His expression changed.
"A man who gave me shelter without asking for anything."
She reached for his hand.
"A man who risked his life to protect me."
His eyes softened.
She smiled through tears.
"So perhaps my uncle knew exactly what he was doing."
For a long moment, he did not speak.
Then he slowly turned his hand beneath hers.
Their fingers intertwined.
He looked toward the creek.
"I haven't wanted anyone close to me since my wife died."
The woman's heart tightened.
"I understand."
He shook his head.
"No."
He turned toward her.
"I'm not sure you do."
She held his gaze.
He continued.
"I thought I was finished with love."
Her breath caught.
"I thought the rest of my life would be snow, horses, and silence."
He smiled faintly.
"Then you arrived."
She laughed nervously.
"Terrified."
"Yes."
"Freezing."
"Yes."
"Unable to breathe."
His expression darkened at the memory.
"Yes."
She lowered her eyes.
"And looking like the worst bride a man could imagine."
He gently lifted her chin.
"No."
She stared.
He spoke slowly.
"You looked like a woman who needed someone to stop hurting her."
Tears slipped down her cheeks.
He brushed one away.
"And now?"
She whispered.
He smiled.
"Now you look like the woman who taught me how to live again."
For several seconds, the world seemed completely still.
The creek.
The wind.
The birds.
Everything faded.
She looked into his pale blue eyes.
Then whispered, "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"
He smiled.
"I hope so."
She laughed through tears.
The mountain man drew a slow breath.
"I love you."
Her eyes widened.
He continued.
"Not because of a bargain."
His voice deepened.
"Not because your father sent you here."
He looked directly into her eyes.
"And not because I owe your uncle a debt."
She trembled.
"I love you because you're brave, and kind, and clever, and because every room feels warmer when you enter it."
She covered her mouth.
He smiled softly.
"And because I haven't looked forward to tomorrow this much in years."
She began crying.
He looked concerned.
"Did I say something wrong?"
She shook her head rapidly.
"No."
He waited.
She laughed through tears.
"No, you said everything right."
Then she leaned forward.
Placed one hand against his cheek.
And kissed him.
Gently.
Carefully.
Without fear.
The mountain man closed his eyes.
For the first time in years, he allowed himself to believe happiness might not be finished with him.
But their future was not yet secure.