Page 54 of Wagon Train Redemption
“Of course. You know that.”
“In private?”
“Of course.” They walked down the trail created by the wagons and oxen. As soon as they were out of earshot, she spoke. “Ma, you know what I was. My past. Do you think I’m unsuitable to marry your son?”
Ma walked on slowly, perhaps considering her answer. “Have you told Carson?”
“No.” One little word carried a cartload of misery. “Must I?”
They stopped moving. Angela felt Ma’s study of her, even though she kept her gaze on the ground at her feet.
Finally, Ma sighed. “I know about secrets.”
What secrets could Ma possibly have? But Angela didn’t dare ask.
“I think if you trust him, you will tell him.”
But— Did she trust him?
She couldn’t say for sure.
“If you love him, you will trust him.”
She couldn’t tell this dear woman that love was not part of the agreement.
Ma touched Angela’s arm. “Secrets lose their power when shared with someone you love and trust.”
All Angela could do was rock her head back and forth as ifto agree. Why couldn’t her past be left behind? Why did anyone else need to know about it?
“You will find the right way in the right time.” Ma patted her arm.
Later, as they returned to the camp Angela made up her mind. It wasn’t necessary for Carson to know everything in order for them to be partners. After all, his own pa had advised her to leave it behind. And she couldn’t think of better advice. Maybe the right time for her was never. And the right way, not at all.
When Gabe brought out his guitar, she joined wholeheartedly in singing the hymns of God’s love and forgiveness. That forgiveness was all she needed. Though did she mean for the past or for the secret she meant to keep in the future? Not that it mattered. There was no reason Carson should ever know the truth. If he did, it would put their agreement at risk. More and more, she liked the idea of a partnership with him.
Thirteen
Carson escorted Angela to her wagon.
Ruby called from inside. “Go ahead. Kiss her good night. I don’t mind though I miss Robert terribly.” His sister’s voice cracked.
Instead of a kiss, he whispered, “That went well, don’t you think?”
“It seemed to.”
“Then why that troubled little frown on your forehead?” He traced the lines.
She smiled. “It’s a lot to take in. Things will get easier.”
He leaned close to whisper. “I hope you grow more accepting of the idea. I don’t like to think you might have regrets.”
“Oh no. Not at all. I shall fall asleep dreaming of building our house and raising our chickens.”
A soft laugh broke from his lips. “Tomorrow we’ll discuss those plans.” He gave her a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Good night.”
“Good night.”
He unrolled his bedding nearby, close enough to be awareof anything threatening the camp but not so close he would be tempted to whisper to Angela because there were so many things he wanted to say, to ask, to learn. Folding his arms under his head, he smiled up at the starry sky. There was time. Not only the rest of the journey but also the rest of their lives.
