobel," Thomas remarked, nodding in agreement.

As they finished their breakfast, Isobel shared snippets of her upcoming school year preparations, the excitement of a new chapter in her life mingling with the wedding anticipation.

When the last dish was cleared, Thomas exchanged a meaningful glance with Grace. "I like that boy even more now."

Grace, catching his meaning, nodded understandingly. "Yes, I was very pleased to hear that, too."

Isobel's return to the patio interrupted their silent communication. "What are you two talking about?"

Thomas quickly covered their previous topic. "Oh, just how lovely the morning has been."

Isobel smiled, picking up more dishes. "It has been lovely. Now, let's get ready for Ryder's baptism."

With a shared sense of anticipation, they prepared to leave for the church.

Ryder woke to the soft light filtering through his bedroom window, casting a warm glow over his king-sized bed. He stretched languidly, his mind already filled with thoughts of the day ahead. Rolling onto his side, he faced the empty space beside him, where Isobel would soon be. A smile played on his lips as he imagined her face, her smile that always seemed to light up his world. His hand reached out instinctively, as if trying to capture the essence of her presence in the air.

With a contented sigh, Ryder rolled onto his back, his arms resting comfortably behind his head as he gazed up at the ceiling. Closing his eyes, he whispered a prayer of gratitude. "Thank you, Lord, for bringing me to this day. Thank you for showing me the way. And thank you for bringing Isobel into my life."

His voice carried a deep sincerity, each word spoken with heartfelt conviction. "I know I can't undo my past, but I believe with all my heart that You have revived me to a place I never thought was possible. Isobel is a treasure, a gift from You, Lord. I want to always be worthy of Your trust with her."

Tears of gratitude welled in Ryder's eyes as he continued to pour out his soul in prayer. "Today, may You be honored as I am baptized. I give you this day, Lord. I give you all of me."

Feeling a sense of peace wash over him, Ryder wiped away his tears, rose from bed, and made his way to the bathroom. Shedding his sleepwear, he stepped into the spacious shower, the hot water cascading over his skin like a soothing embrace. As he lathered up, his mind drifted to the events of the day ahead.

He thought about the baptism, a mix of nervousness and excitement coursing through him. The prospect of seeing Isobel and his family filled him with anticipation. And then there were the wedding plans—they would finally discuss the details today, setting the wheels in motion for the next chapter of their lives together.

Ryder couldn't help but smile at the thought. Two months seemed both too long and too short a time to wait until Isobel would officially become his wife. But he was ready, eager to embark on this journey with her by his side.