Page 46 of Wagon Train Redemption
The man held out his hand to shake Carson’s. “Pleased to meet you. We’re the Browns. Yes, we successfully fought the fire. Working together, we saved the town and our place. It’s the one nearest to where the ground is burned off.” He pointed. “I couldn’t have done it without themissus’s help.” He beamed with such pride and affection. “She’s proven to be the perfect helpmeet. Just as God ordained.”
That answered Carson’s question. Partners and helpmates made for a successful union. He asked questions about the fire. Learned it had passed through two days ago. Had stopped at the river to the west. As far as anyone knew, no one had been injured.
Satisfied with the information and even more satisfied with his conclusion about the benefit of marriage, he headed back to the wagons. It was dark when he approached the camp. His lungs were full of ash-filled dust that had risen as he rode. He coughed. Poor King would have breathed in even more of the stinging air.
Not wishing to disturb those already asleep, he skirted to the side and proceeded to where the animals were resting.
“It’s me,” he called softly to warn whoever was on guard duty.
Joe emerged from the shadows. “What did you discover?”
As Carson took care of his horse, he relayed the information. “We can’t go that way,” he said by way of agreement with Joe’s earlier decision.
“Nope.” Joe moseyed on.
The aroma of the meal the others had shared lingered in the air. Carson’s stomach growled. But he’d survive until morning, and he sucked back the last of the water in his canteen.
He was awake,sitting against a tree, before dawn was more than a promise and before anyone around the camp stirred. Gabe was the first up. He built a fire and filled the coffeepot. Ma joined him, added ground coffee to the water, and hung the pot over the fire.
Therattle of pots and pans brought the others from their beds, yawning and stretching.
Walt sank to the ground beside Carson.
“I heard you take over in the night,” Carson murmured as much to inform the man that he was a light sleeper as anything.
“You’ll be anxious for breakfast. Or did you find something to eat on your travels?”
“I did not. How long do you suppose that coffee will be?”
Walt chuckled. “Should smell it any minute. Why not head that way?”
“Believe I will.” His bedding was already rolled up. His boots were already on, and Carson pushed to his feet. By the time he reached the fire, the coffee aroma blended with that of frying meat and his stomach kissed his backbone.
Ma looked up from tending the meat. “Glad to see you back safely.”
Angela poured coffee into a cup and handed it to him. She didn’t say anything, but he allowed himself to believe the spark in her eyes was welcome.
As the others gathered, he repeated his news about his findings. But he stopped before he blurted out his revelation about marriage being a partnership. He’d save that for Angela’s ears.
He’d forgotten it was Sunday. But Gabe and Ma hadn’t. As soon as the meal was cleared away and the wagons readied for the day, Gabe called them back to the campfire that had already been allowed to die down. Before they left, they would soak it again. No one wanted to see a fire get away.
Carson chose a spot beside Angela as Gabe played his guitar. They sang three familiar hymns. The words and music made sweeter by singing them with his family…something he’d missed.
Gabe opened his Bible. “Today, I want to read somethingto remind us all of God’s care and protection. This is from Isaiah chapter forty-three, verse two, ‘When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.’” He closed the Bible. “On this journey, we have seen God’s protection through fire and water, but let’s not forget that He is with us every day, every step. Without Him, we would wander through life lost and aimless.” After a few more words, Gabe closed in prayer, and they set out.
Carson tied King to Ma and Gabe’s wagon and looked around for Angela. Where was she? He strode forward. She perched on the wagon seat. Where was Ruby? There she was, walking beside Hazel. Fine, they could talk as readily riding a wooden bench as they could walking.
“May I join you?” he asked.
“Of course.” The wagon jolted over a rough spot, setting the pots hanging on the side into a discordant rattle and making it impossible for him to interpret her tone. Was she eager to have him ride beside her or simply accepting?
Not that it mattered. He swung up and dropped to the seat. “Howdy.” Only after the word was out did he realize how silly it sounded. After all, it wasn’t as if they hadn’t seen each other all morning.
She grinned. “Hello to you too. I was happy you didn’t find anyone injured or worse in the fire.” Her mouth flattened, and darkness dimmed her eyes. “Fire can be a fearful thing.”
“That’s true. Gabe’s words this morning were a good reminder.”
“God is good.” She nodded. “Because of this journey, I’m finding it easier and easier to trust Him.”
