Instead, she crossed the room.
Placed her arms around his waist.
And rested her cheek against his chest.
Caleb closed his eyes.
Then wrapped his arms around her.
For several seconds, they stood without speaking.
Finally, he whispered, "I never thought I'd have this."
Clara looked up.
"What?"
He glanced around the cabin.
Then back at her.
"Somebody waiting for me to come home."
Her eyes filled.
She smiled.
"Well, you'd better get used to it."
He laughed softly.
Then lowered his forehead toward hers.
For a moment, he looked almost shy.
"Clara."
She raised her eyes.
"Yes?"
He hesitated.
Then asked, "Would you stay?"
Her expression changed.
He swallowed.
"I don't mean because you're frightened. Or because you need somewhere safe while we finish this."
She stared.
He continued.
"I mean afterward."
For a moment, he seemed unable to find the words.
Then he took her hands.
"Whatever happens with Voss. Whatever happens with the investigation. When all this is finished, would you stay here with me?"
Tears slipped down Clara's cheeks.
She looked toward his face.
The rugged beard.
The scars.
The hazel eyes that had frightened half the town and somehow become the safest place she'd ever known.
Then she smiled.
"Caleb Hart."
He swallowed.
She squeezed his hands.
"I've been trying to tell you for months."
His eyes widened slightly.
She laughed through tears.
"Yes."
He stared.
She continued.
"I want to stay."
For a moment, he looked stunned.
Then he lifted her gently into his arms.
Clara laughed.
He held her close.
His face buried against her hair.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then Caleb whispered, "I love you."
The words were so quiet she almost missed them.
But she heard.
And they changed something inside her.
She touched his face.
"I love you too."
He kissed her.
Not cautiously this time.
Not with the terrible fear that loving someone meant placing them in danger.
With the tenderness of a man who had finally allowed himself to believe another person could choose him freely.
When they separated, Clara rested her forehead against his.
She smiled through tears.
Then whispered, "You know, you still haven't asked me properly."
Caleb frowned.
"What?"
She raised one eyebrow.
"Whether I'll marry you."
His expression changed.
For a moment, he looked almost alarmed.