Page 40 of Wagon Train Redemption
Carson had planned to give Ma and his younger sisters a home. Had counted on them to keep a home for him. He’d bought a house in town to live there for the winter and maybe into the spring while he built a house on his homestead. He didn’t resent their happiness, but it did leave him without someone to help. Not that he needed what Lars and his wife had. Not everyone was fortunate enough for that. In the past, he’d been rejected by young ladies because they were uncomfortable with Bertie. But his brother would be living with Ma and Gabe. Was it possible he might convince a woman to marry him? Not that Bertie was out of his life. Nor did he want him to be. He’d long ago decided any woman he married or even courted would have to accept that Bertie would always be included whether a little or a lot.
Mrs. Anderson offered him another sandwich, bringing his attention back to the present.
As soon as they’d all enjoyed two cups of coffee, they headed for the barn where Lars and his wife discussed where the stove should go.
Carson stood back, enjoying the back and forth between them, even though they didn’t speak in English. It was plainthat they were partners. A good way for a husband and wife to be. Partners. He liked that idea. Maybe he was reaching too high to expect more. He’d be content to have a partner.
It was dark by the time the stove and chimney were in place and the furniture had been arranged to Mrs. Anderson’s satisfaction. Both Lars and his wife worked agreeably together, further convincing Carson of what he wanted.
“Stay the night,” Lars said. “You can sleep in the barn like us, yah?”
Mrs. Anderson already had stew simmering on the stove. The aroma wafted through the air, making it impossible to pass up the invitation. Besides, Carson would have to spend the night somewhere.
They shared a late meal, and then he bedded down on straw in the corner while the Andersons slept on the bed they’d rescued.
Carson breathed in the musty smell of his bedding and stared at the dark timbers overhead. He liked what he’d seen and experienced here. Two people working together to create their home. Partners. The idea sounded exactly right.
Angela leapt from her bed,donned her clothes in record time, and dropped to the ground. Ruby was right behind her. They stood side by side, studying the water.
“It’s almost gone.” Ruby hugged her arms around herself. “Do you think we’ll be able to travel today?”
“Won’t we have to wait for Carson to return?”
Ruby waved away Angela’s concern. “He can manage on his own.”
“I suppose that’s true.” And yet— She hadn’t thanked him properly for rescuing her. And besides, he’d been wet too. Had he even warmed up or changed before he rode off?Maybe he’d come down with pneumonia or something while he was out riding. Who would make sure he was all right? She continued staring in the direction he’d gone while Ruby went to the fire where Ma was already preparing breakfast.
Angela shrugged. Guess if no one else was concerned, she didn’t need to be. She hurried to the fire to help.
The coffee aroma soon drew the men to the camp. The talk about how far the water had receded and opinions as to whether the ground was solid enough to hold the wagons buzzed around.
Joe took the mug Hazel handed him, his smile so sweet and tender Angela blinked as she turned away. Not for the first time, she wondered where she’d belong when they reached the fort. Sure, Ma would say she was welcome to live with them, but they deserved a chance to start over without a third person always underfoot. Yes, they’d have Bertie, but that was different.
Angela didn’t want to accompany any of the other newlyweds even if they invited her. Was it possible she could find a position? Perhaps help a busy mother? Though she understood there were few families in the area. It was mostly young unmarried men. Maybe she’d settle down with one of them and help him. She’d ask Carson his opinion when he got back. No doubt he could offer advice. Yes, she was considering something she’d balked at when he suggested it. The difference, of course, was this was something she was choosing, not having thrust upon her.
Gabe offered a prayer of thanks for the food and for keeping them safe.
Angela added her own silent prayer.Bring Carson back safely. Help him have a suggestion regarding my future.One that she would welcome.
“Do you think we can travel today?” Gabe asked Joe.
“Looks like it.” His words spurred everyone into action.They quickly finished breakfast. Hazel and Louise tackled cleaning the dishes. Angela gathered up the items still draped over the drying line. The men brought in the oxen. They debated whether one team was enough to pull the wagons across.
“Joe? What do you say?” Gabe asked.
“Try one and see.”
Gabe harnessed his team and drove them toward the water’s edge. It was nothing more than a trickle now, but the ground was sodden. The wheels left deep furrows in the grass, but they didn’t break through.
Angela stood nearby, holding her breath and praying silently as the wheels continued to turn and the oxen breathed hard. The water sloshed against the wheels. Gravel, exposed by the flooding, held the wagon as they climbed to higher ground.
It looked easy enough. She scrambled into the seat of the next wagon with Ruby beside her.
Joe directed them to a different spot.
“That makes sense,” Angela said.
The ground sucked at them, but they continued to move. And then they were across. Cecil, Louise, and Dobie followed in their wagon with Irene and Walt coming on horseback.
