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The driver brought the horse to a halt at the foot of the steps that ascended to the grand entrance of the house. Ryder alighted from the carriage and, with a firm yet gentle grip on Isobel's waist, lowered her to the ground, stealing a kiss in the process.

With her hand securely in his, he guided her up the steps to the front door, watching as the horse and carriage vanished into the night's shadows toward the barn.

"Welcome home, Isobel," he murmured, pulling her close for a kiss so passionate that her knees nearly buckled.

Ryder turned the knob of the imposing front door and pushed it open. Just as Isobel was about to walk inside, he deftly wrapped his left arm around her waist and his right arm under her knees, lifting her effortlessly and carrying her across the threshold.

Isobel let out a delighted squeal at this unexpected gesture, winding her arms around his neck.

Once indoors, Ryder kicked the door shut with his foot and gently set her down while still holding onto her. Without breaking eye contact, he reached back to lock the door.

He cupped her face tenderly in his hands and kissed her deeply. The kiss revealed a newfound passion and longing in Isobel now that they no longer needed restraint. Ryder sensed this change, feeling his own desire swell in response.

Only stopping for breath, they took short, shallow breaths as their eyes roamed each other's faces.

Ryder's gaze lingered on her plush lips as she traced them with her tongue. Overwhelmed with fresh desire, he claimed her mouth once again. Her lips parted willingly, allowing Ryder to suck on her top lip before their tongues danced together.

He stepped back slightly and took her hand, leading her further into their home. The couple surveyed their surroundings with new eyes; this space was no longer just his but theirs together. A few of Isobel's boxes dotted corners of the living room and kitchen. Her beloved lamp now graced an end table by the couch, and one of her paintings adorned the wall above the fireplace. Noticing this detail, Isobel turned to Ryder with astonishment.

"When did you hang that up?" she asked, smiling with eyes full of adoration for him.

"Last night," Ryder replied with a grin, gently tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

"How did I miss that earlier?" she pondered aloud.

"I'm sure you had other things on your mind," Ryder said with a playful wink.

Isobel felt a flush rise to her cheeks as she turned and began walking through the house, this time observing the subtle changes that had already started to appear. Still clutching his hand, she navigated through the living room and around the couch, her eyes flicking from one spot to another.

Her cherished vase sat on the mantle next to a family photo. A bookshelf boasted an entire shelf of her books with another photo of her and her dad taking center stage.

She turned to Ryder and rested her arms on his shoulders. "You did all of this last night?"

"Yes, I couldn't sleep. I hope you don't mind. You can rearrange everything however you like."

"This is perfect, Ryder." She rose onto her toes and kissed him softly. His lips were firm with a faint taste of beer lingering on them. She pulled back slightly and gazed into Ryder's eyes. The desire he felt for her was unmistakable in his look as his eyes traveled from hers to her lips and back again. "Take me upstairs," Isobel breathed, her voice quickening.

Ryder hesitated for only a moment before scooping her into his arms and carrying her up the long wooden staircase into their room, barely breaking eye contact.

He gently set her down and pulled her close, sliding a hand behind her head into her hair. Their lips met again, each kiss intensifying the passion and igniting their mutual desire.

"I need to change and freshen up first," Isobel murmured, stepping back to catch her breath.

Ryder simply nodded, watching as she picked up a small bag beside the dresser.

In the bathroom, Isobel closed the door behind her and placed the bag on the cool granite countertop. Her heart pounded so fast she thought she might faint. Steadying herself with a deep breath in and out, she began to regain composure.

She reached behind to unzip her dress just enough to slip it off, then carefully draped it over a short wall by the large jacuzzi tub. Staring at the tub, Isobel's cheeks flushed as she imagined the possibilities ahead.

After changing into a new white negligee from her shopping trip with Rose, touching up her makeup, and adding a spritz of perfume, Isobel nervously approached the door. Hesitating for just a moment, she turned the knob and stepped out.

The bedroom exuded a warm glow; the fireplace was lit, its flickering light complemented by candles scattered around. Soft music floated from hidden speakers in the ceiling; Lonestar's Amazed was playing softly. Ryder sat in one of the chairs facing the fireplace, clad only in black satin pajama pants, two flutes of champagne waiting on the table beside him. At the sound of the door opening, Ryder looked up and stood with a smile spreading across his face.

Isobel crossed the room to where Ryder awaited with two glasses in hand.

"You look stunning, Isobel," Ryder said as he took her hand in his. Smiling appreciatively at her form-fitting negligee, he handed one glass to her.

"To us," he toasted.

"To us," she echoed.

They each took hesitant sips of the champagne in tense silence, both fully aware of what the other desired, yet too apprehensive to initiate. Ryder, grappling with his increasing anxiety, eventually took Isobel's glass and set them both on the table.

His wife was a celestial vision standing before him. Her white lace robe barely touching the floor, with long sleeves trimmed with scalloped edges and a satin belt cinched at her waist; it highlighted her slender, athletic figure flawlessly. Beneath, Isobel donned a white lace bra matched with lace panties.

Isobel gazed at the floor, her heart pounding fiercely.

With gentle fingers, Ryder lifted her chin. "Isobel, you're so beautiful," he murmured softly.

He stepped closer and slid his hands down her arms into hers. Feeling her tremble, he drew her into his embrace. "You don't need to be scared," he whispered in her ear. Pulling back slightly, he gazed into her eyes, which clearly reflected her nervousness. "We'll take it slow."

Ryder's heart raced in sync with hers. He cupped her face and pressed his lips to hers. When he pulled away, he noticed her chest rising and falling rapidly as she breathed deeply. Gently placing his hand on her chest, he said in a low voice, "Breathe." The growing anxiety in him mirrored as he thought about what lay ahead; every moment they'd hesitated had led to this night.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Isobel's hair was still partially up, secured by a few pins. Ryder carefully searched for and removed each pin one by one, watching as her hair cascaded down her shoulders and back along with the tiny flowers woven through it.

Keith Urban's "Making Memories of Us" began to drift through the room.

"Dance with me?" Ryder invited, extending his hands toward hers.

Isobel placed her trembling hands in Ryder's, both feeling the other's nervous tremors.

Ryder raised their joined hands while drawing her closer by pressing his right hand against the small of her back.

I’m gonna be here for you baby

I’ll be a man of my word

Speak the language in a voice

That you have never heard

I wanna sleep with you forever

And I wanna die in your arms

In a cabin by a meadow

Where the wild bees swarm

Ryder placed their hands over his heart, feeling its steady beat. He gently rested his forehead against hers, swaying her slowly to the rhythm, their movements a tender dance.

I wanna honor your mother

And I wanna learn from your pa

I wanna steal your attention

Like a bad outlaw

And I wanna stand out in a crowd for you

A man among men

I wanna make your world better

Than it’s ever been

Isobel had fantasized about this day for years. Yet, no scenario her imagination conjured up could match the intensity of this moment. She didn't think it was possible to love him more, but with every passing second spent alongside Ryder, her love only deepened. She leaned her head against his chest, soaking in the lyrics of the song and the rapid beat of Ryder's heart.

I’m gonna be here for you from now on

This you know somehow

You’ve been stretched to the limits

But it’s alright now

And I’m gonna make you a promise

If there’s life after this

I’m gonna be there to meet you

With a warm, wet kiss

The room was aglow with dancing orange and yellow lights flickering along the walls from the crackling fire; reflecting the blaze ignited within them. Ryder had never desired a woman as intensely as the one standing before him right now. The music smoothly transitioned into a new song, and "This I Promise You" by NSYNC began to fill the room.

When the visions around you

Bring tears to your eyes

And all that surrounds you

Are secrets and lies

I’ll be your strength

I’ll give you hope

Keeping your Beverly when it’s gone

The one you should call

Was standing there all along

And I will take you in my arms

And hold you right where you belong

’Til the day my life is through

This I promise you

This I promise you

Ryder gently lifted Isobel's face, locking eyes with her. He could see the flames flickering and swaying as if synchronized with the music. Lowering his gaze, he slipped the satin belt, undoing the bow that kept her robe fastened. Ryder let the ribbon fall to her sides as the robe parted, unveiling what lay beneath.

I’ve loved you forever

In lifetimes before

And I promise you never

Will you hurt anymore

I give you my word

I give you my heart

This is a battle we’ve won

And with this vow

Forever has now begun

His gaze slowly ascended, locking onto her eyes filled with a blend of nervous anticipation and longing. A pang gripped his heart as his stomach somersaulted and anxiety crept in. Tears started to prick at his eyes as they roamed her face, darting from her lips back to her eyes. Slipping his hand behind her neck, he drew her closer and kissed her, his tongue lightly brushing against hers.

Just close your eyes each loving day

And know this feeling won’t go away

’Til the day my life is through

This I promise you

This I promise you

A single tear traced its way down his cheek as he leaned back slightly, his thumb tenderly caressing her cheek.

"What's the matter, Ryder?" Isobel inquired softly, brushing the tear away.

"I'm just so overwhelmed by how much I love you. I've never felt anything like this before." Ryder gently tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

"I understand exactly what you're feeling, Ryder," Isobel responded with a breathy voice, a warm smile spreading across her face.

Over and over I thought

When I hear you call

Without you in my life, baby

I just wouldn’t be living at all

And I will take you in my arms

And hold you right where you belong

’Til the day my life is through

This I promise you, babe

He took a deep breath and slid his hands under the robe, caressing the top of her hips. His gaze traveled up her body, settling on her enchanting face. She bit her bottom lip, and Ryder swiftly captured her lips again, drawing her lower lip gently into his mouth.

Isobel's heart raced wildly, butterflies fluttering in her stomach as a lump formed in her throat. She ran her hands along Ryder's toned back, pulling herself closer to him as they kissed.

Ryder stepped back slightly, lifting his hands to her shoulders. He slowly pushed the lace robe off, letting it fall gracefully to the floor. His hand glided across her collarbone, grazing the top of her breast before cupping it firmly as he kissed her neck.

Isobel tipped her head back with a soft moan, her hands drifting lower to rest at the waistband of his pants. Ryder slid his hands behind her back and unfastened her bra. He slipped his fingers under the straps, sliding them off her shoulders and letting it drop to the floor alongside the robe. His breaths grew quicker and shallower as he looked down at her, constantly meeting her eyes to gauge her reactions.

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

"Are you okay?"

"Yes," she whispered, then leaned in to kiss him.

Ryder held her close, the sensation of her breasts pressed against his chest. His hands roamed down her back, cupping her buttocks and drawing her hips to meet his.

Isobel could feel Ryder's arousal pressing into her, his hands exploring her body. She slid her fingers to the waistband of his pants and gently pushed them down his hips until they pooled around his feet. She felt him firm against her stomach as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

Lowered gently onto the bed, Isobel's head nestled on the pillow. She embraced Ryder, her hands wandering downwards until they settled at his hips. She pulled him close, arching her hips in longing.

Ryder pulled back from their kiss for the first time, sliding one leg between hers and spreading them apart, pressing his hips firmly against hers. He leaned in for another deep, lingering kiss, savoring her taste as he traced her lips with his tongue.

Rising slightly, he shifted to lay beside her. His thumb brushed over her moist lower lip, watching as it parted invitingly. He captured her mouth, playfully tugging on her lip before releasing it. His hand journeyed slowly down her neck to her collarbone, relishing the warmth and energy emanating from simply touching her.

He lifted his head, his eyes drinking in her face as she tilted back, eyes closed in utter bliss. With careful precision, Ryder moved back over Isobel, entering her slowly and gently. He marveled at her expression as they united.

When he fully entered her, Isobel felt a sharp pain, causing her to squeeze her eyes shut and grimace. Ryder continued his gentle rhythm, sliding in and out as the pain gradually melted into an unbelievable pleasure that was completely new to Isobel.

Her breaths quickened, becoming shallow as something extraordinary began building inside her with each movement. As it released, a wave of pulsating ecstasy surged through her body, drawing a loud moan from her lips. She clutched the sheets tightly with both hands as waves of pleasure cascaded from her head to her toes.

Isobel arched her back and gripped the bed, pushing Ryder deeper inside as he reached his climax along with her.

Exhausted but content, Ryder collapsed beside her and enfolded her in his arms, pulling her close against his chest. Turning to nestle into him, their hearts slowly synchronized in their calming beats.

Overwhelmed by emotions, tears pricked at Ryder's eyes again. He squeezed them shut in an attempt to hold back the flood but one escaped down his cheek.

Noticing his distress, Isobel turned in his arms and gently placed her hand on his cheek. "What's wrong, Ryder?"

Ryder opened his eyes slowly and another tear slipped free.

"Ryder, what is it?"

Cupping her face tenderly in his hands, he kissed her with infinite care. "This was my first time too," he whispered.

Confused yet intrigued, Isobel met his gaze with furrowed brows. "What do you mean?"

In a quiet voice thick with emotion, Ryder explained, "Isobel, I've never made love to anyone before." He shook his head as another tear fell. "This experience is unlike anything I've ever felt. I can't even begin to describe it."

"I think I have an idea how you feel," Isobel murmured.

She pushed Ryder onto his back and sprawled across him. Wrapping his arms around her once more, Ryder tangled a hand into her hair and pulled her down for another kiss as they lost themselves together again.