They sat in silence, taking in the landscape, letting the gentle morning breeze cool them as the sun warmed their heads. As with other times when she’d surveyed the wilderness, her thoughts turned heavenward with silent thanksgiving to the Creator who’d made such wonders.

But even as her heart swelled with praise to a God who was big enough to make the mountains and valleys and everything in between, her own insignificance taunted her. Why would the Lord of the universe care about someone so unimportant, small, and inadequate? Although she’d been taught to say her prayers, and did so regularly, she’d always wondered why God would listen to her. Not when He was busy with other more important matters elsewhere.

Of course, her stepmother and Thomas’s father, the pastor at her Illinois church, had assured her the Lord heard everyone, from the least of them to the greatest, and that He didn’t answer every prayer the way they wanted since He knew what they needed better than they did.

Greta understood that, and she believed it. But she still couldn’t shake the feeling that her concerns were too trivial for so great a God, especially her concerns over Astrid’s health. If only she had a stronger faith . . .

When Wyatt nudged his horse on, she released a sigh and put the thoughts from her mind. They rode a short distance farther into the wooded hillside before he stopped and slid down.

She was off her horse before he could come around to assist her. Already she spotted the pale purple huckleberries near the forest floor. The small plants bearing the berries were loaded, bent with the weight of the fruit.

They picked together until the area was cleared and one of their bags was full. Then they rode to another shaded grove covered with the berries. This time, she picked alone while he hiked off with his rifle to hunt, telling her he’d be no more than a hoot and holler away. Although she worked quickly and efficiently, her progress was slower by herself. And too quiet.

During his absence, she realized she’d enjoyed spending time with him. They hadn’t spoken of anything deep or revealing, but he was easy to talk to, knowledgeable, and interesting.

He reminded her of Thomas with his willingness to engage in conversation and treat her like a friend. But a current of something more told her Wyatt was no mere friend. Thomas had been ordinary, never standing out in a crowd. But Wyatt was so ruggedly handsome she couldn’t keep from noticing him. And while Thomas had always brought her a sense of peace and comfort, Wyatt made her pulse patter faster with strange anticipation.