“You didn’t?” The tension eased from his body.

“Thomas wanted to kiss,” she said hesitantly, almost as if she regretted her decision to hold back. “But to be perfectly honest, I wasn’t attracted to him in that way.”

“You mean the way you are to me?” He tried to keep his tone light, but he hoped she’d give him a serious reply. Was she interested in him now that they’d had time to get to know each other?

“You’re the first man I’ve kissed.” As soon as her admission was out, she tucked her chin. It wasn’t exactly an answer to his question, but it was telling.

“Good. I want to be the only man you kiss.” A part of him couldn’t believe they were sitting together having this kind of conversation. But another part wanted to connect with her more deeply, to earn her trust, and win her affection.

Out in the hay field, he’d told himself he had to keep things friendly-like with her. But he couldn’t deny he wanted a whole lot more than just friendship. He wanted her to be his wife in body, soul, and spirit. Was that possible?

He tried to put together the right words to let her know he was aiming to have a good marriage. Before he could say anything, Astrid stretched and yawned noisily, and Greta turned her attention to the girl.

He stood and gathered the fishing supplies. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched her hug Astrid and then tickle her, earning giggles that filled the air, a sound sweeter than any other.

Sober reality settled around Wyatt. Greta had married him for one reason and only one—so Astrid could stay in the high country and have a chance at getting better. If the child didn’t improve, what would Greta do? Would she stick with the marriage? Or would she be off trying to find the next best cure, leaving him and his cattle ranch far behind?

The honest truth was that even if Greta decided to stay, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to make a go of the ranch in the long run anyway. What if he failed at it? Failed her?

There was no sense blathering on about his feelings or carrying on with her. Not until autumn was over and she decided if she wanted to stay on with him. For now, he’d do well to keep busy and keep his mind from going where it didn’t need to.

Chapter 14

After almost two months in Colorado, Astrid wasn’t better. Not even a little bit.