Amanda stopped typing. Stretching her arms above her head, she yawned. She had been working non-stop since she'd returned to Moonlight Ranch yesterday. Her previous client had been so pleased with the web page she designed for him, he recommended her to two of his business associates. She hoped she could complete both projects before Christmas, which was only two weeks away. Only two weeks away...she thought...her first Christmas at the ranch. With Noah?

Would he spend Christmas at the ranch? Or would it be too hard for him to face the holiday without Thomas? Frowning, Amanda shut down her laptop and closed it. Setting it aside, she slid her hands over the granite desktop and paced around the bedroom. Slowly, she went to the window. She knew he was down there, so why was she torturing herself? He had been around the corral all morning, helping the ranch hands with the horses. Now, as her eyes rounded, she noticed him playing with Stormy.

She pressed her cheek to the window and gazed at Noah. The man she loved. The man who wanted to leave Moonlight Ranch for good. Leave her for good.

Webster suddenly woke from his nap and barked furiously. Amanda whirled around and wagged her finger. "Stop that, Web! What are you barking at?"

A knock at the door caused her to jump. Combing her hair back with her hands, she moved to the door and opened it.