Chapter 69
Ryder and Isobel strolled down the aisle towards the barn, their smiles wide and eyes locked on each other. Upon entering the barn, Ryder swiftly pulled her into the private room where he had gotten ready.
"Ryder, what is this?" Isobel questioned as Ryder closed and locked the door.
"I want a moment alone with my wife." Ryder pressed her against the wall, cupping her face in his hands and kissed her eagerly. Isobel's knees weakened as she wrapped her arms around his waist for support. Her lips parted, inviting Ryder to deepen the kiss, their tongues dancing together.
He pulled back just enough to rest his forehead against hers, holding her close.
"Say it again," Isobel said breathlessly.
"My wife." Ryder kissed her tenderly.
"My husband," Isobel echoed, placing a hand over his heart.
Ryder covered her hand with his own and they gazed into each other's eyes, their foreheads touching as they swayed to faint music playing outside.
"I have something for you," Isobel said, moving toward the door. She retrieved a small bag that was just inside and handed it to Ryder. "This is for my husband," she said with a smile.
Ryder opened the bag to find a small box inside. He slid off the lid to reveal what initially seemed like a pocket watch. Opening it, he discovered a beautiful compass with a photo of them inside the lid.
"Isobel, it's beautiful," he admired as he examined it. "Thank you," he said before leaning down to kiss her.
"It's so you'll always find your way back to me."
"Oh, Isobel." Ryder enveloped her in his arms, pulling her close as he kissed her once more. "There's no need to worry about that. You are my home." He kissed her nose then stepped back slightly. "I have some gifts for you too, but they aren't here. I'll give them to you tomorrow if that's alright."
"Of course, Ryder." Isobel rested her head against his chest, savoring the warmth of his embrace and the rhythm of his heartbeat. "We should return to our guests."
With a sigh, Ryder stepped back and took her hand in his, leading her out the door.
The guests mingled, their conversations echoing throughout the barn. Most had finished the delicious meal of salad, garlic whipped potatoes, seasoned vegetables, grilled chicken osso bucco, and penne pasta with basil cream sauce.
Soft music played in the background as Ryder and Isobel moved from table to table, personally engaging with each guest. Ryder's hand never left Isobel's as they navigated the room together.
When it was time to cut the cake, the couple stepped behind a small table adorned with barnwood boxes stacked in a pyramid. Atop the highest box sat an ivory cake crowned with pink roses. A variety of cupcakes decorated the other boxes and table, surrounded by roses, baby's breath, and green fern leaves.
Ryder and Isobel ceremoniously cut the cake and fed each other the first bite. A smear of frosting on the corner of Isobel's mouth led to a sweet moment as Ryder kissed it away, sucking it from her lip.
They then moved to the center of the dance floor where a chair awaited Isobel. With skillful hands, Ryder removed her garter and flung it towards a group of eager single men. Jared leaped up just in time to catch it mid-air.
Isobel joyfully tossed her bouquet to a crowd of hopeful single women. Her friend Abby sprang into the air, catching it triumphantly before raising it high in celebration.
Returning to the center of the dance floor, Ryder and Isobel prepared for their first dance as newlyweds. The band struck up a tune specially chosen by Ryder.
As the guitar strummed, Ryder pulled Isobel close, her right hand in his left. His right hand pressed gently against the small of her back. Locking eyes with her, they swayed together as the band sang the lyrics that marked this unforgettable moment.
It was no accident me finding you
Someone had a hand in it
Long before we ever knew
Now I just can't believe you're in my life
Heaven's smilin' down on me
As I look at you tonight
Ryder leaned in slightly, his lips capturing hers in a soft yet fervent kiss. "I love you so much, Isobel." He let go of her hand and encircled her waist with both arms.
Isobel lifted her hands to Ryder's face, gently cradling his cheeks. "I love you, Ryder Hayes." She drew his face closer, kissing him once more.
I tip my hat to the keeper of the stars
He sure knew what he was doin'
When he joined these two hearts
I hold everything
When I hold you in my arms
I've got all I'll ever need
Thanks to the keeper of the stars
Thomas and Grace watched their daughter dance with her husband under the softly glowing lights. Thomas wrapped his arm tightly around Grace's waist, pulling her closer to his side. Grace, with her right arm draped behind Thomas's back and her left hand resting on his chest, nestled her head against his shoulder, their eyes fixed on the couple immersed in their own enchanted world. "You look stunning tonight," he murmured, planting a tender kiss on the top of her head.
Soft moonlight on your face oh how you shine
It takes my breath away
Just to look into your eyes
I know I don't deserve a treasure like you
There really are no words
To show my gratitude
"I never thought this day would come," Ryder murmured into Isobel's ear as they swayed to the rhythm of the music.
Isobel lifted her face towards Ryder once more, "Neither did I. But I couldn't be happier that it's finally here." She smiled as his lips met hers again.
I tip my hat to the keeper of the stars
He sure knew what he was doin'
When he joined these two hearts
I hold everything
When I hold you in my arms
I've got all I'll ever need
Thanks to the keeper of the stars
Standing mere inches apart, Celeste glanced at Luther's hand before slipping her own into it. As soon as Luther felt her touch, he turned to her with a warm smile and gently squeezed her hand. Together, they turned back to watch Ryder and Isobel, who were just finishing their first dance as husband and wife.
It was no accident me finding you
Someone had a hand in it
Long before we ever knew
Ryder twirled Isobel and dipped her gracefully. Holding her securely, he leaned in for a kiss, pulling her upright without breaking the embrace of their lips.
"Ryder, that song was wonderful."
"It's the truth. I don't think you can ever fully understand just how much your presence has transformed my life." Ryder's lips found hers again as another slow melody began.
Other couples filled the dance floor, but Ryder and Isobel remained lost in their own world at the center.
"Today was absolutely perfect, Ryder. Thank you for everything you did."
"You handled most of it," he grinned, his dimples deepening.
"Do you have any idea what those do to me?"
"What?"
Isobel raised her hand to his cheek, gently brushing her thumb across his right dimple. "These."
Ryder's smile widened, making his dimples even more pronounced. "Oh, you mean these?" he teased.
Isobel closed the short distance between their faces and kissed him passionately, demonstrating exactly what his dimples did to her.
When she finally pulled away, Ryder inhaled deeply. "Ready to go?"
Isobel laughed, "Ryder, we can't just yet. We have guests."
"They'll understand."
Though playful, Ryder's eyes held a serious plea for them to leave.
She cupped his cheeks with her hands and kissed him softly on the lips, "Soon, Babe."
As the song neared its end, Isobel spotted something and gestured in that direction. Ryder followed her gaze to see his mom and Luther slow dancing. As the music concluded, Luther planted a lingering kiss on Celeste. Ryder grinned and turned back to Isobel, kissing her tenderly.
At that moment, the DJ announced it was time for the father-daughter dance. The floor cleared as Ryder stepped back from Isobel, lifting her hand to his lips and kissing her ring before releasing her.
Thomas joined his daughter as Butterfly Kisses began to play. He took Isobel's right hand in his left and placed his right hand behind her back. They glided across the floor as if floating.
There's two things I know for sure:
She was sent here from heaven and she's daddy's little girl.
As I drop to my knees by her bed at night
She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes
And I thank God for all of the joy in my life
Oh, but most of all
Thomas twirled Isobel, drawing her back into the cherished dance routine they had perfected since she was a young girl. Thomas always made time for his daughters, and dancing had forever been one of their most beloved activities.
For butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer
Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair
"Walk beside the pony, Daddy, it's my first ride."
"I know the cake looks funny, Daddy, but I sure tried."
Oh, with all that I've done wrong, I must have done something right
To deserve a hug every morning and butterfly kisses at night.
Sweet 16 today
She's looking like her mama a little more everyday
One part woman, the other part girl.
As Thomas's tears began to cascade down his cheeks, he frantically wiped his face and eyes. This triggered Isobel's own tears to flow anew, and she gently dabbed beneath her eyes, trying to preserve her makeup.
To perfume and make-up from ribbons and curls
Trying her wings out in a great big world.
But I remember...
Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer
Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair.
"You know how much I love you, Daddy
But if you don't mind I'm only gonna kiss you on the cheek this time."
Oh with all that I've done wrong I must have done something right
To deserve her love every morning and butterfly kisses at night.
Thomas gently kissed Isobel on the cheek, clasping her hand to his chest as they swayed to the fading notes of the song, sharing a quiet, private conversation amidst the lingering lyrics. When the music ceased, Thomas guided Isobel off the dance floor just as Ryder approached his mother with an extended hand. "May I have this dance?" he requested, and she gracefully placed her hand in his. He escorted her to the center of the floor, spun her around, and drew her back close. Celeste threw her head back in laughter as Ryder expertly led his mother in a lively dance to the tune he had specially chosen for her.
She's the sky that holds the clouds
She's the lady of the house
A blind believer in all I dare to be
There's no safer place I've found
Than the shoulder of her white night gown
Oh I've got the best and the worst of her in me
And I'd share her if I could
Celeste's eyes began to tear up as she listened to the lyrics of the unfamiliar song.
So the wars would all be over
'Cause she'd raise us all as friends
And no one would ever wonder if somebody wanted them
We'd walk on grass that's greener
And our cares would all be freer
If the world had a mother like mine
She's our father's one great love
She's the one he wanted most
She's the light in the window of the house I grew up in
She takes the midnight call
She's the bravest of us all
Still she sings in the garden she lets her hair down
Luther and the rest of the guests watched intently as the mother and son shared a heartfelt dance, their laughter mixed with tears. Several guests discreetly wiped their eyes, including Ryder and Celeste.
"Your father would have cherished this moment. He'd be incredibly proud of you. I am so proud of you." Celeste dabbed a handkerchief under her eyes, trying to preserve her makeup.
"Thank you, Ma. Thank you for everything you've done. I know it wasn't easy with Terry and me after Dad passed away. Especially me. I'm sorry for that."
Celeste gently cupped Ryder's cheeks as they swayed to the music. "Ryder, never apologize for grieving. You lost your father, your best friend. I understand that completely. We all have our own ways of grieving."
Ryder's tears flowed freely as he embraced her tightly, his face buried in her shoulder. Celeste held him close, and they continued to move slowly to the rhythm of the music.
Don't go away
Don't go away from me
Oh I understand
She is a helping hand
Still I have to say
Grace and Thomas, their arms encircling Isobel from both sides, held her close as they watched Ryder and Celeste. Isobel dabbed at her tear-streaked face with a tissue handed to her by Bella Rose, abandoning any effort to save her makeup.
She's the sky that holds the clouds
She's the lady of our house
We all need her
But no one more than me
Oh the wars would all be over
'Cause she'd raise us all as friends
And no one would ever wonder if somebody wanted them
We'd walk on grass that's greener
And the dishes would all be cleaner
If the world had a mother like mine
As the song concluded, Isobel walked over to where Ryder and Celeste remained. Ryder was gently wiping his mother's face when Isobel arrived.
"That was beautiful, Ryder," Isobel commented, placing her hand on his arm.
Ryder slid his arm behind her and pulled her close to his side. Isobel caressed Celeste's arm as she finished wiping her face.
"Ryder sure knows how to make a person cry, doesn't he?" Celeste said with a small laugh.
Isobel embraced her warmly. "You raised a wonderful man, Celeste."
"Please, call me Mom, Isobel."
At that moment, Sam and Terry joined them. Standing behind Isobel, Sam placed her hands on her shoulders. "Just give in," she giggled. "It took me months to call her Mom, and she wouldn't let it go until I did."
"That's right. All my kids call me Mom." Celeste wrapped her arms around Sam and Isobel. "And my boys better take care of their girls or they'll have me to answer to."
"Yes, Ma," Terry and Ryder replied in unison.
The evening flowed with more dancing, laughter, and even a few more tears. Eventually, Ryder convinced Isobel that it was time for them to leave, and they began saying their farewells to the guests.
Everyone lined up outside the large barn doors where a horse-drawn carriage awaited to take them home. They raised sparklers into the night sky as Ryder and Isobel walked through the glowing pathway. Once settled in the carriage, Ryder instructed the driver to go, and they waved goodbye as they traveled down the luminaria-lit path.
"Oh, Ryder. This is so beautiful."
Nestled against him with his arm around her, they gazed out over the meadow illuminated by luminaries lighting their way home.
Ryder gently brushed his knuckles across Isobel's cheek before lowering his lips to hers; tasting the sweet cake residue still lingering on her soft lips.
"Are you ready to go home, Mrs. Hayes?"