During the worst storms, he'd sent his horse along familiar, sheltered sections of the trail only when necessary to check nearby pastures, but he had not been able to reach the main ranch for weeks.
The animals had access to sheltered feed stores and protected grazing areas, yet the delay worried him.
He would need to inspect fences, check water sources, and repair whatever winter had damaged.
She understood.
But understanding did not prevent her from feeling afraid.
For weeks, he had filled her cabin with conversation.
He had brought wood to the fire.
He had washed dishes.
He had laughed at her jokes.
He had kissed her goodnight.
Now the time was approaching when he would ride away.
One afternoon, she found him examining the trail from the porch.
He had been standing outside for several minutes.
His expression was serious.
She moved toward the doorway, using the rail beside the wall.
“The ridge is opening?”
He turned.
“A little.”
She nodded.
He looked toward the mountains.
“Another week of thaw might make the lower trail passable.”
She swallowed.
“Then you'll go home.”
He looked at her.
“Yes.”
The word struck harder than she expected.
She lowered her eyes.
He noticed.
“Darling.”
She shook her head.
“It's all right.”
He stepped closer.
“I have to check the ranch.”
“I know.”
She smiled faintly.
“You have animals depending on you.”
He nodded.
She looked toward the snow.
“I wouldn't ask you to abandon them.”
He reached for her hand.
“I'm not abandoning you either.”
She looked at him.
For a moment, she wanted to believe the words completely.
But she'd lived through enough departures to know how easily promises could change when distance returned.
He noticed her hesitation.
Then he spoke carefully.
“I need to go back. See what's survived the winter. Repair what I can.”
She nodded.
He continued.
“But I'd like to come back afterward.”
She looked up.
“Would you?”
He smiled.
“Unless you want me to stop bringing my terrible coffee.”
A small laugh escaped her.
She shook her head.
“Never.”
He smiled.
Then his expression became serious.
“I don't know yet how we'll arrange everything.”
She watched him.
He continued.
“My ranch is several miles away. Your cabin is here. We both have homes we worked hard to keep.”
She nodded slowly.
“But I want us to find a way.”
Her eyes filled.
He squeezed her hand.
“Not a way that requires you to give up everything. A way we choose together.”
She stared at him.
Then whispered, “I'd like that.”
He smiled.
“Good.”