Nathaniel stared into the flames.
For several minutes, neither spoke.
Finally, he whispered.
“I thought I wasn't coming home.”
Clara looked toward him.
“What?”
He swallowed.
“The snow came faster than I expected.”
His voice was rough.
“For a while, I couldn't find the lower trail.”
Clara's eyes filled.
He looked toward her.
“I kept thinking about this house.”
She took his hand.
Nathaniel continued.
“The fire.”
He swallowed.
“The light in the window.”
For a moment, his voice broke.
“And you.”
Clara stared.
He looked down.
“I never used to care whether anybody was waiting.”
Her eyes filled.
“Nathaniel.”
He shook his head.
“I told myself I liked the quiet.”
For several seconds, he remained silent.
Then he looked directly into her eyes.
“But tonight, all I wanted was to come home to you.”
Clara began crying.
Not loudly.
Just tears that spilled down her cheeks before she could stop them.
She moved closer.
Nathaniel reached toward her face.
His right hand gently touched her cheek.
“Clara?”
She smiled through tears.
“Yes?”
He took a breath.
“I think I'm falling in love with you.”
For a moment, she couldn't speak.
Then she laughed softly.
A trembling, joyful laugh.
Nathaniel looked startled.
“What?”
She shook her head.
“Nothing.”
His expression became uncertain.
“Did I say something foolish?”
Clara smiled.
“Only that you're falling rather slowly.”
He stared.
Then laughed.
She touched his face.
“Nathaniel Carter, I've loved you since the day you built a wagon strong enough to bring me home.”
His eyes filled.
For a moment, he looked overwhelmed.
Then he whispered.
“May I kiss you?”
Clara smiled.
“Yes.”
He leaned forward.
Their lips met.
It was a gentle kiss.
Unhurried.
Filled with months of loneliness, fear, and affection neither had known how to name.
When they parted, Nathaniel rested his forehead against hers.
For a moment, he closed his eyes.
Then whispered.
“I don't know what happens to the ranch.”
Clara held his face.
“Neither do I.”
He opened his eyes.
She smiled.
“But I know I'd rather face it beside you.”
Nathaniel took a breath.
Then asked.
“Would you marry me?”
Clara stared.
For a moment, her smile disappeared in surprise.
“You're proposing while injured?”
He laughed softly.
“Bad timing?”
She shook her head.
“Terrible.”
Nathaniel smiled.
“Then I'll ask again when I can stand properly.”
Clara began laughing through tears.