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back downstairs. Would you like to take a walk?”
    “ It’s a bit chilly outside.”
    “ Come on, Miss Chicago. You can take this mild Texas weather!” he teased. “It’s warmer than it’s been in weeks. Why are you being such a wimp?”
    She pushed her chair back and stood. “You’re going to regret that.”
    “ So, get revenge on our walk,” he grabbed her hand and pulled her from the room.
    Once outside, Amanda had to admit she did feel a bit invigorated. She gazed at the sky full of stars, and walked slowly beside Noah. “Ok, now that we’re alone. I want the full scoop.”
    Turning to her, his eyes twinkled. “What scoop?”
    “ On the book-length version.”
    “ What are you talking about, crazy woman?”
    “ Come on, remember our discussion at the general store yesterday? I told you I wanted the story on your venture into the furniture business.”
    He stopped abruptly and sighed. “There is no story, Amanda. I told you it’s a hobby that turned into a nice little business.”
    “ And you’re very good at it, Noah, but what guided you to this business? Why do you want to make furniture and not run Moonlight Ranch one day?” Amanda saw a muscle flex in his jaw as he clenched his teeth.
    He closed his eyes patiently. When he opened them again, he smiled. "Why are you a web page designer?”
    Baffled by his question, she laughed. “Because I went to college and found that career very interesting. And I love what I do. But it’s not the same as your situation because you were born into ranching. You don’t have to search for a career like I had to. Ranching has been and always will be here for you--”
    “ Very nice, but listen to what you just said. You’re saying that I don’t have a choice. I’m expected to take over the ranch. Is that right?”
    “ Noah, Moonlight Ranch is your family business. What happened to make you want nothing to do with it?”
    He shifted uncomfortably; convinced that she wouldn’t understand the reason he wanted to detach himself from the ranch. How could she? She loved the ranch, while he has felt trapped by it his whole life.
    Twisting her lips into a pout, Amanda walked a few paces toward the corral. Noah was mulling a little too long on her question. “You’re not going to answer me, are you?”
    “ Nope,” he kicked up some dirt with the tip of his boot and joined her at the corral. A couple of horses were trotting playfully beneath the moonlight, not in the least eager to retire for the night. Tearing his gaze from the horses, he sent Amanda an amused glance. “Let’s talk about something else. Like why a great girl like you isn’t married yet.”
    “ No, let’s not talk about that--”
    “ Why not?” he nudged her with an elbow, observing that her face had turned pink from the cold. Her eyes seemed brighter, contrasting against her ruddy cheeks. Abruptly, he looked away before he became lost in her fathomless eyes.
    “ Because it’s a question I’m asked all the time!” she sighed, feeling defensive. She wondered if every unmarried woman over twenty-five felt the same as she did. Yes, she wanted to get married! But no, she was not in a rush! So why was everyone else in a rush to see her married off to any old guy? And now Noah was wondering!
    He flashed her a mischievous smile. “None of your boyfriends up in Chicago wanted to get hitched--”
    “ Noah,” she chimed in, “When I did have the chance to date in Chicago, it never became serious. Plus, the guys I met there were all consumed with themselves.”
    “ So,” he pressed. “Not one proposal?”
    She threw her arms into the air. “Ok, I confess! Just one. I went out with a guy for a couple of months but he just wasn’t...the one. He was obviously convinced, however, that I was the woman for him because he proposed. Of course I turned him down.”
    “ What kind of guy are you looking for then?” A wide grin formed on his lips.
    “ The man I marry will be someone who makes me