"I love you too."
He closed his eyes.
For a moment, he looked overwhelmed.
Then he smiled.
A broad, astonished smile.
Loretta laughed.
Elias brought her hand carefully toward his lips and kissed her knuckles.
She watched him.
Then she whispered, "May I ask you something else?"
He nodded.
"Anything."
She looked toward his face.
"Would you kiss me?"
Elias became completely still.
Then his expression softened.
"Gladly."
He leaned toward her slowly, giving her time to change her mind.
She lifted her face.
Their first kiss was gentle.
Neither hurried.
Neither tried to turn the moment into something more than they'd freely chosen.
When they separated, Loretta rested her forehead against his.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then she laughed softly.
Elias smiled.
"What?"
She looked toward the door.
"Twelve winters."
He nodded.
"Twelve."
She returned her gaze to him.
"And you finally found me in a room full of men shouting for supper."
Elias laughed.
"I've always had terrible timing."
Loretta smiled through tears.
Then she whispered, "I think your timing was perfect."
The weeks that followed were quieter.
Not entirely peaceful, because Red Dog remained a mining camp with difficult work, harsh weather, and more problems than any one person could solve. But the Copper Pot began operating under clearer arrangements, and Loretta was finally able to hire reliable help.
Thomas's younger sister joined the kitchen as a paid assistant.
A widowed woman from the neighboring settlement took responsibility for washing and cleaning during the busiest evenings.
And Walter Boone completed several improvements that made the workspace safer and easier to use.
The new preparation benches were arranged at different heights.
Heavy supplies were stored where they could be reached without dangerous lifting.
The path between the stove and serving counter was widened.
And the cookhouse schedule was adjusted so that one exhausted woman wasn't expected to prepare fifty suppers alone.
Loretta insisted on proper wages.
Every worker received an explanation of what they would be paid and what duties were expected.
She kept clear accounts.
And she refused to let anyone suggest that gratitude for employment should replace compensation.
Some men grumbled about the changes.
Most appreciated them.
Food improved.
Service became more predictable.
And the Copper Pot was increasingly known as a place where the rules were firm but fair.
Elias remained.
He helped manage deliveries, repaired equipment, and occasionally went into the mountains to bring back game. When supplies were short, he worked with Loretta to find alternatives rather than simply demanding she manage with less.