Eliza’s POV
The next morning I was so nervous that I hardly slept that night. I threw the covers off of me and got a shower and then got dressed into black shorts and a white frilly top. I shoved my hair up in a pony tail and decided to go and help Abbie to prepare a breakfast for everyone. I needed to keep myself busy until my father was ready to show his face. I just hoped and prayed that Dr Adams had worked his magic well enough on my father. I couldn't bare to think of life now without my father.
“Good morning, Princess Eliza!” my father called cheerfully as he walked into the kitchen. I gasped at the sight of him, I hadn't expected that this morning.
Me and Abbie exchanged excited glances and she gestured for me to go to him. He looked healthier than ever, with a colour in his cheeks and a confident stride. He was already dressed in a crisp shirt and a tailored waistcoat, his hair neatly combed.
“Good morning, Father!” I beamed at him. “I hope you’re ready for a feast. It is good to see you up and about.”
“Oh, I can smell it from here! Pancakes, I see?” He leaned over the stove, inspecting the golden stack I was flipping.
“Just for you,” I said, my heart swelling with pride. “You’ve earned this and so much more.”
As Abbie served breakfast, the room filled with the aroma of comfort. With every bite my father took, I could see his joy reflected in his smile. It felt like we were slowly returning to normalcy, reclaiming the rhythm of our family life.
“This is what I missed most,” he said, breathing in the fresh air, his eyes sparkling with appreciation. “The small things, Eliza. They mean everything.”
“I know, Father. We’ll never take this for granted again,” I replied, feeling a warmth envelop us both. I felt so grateful to Dr Adams for what he had done for my father.
“Wow. This sure is a major improvement. Doctor we really can't thank you enough.” Alex exclaimed as he and Dr Adams entered the room and took a place at the table. Dr Adams smiled happily and nodded jao head.
“Im glad to be of service.” he said. I felt so lucky that my father would be ok and I decided to get outside for some fresh air whilst they all talked amongst themselves.
“Hey there, princess!” Ryder greeted me warmly as I stepped out of the front. He had literally just pulled up in his convertible and I ran down the steps to him, throwing my arms around his neck he chuckled at my enthusiasm.
“Hey! I just wanted to let you know how amazing this morning has been. My father seems to be doing so much better,” I said, unable to contain my excitement.
“That’s great news!” he replied, his eyes shining. “I couldn’t stop thinking about how much he deserves this chance. It’s incredible how love and support can change everything.”
We walked a little further into the garden. The vibrant wildflowers swayed gently in the breeze, and I felt lighter just being near him as if the weight of the past few months was dissipating.
"You know," Ryder began, his tone shifting slightly. His gaze turned serious as he stepped closer. “My Princess Eliza, I want you to know I’ve never stopped thinking about you—”
Before he could finish, instinct took over. I reached up and pressed my lips against his, a rush of emotions washing over me—a mixture of relief, longing, and connection.
Ryder responded instantly, his fingers brushing against my cheek, deepening the kiss as the world around us faded. At that moment, we were just the fragrant blossoms, the sun's warmth, and the unspoken bond we shared.
When we finally pulled back, breaths mingling, I looked into his eyes. “Wow,” I whispered, taken aback by the intensity of what had just happened.
“Wow, indeed,” he replied, a grin tugging at his lips. “I didn’t mean to rush that, but I couldn’t help myself.”
“I’m glad you didn’t. I wanted to kiss you too,” I admitted, a smile spreading across my face.
Everything felt right in that serene corner of the garden, with the sun setting in orange and pink hues. The burdens of the past weeks faded into the background, and I found myself drawn into the possibility of what lay ahead for us.
Ryder’s hand found mine, and we strolled together, weaving through the blooms. Ryder stopped abruptly, turning to face me. His expression was filled with sincerity, his beautiful eyes glimmering with an intensity that sent my heart racing. “Eliza, I need to tell you something.”
“What is it, Ryder?” I asked, my pulse quickening with anticipation.
He took a deep breath, his gaze unwavering. “From the moment we met, I felt a connection—a bond beyond friendship. I’ve watched you go through so much, and standing here with you now, I can’t help but feel that you’re my other half. You bring joy and light into my life, and I want to accept you as my mate. My wolf is going crazy.”
His words hung between us, charged with meaning. It felt as if time paused, allowing the significance of his declaration to sink in. My heart raced at the thought of being more than friends, of sharing a more profound connection that had long been bubbling beneath the surface.
“Ryder, I feel the same way. I can't think of anyone else that I would rather be with. You have already helped me in ways I could never thank you enough.” I whispered, searching his eyes for any hint of doubt. “This is a big step for me, Ryder. After everything with the quadruplets and now being here with you.” I said.
“I’ve never been more certain of anything,” he replied, his voice steady and warm. “I want to be there for you and your family.”
Emotions swirled within me and my heart expanded, filling with love and hope. “Then yes,” I breathed, “I do accept you as my mate, Ryder.”