His thoughts returned to the way she’d looked standing in front of the mountain lion, her shoulders braced for an attack, chin jutted with determination. She’d been desperate to save Astrid, so much so she’d placed herself between the girl and the wild animal without a second of hesitation. And now here she was, so desperate to save Astrid she’d sacrificed herself again. By marrying a stranger.

Although he’d only known Greta a short time, she’d already proven herself to be a good and kind woman. The least he could do in return was demonstrate he was worthy of the sacrifice she’d made.

No matter Steele’s pressure for them to have a real marriage, no doubt she’d appreciate having the chance to get to know and trust him before he kissed her a second time.

Chapter 7

The oh-so-handsome Wyatt McQuaid was her husband. Greta wanted to pinch herself and wake up to reality, but she was clinging to the seat with both hands as the wagon bumped over the uneven earth. She didn’t dare let go for fear of falling off.

Mr. Steele had insisted they use his wagon and team to transport them, along with her trunk and bags, back to Wyatt’s ranch. At first, Wyatt had wavered in accepting the offer, only doing so after Mr. Steele insisted.

Now she knew why he’d been reluctant. The ride had been jarring and uncomfortable—more so than the weeks of stagecoach traveling.

The wagon dipped into another rut, tossing her up from the bench and then slamming her back down. She winced. She’d have new bruises in the morning.

She checked over her shoulder to the wagon bed. Cushioned by mounds of hay, Astrid had stopped talking, and her eyes were closed. The little girl had tried valiantly to stay awake to see her new home. But the day had taken its toll on her frail body and now sleep was claiming her.

“Not long now,” Wyatt said above the rattle of the wagon and wheels.

A half-moon overhead drizzled enough light that they’d been able to see their way well enough. The treeless prairie was covered with sage and shrubs, along with pale grass Wyatt said the cattle loved.

He’d spent the majority of the five-mile ride from town answering Astrid’s questions about his ranch. Though Greta had tried to quell her sister’s unyielding stream of curiosity, it had been a useful way to glean more information about the man she’d married.

She learned he had three horses, close to eighteen head of cattle, along with four hens and a rooster. She also discovered that Judd had planted and taken charge of a large vegetable garden, while Wyatt fished trout from the river running through his property and hunted wild game.