Silence stretched between them, filled only by the soft crackle of the fire and the distant lowing of cattle. It was a serene interruption to the chaos she had fled. Slowly, she allowed herself to relax, her muscles unwinding from the tension that had kept her whole.

Ethan stood, moved to the window, and surveyed the vast plains beyond. “You can stay here,” he said, almost as if speaking to the land as much as to her. “For as long as you need.”

She looked up, surprise widening her eyes. “Thank you,” she whispered, the words heavy with gratitude. She had not expected such generosity, not after everything.