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As the congregation began to disperse, the church filled with a buzz of conversations and congratulations. Ryder and Isobel found themselves surrounded by well-wishers, each expressing their admiration and joy in different ways.
Ryder turned to Isobel, his eyes bright with admiration. “I had no idea you had such an incredible voice and piano skills. You blew me away!” Isobel’s smile widened. “Thank you, Ryder. I’m glad you enjoyed it.” “How did I miss this talent of yours?” “I guess our conversations just never veered into music territory,” she replied playfully.
Ryder pulled her into a warm embrace. “Thank you for sharing that with everyone,” he whispered, his gratitude evident in his tone.
Celeste, Thomas, and Grace joined the couple, enveloping them in familial warmth. Thomas clasped Ryder’s hand firmly. “You did great, son. We’re all very proud of you.” “Thanks, Dad. Means a lot coming from you,” Ryder replied, a sense of validation and pride coloring his words.
Their family and friends gathered around, offering hugs and words of praise. Bella Rose approached Isobel, her eyes sparkling with admiration. “That was incredible, Isobel. You have such a gift!” Isobel hugged her back. “Thank you, Rose. Your support means a lot.”
Bella Rose turned to Ryder, her smile genuine. “Congratulations, Ryder. May God bless your journey.” “Thank you so much, Rose,” Ryder replied, returning her hug warmly.
Luther, having waited patiently, greeted the couple with a smile. “Congratulations to both of you. That was a beautiful ceremony.” “Thank you, Luther. We’re glad you could be a part of it,” Isobel said graciously.
Ryder introduced Luther to Wren, his best friend. “Hey, Luther. Nice to meet you.” “Likewise, Wren. Welcome to our church,” Luther replied warmly.
Ryder then introduced Bella Rose as Isobel’s best friend and Wren’s girlfriend. “Hello, Bella Rose. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” “Hi, Luther. I absolutely love your church,” Bella Rose exclaimed.
“I’m glad to hear that. You’re always welcome here,” Luther responded with a smile.
Ryder invited Luther to join them for lunch at his house, which Luther gladly accepted. The group moved outside, continuing their conversations in the vibrant atmosphere of the parking lot.
Celeste playfully smacked Ryder on the arm. “You never told us Isobel could sing like that!” Ryder chuckled. “I didn’t know myself until today.”
“She truly has a beautiful voice,” Celeste added with a proud smile.
As they drove to Ryder’s house, Isobel’s parents expressed their admiration for her performance. “Isobel, that song was beautiful,” Thomas remarked.
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“Thank you, Dad,” Isobel replied warmly.
Thomas also took the opportunity to apologize for any past misunderstandings. “I can see that Ryder is a good man who loves you deeply. I’m sorry if I’ve given you both a hard time.”
Isobel’s heart swelled with warmth. “Thank you, Dad. Your support means everything.”
As they pulled into Ryder’s driveway, Grace couldn’t help but admire the house. “This place is stunning.”
Isobel looked at the house, her thoughts drifting to the future. A smile tugged at her lips as she imagined the life ahead with Ryder.
The evening air carried a hint of warmth as Grace and Isobel arrived at Ryder’s place, joining the lively gathering already in motion. Ryder, Terry, and Wren greeted them, with Ryder stealing a quick kiss from Isobel before diving into the preparations.
Aluminum pans brimming with pasta, assorted sauces, salad fixings, and bread were unloaded and arranged on the expansive island in Ryder’s upscale kitchen. Terry efficiently removed the lids, while Ryder fetched plates and cutlery, setting them out with precision. Meanwhile, Sam and Isobel busied themselves with sun tea, completing the ensemble of a hearty meal in the making.
Each interaction between Ryder and Isobel sparkled with shared moments, a silent language of love and unity that didn’t escape the watchful eyes of Celeste. She stood by Grace, her heart swelling with contentment. “They make a wonderful team, don’t they?” Grace remarked, echoing Celeste’s sentiment.
Celeste’s eyes welled up with tears of joy. “Yes, they truly do.”
Once everything was set, Luther led them in a heartfelt grace, marking the beginning of a warm family dinner. Terry and Sam assisted the little ones, Savannah and Luke, while the adults gathered around the elegant dining table, sharing laughter and stories along with the delicious meal.
Between bites, Ryder expressed his gratitude. “This meal is amazing, Grace and Thomas. Thank you for arranging it.”
Thomas nodded appreciatively. “Our pleasure, Ryder.”
As the evening unfolded, the conversation naturally veered towards wedding plans. Ryder, his voice filled with anticipation, shared their decision. “Isobel and I have picked a month for our wedding, but we’re open to finding a date that suits everyone.”
Terry chimed in with support. “We’ll make it work, no doubt.”
“We’ve set our hearts on October,” Isobel added.
“Of this year?” Bella Rose’s surprise echoed through the room.
Isobel nodded with confidence. “Yes, in just two months.”
The news sparked a flurry of questions and concerns. Ryder and Isobel patiently fielded each query, but it was Ryder’s firm yet gentle assertion that quieted the room. Standing up, he addressed their doubts with conviction. “We don’t see the need to delay. We’re ready to start our life together.”
“But what about the venue? And the arrangements?” Bella Rose’s concern mirrored the others’.
Isobel intervened, gently guiding Ryder back to his seat. “We want it to be in your dad’s barn, Ryder.”
Celeste, overwhelmed with emotion, covered her mouth, her eyes shining with pride. Ryder reached out, his hand finding hers in a reassuring squeeze.
“It’s perfect,” Celeste managed, her voice thick with emotion.
Ryder resumed, his gaze encompassing everyone. “So, we have the month and the venue. Now we just need a date that works for all of us.”
A chorus of conflicting schedules filled the room until Ryder, with a calendar in hand, proposed a date. “What about the 24th?”
A round of agreement followed, culminating in Luther’s acceptance to officiate the ceremony. Isobel quickly confirmed the date with her friend, Jules.
“October 24th it is,” Celeste announced, her eyes shining with joy.
Ryder and Isobel exchanged a look of excitement and love, sealing the decision with a shared kiss that sparked laughter and teasing from their delighted family and friends.