For several seconds, she simply stared at him. Then she set down the bucket and followed him outside, where they spent the next hour examining the wall, discussing wind direction, and calculating how much lumber he'd need.
Caleb discovered that Martha understood far more than household work. She knew how to estimate materials, identify timber beginning to rot, and calculate the supplies needed for a repair. She also knew how to read account books, compare prices, and recognize when a merchant was charging more than the goods were worth.
He found himself enjoying the conversation.
When she suggested using salvaged boards from an old storage shed, he initially dismissed the idea. Then she pointed out that the boards were sound, properly seasoned, and protected from the worst weather. He examined them more carefully and realized she was right.
"That'll save two trips down the mountain," he admitted.
Martha smiled. "And leave us more time before the snow deepens."
Caleb looked toward her. It was the first time she'd spoken of their work as something they shared.
He liked the sound of it.
That evening, he found himself setting out two mugs before she returned from bringing in the final armful of firewood. When she entered, he poured coffee into both without being asked.
She stared at the second mug.
"Is that for me?"
He looked embarrassed. "Unless you've got another woman hidden in the pantry."
Martha laughed. It was a beautiful, unguarded sound, and Caleb discovered he wanted to hear it again.
He carried that thought with him long after the cabin grew quiet.
Several days later, the first serious storm arrived.
It began as a thin veil of snow before noon, but by midafternoon the wind was strong enough to bend the smaller pines. Caleb had been repairing a gate near the lower pasture when the weather changed. He secured the tools, checked the horses, and hurried back toward the cabin as the sky darkened.
Martha was outside when he arrived, struggling to fasten a loose section of canvas over the stacked firewood. Her skirt whipped around her legs, and snow gathered in her hair. She had already tied one corner securely and was reaching for the other when Caleb approached.
"What are you doing out here?" he shouted above the wind.
"Keeping the wood dry!"
"Leave it! Get inside!"
Martha shook her head. "The last corner's loose. We need that wood!"
Caleb reached for the rope and secured it with a quick knot. Then he guided her toward the porch without touching her, keeping himself between her and the strongest gusts. By the time they reached the door, both were breathing hard.
Inside, Martha shook snow from her shawl and began preparing warm water. Caleb studied her for a moment before speaking.
"You should've come in when the wind turned."
She looked up. "So should you."