He was silent for several heartbeats. Then he shook his head, almost sadly. “I don’t rightly know.”

“Probably not?”

This time he didn’t reply, which gave her the answer she didn’t want. Wyatt hadn’t intended to marry her to help her out or for his old friend Phineas’s sake or even because he wanted the companionship. He’d done it for one reason and one reason alone—for cattle.

Tears stung her eyes. She had to get out of the barn now, before she lost control of her emotions and started sobbing. She didn’t want Wyatt to see how much he’d hurt her.

“Come on, Astrid.” She reached for her sister’s hand. “We need to go pack.”

“No!” Astrid held her arms stiffly at her sides.

“Wait and hear me out.” Wyatt started toward her.

Greta held out her arm to halt him.

He stopped, his beautiful brown eyes tortured. “You gotta believe me, Greta. Things might’ve started out for the wrong reasons, but it ain’t like that anymore.”

She blinked to hold back the tears threatening to spill out.

“I like having you and Astrid around.” His tone was low and sincere. “I like it a real lot.”

Deep inside she sensed the honesty of his confession. He couldn’t have pretended everything.

Even so, how could she trust his motives again? How would she know if he truly cared about her or whether he was trying to win her over to keep Mr. Steele happy?

“It doesn’t matter anymore,” she said more to herself than Wyatt. “I told you I need to take Astrid to Denver, and now knowing you never really wanted us just makes it easier to go.”

“Greta, please.” His expression radiated anguish. “I don’t want to lose you or Astrid.”

“Why?” She forced the question through her tight throat as she slipped off her wedding band. “So you don’t lose your cattle deal with Mr. Steele?”

Without giving him time to answer, she marched to him and thrust the ring into his hand. Then she grabbed Astrid’s arm and headed to the barn door.

Though Astrid struggled against her, Greta held on tightly as she exited and started across the yard. Judd stood silently next to Dolly holding her lead line, no doubt having heard every word of her argument with Wyatt. She could feel him watching Astrid and her with troubled eyes. She suspected he’d known all about Wyatt’s dealings too, and part of her wanted to blame the old ranch hand for staying silent. On the other hand, knowing Judd, he’d likely been an unwilling participant in the whole scheme.

“Wait!” Wyatt strode out of the barn. “Please, Greta, let me say more.”