"And you put it down."
"I should've asked first."
She smiled.
"You did ask afterward."
He brushed a strand of hair away from her face.
She continued.
"You could've demanded anything that night."
His expression became serious.
"No."
She looked at him.
He shook his head.
"I couldn't."
She smiled softly.
"That's why I fell in love with you."
The mountain man went completely still.
For several seconds, he didn't move.
Then he whispered, "What?"
Her cheeks flushed.
She laughed nervously.
"Oh, don't make me say it twice."
He stepped closer.
"Sweetheart..."
She looked up.
"I love you."
His eyes shone.
He cupped her face gently.
"I've wanted to say that for weeks."
She smiled.
"Then perhaps you should."
He leaned down.
"I love you."
She closed her eyes.
He kissed her forehead.
Then her cheek.
Then her lips.
The kiss was slow and filled with tenderness.
When they parted, she rested her hands against his chest.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then she smiled mischievously.
"Do you suppose the widow would make us a wedding cake?"
The mountain man stared.
"A what?"
She laughed.
"A wedding cake."
His eyebrows rose.
"Are you proposing to me?"
She tilted her head.
"Would that trouble your pride?"
He laughed.
"Not one bit."
She stepped back slightly.
"Then answer carefully."
The mountain man studied her.
Then he reached for her hands.
"Before I answer, there's something I need to ask."
She smiled.
"What?"
He took a slow breath.
"Will you marry me?"
Her eyes widened.
He continued.
"Not because your father made a bargain. Not because I paid twenty dollars. Not because you need a roof or someone to protect you."
He swallowed.
"Will you marry me because you want to build a life together?"
Tears filled her eyes.
For a moment, she couldn't speak.
Then she laughed through them.
"Yes."
His face changed.
She squeezed his hands.
"Yes, you foolish mountain man."
He laughed.
Then lifted her gently into his arms.
She wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Careful!"
He grinned.
"I've carried heavier."
She raised an eyebrow.
He immediately shook his head.
"That came out wrong."
She burst into laughter.
He kissed her.
And for the first time, the future didn't feel like a bargain made by someone else.
It felt like something they'd chosen together.
They married in early summer.
The ceremony took place beneath a large pine tree near the northern meadow.
The widow attended.
So did the family they'd rescued during the winter storm.
The county clerk arrived wearing a freshly pressed coat.
Several neighbors brought food.
And the young woman's new attorney came with his wife and a small gift wrapped in brown paper.