Three.
Clara became irritated.
Then realized she had told him she did not know when.
He was respecting her.
Infuriating man.
On the twenty-second day, Harlan looked out window.
“Your mountain came down.”
Clara’s heart jumped.
She glared.
Harlan smiled.
Silas entered carrying pelts and a sack.
He stopped when he saw Clara behind counter.
She wore green dress.
His expression changed.
Not in a way that made her feel purchased.
In a way that made her feel seen.
“Hello,” Clara said.
“Hello.”
Harlan suddenly found urgent work in storeroom.
Silas placed sack on counter.
“What is that?”
“Apples.”
Clara stared.
“Where did you find apples in March?”
“Bought from freight wagon.”
“For yourself?”
Silas looked offended.
“No.”
Clara smiled.
“For me?”
“Yes.”
“That sounds dangerous.”
“What?”
“Giving me things.”
He understood.
“No debt.”
She took one apple.
Bit.
Sweet.
Crisp.
She closed her eyes.
Silas watched.
“Good?”
Clara opened eyes.
“Yes.”
He relaxed.
She said:
“I missed you.”
He went still.
Clara enjoyed that.
Silas said:
“I missed you.”
“What did you do about it?”
“Work.”
“That sounds unhealthy.”
“Probably.”
“Did you reorganize shelves?”
“No.”
“Coward.”
He almost smiled.
She asked:
“Where are you staying?”
“Stable loft.”
“There are rooms.”
“I know.”
“Why stable?”
“Cheaper.”
“You have money.”
“Yes.”
“Then?”
Silas looked at her.
“I don’t want you thinking I came to stay near you unless invited.”
Clara stared.
“You rode six hours and brought apples but don’t want me thinking you came for me.”
“I came to trade.”
She looked at pelts.
“Liar.”
His ears reddened.
That pleased her.
Clara said:
“Have supper with me.”
Silas’s eyes lifted.
“Where?”
“Mrs. Pike’s.”
“Crowded.”
“Yes.”
He grimaced.
“Is that punishment?”
“Maybe.”
He accepted.
That was how courtship began.
Slowly.
Not in mountain cabin.
Not under a debt.
In public rooms.
On roads.
At church picnic where Silas looked like he would rather face wolves.
Clara danced once with him.
He was terrible.
“You hunt elk in snow but cannot count three steps.”
“Elk don’t ask me dance.”
“Perhaps they know better.”
She laughed.
Silas smiled.
People stared.