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Isobel was unpacking a box of supplies in her classroom, getting ready for the new school year set to begin the following week. Ryder entered, carrying her final box. Placing it on a table, he approached Isobel from behind, wrapped his arms around her waist, and turned her to face him.
"Hello, Miss Wright." Isobel giggled as Ryder leaned in and kissed her. "I've got a crush on the teacher," Ryder whispered, straightening up.
"Oh, do you?" Isobel asked playfully, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Ryder nodded with a grin and bent down to kiss her again.
"Oh my gosh, do you two ever stop?" Rose teased as she walked into the room.
"Hey, Rose," Ryder said, rolling his eyes with a laugh.
"Hi, Ryder." Rose moved to one of the boxes and pulled out a plant. "Window sill?" she asked Isobel.
Isobel nodded, "Yes, same spot as always."
The trio swiftly emptied the boxes and adorned the art room. Posters were hung up; new knickknacks found their place on Isobel's desk; fresh brushes replaced old ones that had been stored incorrectly. They added streamers and paper globes to give the room a festive touch for the first day.
Gathering the empty boxes, they exited the room while Isobel locked up behind them.
"Thanks for your help, guys."
"Anything for our favorite teacher," Rose sang out cheerfully.
"Oh, stop it, Rose."
They headed toward the school's entrance; the floors gleamed with polished grey vinyl, blue lockers sported a fresh coat of paint, and walls alternated in gold, white, and light blue hues. Several teachers buzzed around their classrooms—cleaning, decorating, organizing. Some female teachers wandered into the hall out of curiosity about Ryder’s presence.
As they approached the front office, Abigail Montgomery stepped out. "Hey, Isobel. Hi, Rose," she greeted as she locked the door.
"Hi, Abigail," Isobel greeted as she noticed Abigail eyeing Ryder up and down. He wore his well-fitted jeans, a t-shirt, and a baseball cap, looking effortlessly appealing. "This is Ryder. Ryder, meet our school principal, Abigail Montgomery."
Ryder extended his hand and shook hers. "Good to meet you, ma'am," he said, flashing his charming dimpled grin as he tipped his head.
"Nice to meet you too, Ryder," she replied with a matching smile.
"Ryder came by to help me get my classroom ready for next week," Isobel explained.
"Oh, wonderful. Isobel must've appreciated the help, Ryder. That was very considerate of you."
"Happy to assist, ma'am," Ryder responded warmly.
"We'll see you next Wednesday at the in-service meeting," Isobel mentioned as she started walking towards the front doors again.
"Yes, see you then," Abigail said, watching them depart.
Once outside, Rose turned to Isobel and burst into laughter. "Wow, I think the principal might have a little crush on your boyfriend." She playfully nudged Isobel's shoulder, causing her to drop her boxes.
"Rose, behave," Isobel chastised while picking up the fallen boxes.
Ryder opened the back door of his truck and placed the boxes in the back seat. Then he took the remaining boxes from both women and tossed them in as well. Leaning against his truck with one elbow resting on top of the bedside and his thumb in his pocket, he listened to their conversation about the new curriculum before they exchanged goodbyes.
After Bella Rose left, Isobel approached Ryder and grabbed onto the hems of his pockets. "Got any plans today, cowboy?" she asked with a playful grin.
Ryder wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. "Why yes, I do. I'm planning to take one hot art teacher out for ice cream."
"Oh, Ryder Hayes, you're such a bad boy," Isobel teased. Standing on her toes, she kissed him on the cheek. "What are you waiting for?"
Ryder gently cupped her face in his hands and kissed her deeply until they both needed air.
Breathing heavily, Isobel looked into his eyes. "I meant for the ice cream," she giggled. "But I'll take that too."
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Ryder opened the truck door and helped her onto the seat, watching as she slid to the middle of the bench seat. He paused for a brief moment to take in her presence before climbing into the truck himself.
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Ryder stood by the front doors, scanning for the Wrights as they exited the secured area of the airport. The moment they appeared, he approached them.
"Hello, Thomas, Grace," he greeted warmly, flashing a smile. He hugged Grace and shook Thomas's hand.
"Hello, Ryder. It's wonderful to see you again," Grace responded.
"Did you have a pleasant flight?"
"Yes, it was quite smooth," Thomas replied.
"I assume you have luggage to collect."
"Yes, Ryder. Two suitcases."
"Luggage claim is just down this hall," Ryder indicated with a gesture towards the long white corridor.
They followed Ryder as he led them in the indicated direction, sharing stories about their layover in Chicago. Upon spotting their suitcases on the conveyor belt, Grace pointed them out to Ryder. He stepped forward to retrieve them and led Isobel's parents towards his truck. This first encounter gave Grace and Thomas a glimpse of Ryder in his own setting; they were very impressed with his courteous demeanor and helpfulness, as well as the quality of his truck. Ryder placed their bags in the truck bed before opening the back door and offering his hand to assist Grace inside.
"This is an impressive truck, Ryder," Thomas remarked as they drove off.
"Thank you, Thomas."
"It must have cost you quite a bit."
Ryder chuckled and nodded, "Yes, it did indeed cost several pretty pennies."
Thomas laughed with Ryder. Their hour-long drive was filled with light-hearted conversation that included talk of the World Finals in Las Vegas if Ryder qualified. Both Thomas and Grace admired Georgia's beautiful landscapes as they drove past rock cliffs and expansive valleys.
"It certainly is beautiful here," Ryder agreed. "You should see it when the trees change colors in the fall."
"I'd love to witness that," Grace said with enthusiasm. She had always wanted to visit Isobel but had waited at Thomas's insistence, convinced their daughter would eventually return home.
Pulling into a tree-lined driveway, Ryder announced, "We've arrived at Willow Haven Ranch."
"Oh my, Ryder. It’s absolutely lovely," Grace exclaimed.
As Ryder's barn appeared in the distance, he kept an eye on Thomas and Grace, who were taking in the breathtaking scenery. The ranch sprawled out before them with its towering trees, the brown wooden fences that bordered the drive, several horses frolicking in the pasture, and his barn nestled at the end.
"This is a wonderful place you have here, Ryder," Thomas remarked as they drove by the barn.
"Thank you. I really love it."
When they rounded a cluster of trees, Ryder's stunning log home emerged into view, prompting gasps from the Wrights.
"Ryder, your house is gorgeous," Grace exclaimed with a pitch higher than usual.
"Thank you, ma'am," Ryder replied.
"Yes, Ryder. This is magnificent," Thomas added.
Turning into his driveway, Ryder spotted his mother's truck parked there. As he slowed to a stop and put his vehicle in park, his mom stepped out onto the porch and waved with enthusiasm.
"Is it safe to assume that's your mother?" Thomas asked.
"Yes, sir. It sure is. She’s eager to meet you."
The Wrights and Ryder got out of the truck and headed towards the house where Celeste stood waiting. She descended the stairs and met them halfway.
"Thomas, Grace, this is my mother, Celeste."
"Hello, Grace. It's so good to meet you." Grace extended her hand for a shake, but Celeste pulled her into a warm hug.
"Oh," Grace said with surprise before smiling, "Very nice to meet you too, Celeste."
Next, Celeste turned to Thomas and wrapped him in an embrace as well. "So good to meet you too, Thomas."
Thomas glanced at his wife with wide eyes before relaxing into a smile and returning the hug. "You too, Celeste."
Celeste then linked arms with Grace and led her up to Ryder's porch. She paused to face her. "I have to say, your Isobel is such a delight. I've never seen Ryder as happy as when she's around." With that she gave Grace another heartfelt hug.
Ryder walked past them to open the front door, standing aside for everyone to enter before stepping in himself and closing it behind them.
"Ryder," began Grace once inside, "This house is absolutely gorgeous; it's truly amazing."
"Thank you, Grace."
"Ryder did much of this himself," Celeste chimed in. "It took years of hard work but it was worth every moment."
"I must say, Ryder," Thomas stated admiringly. "I am impressed."
"Thank you very much, sir."
Ryder then showed the Wrights around the house; each new room seemed more impressive than the last.
Ryder personally crafted and tiled the shower, incorporating barnwood salvaged from an old structure he had dismantled on the property. Thomas surveyed the expert craftsmanship throughout the bathroom and bedroom with a nod and a smile. "Impressive work, Ryder."
"Thanks. I contracted a construction company for the framing, exterior, large beams, and stairs. The cabinets, fireplaces, and flooring were my projects, with some help from friends. I needed to stay occupied during the off-season from the rodeo."
The tour concluded, and they gathered around the dining table, facing windows that offered a view of Ryder's sweeping backyard. Celeste poured everyone a glass of tea and handed them out.
"Celeste, I understand you’re a rancher as well."
"Yes, Thomas. It's been my lifelong vocation. I was raised as a rancher's daughter and later became a rancher's wife—it's in my blood." She took her seat beside her son.
"And your other son—Terry, right?"
"That's correct. Terry lives on the opposite side of our land and also raises cattle. Ryder is our horse expert."
"So, Ryder, how many horses do you have?" Thomas inquired.
"I currently have six horses here for training; they'll go back to their owners once they're ready. I also have four working ranch horses and sixteen brood mares out in the pastures, with ten foals among them."
"I'm sorry, Ryder," Grace interjected, "could you clarify? Brood mares? Foals?"
"A brood mare is a female horse bred for specific purposes such as ranching or showing—they come from prestigious lines suited for their roles. Cutting horses help separate certain cattle from a herd for medical treatment or vaccination. A foal is simply a baby horse."
"That's fascinating! There's so much more to horses than I realized," Grace remarked.
"Indeed there is," Ryder affirmed. "Horses have many roles."
Celeste, Thomas, and Grace continued chatting about Thomas's job, Priscilla and Fancy's families, and Celeste’s ranch life. Celeste fondly reminisced about Tyler and their years together. They also discussed Ryder’s weekend plans and how they intended to surprise Isobel.
Eventually, Celeste went home while Thomas and Grace relaxed on Ryder’s porch. Ryder then showered, dressed up, and made preparations for his evening plans.