Page 19 of Wagon Train Song
“Here’s a biscuit for Petey to hold him over until the food is cooked.”
“Where’s Bertie?” He’d helped gather wood, but Marnie hadn’t seen him since.
“He’s following Gabe. Have a look?”
Marnie leaned forward enough to see them and laughed. Gabe had slowed his pace so Bertie kept up. They seemed to be in conversation. Alice followed Bertie. Limpy followed Alice. “Where are the cats?”
“Sunning by the water.” Angela returned to meal preparation.
Petey poked at the end of the log with one hand and held the biscuit in the other.
Marnie sat back, content that all was right for the moment. Her cup of tea was drained, and her spirits refreshed when Louise called, “Come and get it.”
She didn’t need to call twice. Gabe and his boys strode to the campfire, Bertie trailing them.
A knot between Marnie’s shoulders released as she realized Bertie wasn’t hiding from the Millers.
“Joe?” Hazel looked around for the missing man.
Walt nodded to where, closer to the stream, Joe arranged wood. “Seems he prefers his own company.”
“Or maybe he thinks we don’t want his. Ma?” Hazel waited for Marnie’s response.
Marnie’s only reason for ever being grateful that Joe kept his distance was to protect Bertie. But they couldn’t spend monthsavoiding each other. Besides, Bertie seemed to be accepting all these men.
She nodded to Hazel.
Hazel marched over to the scout. “Please join us.”
Marnie was too far away to see Joe’s expression, but she saw the way the man straightened, looked left and right, and then gave a nod. But he didn’t move. Neither did Hazel. Marnie managed to contain her smile. Her eldest daughter was sweet and compliant but stubborn too. And she liked to see everyone included.
Joe must have realized she didn’t intend to leave until he joined them and took a tentative step and then another, Hazel keeping pace until they reached the others.
Gabe gave thanks for the food. Then they filled their plates with a rich stew and freshly baked biscuits. Angela had baked a rhubarb pie yesterday, so they had that for dessert.
The sun dipped to the western horizon sending long shadows across the grass, yet they lingered around the fire, drinking two pots of tea and discussing the day’s travel.
“It was easier than I expected it to be.” Angela’s comment brought a murmur of agreement.
Joe pushed to his feet. “Don’t expect it to be easy all the way.” He handed Hazel his cup. “Thank you for the meal. Best we all rest. I’ll take the first watch. Mr. Miller, you can relieve me in two hours.” His feet whispered through the grass as he strode to the edge of the water, looked right and left, then circled the clearing.
His words had served to sober the group, and they hurried to their beds. Bertie spread his blankets under Ruby’s wagon, close to the tent Marnie would share with Ruby and Angela. Just as they had planned and had discussed endlessly. His pets snuggled in beside him.
In the tent, Marnie and her daughters prepared for bed and crowded close in their bedrolls.
“Aunt Marnie?” Angela whispered. “Joe kind of frightened me with his warning.”
“We’re ready for challenges and adventure.” Ruby’s low voice carried conviction. “Isn’t that right, Ma?”
“Of course.” There would be challenges along the way. And Marnie was ready to confront them. She’d raised her girls to take on challenges as well. Not that she had any other choice since she’d set her face to the west.
Joe’s toenudged Gabe awake. “Your watch.”
Gabe began pulling on his boots.
“Get one of your sons to relieve you in two hours.” Joe slipped away as soundless as a moonbeam.
Careful not to waken the others, Gabe picked up his rifle and eased from the campsite. He returned to the trail, listened, and hearing nothing, circled the wagons. Then he went to check on the oxen. Everything was quiet, and he settled on a rock where he could watch the area.
