10

 

Ryder was home. As he and Ali sped from the inn that night, the realization firmed like cured cement. Watching the lights glow and the lake shimmer in his rearview mirror while they pulled down the drive, he was certain he’d never be content anywhere else. He and Ali shared a love of Willow Inn—and a love for one another.

Ali slipped onto the blanket he’d spread over the grass near the band shell. As she nestled close, her citrusy perfume filled his senses and mottled all thought except the truth at the very core of his being.

He loved her.

His will, not yours.

“I got some popcorn and sodas.” Ali slipped a kernel into her mouth. “Josie’s across the way. She said to tell you hi. She said to tell you your second order of books just arrived.”

“I’ll pick them up next week.”

Listen to your heart, Ryder, and seek His will.

Hearing his heart was no problem; it pounded through the cotton fabric of his polo.

“Here’s your drink.” Ali handed him a bottle of soda. “Are you OK? You look flushed.”

“It’s a bit warm.” He tugged the collar of his shirt as she eased in beside him. The music started, filling the air with the song of violins.

“There’s Maci,” Ali whispered, pointing discretely to a willowy, cinnamon-haired woman seated at center stage beneath the lights of the band shell. “Isn’t she wonderful?”

“Yes.” Ryder slipped an arm around her waist, tugging her closer as the music washed over him. Ali’s eyes slipped closed, and he knew she was feeling the gentle cadence building to a crescendo, just as their love for one another grew. “I’m glad you came with me,” he murmured into her ear before planting a gentle kiss along her jawline. He’d never felt such depth of emotion…such need.

“Can we stay for the fireworks?”

“Mmmm…” He kissed her again. “I believe they’ve already started.”

Much later, the crowd cleared and the sky morphed from smoky-gray to a deep, nearly translucent blue. The scent of gunpowder lingered, an after-effect of the fireworks. Ali nestled beside him, her eyes still filled with wonder at the brilliant display of light.

“You thought I’d forget, didn’t you?” Ryder twined his fingers with hers.

“Forget what?” Ali’s thumb grazed his palm, giving his heart a jolt.

“Your birthday.” He reached into his pocket, felt the small box he’d tucked there hours ago. “But I didn’t. I couldn’t.”

“Oh, Ryder.” She took the box and slipped a finger over the shimmery-pink wrapping. “You shouldn’t have. You’ve spent a fortune on landscaping…and all the time you’ve put in. I’ll never be able to repay you.”

“I haven’t asked you to repay me. The landscaping is a gift—and not from me, but from Mama Stallings. I’m paying her kindness forward, just as she asked me to.”

“You mean…” Ali’s eyes filled with tears.

“That’s exactly what I mean.” He tapped the box. “This, on the other hand, is my birthday gift to you. Open it.”

She tugged at the wrapping, loosening it along the seam until the box slipped free. Ryder knew the exact moment she realized what waited inside.

“It’s my heart, Ali.” He handed her the small silver charm—two hearts entwined to become one. “All of it, for you. I love you. I want to spend my life with you.”

“I love you, too.” She threw her arms around him, tears overflowing. Their kiss was a promise of God’s plan for them…and of all yet to come.