"How could you even consider selling the ranch? Your father was horrified!" Amanda demanded as soon as she had removed her coat and turned on a few lights inside her cozy little house.

Noah arched an eyebrow in surprise. "Boy, for nothing to say, that's quite a mouthful," he placed his cowboy hat on a nearby unpacked box.

She crossed her arms and stared at him. "This is not funny, Noah. How could you be so uncaring toward your father? This ranch is his life."

He rubbed both hands over his eyes and yawned. He hadn't been sleeping well since his return to the ranch. His tired eyes searched Amanda's face. "Uncaring? That's not true. I've been tossing and turning every night trying to think of how I would approach my father about the offer from Mr. Ellinger. I was hoping you would give me at least an ounce of support on this. My father values your opinion."

She looked around her house and shook her head. "I just moved here, Noah. Finally, I live at the only place that has ever felt like home to me. And you want me to support you on this unbelievable mission of yours to sell it?"

He started to answer but was suddenly caught off guard when a floppy-eared beagle bounded into the room and jumped on his legs.

"Webster!" Amanda shouted and grabbed the dog's collar. "Noah, I'm so sorry. He's very friendly."