She laughed shakily.
He smiled.
Then his expression became serious.
"I didn't expect to fall in love with you."
Loretta froze.
For several seconds, she couldn't breathe.
Elias looked directly into her eyes.
"But I have."
Tears spilled down her cheeks.
She lifted one hand toward her face.
Elias remained seated.
He didn't move closer.
He knew the words might frighten her.
For years, other people had used affection as a way to demand obedience or gratitude.
He didn't want her to mistake his love for another debt she was expected to repay.
So he continued carefully.
"You don't owe me the same feeling."
Loretta stared.
He took a slow breath.
"Your kindness at Alder Pass saved my life. That doesn't mean your life belongs to me now."
Her eyes filled again.
Elias looked toward the window.
"I've spent most of my years moving from place to place. Hunting. Guiding travelers. Living through winters where nobody cared whether I returned."
He looked back at her.
"Then I came here, and for the first time in a very long while, I found myself wanting to come home to someone."
Loretta's lips trembled.
She whispered, "Elias."
He smiled gently.
"I'm not asking for an answer tonight."
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then Loretta lifted her eyes.
"Would you stay if I asked?"
Elias's expression softened.
"Yes."
She took a trembling breath.
"Even if there's no more trouble to fix?"
He nodded.
"Especially then."
Loretta began crying harder.
Elias looked concerned.
But then she laughed through her tears.
"You're going to think I'm the most foolish woman in Montana."
He shook his head.
"Not a chance."
She took a slow breath.
Then whispered, "I've been afraid to ask you to stay."
Elias became very still.
She looked toward him.
"Every morning, I wondered whether you'd decide your journey was finished. I tried not to think about it. I told myself you'd already given me more kindness than I had any right to expect."
Her voice trembled.
"But when I saw you folding that cloak, I thought I might lose the first man who's ever made me feel beautiful without asking me to change."
Elias's eyes filled.
For several seconds, he couldn't speak.
Then he said, "Loretta, may I come closer?"
She nodded.
He moved his chair beside hers.
For a moment, they looked at each other.
Then Loretta slowly placed her hand in his.
Elias held it gently.
She took a deep breath.