“But I don’t want her to die. It’s my job to make sure she lives.” As soon as the hoarsely whispered words were out, Greta realized the impossibility of such a task.

She’d already done everything she could for Astrid, including being willing to marry a complete stranger in order to move to the West. Now the rest was truly in God’s hands. He’d counted Astrid’s days, and nothing Greta did or didn’t do could take away from the number He’d already established.

Someplace inside, she knew all that. Now she just needed to live it out. And let Astrid know she was done trying to control everything. Once she found Astrid, she’d tell her that if she really wanted to stay, they would. Greta wouldn’t fight her anymore but would honor her plea to live out the rest of her life in this one place that had brought her joy.

With fingers now stiff from the cold, Greta finished putting on her stockings and shoes. She twisted her hair into a simple knot, grabbed her cloak, and then crossed to the barn. The door was ajar, and she peered into the dark interior. “Wyatt?”

“He’s down by the river fishing,” came Judd’s sleepy response.

She needed to tell Judd that Astrid was gone again, but the words stuck in her throat. Instead, she backed away from the barn and started toward the river path. Judd would be devastated once more, but she’d wait to tell him, at least until she had the chance to inform Wyatt.

Her heart weighed heavier with each step she took. She was to blame for Astrid running away again. If only she’d listened to the little girl and paid heed to her real needs—especially for belonging and acceptance.

As she passed the chokecherry bush, a furry creature darted out, nearly tripping her. Startled, she halted. A yip was followed by wet paws jumping up on her skirt.

Squinting through the dark shadows of dawn, she made out the pointed snout and floppy ears of a puppy. “Chase?”

Hope spurted through her as she bent and picked up the squirming bundle, who proceeded to lick her face. “Where’s Astrid?” Surely her sister wouldn’t have gone far without the pup.

Did that mean Astrid hadn’t run away after all?

With a racing heart, Greta hurried down the rest of the path. Upon reaching the bank, she didn’t see Wyatt anywhere and guessed he was in his favorite fishing spot upriver. She whispered a prayer that Astrid was with him. Then she set Chase down and let him lead the way.

The pup took off, and Greta stumbled to keep up. Within minutes, the bank opened up into the wide spot, its waters rushing against the large rocks.