There was nothing left to come back to. Mar's chest tightened. Every time I see a woman alone with kids, Silas continued. I think about her, about what it must have been like dying alone, scared, with no one to help. He looked up at Mara, his eyes dark and haunted.
I couldn't save them, but maybe I can save you. Mara's eyes burned. You don't owe me anything. I know. Then why?
Because maybe it'll mean something. His voice was barely above a whisper. Maybe if I save enough people, it'll make up for the ones I couldn't. Mara understood. She understood grief.
The kind that carved you hollow. The kind that made you want to do impossible things just to fill the emptiness. She reached across the fire and placed her hand on his. "It already means something," she said softly. Silas looked down at her hand, scarred and blistered and strong.
And for the first time since he'd found her on that road, he didn't look away. Tim morning came too soon. Mara woke to the smell of coffee and bacon. She sat up disoriented and found Silas crouched by the fire cooking breakfast. How long have you been awake?
She asked, her voice rough with sleep. Couple hours. You should have woken me. You needed rest. The children woke one by one, drawn by the smell of food.
Silas served them without a word. Bacon, Johnny cakes, coffee for Mara and Jonah. Milk for the younger ones. Where had he even gotten milk? After they'd eaten, Silas inspected the wagon again, reinforced a few weak spots, then looked at Mara.
You still heading to Fort Bridger? I Yes, I think so. The missionaries there, they closed down last year. Mara's heart sank. What?
Funding dried up. They moved operations to Cheyenne. But I I thought she couldn't finish the sentence. Couldn't admit that her entire plan had just evaporated. Silas was quiet for a moment.
Then I've got a place about 15 mi west of here. It's not much, just a cabin, but it's got a roof, four walls, and a creek nearby. You and the kids could stay there until you figure things out. Mara stared at him. You're offering me your home.
I'm not using it. Why not? I told you I travel. Silus, I can't just You got a better option. She didn't.
God help her. She didn't. How do I know this isn't a trap? She asked, hating how desperate she sounded. How do I know you're not going to You don't.