“I don't intend to.”
Then he signed.
The deed was executed and placed for recording through the appropriate office.
He didn't tell Evelyn immediately.
It was another mistake born from the habit of trying to arrange the world before inviting her into the decision.
Eleven days later, she found the copy in the leather-bound book.
And that was when their future changed.
The late-afternoon sunlight filled the barn as Evelyn finished reading the deed.
Caleb sat beside her on the reinforced platform, his face pale.
The old book lay open across her lap.
For a long time, she said nothing.
Then she turned toward him.
“Why didn't you ask me?”
Caleb looked down.
“I thought it was the right thing.”
“That wasn't my question.”
He swallowed.
“I didn't want you to feel you had to make room for me just because I helped.”
Evelyn stared.
Then she placed her hand against his cheek.
“Caleb, you've done something extraordinary. And generous. And terribly foolish.”
He gave a weak smile.
“I've been called worse.”
She didn't laugh.
“You've surrendered the one thing that was unquestionably yours.”
He nodded.
“Then what happens if we lose the rest of the ranch?”
Caleb looked toward the mountains.
“I'll find work.”
Evelyn shook her head.
“No.”
His expression tightened.
She continued.
“You're not going to turn yourself into a homeless wanderer because you think love requires you to suffer.”
Caleb's eyes filled.
For a moment, he seemed unable to speak.
Then whispered, “I didn't know how else to give you something that mattered.”
Evelyn stared at him.
Her expression softened.
Then she looked toward the open barn doors.
“Do you know what I remember most about the night we met?”
Caleb frowned.
“The snow?”
She smiled faintly.
“No.”
He waited.
Evelyn continued.
“When the wagon nearly overturned, you didn't order the driver to move while I was still frightened. You waited until I could breathe.”
Caleb looked toward her.
She took his hand.
“You gave me a choice. That mattered more than you can imagine.”
His eyes filled.
She continued.
“And every day since, you've been helping me remember that I'm allowed to have one.”
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then Evelyn smiled through tears.
“So here's my choice.”
Caleb looked up.