Chapter 53

Ryder awoke to the low rumble of a diesel truck starting outside, the sound cutting through the quiet morning air. He glanced down at Isobel, still asleep beside him, her body nestled against his. The bedspread had been kicked aside during the night, revealing her pale, milky skin. Her leg draped over his, and he couldn't help but admire her form.

As his eyes traced her figure, he noticed the darkened bruises that marred her bicep, clear finger marks standing out against her skin. Leaning closer, he saw the swollen lip and the deep purple bruise at the corner of her mouth. Tears welled in his eyes, anger burning within him. How could he have let this happen? He should have protected her better, should have kept her with him and Wren.

Isobel let out a soft groan, rolling onto her back and exposing herself completely. Ryder quickly averted his gaze, tapping his fingers gently on her arm to wake her. "Isobel," he called softly.

She stirred, her eyes fluttering open. "What?" she murmured.

"Would you like to cover yourself up?" Ryder suggested, his voice gentle.

Isobel glanced down at her bare body and slowly pulled the cover over herself, rolling back towards him. "It doesn't really matter. You've already seen me," she said with a sleepy smile.

Ryder turned back to her, his eyes filled with tenderness. "Still, Isobel. I know you don't want me staring at you...yet," he added with a playful grin.

Isobel smiled back, her eyes slowly focusing. "How are you feeling?" Ryder asked, his fingers tracing light patterns on her back.

She shrugged slightly. "I don't know. Okay, I guess."

"Did you get any sleep?"

"Some."

"I'm sorry about last night...here in bed," Ryder said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"No, Ryder. I'm sorry. I don't know why I acted like that. Thank you for stopping me."

"It wasn't right, Isobel. I would never take advantage of you like that."

"I know." She ran her fingers along his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. "That's one of the many things I love about you."

Ryder's smile widened. "What are some others?" he asked, curious.

Isobel propped herself up on her elbows, the blanket pulled around her chest. "Where do I begin?" She paused, thinking. "I love how protective you are. I love how generous you are. I love how you are with your niece and nephews. I love how close you are with your mom. I love how kind and gentle you are with horses. I love that you know what hard work is." She looked up at him, watching his reaction.

Ryder was smiling, his dimples deepening. "Anything else?"

"I love how you love me. I love this," she said, running her fingers across his chest again.

"Oh, do you?" Ryder rolled onto his side to face her. He noticed a mark on her chest. "May I?" he asked, pointing to the blanket.

"May you what?"

"Can I check something? You can trust me, Isobel."

"I know." She rolled onto her side, sliding her arm back and draping it over her blanket-covered hip.

Ryder gently pulled the cover down, revealing scratches and bite marks across the tops of her breasts. His jaw clenched in anger, but he quickly covered her back up, not wanting to see more.

"What is it, Ryder?" Isobel asked, her hand reaching up to his cheek.

"Those dirty bastards! I just wanted to...to..." He couldn't finish, his anger choking his words.

Isobel understood. "You almost did," she said, looking down at the blanket.

Ryder's eyes met hers. "You saw me?"

"Of course, I did. You and Wren."

"I'm sorry about that."

"I'm not. I'm glad you did what you did. I would have done it myself if I was capable."

"Isobel, you don't mean that."

"Yes, I do. I wanted those men to pay for what they were doing to me. And you took care of it."

Ryder let his hand glide down her arm, capturing her hand and bringing it to his lips. He kissed each of her fingers one at a time, then paused to bestow a lingering kiss on the top of her hand, his eyes closed. He pressed her palm to his cheek, savoring the warmth of her skin against his face.

With his eyes still shut, he whispered a silent prayer, expressing gratitude to God for guiding him and Wren to her in time to stop the men. He thanked Him for her strength and for bringing her into his life one more time.

"Let's change the subject," Isobel suggested, breaking the silence.

"Sure, what would you like to discuss?"

"What kind of wedding would you envision?"

"As long as you're there," he replied with a grin.

Isobel laughed softly, "I'm being serious. I chose the barn without checking if it's what you wanted."

"Isobel, whatever makes you happy is what I want. It's your special day. I'm just overjoyed to become your husband. Even if we got married at the courthouse, I'd be content. But I know that's not what you wish for. I love the idea of having it at my father's barn."

"Alright then. What about the bridal party?"

"What do you mean?"

"How many people? I definitely want Fancy, Rose, and Sam."

"Absolutely. I'd like Terry as my best man along with Wren and my friend Jason."

"Who's Jason again?"

"He was there on calf branding day and at our engagement…and his wife is Alicia."

"Oh yes, them! Anyone else?"

"Nope, that should cover it. What about Priscilla? Are you sure you don't want your other sister standing with us?"

"They can't make it due to their work commitments; they needed more notice to arrange time off and travel plans. She apologized when we talked recently, but I told her not to worry—I'll send her a video of the ceremony later."

"Oh well, I'm sorry she won't be there."

"It's fine; we've never been that close anyway. Fancy and I were inseparable though."

"Okay," Ryder continued as he lifted his arm and slid it behind his head. "What else?"

"Hmm...children?" Isobel posed tentatively.

"What about kids?"

"Do you want some?"

"Oh, definitely." He leaned forward to catch her eyes. "How about you?"

Isobel's gaze met his as she smiled. "Yes."

"Great. How many?" Ryder inquired.

"Oh, I don't know. Four, five, seven," Isobel laughed.

"Alright."

She propped herself up on her elbow, staring into Ryder's eyes. "I was joking."

Ryder chuckled, "I figured."

She rested back down, her chest pressing against Ryder's with the blanket between them. "Two, three, four—I'm happy with whatever blessings come our way."

Ryder bent down and kissed her forehead, "Me too."

They stayed like that, discussing more wedding plans and dreams for their future; always getting to know each other better.

Ryder glanced at his watch. "Wow, we should get moving. It's nearly lunch." He nuzzled his head against hers. "I love you so much, Isobel. I want you to know I'll always protect you," he whispered.

Isobel tilted her face up to his and moved closer until their lips met. This kiss was different from the one that evening—less urgent but filled with new passion and desire. She slid over him, still separated by the blanket.

Holding his face in her hands as she kissed him, her tongue brushed against his, seeking more. Ryder's hands glided up her back, feeling the contrast between her soft skin and his rougher texture. One hand slipped beneath the covers to press against the small of her back, pulling her closer. As his hand traveled lower to feel the firmness of her buttocks, his desire intensified.

He dropped his arms wide onto the bed and turned his head away, breaking the kiss. He exhaled deeply through his nose.

"Isobel, you are going to be the death of me," he laughed softly.

Isobel rolled off him slowly, pulling the blanket up to her neck as her cheeks reddened. "I'm sorry, Ryder. You've...I don't know...awakened something in me?" She grinned.

"You do the same to me," Ryder replied as he sat up and slid to the edge of the bed. "I think I'll go take a shower—a very cold one." He disappeared behind the wall dividing them from the TV as Isobel covered her mouth to stifle a laugh.

Bella Rose stepped out of her trailer, closing her eyes and tilting her face toward the sun to savor its warmth. She meandered toward the horse pens, ready to tend to Samson for the morning. Just as she reached his pen and was about to open it, Joselyn, a fellow barrel racer and Bella Rose's friend, approached her.

"Hey, Rose."

"Good morning, Joselyn," Rose replied while unchaining the gate to Samson's pen.

"Rose, I've heard a rumor spreading around that I think you should hear."

Bella Rose paused and turned to give her full attention. "What is it?"

Bella Rose charged through the area, circling each pen with determination, hunting for the elusive bay mare. After five tense minutes, she finally located the mare, but the owner was nowhere in sight. 

Frustrated, Rose turned back toward the trailers when she spotted a familiar silhouette with long black hair pulled into a high ponytail, darting across the aisle ahead.

With haste, Rose quickened her pace and caught up to the figure. "Polly!" she shouted.

Polly spun around, surprised to find Bella Rose inches from her face. "Hey, Rose. What's going on?"

"What's going on?! I heard you said something to a group of drunk cowboys last night. Something that might have given them a wrong impression of Isobel."

"What? I didn't say anything that wasn't true."

Bella Rose took a step back, her expression hardened. "You don't know what you're talking about." She swung her arm back and punched Polly square in the jaw, sending her sprawling to the ground.

Polly clutched her aching face and struggled to stand, tears streaming down her cheeks. "What the hell, Rose!"

"Don't you ever speak to, look at, or even mention Isobel again. Do you understand me?" Bella Rose's voice was icy and firm as she pointed a threatening finger at Polly.

Fear washed over Polly's face as Bella's anger intensified. "Alright."

Casting one final severe look at Polly, Bella Rose turned and headed back toward Samson's pen to complete her chores, rubbing her sore knuckles as she went.