Page 23 of Wagon Train Melody
She chuckled at his reply. “I never think of Clint as being a child. Seems he was always grown up. Always working. Pa owned a supply store and Clint worked with him. He never talked much, but I remember him sitting in the playhouse with us while we served him tea. He was probably only twelve or thirteen, but he seemed so grown up. I remember how big his boots looked and asked if his feet were that big.” She gave a little laugh. “I guess I was a bit like Kitty. Always saying what was on my mind.”
“She never leaves one wondering what’s going on in her head, that’s for sure.”
“Of course, I’ve learned to be a little more cautious with my questions and opinions.”
“Of course.” He quirked his eyebrows.
“Well, I am.” A moment of consideration. “Aren’t I?”
He patted her hand where it lay in her lap. “Yes, you are. But many times, your expression says it for you.”
She smoothed her face. “I’ll have to learn to stop that.”
He laughed. “I can still read your eyes.” They flashed with humor and—dare he allow himself to think—enjoyment?
She grinned. “Then I won’t look at you.” And she faced straight ahead.
“You were telling me about Clint.”
“He left when Evelyn married John. Figured with John helping in the store, he wasn’t needed and meant to go find himself a bit of adventure.”
“So, it’s been a long time since you’ve seen him.”
“He came back for our parents’ funerals, though they were buried before he arrived.” She chewed her bottom lip. “I thought he might stay, but he said his life was in the west. He never admitted it, but I think he had a gal back there and was anxious to return. I contacted him after Evelyn died. He didn’t come, but I didn’t expect him to. I know he has his own affairs to deal with.I wrote him again to tell him we planned to join him. There was nothing but sad memories left for me in Moosehead.”
“So, he’s expecting you?”
“I’m sure he’ll have my letter by now.”
Rudy could see a number of flaws in her plan. First, she hadn’t heard from her brother. Second, she didn’t know if he’d tied the knot. Would a wife welcome another young woman and two children? And Bo?
“Do you think he’s married?”
“I don’t think so. He would have written.”
“Auntie.” The note in Sissy’s voice had both Rudy and Alice hurriedly turn to see what the matter was.
Bo was awake and sitting up. And edging toward the back, looking as if he meant to jump out.
Rudy stopped the wagon and ran to the back, not even waiting for Alice or offering to help her. She managed on her own.
He stood in front of Bo, preventing him from jumping down. “Bo, did you need something?”
The boy jerked as if surprised to see Rudy. Or maybe anyone for that matter.
“Got things to do.” He got out of the wagon, took three steps, and stopped, looking around in confusion. “Where are they?”
“Who?” Rudy asked.
“The…the…you know…what you put…” He made a motion like lifting something and setting it on something higher.
Alice provided the words, her voice thin with concern. “A wagon. Where you load supplies.”
“Where are they?” Bo turned his head back and forth, seemingly frantic at not seeing wagons.
Suspecting he was confused as to where he was and what they were doing, Rudy spoke calmly. “They’re already loaded and gone. Don’t you remember?”
Bo stared at him, searching for understanding. Then his breath whooshed out. “I didn’t want Pa angry at me for not doing my job.”
