She did as he asked, and he edged his horse to keep himself between her and the men. The first time he glanced back, the younger man was pulling the other from his horse.
Two Stones eased out a breath. At least he was helping his friend. And it didn't appear he was planning to shoot them in the back.
It took far too long for them to reach the place where the path curved around a mountain, but as soon as they were completely out of sight, he moved his gelding up next to Heidi’s. "There is a cabin not far from here. We can rest."
She nodded, her jaw still locked hard.
He pushed his horse into a lope, the pack horse trailing behind. The snow had been broken in this stretch by other riders, so the animals could move easier. They would get to rest soon too.
He'd wanted to cover so much more ground this day, but his wife needed to free all the struggle that churned inside her. A dry place to warm herself would help, too, especially with the coming snowfall.
He had to watch carefully for the turn-off to the old shack. The building couldn’t be seen from the main road, tucked behind a cliff so it would be hidden even in the winter when the tree arms were bare. Once when he'd ridden through here after a snowfall, he'd spotted horse tracks leading off the road. He'd been curious and looking for a place to take shelter, so he'd followed the prints to the abandoned cabin.
He should lead Heidi through the trees this time, so their tracks would not be easy to follow if the younger man came after them. For that matter, he didn't want another stranger to see their trail veering off the road and follow the prints, as he'd first done.
After they wound through a stretch of trees then rounded the edge of the cliff, the little structure stood before them, tucked against the mountainside for protection from wind and weather.
Heidi's face showed no change in her expression. She must be working to hole away her reactions to the shooting. He didn't want her to grow hard and bitter, though. Her spirit already held an edge that showed too much pain in her past. The last thing he wanted was to bring her more.
They reined in before the cabin door, and he slipped to the ground so he could help her.
She moved slowly, almost as if she was in pain. From the cold? Or the hardening inside her?
He stayed at her side as they moved toward the door. He wanted to touch her, maybe take her hand or press a palm to her back. To somehow let her know she wasn't alone. He would walk this hard path with her.
When he opened the door, it swung easier than the last time he'd been here. Someone had replaced the leather hinges, something he'd intended to do when he had the right supplies.
The air inside smelled stale. But at least it didn't stink of animals that might have taken refuge here. He led Heidi to the place where he would build the fire. Since the cabin sat so close to the cliff, the floor was stone that extended from the base of the mountain. Someone had crafted a rock area in the corner where a fire could be built, including an opening for the smoke to escape outside.
He pulled off his coat and placed it on the cold floor. "Sit here. I'll bring in wood to make a fire."
She looked at him with a cloudy gaze. "We're stopping for the night?"
He nodded. "This is a good shelter for us. More snow is coming, and we can stay dry here."
She didn't question him further, just sat as he'd said to.
He went back out to the horses to unload their supplies, and he took the chance to lift his concerns to Creator Father.Keep her heart soft. Do not let her close herself away from the pain. Nor push me away. You know I want to help her. I want to be the husband You would have me be to her.
He knew nothing of how to do that. He'd spent little time with his parents for many winters now. Even in his childhood, though, he'd rarely seen his father and mother speaking as friends. Not like Dat and Mum Coulter did. Those two had spoken often, not caring who around heard them. Dat would ask her thoughts and follow her wishes in a way that brought honor to her. When Mum worried over something, he would ask herto speak of her concerns. The way they trusted each other had drawn Two Stones, even as a young man who craved a life of excitement and adventure.
He'd promised Heidi he wouldn't touch her as a husband, but he could honor her as Dat Coulter had done with Mum.Lord, give me the right words.
CHAPTER 8
When Two Stones finished bringing in the supplies, he knelt to build a fire in the hearth beside Heidi. She was shivering hard now but still hadn't made a sound. Hadn't really moved since she first sat. The cold likely had something to do with her trembling, but her fright even more.
As soon as he'd coaxed a flame to life, he filled the kettle with snow and nestled it among the logs to heat. He needed to see to the horses, too, and then warm food for Heidi. But maybe he could get her talking first.
He turned to face her, his knees nearly touching hers. She didn't meet his gaze, only stared past him, her body still shivering. She looked like a woman trying to be brave and fierce, but her trembling gave away the truth of her tender parts. His own chest ached to pull her close, to take on her fear and regret so she could be untainted. But she wouldn't allow that, he had no doubt. He would have to use words.
He honed his focus on her face. "You did the right thing." That wasn't quite what he'd intended to say, but it slipped out. Maybe this was Creator Father's message to her.
Her gaze flicked to his, then bounced away, her jaw setting even harder.
He pressed on, keeping his voice low and gentle. "I know shooting a man is not easy, but you saved our lives. I am grateful to you."
She turned to him then, her eyes shining and red-rimmed but still fierce. "Did you know I was married?"
