Amanda wanted to follow them but Noah shook his head. So, she stayed behind, her mind spinning with anxious thoughts. Worrying about Thomas. She jumped from her chair when Noah reappeared.

His brows were drawn together with concern. Placing a hand on hers, he looked into her deep blue eyes. "He's not well."

She blinked back tears. "Tell me, Noah. What's wrong with him?"

"He has emphysema from smoking way too much and way too long. He's been battling it for years now."

"Is he getting worse?"

"I'm afraid so. That's why I came back to the ranch, Amanda. I spoke to Maria a couple of weeks ago and she told me he wasn't doing well. So I dropped what I was doing in Dallas and came back here as quick as I could."

"What can I do to help him?"

"Just being here is helping him. He's always adored you," his eyes held hers in a locked gaze. "And so have I, by the way."

"Y-you're always catching me off guard, Noah West," she tried to pull her hand away but he squeezed it tighter.

"Dad fell asleep almost as soon as I helped him to his bed. So, I don't know if he'll be coming back downstairs. Would you like to take a walk?"

"It's a bit chilly outside."