Page 43 of Wagon Train Melody
He looked at her, something flashing through his eyes. Was he really that surprised or pleased that someone worried he might encounter a snake?
He held her gaze a moment. Something silent, but sweet and powerful, seemed to fill the air.
And now wasn’t she getting fanciful? But who could blame her? This trip was far more adventure than she’d bargained for.
He chuckled softly, climbed up beside her, and flicked the reins.
“You needn’t sound so pleased with yourself.” She tried to sound haughty but feared she simply sounded needy.
“It’s nice to know someone cares.”
They rolled down the slope to a grassy area where there were far fewer rocks before she could think how to answer.
“Of course, I care. I mean, we care. We’d probably all be dead if not for you.”
“You’re welcome.” He grinned at her, his eyes flashing amusement and something more. Something she couldn’t identify. Nor did she dare hope it was anything more than kindness and concern.
“Besides, I doubt we’re the first people to care.”
His smile faded. His lips pursed. “Maybe. Maybe not. Don’t rightly recall. Guess my ma cared in her way. Uncle Zeke… Well, I think I was mostly someone who slowed his travels.”
“I’m afraid we are doing the same for you.”
“I’m doing what I want. No one is holding a gun to my head.”
“Not yet.” She regretted the words as soon as they were out and looked back. Thankfully there was no sign of a pursuer.
They stopped for the noon break where a spring of water bubbled up from the ground and they drank heartily of the fresh cool water.
“Can we refill the water barrel?” Alice asked. It would be nice to have fresh, sweet water in it.
“Of course.” They drained the barrel and she, Rudy, and Bo refilled it then sat down to enjoy pancakes spread with the jam she’d brought from home.
“You’re a good cook.” Rudy downed a dozen rolled-up pancakes. “I suppose you made the jam too.”
“Sure did. But then what woman doesn’t know how to cook and provide for her family? Especially when I feel as if I’ve been training to do it most of my life.”
“You’d be surprised how little some know.”
Why had he suddenly shifted his gaze away and seemed to lose interest?
As if she had to guess. The minute she mentioned settling down and caring for a family, he grew distant. How much more obvious could their differences be? She had a family that needed her. And she didn’t mind in the least. Like she’d said, she’d prepared for this since she was young, though she didn’t know this was the shape her family would take.
She quickly gathered up the few dishes they’d used, washed them in the spring, and prepared to leave as Bo and Rudy prepared the horses.
“Bo, do you want to sit up front for a change?” she asked.
“Can I? But what about you?”
“I think I’ll rest with the girls.” She saw the curious look Rudy gave her but turned away. It was Bo who sprang forward to help her into the back where she sat with the girls on either side of her.
Kitty soon fell asleep, and Sissy looked at a picture book.
Alice wished she’d thought to pull out a book to read. Her Bible even.
Instead, her thoughts circled on endless rabbit trails. She’d grown to depend too much on Rudy. Not only for his help but for his company which she enjoyed more than she had a right to. He’d soon enough leave them. How would they survive withouthim? Wait. Had she forgotten about Clint? He’d been in the West a long time. He’d be aware of the dangers and how to deal with them.
It was what she wanted after all. A stable family home in which to raise the girls and where Bo could make the final steps toward manhood.
