Page 35 of Wagon Train Redemption
“Poor Bertie.”
Carson’s chuckle was half amusement and half resignation. “He insisted on sleeping with me for the next two weeks fearing I’d disappear.”
Angela’s eyes sparkled. “He’s very protective of those he loves.”
“He certainly is. It was a good lesson for me. Not only to be considerate of my big brother who loves me so fiercely but also to not shirk from my responsibilities.”
His palm cooled as she slid her hand away and patted his arm. “Good skills to have. Not only as a Mountie but as a man.” She tipped her head to one side. “I know it couldn’t have been easy growing up with a brother like Bertie butperhaps it’s made each of you better people for having done so.”
“I hadn’t thought of it but it’s true.” But he didn’t want to linger on one of his darkest secrets. “I suppose you never did anything like that.”
“Like what? Leave Bertie behind. Can’t say as I did. But?—”
Her words ended so suddenly that he looked to see if something had distracted her. Her eyes were wide, and her lips parted. Whatever she’d remembered either surprised or saddened her. “What is it?”
Would she tell him?
Angela fought backthe rush of memories. She’d been an obedient child and normally compliant. She seldom raised any sort of argument about the decisions her parents made or what they asked of her. Except for the time she’d pressured Father to let her go to town with him. He didn’t want to. Warned her of what he feared would happen, but she pressed him to allow it. Finally, he’d agreed against Mama’s warnings and perhaps his own judgment.
She soon regretted the request.
“Tell me.” Carson’s gentle words drew her from the precipice her memories had taken her to. Oh, how she longed to tell someone the truth. Only not anyone. Someone who would care and understand. If only she could tell Carson. But if she did, they wouldn’t likely continue as friends. No, she would tell him of something else like…like…
“I’ve learned valuable lessons about trusting another person’s judgment.” It applied to her going to town with Father, but there had been other instances. “There wereoccasions I didn’t want to do as Father said, but every time I balked, I learned he was right.”
“You’re thinking of something specific, aren’t you?”
She nodded.
“I’d like to hear.”
His tone invited her to…very well. “Pa always insisted the chickens be shut in at night. As soon as he deemed me old enough, it was my job. One night, I forgot, even though he reminded me. I can’t even recall what I was doing. Maybe reading. I was in bed almost asleep when I remembered. I decided it wasn’t important enough for me to go out in the dark.”
Carson caught her twisting hands and stilled them.
“I rushed out as soon as I woke up.” Tightness began in the pit of her stomach and worked its way up her throat. She coughed to ease the feeling before she could continue. “Half a dozen lay dead. Pa saw what happened.” His hand had lain heavily on her shoulder as he surveyed the damage. “He said it was a weasel and we were fortunate it hadn’t killed them all.” A shudder crisscrossed her shoulders, and Carson tightened his grip on her hands.
“Were you punished?”
“Seeing what happened was punishment enough. And knowing Father’s disappointment.” Her insides stung at the remembrance of what her disobedience had brought. “I had to clean up the mess, but Father helped me.”
“Like he said, it could have been so much worse. And you learned from it.”
“I did. Reminds me of something Father used to say. ‘A mistake is a worthwhile lesson if you learn something from it.’” Her tension eased, replaced by memories of the time spent with the man who had loved her so thoroughly. “I miss Father.”
“I miss my pa.” His arm rested across her shoulders.
“I miss him too.” Their heads bowed together in shared commiseration.
Bertie and Dobie trotted toward them with another set of boats, Cecil on their heels.
What was she doing standing in such a familiar pose with a man who was practically her brother and, worse, really didn’t approve of her. Her head told her it was inappropriate, but her body took its time doing anything about it. She managed to stiffen in preparation for putting distance between them. Before she achieved her goal, Carson withdrew his arm but caught her hand as they followed the boat racers. Only to guide her, keep her from slipping on the wet grass. She understood that. That was acceptable from a brother. Angela glanced over her shoulder. Ma was hanging blankets. “I need to put our things out to dry.” She stepped away from Carson. No need to miss him. He hadn’t gone anywhere. No reason she should want to linger at his side and hear more stories about his younger years. Especially when he would almost certainly want to hear more about hers. No, far better to keep her distance and occupy herself with safe pursuits. She picked up her skirt and trotted back to the wagon.
When Angela climbed into the back to find the damp quilts, Ruby shifted aside, her attention on her drawing. Angela glanced over Ruby’s shoulder. “Another picture of Robert.”
Ruby’s sigh had the power to dry the overhead canvas. “It’s hard being apart.”
“This will soon be behind us, and you’ll be together again.”
