Page 25 of Wagon Train Melody
Alice studiedthe spot on Rudy’s chest where she had laid her head. What was wrong with her to be so bold? And yet she didn’t regret it. He’d given her something she missed sorely. Evelyn had always been her comfort and encouragement, and now she was gone. Not that she couldn’t manage on her own, but it was nice to have someone to hold her, especially after seeing Bo like that. He couldn’t remember where he was. Or what he was doing. Couldn’t even find ordinary words that he used every day. She twisted her fingers together. How would she manage? Thankfully they would soon be at the fort and have Clint’s help. Until then, she was so grateful for Rudy’s presence that her feelings almost overwhelmed her.
“I’m not usually given to tears.” Her voice quivered despite her best efforts.
“You’re dealing with a lot.”
She searched the horizon, looking for any telltale hints of a rider approaching. “So are you. I might say your situation is worse than mine.” She shuddered to think a man was seeking to take his life.
He shrugged. “Except for a few things. You have the girls and Bo to take care of. Plus, a team of horses and a wagon.” He slanted a look at her. “Bo might need some watching.”
She shuddered. “I hope and pray he’ll be back to normal soon.” She lifted her face toward heaven. “Please, God.”
Rudy squeezed her intertwined hands. “Amen to that.”
They topped a rise that allowed them a sweeping view of the countryside. Sage green with dots of color indicating wildflowers. And down the hill lay the trail. It branched into three just as she’d been told. “Oh good, it’s just as they said.”
“Auntie, Uncle Bo is trying to get out,” Sissy called.
Rudy called to Bo. “We’re going to see Clint. Remember?”
“Are we almost there?”
“Got a ways to go yet, so sit down and relax.”
Bo did as Rudy instructed, perhaps recognizing the tone of authority.
“Girls, let’s sing for Uncle Bo,” Alice suggested. Bo always enjoyed singing with them. She started ‘Jesus Loves Me.’
The girls sang, Rudy joined them, but she didn’t hear Bo.
“Bo, sing with us.”
He jolted and then focused on her. “Do I know this song?”
“Yes, you do.” She began again. The others joined and then Bo; who grinned widely as he sang.
They sang as Rudy guided the wagon down the hill, crossed the trails, and headed west.
Later, he left the ruts behind and pulled the wagon into a grove of trees. “Time to stop for the night.”
Bo was out of the wagon as soon as it stopped. “Where’s Clint? Does he live here?” He looked around wildly.
Rudy hurried down and went to Bo. “We won’t get to Clint’s tonight. Why don’t you help with the horses?”
“All right.” Together they went to the team, unhitched them and led them, along with King, to water. Alice built a fire and began supper preparations, all the while listening to Bo and Rudy while answering a thousand questions from the girls. Most of them concerned Bo.
“He not wake up right.” Kitty twisted her hands in concern. “How come?”
Alice didn’t have an answer.
Sissy took her little sister’s hand. “Remember when Mama told us Papa had died?”
Kitty nodded. “I ‘member. Then Mama died.” Big tears pooled in her eyes. “I miss Mama and Papa.”
Sissy hugged the younger girl and patted her back. “But remember what Mama told us. God is with us even when things go wrong.”
Out of the mouths of babes! Blinking back her own tears, Alice hugged both girls. “Your mama and papa would be very proud of you both and so am I.”
Bo and Rudy returned, leading the horses and tied them where they could graze.
