Page 17 of Wagon Train Redemption
“Nonsense,” Ma said. “We can manage one young man.”
“Very well.” Hazel smiled weakly as she left Petey in Ruby’s care.
Angela checked the biscuits. They were baked. She removed them and put in the next batch.
“Ma,” she whispered. “Is Hazel sick?”
Ma flipped the meat she fried. “Let’s believe she’s tired. I did hear Petey fussing in the night.” They both turned to study the twenty-month-old. “The way he’s gnawing on that hard biscuit he’s probably cutting a tooth or two.”
Somewhat reassured, Angela took over Ruby’s task of preparing vegetables.
Carson dropped another armload of wood on the pile and frowned. “Why is everyone looking so sober? Is something wrong?” He looked further afield, taking his time to assess every direction.
“Hazel’s tired. We’re thinking of her,” Ma said.
“I heard Petey in the night and Hazel trying to quiet him. Could that be the reason?”
“I’m certain it is. She’s resting now.” Ma tipped her head toward the wagon where Hazel had gone.
“Good.” He rubbed his hands together, brushing off bark debris. “I’ll get more wood.”
When Ma announced supper was ready and everyone gathered in, Hazel joined them, looking better for the break.
Angela released a sigh. Carson, sitting two spots over, did the same.
Later, Angela went to the stream to refill the buckets for the evening, and Carson joined her.
“I was relieved Hazel’s looking rested.” He dipped a pail in the water.
“Me too. She was ill earlier on the trip.”
He straightened without filling the second bucket. “How ill?”
“I guess I can’t say.” When his eyes demanded an explanation, she gestured to the bank across the stream. “She was stranded on the other side of a flooded river with Cecil and Louise. Louise nursed her, but she’s seemed fragile since then.”
Carson filled the second pail and set it beside the other. “It about killed me not to be there when Peter died.” He drew in a deep breath, then seemingly used it to push the words out. “And then Pa.”
Recognizing his pain and wanting to show her sympathy and understanding, she touched his arm. “I can’t imagine how hard it was for you.”
He looked down at her, his eyes dark, his mouth a thin line.
Neither of them spoke. His next breath shuddered through him. “I hoped to be able to make up for it by giving Ma and my sisters a home.” He looked past her into the distance. “Now…”
“Now they are starting over again with men who love them.”
“Don’t get me wrong. I’m happy for them. But…”
How well she understood when he broke off! Her plans, too, had been thwarted by their happiness leaving her uncertain about her future. The thought drew her to him, making her leave aside the hurtful things he’d said four years ago. Not that she wanted to remember them. She didn’t.
What could she say to this man to make him feel better?
Nothing came to mind…
Except…
Five
Carson pressed his hand to the place where Angela’s fingers had been. Her gentle sympathy touched a tender spot deep inside that he hadn’t been aware of.
