Page 61 of Wagon Train Redemption
Angela jabbedher needle through the fabric. She’d neglected her quilt squares far too long. Hazel had completed twenty, always finding things she wanted to capture—Petey and a ball, Joe’s moccasins, the flowers, the pots of food. Angela was less imaginative or perhaps less observant. But she was drawn to creating this square. It featured a low building with the roof sloping to the back and windows facing the front. A sprawling willow tree sheltered the far corner. She even managed to make what looked vaguely like chickens in the yard.
Ruby peeked over her shoulder. “Is that the house you used to live in?”
“No. Just something I dreamed of.” Why did she keep thinking of dreams? Yet the word marched through her thoughts. All her life she’d longed to be loved, accepted, and valued. Yes, Mama had loved her. So had Father. It had never been enough. Maybe what she’d experienced as the unofficial adopted daughter to the Woodses was fulfillment of that dream. Except it didn’t satisfy the gut-deep longing in her heart.
She yearned for too much. Perhaps she always had. All she had been offered was a partnership. Far safer than longing after the things she’d never be worthy of.
Her fingers grew idle as she stared to the north. Carson had ridden away yesterday at noon. Here it was another noon, and he hadn’t returned. She puffed out her cheeks and returned to her quilt square. At least it had given her plenty of time to do this.
Limpy barked furiously. The sound startled Angela so that she jabbed her finger.
The dog ran from the camp.
“Limpy. No. Come.” Bertie called for his dog.
Angela set aside her project and rose to see what botheredLimpy. A horse and rider appeared over the hill. Carson! With a dog at his horse’s heels? A huge dog. No wonder Limpy was so upset.
Carson reined in and spoke sharply to his dog. The dog dropped to its haunches.
Bertie grabbed Limpy and held him tight.
“You got him?” Carson called.
“Ya.” Bertie wouldn’t be letting Limpy go.
“Then I’m coming in.” Carson spoke to the dog as he rode to the camp. “Dog, sit.”
The big dog did, but he bared his teeth and growled.
Hazel held Petey tightly, even though Petey reached out. “Doggie.”
“That doggie is not for you,” Hazel warned.
At the same time, Louise held Dobie’s hand, not that the boy seemed inclined to go near the snarling animal.
Why would Carson bring such a dangerous creature here, especially with a baby and a small boy in their midst?
“Sorry about this. But I found this dog, and he decided to come with me.” He dismounted and stood in front of the dog. “Lie down and be quiet.”
The animal gave a half-hearted growl, and Angela could almost believe it scowled at Carson before it lay with its head on its paws, watching every move. It was enough to make her shiver.
Carson faced the others. Only Joe was absent, having gone to check on the path ahead.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what else to do with him. I didn’t want to abandon him or—worse.”
“You can’t shoot him.” Dobie’s protest was loud and clear.
Gabe studied the dog. “You’ll have to keep him away from everyone but especially the children.”
“Of course.”
Gabe continued, “Perhaps a rope.”
“He’s not going to like it.” Nevertheless, Carson uncoiled a rope and squatted in front of the dog.
Angela studied the animal. He was brown with black markings on his face. His ears pointed upward. He seemed to listen to Carson and obey, but he was big enough to make her nervous.
“Sorry, boy, but until they’re comfortable with you, I need to tie you up.”
