Amanda could barely move one foot in front of the other. She was still so stunned. She was in such a dazed state, she wondered how she even drove herself home. Tossing her truck keys on the kitchen table, she inhaled deeply. It was too much for her to absorb. She had almost fainted earlier in Mr. Wilder's office. Someone sitting next to her had to keep her from falling off her chair. Thomas hadn't given her furniture, horses, or money. He had given her something much more valuable, much more meaningful....

Feeling dizzy, she slumped into a chair behind the table, but wasn't there for long. A pounding on her front door caused her to bolt from the chair.

She opened the door to find Noah fuming on her porch. "So how'd you do it? What did you do to make him give you a piece of the ranch? Tell me!"

"Noah, please," Amanda grabbed his arm and tugged him into the house, shutting the door behind them. "Stop shouting."

"I shout when I'm angry, Amanda! And right now, being calm is the last thing on my mind."

She stared at his blazing green eyes, wishing she could provide him with an explanation. But she was as shocked as he was. "I had no idea your father was going to give me half of the ranch, Noah. I never would have dreamed--"