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At least the paparazzi had mostly lost interest. Only one stubborn photographer remained, and he’d been sitting across from the school when they came out. She spotted his vehicle pulling onto the road behind them as she left the parking lot.

Apparently, he had nothing better to do tonight. At least driving Rissa home wouldn’t raise any suspicions after the guy had watched them trying to jump-start the truck. As far as he knew, she was simply giving the sheriff’s daughter a ride home.

Rissa ran her hand over the dash. “I love this car.”

“So do I.”

“I still can’t believe Dad arrested you in it.”

The reminder made her grin as she slowed for an intersection. Her first encounter with the sheriff hadn’t gone the way she’d expected when she drove into Antelope Rock.

“Your father has many fine qualities. Appreciating a beautiful automobile isn’t one of them.”

Rissa laughed. “Oh, he likes your car a lot. I guarantee it.”

“He likes giving me speeding tickets.”

“He gave you two.”

“Exactly. Two too many.”

She turned onto the road to Grady’s house, keeping to the speed limit while the photographer still trailed them.

Over the past few weeks, she'd gotten to know Rissa much better, especially since she'd continued helping with the musical after finishing her required hours. The girl was smart, funny, and sometimes far too observant for Amanda’s comfort. She'd also inherited her father's tendency to say exactly what was on her mind.

“You know, Dad’s been really happy lately.”

Case in point.

Keeping her attention on the road, she asked, “Has he?”

“Yep.”

“I’m glad.”

“And you know why.”

She could practically hear the teenager’s grin without looking at her. “Rissa.”

“What? I’m just saying.”

Fighting a smile, she shook her head. Keeping the paparazzi from discovering her relationship with Grady had required some creativity over the past two weeks. Several times, Fen drove her to Skyview Ranch, where Willow and Nathan greeted them. Then Grady would come over from the adjoining JP Ranch on an ATV to collect her or stay for dinner first. The arrangement gave them a few more nights together at the cottage without the remaining photographer figuring out where she was going or who she was with, other than her newfound friends.

They also shared dinners at both ranches—sometimes with Fen, Rissa, and Aunt Edith—giving Amanda time with everyone outside the chaos of filming. She'd met all six children between the two ranch families and learned how Dale and Jeremiah had become foster parents to three siblings after their parents died in a car accident, eventually adopting them rather than allowing them to be separated.

Each visit made her feel less like a visitor and more like she belonged with the close-knit group. Which was probably why Rissa’s next words landed harder than they should have.

“I approve, by the way.”

“Of what?”

“You and Dad.”

Even though she’d expected that answer, a laugh escaped her. “I’m relieved to hear it.”

“I’m serious. You make him happy.” The teasing had disappeared from Rissa’s voice.

Amanda returned her attention to the road. “Your dad makes me happy too.”