Silus's gaze was steady. You're going to have to trust me. Mara looked at her children, at Jonah, watching Silas with something like hero worship, at Eliza holding Samuel, who was finally smiling again, at the twins, at Thomas, at Abigail. All of them healthier, safer, alive because of this stranger. Okay, she whispered.
Silas nodded once. We'll leave in an hour. The cabin was small, weathered, and tucked into a valley so remote Mara couldn't believe it was real. But it was one large room with a fireplace, a loft above for sleeping, shelves stocked with dry goods, beans, flour, coffee, sugar, a well outside with sweet cold water. The children ran inside, marveling at the space, the warmth, the safety.
Mara stood in the doorway, unable to move. Silas set her bags down, then turned to leave. "Wait," Mara said. "Where are you going?" "I've got business in town." "Will you come back?" Silas looked at her, hesitated. "Yeah," he said finally.
"Uh, I'll come back." "Promise?" "I promise." He tipped his hat and rode away. Mara watched until he disappeared over the ridge. Then she turned to her children, gathered them close, and let herself cry. Ugly, wrenching sobs that she'd been holding back for 10 days. Because for the first time since Daniel died, they were safe.
And she'd started to believe that maybe, just maybe, they'd survive. Silas returned 3 days later with supplies, blankets, salt, flour, lamp oil. He also brought boots, real leather boots, sized for a woman. Mara cried when she put them on. Over the next weeks, a pattern emerged.
Silas would stay for a few days chopping wood, fixing things, teaching Jonah how to hunt and trap. Then he'd leave, returning a week later with more supplies. He never stayed in the cabin. Always slept outside, even when storms rolled through. The children adored him.
Jonah followed him everywhere. The twins made him wildflower crowns. Even little Abigail, shy and silent since Daniel's death, started calling him Mr. Silas and sitting in his lap by the fire. Mara watched it all, her heart twisting because she was falling in love with him, and she had no idea if he felt the same.
One night, after the children were asleep, she brought him coffee where he sat by the fire. "You don't have to keep doing this," she said softly. "Doing what?" taking care of us. I know. Then why do you?
Silus stared into the flames. Because I'm tired of being alone. Mara's breath caught. I lost everything. Silas continued.
And I thought I thought maybe I was supposed to stay lost, but then I found you and I realized maybe I wasn't lost. Maybe I was just waiting. For what? Mara whispered. Silas looked up at her, his eyes dark and serious.
For something worth staying for. Mara's hand shook as she setat down her cup. Silas, I'm not I'm broken. I've got seven children and nothing else. I can't offer you.
I don't need anything. He stood, stepped closer. I just need to know if you'll let me stay. Mara looked up at him, tears streaming down her face. Yes, she breathed.