But this time, he also felt pride.
Not pride in possessing her.
Pride that he'd been fortunate enough to work beside her.
They brought the injured rancher home using the horse and a carefully arranged support. His wife met them at the door, frightened and grateful, and immediately began preparing warm water.
Martha helped settle him near the fire.
Caleb examined the damaged bridge.
He promised to return with tools when the weather improved.
Then the rancher's wife took Martha aside.
"I don't know how we'd have managed without you."
Martha smiled faintly.
"You would've done the same."
The older woman looked toward Caleb, who was speaking quietly with Jonah.
Then she returned her attention to Martha.
"That man watches you differently than he did a month ago."
Martha felt her face warm.
She looked down.
"Mr. Montgomery is kind."
The woman smiled.
"He's learning."
Martha looked toward Caleb.
For a moment, their eyes met.
He smiled.
A small, honest smile.
Martha returned it.
Then she looked away, feeling something flutter in her chest that she hadn't experienced in years.
Hope.
It frightened her.
But not enough to make her want it gone.
On the return journey, Caleb walked beside Martha through the snow.
The horse followed behind them.
For a long time, neither spoke.
Then Caleb stopped near the ridge where the valley opened toward the distant mountains.
"Martha?"
She turned.
"Yes?"
He looked uncomfortable.
"I want to say something."
She waited.
Caleb took a breath.
"The day we met, I said I needed a strong wife."
Her smile faded.
He continued quickly.
"I was wrong about what strength looked like."
Martha stared.
Caleb looked toward the valley.
"Today, I saw you think clearly when everybody else was frightened. You kept Jonah calm. You helped his father without putting yourself in unnecessary danger."
He turned back toward her.
"That is strength."
Martha's eyes filled.
She tried to speak.
Caleb shook his head gently.
"You don't have to say anything."
For a moment, she stood silently in the falling snow.
Then she whispered, "I've spent my whole life trying to prove that."
Caleb nodded.
"I know."
She looked toward him.
He continued.
"And I made you prove it all over again when you arrived."
Martha lowered her eyes.
Caleb took a slow breath.
"I won't ask you to forget what I said. But I hope you'll let me spend the time we have showing you that I don't believe it anymore."
She stared at him.
For several seconds, neither moved.
Then Martha slowly held out her hand.
Caleb looked at it.
He didn't reach immediately.
"Are you certain?"
She nodded.
He removed his glove.
Then he took her hand gently.
Her fingers were cold, but her grip was steady.
They stood together beneath the pale winter sky, the horse waiting patiently behind them.