“I hope she’ll want to stay with me.” He tightened his fingers against Greta’s and tugged her closer. “’Cause, the truth is, I love your sister and want her to be my wife. Forever.”

At his bold declaration, Greta’s breath got lost somewhere inside her. When he gently turned her to face him, he tipped her chin up, giving her no choice but to meet his gaze, which was brimming with love and longing and a plea to stay. “I mean it,” he whispered. “I love you.”

The words to respond got lost inside too. Instead, she reached up and cupped his cheek, hoping he could read her love in return.

“I’m glad you love Greta and want us to stay.” Astrid stood and let the water drip off her bony body. “But I’ve decided to live here at the hot spring.”

“Astrid!” Greta released Wyatt. “Don’t be silly.”

“I figure I’ll be better out here where I won’t be causing trouble for anyone.”

Greta held in her exasperation. “You can’t live on your own—”

“Just admit it. You’d be lots better off without me.” Astrid balled her fists at her sides as though daring Greta to walk over and make her leave. “So why do you care where I live?”

Greta hoped Wyatt would step in and take over the conversation again. But this time, he was silent, and rightly so. This was between her and Astrid, and there wasn’t anything he could say to make the problem go away.

“Of course I care where you live.” She tried to stay calm like Wyatt had done moments ago.

“All I’ve ever been to you and to everyone is a burden!” Astrid’s eyes were glassy with tears. “And now I don’t have to be anymore.”

“You’re not a burden.” But even as Greta spoke, the truth barreled into her. Astrid was simply following her example. She’d always considered herself a burden to everyone she’d lived with, and now Astrid was doing the same.

Regret welled in Greta’s chest. “I never meant for you to feel like you’re a burden to me, because you’re not.”

“I am.” Tears rolled down her sister’s cheeks. “You wouldn’t have had to move here if not for me. If not for me, you’d be able to sleep better at night. And you wouldn’t have so much work and worry.”

With her heart breaking, Greta started forward through the tall grass, winding her way around the hot spring. Everything Astrid said was true, and yet Greta didn’t care. Astrid was more important than all the inconveniences and sacrifices and work. And somehow, she had to convince the little girl of that.