Page 53 of Wagon Train Redemption
She didn’t need to turn toward him to know he smiled. “Like what?” The flickering leaf by her arm held her attention. Or more correctly, it gave her something to look at rather than meet his gaze.
“Like you’ve been kissed.”
Hot words exploded from her mouth. “I do not.” Did he think her easy? A woman to be trifled with? All the warnings her father had drilled into her flooded her thoughts. About being cautious around men and boys, about keeping her distance, about never letting them take advantage…so many things she seemed to have almost forgotten.
“If you say so.” He laughed, the sound gentle and sweet.
She plucked the leaf from its stem and flung it at him. “Oh, you.”
He flicked it aside. “What did I do?”
“Don’t play innocent with me.” In one movement, she stripped off a handful of leaves and tossed them at him. Two landed on his hat. One on his shoulder. He brushed the others away.
“If that’s the game you want to play.” Quick as lightning, he grabbed a bunch of leaves and threw them her way.
Several swirled to her hair. Others drifted down her neck, and one rested on her lips. With a puff, she freed it and brushed at her hair as he stoodgrinning.
The absurdity of their behavior hit her, and she burst into laughter. Great heaving gulps of merriment.
Carson stared. He blinked. A grin spread across his face, and he hooted.
She lifted a hand, wanting to explain, but she couldn’t stop. It wasn’t that funny. And yet it was. Here they were, two responsible adults, acting like children.
He quieted, a grin crinkling into his tanned cheeks, and she silenced too.
In the distance, someone called, “Supper.”
“Time to go.” He caught her hand, and they made their way to the camp.
Before they stepped into view, she tugged him to a stop. “You’re going to say something?”
“As soon as we get there. Unless you have an objection.”
“Nope. Can’t say as I do.” In fact, it might be nice to join forces with him so they could enjoy fun times together. And maybe a kiss or two…to see if it felt the same next time.
He led her forward, and laughter and kissing were forgotten as every eye turned toward them.
“I wondered where you’d gone.” Ma straightened to look intently at them.
“Ma.” Carson pulled Angela forward. “Angela and I have agreed to marry.”
At Ma’s widening eyes, Angela’s mouth dried like dust. Ma knew the truth about her. She had every reason to object.
But a smile replaced the surprise, and she clapped her hands. “This is wonderful.” She hugged them both.
Then well-wishers—everyone from Gabe to Ruby—surrounded them. Bertie hugged each of them until Angela feared for her ribs.
“Let’s eat,” Ma said after everyone had congratulated them.
Angela sat close to Carson as they gathered around thefire, finding courage in the way he accepted the well-wishes and answered questions as best he could.
“We haven’t made plans yet.” He smiled at Angela. “We’ve got plenty of time for that.”
Her answering smile was tense. She must speak to Ma. Make sure she would accept her as a daughter-in-law.
Not until after the meal was cleaned up and the others went to their various chores did she find an opportunity.
“Ma, can we talk?”
