Page 48 of Wagon Train Melody
That night they camped on a knoll with little protection. Buffalo chips provided the only fuel they could find. He had to give Alice credit. She didn’t complain.
Kitty’s earache had subsided, and she and Sissy chased each other around the wagon.
Bo stomped the ground and made sure there were no snakes then helped Rudy take care of the animals. They were forced to give them water from the barrel. The chores done, Rudy lay back on his elbows and watched Alice preparing food for supper tonight and for the noon meal tomorrow.
He knew her supplies were quickly dwindling. After all, she hadn’t expected to be feeding a man. If they didn’t reach the fort within a day, he’d go hunting. Fresh meat would be a treat for all of them.
Alice grew aware of his study of her, and her hands stilled. She turned slowly to look at him. She smoothed her skirt and brushed her hand over her hair. “I must look a mess.”
He sat up. “You look just fine. The wind teases your hair.” As if to verify his words, strands blew across her face, and she brushed them back. “I was just thinking how your hair seems to catch bits of sunlight.” Oh, glory. When had he ever spoken such fanciful words?
Never.
Her eyes widened, full of shock. Or maybe surprise. And then she chuckled. “Next you’ll be telling me you found bits of gold tucked away in my hair.”
He twirled a blade of grass in his fingers, a little hurt at her reaction. “Some women would have been flattered by my comment.”
She shrugged. “I figured you were teasing.” She turned back to stirring the pot of soup she made. With undue vigor, he thought.
“Are you always so dismissive of a man’s compliments?”
She kept her back to him a moment then turned slowly. “Seems that a man only gives compliments if he wants something.”
“Alice, you have a poor opinion of men.”
“No, I don’t. My father was a very nice man. So was John.”
“But?”
“Well, if you must know, I’ve found too many men are selfish. Not that I blame them overly much. I mean, who would want to take on a woman with a younger brother and two little nieces to raise?” She dug into the supply box, making a great deal of noise.
“Maybe there are some who would consider it an honor.” He knew she made too much racket to hear him. He sprang to his feet and strode away. He didn’t know how far he would have gone if Sissy and Kitty hadn’t chased after him and Bo hurried to walk at his side.
Seems they liked him more than she did.
Pushing the idea from his head, he listened to Bo’s talk and took turns swinging the girls into the air.
Alice hadn’t meantto offend Rudy. She’d heard him say some men might consider it an honor to help raise her family. But he hadn’t included himself in that comment. Not that she expected him to. After all, he had two counts against him as marriage material. First, he was on the run from a murderer. And if that wasn’t enough, he was not a man who wanted home. No, she was clear on that matter. He hadn’t come right out and said so, but she understood he would always be seeking his next big adventure.
She finished preparing the meal and called them in. As usual, they clasped hands. It was her turn to offer the blessing. She swallowed hard. There was much on her mind. Not the least, forbidden longings for someone to share this task with her.
What was she thinking? There was Clint. He’d help her.
She spoke softly and quickly, not letting her feelings dictate her words. “Dear God, thank You for getting us safely this far. Thank You for the food. Amen.”
“You should’ve thanked God for Mr. Rudy.” Sissy sounded annoyed at what she perceived to be Alice’s failure in the matter.
Kitty nodded vigorously. “He helping us.”
Even Bo studied her a moment. “They’re right.” And then, as if afraid of offending his sister, he turned his attention to his food.
Alice could not look at Rudy. Of course, she knew she owed him thanks. But she was doing her best to put distance between them. At least in her thoughts. “I’m grateful,” she murmured, keeping her eyes downturned.
He grunted then chuckled at something Kitty did.
She looked up to see the little girl pressing to his side, smiling up at him with such adoration that it hurt Alice’s heart. The children had suffered so much loss. Growing so fond of Rudy would lead to another painful parting. But she didn’t know what she could do about it until they reached the fort. And then it would be out of her hands. They’d begin a new life with Clint and Rudy would….
She shrugged. He’d have to keep running or face a man that she sensed would not hesitate to kill him.
