Wyatt hoisted her up into a hug. “It’s mighty fine,” he said as she wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed. “Better than anything I’ve ever seen Judd make.”

Astrid laughed and the sound wafted around Greta, sweeter than the jam bubbling in the pot. She couldn’t keep from smiling, a sense of completeness settling inside, that this place, these men, this life was where she and Astrid finally might belong.

And she couldn’t keep from liking Wyatt better every day, especially when she witnessed him interacting this way with Astrid. His tenderness and attentiveness melted Greta’s heart. Not many men could be as strong and rugged as Wyatt and yet display such gentleness with a little girl.

Wyatt claimed that Astrid reminded him of his sister and that’s why he was able to interact with her like he did. But as Greta got to know him, the more she realized he was a man of deep character and principle, and the more she was amazed that he’d chosen to marry her.

As Wyatt returned Astrid to the ground, his gaze snagged on Greta above the girl’s head. He straightened and seemed to give himself permission to look at her boldly, taking her in with an appreciation that did strange things to her insides.

She quickly turned her attention to Astrid, who was now throwing herself upon Judd. The older man lowered himself and hugged her back, then pulled away to examine the blanket. “It’s real good.”

“Then you’ll teach me to ride?” Astrid hopped on first one leg, then the other.

“If Greta says you’re fit.”

All eyes turned in her direction. Greta smoothed back her flyaway hair and then twirled one of the loose strands around her finger.

“Please, Greta?” Astrid pleaded. “Please say yes.”

“If you promise to lie down for a little bit first.” Greta couldn’t say no to Astrid getting on a horse even if the thought worried her.

“I promise.”

“Then come on inside and let the men see to their mounts while you rest.”

“Yay!” Astrid clapped and skipped back to the cabin.

Greta’s gaze connected with Wyatt’s again, and this time they shared a smile at Astrid’s joy. Someday maybe they’d be sharing smiles over their own children.

They would have children, wouldn’t they?

The very thought made her flush, and before Wyatt could read her wayward thoughts, she spun around. When she was inside the cabin away from his probing gaze, she pressed her hands against her cheeks and tried to still the erratic beating of her heart.