Mandy seemed happy enough now, but how would she react when her mommy started to leave? This had been Ryan’s idea, of course. She’d mentioned that she wanted to go to a country sale to try and pick up some shelves for the third-floor room. Discovering that the sale was being held only a few miles from the farm, he’d proposed that Mandy stay with Nolie while he borrowed Gabe’s truck and went with Laura to the sale. She’d have refused, but he’d brought it up in front of Mandy, and she’d been so happy at the idea of seeing the puppies again that she hadn’t been able to say no. Ryan fell into step with her as they crossed the soft grass to where Nolie was hugging Mandy. The farmhouse seemed to spread out welcoming arms to them, and tulips nodded brightly along the edge of the porch. “Relax,” he said. “Nolie will take good care of her. She’s great with children.” “I know she will. I’m just not used to leaving Mandy with anyone.” He clasped her hand, swinging it lightly.
