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“If everything works out. We’ll bring over one of our gentlest females and introduce them here first. If Cleo does okay with Gypsy, we’ll transfer her to Skyview and start introducing her to the others.”

“Sounds like a long process.”

“It can be, but there’s no reason to rush it. We want to make sure Cleo adjusts before introducing her to the whole herd.”

She nodded, watching Cleo for another moment. Until this morning, Second Chance Ranch had been an account she followed on her phone. Now she was seeing the network of people behind those videos—the volunteers, neighboring ranches, and others willing to step in when an animal needed something the rescue couldn't provide on its own.

The idea of bringing Life, Restyled there was looking better by the minute.

After saying goodbye to Dale, they continued into the barn. The warmer air was a welcome change from the coolness outside, and the sounds of rustling hay, an occasional hoof stomp, and the creak of wood and leather surrounded her. Overhead lights supplemented the muted daylight coming through the windows and open doors.

Three horses waited for them near the far end, and Amanda's anticipation kicked up another notch. It had been decades since she'd sat in a saddle, but seeing them brought back enough familiarity that she was beginning to think Rissa might be right.

Maybe she hadn't forgotten how to do this after all.

Rissa introduced each horse, explaining their personalities and histories. “These three are permanent residents. We have a few others, too. The staff and volunteers ride them when we’re working with the horses being rehabbed, and we take them out on trail rides so they get plenty of exercise.”

Amanda ran her hand down the nose of a chestnut mare as Rissa continued. “Penny is really sweet and doesn’t spook easily, so I figured she’d be good for you.”

She raised an eyebrow and eyed the teenager. “Because I’m ancient and haven’t ridden in decades?”

“I was going to put it a lot nicer than that.”

“Careful.” She wagged a finger at the teen. “You already called your father old today. You’re running out of adults willing to feed you.”

“Dad has to feed me. It’s the law.”

“Not since you turned eighteen, it isn’t,” Grady called from behind them.

His daughter glanced over her shoulder. “Aaaaand there goes your Father of the Year nomination.”

“Pretty sure I survived eighteen years without one.”

“Keep it up, old man. Just remember, I’ll be the one picking out your nursing home.”

“Not in this lifetime, brat.”

Amanda laughed as Rissa looked far too pleased with herself. They could trade insults all day, but so much affection lay beneath every jab that no one could mistake it for anything but love.

Grady and Rissa each grabbed a saddle from a nearby bench, then carried them over to Penny and another horse named Hank. While Grady set to work on the bay gelding, Amanda stroked Penny's neck, watching Rissa settle the saddle onto the mare’s back and reach beneath her for the girth.

“Rissa,” a young woman called out from the open doors at the far side of the barn. “Can you give me a hand with something?”

“Sure.” She turned to her father. “Dad, can you finish her up for me?”

Grady slowly turned his head toward his daughter, one eyebrow rising. Amanda pressed her lips together to keep from smiling.

“I thought you were riding with us,” he said.

“I was, but Jess needs help.”

“We can wait.”

“No need. It might take a while, and you know the trails.” She gave him an innocent look that might have been more convincing if Amanda hadn’t already caught her matchmaking at dinner the night before. “I’ll text you when I’m done and catch up with you.”

Grady stared at her a moment longer, then moved over to Penny. “Uh-huh.”

“What?”