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Isobel sprinted to her ringing phone, saw Ryder's name flashing on the caller ID, and beamed as she answered, "Hello, Ryder."

"Good morning, beautiful. Happy birthday."

"Thank you, Ryder."

"What are you up to?"

"I'm getting ready for work. What about you?"

"I'm parked in the driveway of a gorgeous lady who's celebrating her birthday today."

"Oh, really? Do you know another person with a birthday today?" Isobel joked.

"Very funny, Isobel."

"Why are you in my driveway?"

"Because I’m chauffeuring you to work today and picking you up later."

"Oh, is that so?"

"Yes, indeed. Come out when you're ready. I'll be waiting."

Isobel's smile stretched across her face as she hung up and quickly got ready.

Ryder stood by his truck, holding a bouquet of red roses, stargazer lilies, pink and white carnations, and various other flowers.

"Oh, Ryder, they’re gorgeous," she exclaimed as he handed over the bouquet. "I'll quickly run these inside to put them in water."

"Wait," Ryder said, pulling her close and capturing her lips with his. After a long, passionate kiss, he released her. "Okay, now you can run them in."

Isobel giggled as she dashed back into her townhouse and returned a few minutes later.

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The final bell of the day echoed through the hallways, and Isobel dashed out of her classroom, eager to meet Ryder who patiently awaited her outside.

"Isobel! Hey!" Bella Rose's voice carried down the corridor.

Isobel spun on her heels to see Rose jogging towards her. "Hey, Rose!"

"I haven't seen you at all today. Happy birthday!" Bella Rose exclaimed, enveloping her friend in a warm embrace.

"Thanks, Rose."

"Got any plans now?"

"Ryder's waiting for me outside. He's planned something special, but it's a surprise."

"Oh, that’s adorable. You've nabbed yourself a true romantic!"

Isobel beamed, "I know, right?"

"Okay, don't keep him waiting then."

As Isobel moved towards the front exit, Rose called out again.

"Be sure to swing by my place Saturday afternoon! I have a birthday gift for you, and we can have a girls' night."

Walking backward with a grin, Isobel replied, "Sure thing, Rose. See you tomorrow." She then turned and jogged towards the doors.

Forty minutes later, they pulled into Ryder's driveway. He maneuvered to the house and came to a stop.

"So, what’s on tonight’s agenda?" Isobel asked.

"First off, I want to give you your birthday present. After that, we'll go out to eat—your choice."

"Sounds perfect."

Ryder exited the truck and extended his hand for Isobel to take. Gently helping her down from the truck, they made their way to the front door and paused before entering. Ryder turned to face her, clasping both of her hands in his.

"Okay, so your present is inside and it isn’t wrapped. I hope it’s… um… just right for what you need it for," Ryder mused for a moment before continuing. "Bella Rose helped me pick it out; she thought it would be ideal."

Curiosity piqued, Isobel looked at him quizzically. "Alright?”

With an excited smile growing on her face, she added confidently, "Lead the way, Ryder."

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Ryder swung the door open and slipped behind Isobel, gently placing his hands over her eyes. Isobel chuckled, placing her hands atop his. Guiding her inside, Ryder took a swift turn to the left, directing her toward the cozy sitting area in the living room.

Leaning close, his lips mere inches from her ear, he kept her eyes covered, whispering, "Happy birthday, Baby."

As Ryder uncovered her eyes, Isobel gasped loudly and clutched her mouth with both hands. "Ryder, what is this... Ryder!"

Her voice quivered with emotion, and as Ryder stepped beside her, he saw tears gliding down her cheeks. "Is it not right?" he asked, worry lining his voice.

"Ryder, it's perfect." She threw her arms around his neck, pulling him into a tight hug. Then she pulled back and kissed him deeply. "You really didn't... Ryder... I can't accept this."

"Yes, you can, Isobel."

"Ryder, it's far too much."

Cupping her face with both hands, Ryder kissed her tenderly. "Isobel, I intend to do things like this for you always. So get used to it. It's not too much. I can never repay you for transforming my life and saving me. Please accept this gift from me."

Turning back once more with a hand over her mouth, Isobel exclaimed, "Ryder, it's beautiful."

Approaching the gift—a sleek black baby grand piano—she ran her hands across its ivory keys. She pulled out the seat and positioned herself to play. As she began playing an unfamiliar tune that filled the house with a glorious melody, Ryder perched on the arm of the couch in awe. The only other time he had heard her play was at his baptism; she was magnificent then as she was now. Watching her expressions and the way she moved with passion filled him with gratitude for making this decision.

When she finished playing, she remained still with fingers resting on the keys as a tear slid down her cheek. Quickly moving to join her on the bench, Ryder wiped away the tear.

"What's wrong, Isobel?" he asked softly.

Turning towards him and wrapping her arms around his neck once more, she held him tightly and whispered into his neck, "Thank you so much."

"You're welcome, Isobel. Happy birthday."

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Isobel rapped on Rose's door, which flew open, revealing her bubbly best friend.

"Come on in!" Rose chirped, seizing Isobel's arm and yanking her inside. She thrust a box into Isobel's hands. "Happy birthday."

"You've already given me earrings."

"Those were just a decoy. This is your real gift." She bounced on her toes, clapping eagerly as Isobel began to open the box.

Lifting the lid, Isobel found an exquisite dress nestled within. She grasped it by the shoulders and lifted it out of the box.

"Rose, this is stunning," she admired while holding it up against herself.

"Try it on!"

"Right now?"

"Yes, because we have plans!" Rose nudged Isobel toward the bathroom. "Hurry up!"

Isobel chuckled, indulging her friend’s excitement as she stepped into the bathroom. The dress was indeed gorgeous—long enough to graze the floor slightly. Buttons ran from the neckline down to mid-thigh before flaring open. It featured a subtly plunging neckline, ¾ sleeves, and a wide elastic waistband. Its beige fabric was adorned with a graphic mauve and turquoise pattern that suited Isobel perfectly and accentuated her slim waist and long legs.

She paired the dress with her boots, which matched flawlessly. When she emerged from the bathroom, Bella Rose whistled appreciatively.

"You look fabulous, Isobel."

"Thank you, Rose. I adore this dress! You look fantastic too."

While Isobel had been changing, Bella Rose had also donned a new outfit: a blush-colored dress with soft lace trim that reached just above her knees. The back featured a deep V-cut collar with waist cutouts. Her hair was pulled into a low bun complemented by her beloved cowboy boots.

"And there's one more thing." Bella Rose stepped forward and draped a turquoise necklace around Isobel's neck.

"This is gorgeous, Rose." Isobel hugged her friend and kissed her cheek. "Thank you so much. So what's the plan for tonight?"

"We... are... going... somewhere fun," Bella Rose giggled enigmatically. "And it's a surprise, so no more questions!"

"Alright then. Let's head out." Isobel grabbed her purse and followed Bella Rose to her truck.

Twenty minutes later, they pulled into the lot of a charming local café. Isobel immediately spotted Ryder's truck and couldn't help but smile. As soon as Rose parked, Ryder was by Isobel's door, opening it for her and extending his hand. She took it with a grin and gracefully stepped out of the truck.

"Isobel," Ryder said, his gaze sweeping over her, appreciating every inch. He exhaled deeply, "You look stunning."

"So do you," Isobel replied, her eyes lingering on him.

Ryder was clad in a snug, worn-denim shirt that highlighted his strong physique. The sight made Isobel's heart flutter. He also sported new Wrangler jeans and special occasion boots, holding his white straw hat as he leaned in to kiss Isobel, pressing her against the truck.

Stepping back, he drew a sharp breath. "Feels like I haven't seen you in ages."

"We just saw each other a couple of days ago," Isobel reminded him, still catching her breath.

"Not enough," Ryder grinned, capturing her lips once more.

"Hey, you two." Rose called out. "We need to get inside."

Ryder pulled back, locking eyes with Isobel and smiling. "I love you."

"I love you too," she responded.

Hand in hand, Ryder led her into the cozy restaurant. They followed Bella Rose to a secluded room at the back where a chorus of voices shouted, "Happy birthday!"

Terry and Sam, Celeste, Luther, and Wren stood together inside the room. Beverly and Abby, Isobel's work friends, were there too. Once the greetings ended, everyone settled in and placed their orders. The women chatted about the upcoming wedding while waiting for their meals, and the men discussed the latest rodeos.

After dining, the room buzzed with various conversations.

"So, Ryder got you a baby grand piano?" Beverly inquired.

Isobel beamed and nodded. "Yes, he did."

"That's so romantic," Abby chimed in.

"It was quite a surprise," Isobel said with a broad smile. "I hear Rose had something to do with it."

"That was all Ryder's idea. I just helped pick one that you'd love."

"I definitely love it."

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"Oh, Luther. I can't believe you did that," Celeste said, her laughter ringing out.

"Oh, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. My youngest brother had the brilliant idea to catch a skunk and release it inside the house. When my dad came home, I was sure we'd be grounded for life. The smell lingered for an entire month."

Celeste burst out in hearty laughter, realizing she hadn’t laughed that hard in ages.

"Thank you, Luther," she said, placing her hand gently on his forearm.

Luther tilted his head. "For what?"

"For bringing back my laughter."