Page 40 of Wagon Train Melody
Just as he knew Big Al was still after him and presented a threat to her.
Alice wishedhim goodnight and slipped away, even though she longed to stay in the comfort and shelter of Rudy’s arm. It had been a long time since she’d felt so safe and protected. Probably since her parents died. After that, she’d helped take care of the little girls while Evelyn recovered her strength. And then Evelyn and John were gone, leaving Alice with so much responsibility. She hadn’t realized what a load she carried until she felt the burden shared by Rudy.
Only until they reached the fort. But then she would have Clint to help.
In the meantime, she was so grateful for Rudy’s presence that she could hardly force herself to leave his side.
For a few minutes, she’d even thought he meant to kiss her.
But they both knew this was temporary. He wasn’t the settling sort, and she was a woman with a load of cares. Not that she resented any of them. Her entire life she had wanted nothing more than to have a home such as her parents had given her. Though she’d pictured herself loved and loving a man. One who was content to stay. Not one who had never known a home such as she envisioned. Not even as a child.
She shifted beside the sleeping girls and told herself to relax and go to sleep. Tomorrow, in the light of day, she would be thinking more rationally.
Except in the morning, her eyes went immediately to Rudy.
“Good morning.” His cheerful words warmed her insides. “I hope you got a good rest.
She smiled at his kind greeting. Then scolded herself for feeling like the world was a better place because he was there with them. “I did. Thanks. I hope the same for you.”
“I slept well knowing those two were likely still riding away.” His chuckle sang along her arms and danced into her heart.
She jerked her attention away to tend to the girls and begin breakfast. It had been so late last night when they stopped that she hadn’t made anything for the noon meal. She mixed up an extra big bowl of pancakes and fried them knowing Bo and girls would be happy to have them spread with jam.
She looked at her provisions. She had no meat left. Somehow, she’d expected they would find wild game on the trail. But Bo was no hunter and now with a broken arm, he was even less so.
Rudy watched her. “Are you getting low on supplies?”
“How much longer will it take to get to the fort?”
He studied their surroundings. “I’m only guessing but surely we’ll get there in two or three days.” His gaze lingered on the horizon to the east, and she looked in that direction as well. No approaching rider as far as she could see. Helping her had put Rudy’s life in danger. He should have ridden like the wind until he reached Fort Macleod and the protection of the Mounties. Instead, he was risking his own skin to protect hers.
He must have noticed her concern for he slipped to her side. “What’s bothering you? Is it the food supplies? I can always go hunting.”
“We’ll get by until we reach the fort.” She faced him, knowing her expression revealed worry and concern. “But every day you stay with us increases the likelihood of that man catching you.” She touched his upper arm. “I couldn’t live with myself if he did and—” She shuddered.
He clamped a steadying hand to her shoulder. “Alice, I’m praying he won’t overtake us. I’ll see you to safety then…” He shrugged. “Guess I can’t be any safer than at the fort with dozens of Mounties in attendance.”
“I suppose that’s true.” Just as she supposed he’d hear the uncertainty in her tone.
Bo watched them. Seeing the concern in his face, Alice smiled at Rudy. “I’m grateful for your help.”
“It’s no hardship for me. I’m enjoying your family.” And, as if to prove it, he chased the little girls, caught them one by one, and swung them in the air. Their giggles were like music to Alice’s ears. She would not think how much they’d miss him when he left them.
Or would he? Where would he be safer than at the fort?
With that thought to cheer her, she finished food preparation. They sat down to eat breakfast, a happy bunch as they enjoyed each other’s company.
Bo burst with stories about Pa and Rudy listened intently.
The little girls waited patiently for their turn to tell Rudy what was on their minds, and he laughed at their jokes and nodded seriously at their sad stories of lost toys.
Alice would have stayed there half the day, watching Rudy with the others, and feeling blessed by his attention to them. But they had to travel, and she hurried to clean up the breakfast things while he and Bo took care of the horses.
She happily sat beside Rudy as they moved on. Bo walked beside the wagon, humming softly as the girls rode in the back.
Bo’s song caught at Alice’s full heart, and she sang aloud. Rudy smiled at her and added his voice. Behind them, the girls pressed to her back. Kitty didn’t know the words but made them up as she sang along. Sissy sang with sweet abandon.
Alice closed her eyes and lost herself in the moment.
