Brushed away loose soil.
And stared at the tender green leaf.
For a moment, she felt an almost foolish happiness.
Then she called toward the woodshed.
"Caleb!"
He appeared carrying a piece of timber.
"What?"
"Come here."
He crossed the yard.
She pointed.
He looked down.
"An onion?"
Clara laughed.
"Yes."
He smiled.
"Looks determined."
"It is."
She touched the soil.
The ground was still cold.
But life was returning.
She looked toward the fields.
Soon they would need planting.
Seed potatoes.
Beans.
Cabbages.
Peppers started indoors.
Onions.
Hardy crops suited to the short mountain season.
Clara had saved what she could.
So had the other families.
The schoolhouse seed reserve remained intact.
And the first shipment of additional seed was expected when the road opened fully.
For the first time, survival no longer meant only making food last.
It meant making food grow.
Clara stood.
Caleb offered his hand.
She took it.
He looked toward the little green shoot.
"Your mother would've liked that."
Clara nodded.
"Very much."
He smiled.
Then looked toward her.
"Would you mind if I asked you something?"
Her heart quickened.
"What?"
He glanced toward the cabin.
Then back at her.
"Not here."
Clara frowned.
"Why not?"
He smiled nervously.
"Because I've been thinking about it all winter, and I'd like to do it properly."
She stared.
For a moment, she wondered whether he intended to propose marriage.
Then she told herself not to be foolish.
Caleb had only begun courting her at Christmas.
They had shared kisses.
Long conversations.
A few afternoons together when the weather allowed.
But marriage was a serious decision.
Especially between two people accustomed to living independently.
She smiled.
"All right."
He looked relieved.
"Tomorrow?"
She nodded.
"Tomorrow."
For the rest of the day, Clara found it difficult to concentrate.
She dropped a spool of thread.
Forgot where she placed the garden ledger.
And nearly added salt to a jar of dried apples instead of the stew.
Hester Pike noticed.
She came to the homestead carrying a basket of sewing work.
She studied Clara's face.
"What's happened?"