Isobel ended the call, her fingers still curled around the phone like she wasn’t quite ready to let it go. The screen went black, but her eyes lingered there, unfocused.
Bella Rose glanced up from where she was tightening the cinch on the bay’s saddle. The leather creaked softly under her hands. “Something’s off, Isobel?”
“Ryder just called.” Her voice was measured, but there was a tremor beneath it. “He says we should… take a break.”
Bella Rose stilled, one hand resting on the saddle horn. “No way. Why?”
Isobel hesitated, drawing in a breath that seemed to scrape her lungs raw. “He says he’s trying to work through his… issues. That he needs space. That it’s about becoming a better man.”
Bella’s gaze softened. “Sounds like he’s making an effort.”
“He is.” The words were true enough,
