Her beautiful eyes welled with tears. “I hate that I’m causing you so much trouble.”

It was nearly the same thing she’d said to him that afternoon in the barn before Brawley’s visit. “You’re not causing trouble.”

“That’s not true. Since you brought us here, Astrid and I have only made your life more complicated and worrisome.”

“You’ve made my life better and more bearable.”

She shook her head, and tears spilled over and down her cheeks. “You’re too nice, Wyatt. But I know how much of a hassle we are, especially with Astrid being sick.”

“Ah, darlin’.” The word of endearment slipped out before he could censure it. And with it said, he threw the rest of his caution away, wound his arms around her, and pulled her close.

She pressed her face into him, her tears dampening his shirt.

How would he convince her she wasn’t a hassle? “I’m mighty glad I was there in town at the right time to get you. I’m the lucky one.”

He meant every word he said, and he hoped to reassure her. But a sob escaped, and she buried her face deeper into his chest, muffling more sobs.

For crying-in-the-rain. He brushed his hand over her back. “I’m sorry, darlin’. I don’t want to hurt you, but it seems that’s all I’m good for.”

She pulled back then and half laughed through her tears. “Oh, Wyatt. I like you.”

“Then you’ll forgive me for using you to get the cattle deal?”

“Yes, but only if you’ll forgive me for using you to have a safe place for Astrid.”

“There ain’t nothin’ to forgive. You were desperate.”

“So were you.” Her cheeks were splotchy and her eyes red, but she’d never looked more beautiful as she peered up at him, her lashes still wet but her eyes filled with—love?

Was it possible she loved him? Not just liked?

His heartbeat stuttered forward, picking up its pace. Now wasn’t the time or place for making a declaration of his own love for her. But he needed her to understand that he didn’t want her to leave.

Maybe if he reassured her he was serious. “I’m gonna tell Steele to call off the cattle bargain and let him know we’re not having a babe—”

“No.” She grabbed his shirt. “You can’t do that, Wyatt. You need the cattle now more than ever.”

He straightened and stood taller. He’d already made up his mind and wasn’t about to let her sway him. “I need to be a man of truth more than anything.”

Her fists tightened in the fabric. Her lips pursed as though she wanted to protest but was holding herself back.