Page 7 of Wagon Train Melody
“Thank you,” Alice called. “For everything. And safe travels.”
“And to you.” But rather than gallop away toward the fort, he rode beside the wagon.
She glanced at him. “Thank you again.”
“So, you said. I’ll just ride along for a spell to make sure things are all right. Like—” He tipped his head to the wagon to indicate Bo. But that wasn’t the only thing that had him lingering. He wondered if she could manage the horses on her own. She’d certainly struggled to harness them.
“You coming with us?” Kitty called. “Goodie.”
Sissy leaned around her aunt to talk to him. “Auntie needs help.”
“I do not.” Alice turned the little girl forward.
“But Auntie, you told us you didn’t know how to make the horses pull.”
“It was a comment made out of frustration.” Alice faced straight ahead.
Rudy chuckled.
Alice shot him a look full of protest and warning which only made him laugh harder.
“Mind telling me what’s so funny?” she demanded.
He sobered, though he couldn’t keep the humor from warming his eyes or rounding his words. “I think those two little sweethearts must keep you on your toes.”
She nodded. “They make life interesting and worthwhile.”
“Auntie loves us,” Kitty informed him. “She says we should love everyone. Auntie, do you love Mr. Rudy?”
Rudy about choked at the child’s innocent words and at Alice’s reaction. She opened her mouth. Snapped it shut andpressed her lips together. “Kitty, you don’t have to tell the man every word I’ve uttered.”
“Why not?”
“Because it’s not necessary.” Her tone was patient, but her words clipped.
“Sorry to be causing you all this trouble.” Rudy fell back. He could ride away and let them manage. A woman, two little girls, and an injured man on their own—it squeezed his spine to think about it.
He couldn’t live with himself if he did. Nope. He’d ride behind the wagon where the girls wouldn’t be able to talk to him and annoy Alice.
Sissy turned and watched him. She murmured something to Alice and Alice shook her head.
Besides, Rudy told himself, she might need help with Bo. He rode closer and peered in the back. Bo rested quietly. For how long? If he grew combative, how would Alice manage?
As if his thoughts had triggered something in the man’s brain, Bo swung his arms banging them against the crates at the side of the wagon.
Rudy rode forward. “I think his arms should be tied down or he’s going to harm his broken one.”
“Whoa.” She eased the horses to a halt and set the brake.
He was off his horse in time to lift a hand to help her down.
They walked to the back.
Bo reared up and stared at them. He shook his head and reached for the side of the wagon. It looked like he intended to pull himself upright. His right arm didn’t cooperate, and he pulled at the bandaging.
“Bo, stop. You have to leave that. Your arm is broken.” She climbed into the back and grabbed Bo’s arm.
Bo pushed her away. She tumbled backward over the end of the wagon.
