But the woman stepped beside the kitchen table.
She picked up a large wooden serving bowl.
Then deliberately dropped it onto the floor near the far window.
The crash echoed across the cabin.
The man outside paused.
A moment later, his shadow moved toward the window to investigate.
The mountain man seized the opportunity.
He reached through the protected side opening and pulled the bell rope.
Once.
Twice.
Then repeatedly.
A deep iron clang rang across the snowy valley.
The men outside shouted.
One fired a shot.
The bullet struck the log wall near the window.
The woman ducked.
Wood splintered above the table.
The wounded visitor cried out.
The mountain man stepped back from the opening.
Another shot struck the door.
Then came a sudden shout from outside.
"Somebody's coming!"
The woman held her breath.
Beyond the storm, another set of hoofbeats approached.
Then a voice called.
"What's happening up there?"
The neighbor.
An older rancher who lived farther down the ridge.
The woman recognized him immediately.
The riders outside began moving.
One cursed.
Another shouted that they had the wrong cabin.
Then horses scrambled through the snow.
The mountain man watched from the window.
For several seconds, he remained still.
Finally he lowered his rifle.
"They're leaving."
The woman exhaled.
Her knees felt weak.
She gripped the table.
The mountain man turned.
Saw her trembling.
Then hurried toward her.
"Are you hurt?"
She shook her head.
"No."
He looked at the damaged wall.
The broken window.
The splintered door.
Then back at her.
His expression changed.
He reached toward her.
Stopped.
Then asked, "May I?"
She stared at his open arms.
For a moment, she wanted nothing more than to step into them.
But her heart was aching in ways the gunfire had not caused.
She nodded.
He embraced her gently.
She held him tightly.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then she whispered, "You should have told me."
He closed his eyes.
"I know."
She leaned back enough to look at him.
"No more secrets."
His voice broke.
"No more."
She studied his face.
Then nodded.
"All right."
Outside, the neighbor called again.
The mountain man moved toward the door.
But before opening it, he looked back at his wife.
"I meant what I said."
She frowned.
"About what?"
He swallowed.
"You're beautiful. I love you. None of that was a lie."
Her eyes filled.
She wanted to believe him.