Page 16 of Wagon Train Redemption
“I shouldn’t think so.” She sniffed to indicate disdain at the idea. But her smile returned. She watched Carson from the corner of her eye, enjoying the way his grin crinkled his cheeks. They tramped along the trail left by the wagons and animals. She almost stepped into a fresh pile of manure. If she didn’t pay attention, she’d end up with the smell on her shoes.
Sometime later, Joe rode toward them. When he was close enough to be heard, he said, “There’s water and grass ahead. A good place to stop for the night.”
“I’ll help.” Carson swung into his saddle but paused to bend toward Angela. “We’ll finish this later.”
She nodded in agreement. Their time together had made the afternoon pass quickly. But enough dillydallying. She rushed to catch up to the wagons, waved as she passed Ma and Gabe, and hurried to the wagon she shared with Ruby.
“Sorry I haven’t helped you,” she called up to the other woman.
“I don’t mind.” Ruby’s eyes had a faraway look.
Angela ducked her head to hide her smile. She’d guess Ruby had spent the afternoon dreaming of Robert.
Joe indicated where they should stop, and the three wagons drew into a triangle. As Angela joined in unharnessing the oxen, Carson appeared at her side.
“I’ll help with this pair.”
Ruby stepped away and went to get supplies for the meal from Ma’s wagon.
Sid and Sal were placid animals. After so many days pulling the wagon across the country, they cared only about water, food, and rest in that order. They reached the gurgling stream, and the oxen dipped their noses in.
There was no need to watch them drink. Nevertheless, Angela stood nearby. “The last few days have been easy travel.”
“Unfortunately, we have a few rough spots to cross yet.”
Recalling some of the challenges they’d encountered, she hugged her arms around her middle. “I hope they aren’t as bad as the alkali flats or the steep hills we almost lost our wagons on.”
“I’ll do my best to make sure everyone arrives safely at the fort.”
Her arms tightened. Should she be reassured by his words, or did they carry warning? “I’ll hold you to that.” Her gaze riveted to his.
He didn’t blink or turn away. “I remember something Ma used to say. ‘We do our best and leave God with the rest.’”
That reminder brought a warmth to her chest, and her arms relaxed. “She still says it.”
The other oxen were nearby and drank at the stream. Walt and Irene called to Angela and Carson and the four of them made their way to camp.
By now, everyone knew what to do and worked in harmony.
Carson ducked into the trees in search of firewood. Walt checked the wagon wheels, greasing them and making sure they were still in good condition. Cecil carried water from the stream. Even young Dobie helped, bringing in kindling.
Meanwhile, Ma began meal preparations, assigning each of the girls a task. “We could use more biscuits,” she informed Angela.
Angela measured out flour and lard. She always made a large amount so there would be enough for the next day. Baking them took considerable time as she could only do a dozen at a time in the Dutch oven.
Little Petey fussed, and Hazel released a weary sigh as she gave him a dry biscuit to chew on.
Angela wasn’t the only one who looked at the young mother. Dark shadows filled the hollows under her eyes.
Ma wiped her hands and went to her eldest daughter. “You don’t look well. Are you feeling sick?” She pressed the back of her hand to Hazel’s forehead.
“I’m fine, Ma. I’m just a little tired.”
Ruby had been preparing vegetables. She set aside the knife. “I’ll look after Petey while you climb in your wagon and have a rest.”
“I need to do my share.”
At Hazel’s weak protest, the women stared at her. Hazel had been so ill and even now seemed fragile. It helped that Joe took care of her but…
