The snow began falling again as they left the old mill.
By the time they returned to the cabin, the mountains were disappearing beneath a white sky.
Nathaniel helped Clara settle near the fireplace.
Elena brought tea.
Mateo went to check the livestock.
And Frey arranged for the recovered instrument to be handled through the appropriate legal process.
The document was not a magical solution.
There would still be a hearing.
Hawthorne would challenge it.
The court would examine the evidence.
And Carter Ranch would still face a difficult financial winter.
But for the first time, Nathaniel had something more substantial than hope.
He had evidence.
And standing beside him was the woman who had refused to let his family's history disappear.
That evening, after Frey departed, Nathaniel approached Clara near the fireplace.
She was reading one of Samuel's letters.
He sat beside her.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Nathaniel asked.
“Are you happy?”
She looked up.
The question surprised her.
“Happy?”
He nodded.
“With everything we've found.”
Clara considered.
Then smiled softly.
“I'm relieved.”
Nathaniel studied her.
“Not happy?”
Her eyes filled.
“I wish my father were here.”
His expression softened.
She continued.
“He spent so many years believing he'd failed those families.”
For a moment, her voice broke.
“And now I know he did something brave.”
Nathaniel gently took her hand.
“He'd be proud of you.”
Clara looked toward him.
Tears slipped down her cheeks.
She smiled.
“I hope so.”
Nathaniel lifted her hand to his lips.
Then kissed her fingers.
For a moment, she closed her eyes.
He looked toward the fireplace.
Then whispered.
“I wish my father could meet you.”
Clara smiled through tears.
“What would he think?”
Nathaniel considered.
Then laughed softly.
“He'd tell me I'm finally learning to listen.”
She began laughing.
He smiled.
Then moved closer.
Their foreheads touched.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Finally, Nathaniel whispered.
“Clara, I want to marry you before Christmas.”
Her eyes widened.
“Before Christmas?”
He nodded.
She looked toward the window.
Snow drifted beyond the glass.
The ranch was still struggling.
The legal hearing was approaching.
And neither knew what the new year would bring.
For a moment, she hesitated.
Then Nathaniel gently touched her cheek.
“Not because I need somebody to save the ranch.”
Her eyes filled.
He continued.
“Not because you're good with numbers.”
He smiled faintly.