Page 30 of Wagon Train Song
He grinned at her, obviously having a similar reaction to her statement.
She turned to look to the side, another yawn making her eyes water.
The wheels bumped over a lump, and her bottom thumped on the hard seat. No doubt, her girls were as sore and tired as she. And little Petey would be hungry. But still, they rolled onward.
The sun blared in their eyes. Her head drooped. She jerked up. She would not fall asleep and take the chance of falling on her face. Just when she couldn’t take another minute of bouncing along the trail, Joe rode back.
“Best I can do is a sandy spot ahead. We’ll stop there.”
“God be praised,” she murmured as the scout rode away to guide the wagons.
Again, the wagons formed a semicircle. Out of necessity, she accepted Gabe’s help in getting down. With hardly any grass at their feet, little could make her feet wet—er, wetter.
With a murmured thanks and a look that didn’t connect to his, she hurried to join the others in meal preparation.
Bertie, Alice, the dog, and the cats ran around the sandy spot as if rejoicing in being able to use their limbs. They stopped after a few minutes, and Bertie dug in the sand.
Hazel took Petey over to them. “Bertie, can you watch him for me, please?”
“Yup. Look, Petey, we pile sand up.”
Fondness warmed Marnie’s eyes as she observed them. They would never leave Bertie alone with Petey, but he did enjoy entertaining the little one.
A short time later, a bountiful meal was ready, and Irene let out a whoop to call everyone.
The sun dipped low while they gathered around. Louise had produced a table from their wagon to hold the food. Gabe removed his hat and asked the blessing.
Good to have him taking over the role. It seemed natural since he was the oldest man present and the father of two of the travelers.
They sat cross-legged on the ground, quilts and blankets spread to keep them dry. Conversation remained on the storm. Marnie worried the reminder might upset Bertie, but he laughed as if he’d enjoyed the weather.
As she helped clean up after the meal, Walt went to the Miller wagon and returned to hand Gabe a guitar.
“Play for us, Pa.”
Gabe plucked a few chords, asked his sons to join him, then began to sing familiar songs.
Marnie found a spot where she could lean against a wagon wheel and enjoy listening to the Millers sing. The glances theygave each other displayed a shared love for singing and no doubt for each other. A pleasant warmth engulfed her as the flames crackled and the music wrapped around her. Was it possible to put her past behind and forget it? Move forward? Perhaps even share her life.
She jerked upright. Where had that thought come from?
The way to a woman’s heart is through music.Was she recalling those words from something she’d heard in the past or only sending herself a warning? Either way, her past couldn’t be dismissed, but she could enjoy singing without forgetting that fact.
Gabe set his guitar aside. “That’s all. We need to get some sleep.”
The evening ended as one by one they headed for their beds. Marnie didn’t move. She wasn’t sure she could with a host of emotions roiling her. Longing for the dreams that had been quenched. Regret for things she couldn’t change.
Gabe studied her. “Is there something wrong?”
“Not really.” She managed a shrug as if to suggest it was nothing. “I suppose it takes me back to early days of hope and promise. Life was a song. Life was full of singing.” She and Norman had such dreams. “And then Bertie got ill.” Would he hear the catch in her throat? “Don’t get me wrong. I thank God daily that Bertie recovered from his illness. He’s a pleasure to have around.” But he would never be a man. Her firstborn son was forever stuck in childhood. It was a loss she’d accepted and even grown used to, but seeing Walt and Cecil reminded her of what might have been. “God’s will be done.”
“And then you lost Norman.”
“Lost might not be the right word.” She erupted to her feet and hurried to her tent. Her movements jerky, she pulled off her clothing and slipped into her nightdress. Why had she said such a revealing thing?
Gabe watchedMarnie duck into her tent. Talking about Norman upset her. He understood that. His passing had left her to cope on her own. He thanked God that it worked out for him and his sons to accompany her to Fort Taylor.
He’d do everything in his power to make this journey as easy as possible and not simply to repay a debt he owed Norman. He’d do it for the pleasure of easing her load, seeing her smile, and enjoying a laugh together. Maybe she’d keep him company again tomorrow and they could enjoy the trip together.
