Then she spoke slow and deep like a vow carved into the cold air. Evan, no one has ever stood up for me like that. Evan looked at her. No grand speeches, just a single nod, and both their lives were already moving in a new direction. The next morning, the storm had finally eased.
A thin layer of snow still blanketed the valley, but the sky had cleared just enough to let through a rare sliver of light. Evan had just finished stacking the firewood on the porch when he saw Shia quietly gathering her things inside the cabin. A silent act, yet one that cut through him like a blade. You planning to leave? Evan asked, his voice dropping low.
Shia clutched the coat he had lent her. Her deep black eyes fixed on the wooden floor. If I stay, her voice trembled softly. They will call me a disgrace. An Apache widow staying in a man's home.
The whole town will say I tried to seduce you. Evan stepped closer. I do not care what they say. Shia shook her head harder than she meant to, but I care. They have called me every name there is. a fallen woman.
Cheap native trash. I do not want them dragging you down with me. She turned away, but Evan gently took hold of her wrist not to stop her. Just to let her feel that he was still there, Shia, he said softly. You are not dragging me down.
You are pulling me out of loneliness. She pressed her lips together. You do not understand. A woman like me will only make your life harder. Everyone in Wyoming will say you married me because because you had no other choice.
Evan drew a deep breath and then without a word dropped to one knee. Shia gasped, What? What are you doing? Shia Blackbird. Evan said, placing his hand over his heart.
If the world needs to misunderstand, let them. But I will not let you walk out of this house with a heart more broken than when you came in. She shook her head, eyes filling with tears that refused to fall. Evan, they will say you were forced to marry me. You will regret it.
He held her hand tighter. I have been afraid long enough. Afraid to love. Afraid to be wrong. Afraid of breaking my mother's promise.
But now I am not afraid anymore. Marry me, Shia. In that moment, Shia trembled, not from the cold, but from a belief she thought she had lost forever. She placed her hand on his cheek, whispering the words he would remember for the rest of his life. I was not wrong about you.
You are a good man, and if you will have me. Let your bloodline take root in me. Evans throat tightened, his heart pounding like a hammer. I want that more than anything. Shia closed her eyes and released a long breath, one that carried a lifetime of running.