And if you don't come back, she asked, her voice barely more than a whisper. Then I was never the man you believed I was, Cole answered quietly. But I will come back. I swear it. On that treasure we pulled from the mountain.
On the ground that almost buried me alive. On those children who deserve better than empty promises. Ayanna slowly reached out her hand. Cole took it. Their fingers intertwined for a moment that seemed to hold time itself still.
I'll wait until spring, she said at last. But no longer. If you don't return by then, I'll know fate chose a different road for us. You won't have to wait, Cole said. I'll be there.
When they stepped out of the lodge, the entire camp was awake and watching. The river women stood in a wide semicircle. Tala stood at the front, the young men behind her. Cole walked forward, Ayanna at his side. I've made my decision, he said, his voice clear.
I won't choose today, but I give you my word. I'll return in the spring, and when I do, if she'll have me, I'll ask Ayanna to be my wife. A ripple moved through the crowd. Surprise, some disappointment, but also respect. Tala gave a slow nod, a knowing smile touching her lips.
A man who knows how to wait knows what he truly wants, she said. Go then, Cole Maddox. Do what you must, but remember, you have a family here waiting for you. Cole mounted his horse, now strong again. Before he rode off, Ayanna stepped forward and placed something small, wrapped in cloth, into his hand.
For the road, she said softly. And so you don't forget. He opened it later, when the camp had faded into a distant shadow behind him. Inside was a small wooden carving. A hawk.
Mika's symbol. Cole smiled, tucking it close to his chest. The road ahead would be long. Winter would be harsh. He'd have to work for every step to prove he was worthy of the promise he'd made.
But for the first time in years, he had something to ride back to. He had a home waiting. He rode on toward the horizon as the sun rose behind him, lighting the path ahead.
Spring would come soon enough. And when it did, Cole Maddox would keep his word. Because some men run from promises, but the ones that matter always ride back home.