Page 46 of Wagon Train Song
“Hi, Mr. Gabe. Where you been?”
“Just looking around.” He lowered himself to the ground beside Bertie. “Are the animals doing well?”
“Yeah. They like the grass here.” He shook his head and gripped his fingers in Limpy’s fur. “They didn’t like that hot place. I didn’t either.” He rocked back and forth. “There be more hot places?”
Gabe understood he asked about the journey ahead. “Bertie, whatever is before us, we will work together and help each other. That’s what friends and family do.”
“You my friend.”
“Yes, I am.” It was a hurdle he wouldn’t have to overcome if he and Marnie became more than friends. Deep shadows filledevery hollow. Silver flashed on an otherwise dark river. “Say, we better go back before your ma starts to worry about you.”
Bertie fell into step beside Gabe as they walked to the fire.
Walt’s glance was curious. Trust Walt to notice how long Gabe had been absent and not be convinced he’d spent the time with Bertie. Gabe stirred the fire, more to ignore his son than anything. He also managed not to look at Marnie even when she got to her feet.
“Come on, Bertie. It’s time for us to go to bed.” She gestured to her son.
At that signal, those who remained by the fire went to their beds.
Gabe fell asleep remembering the feel of Marnie in his arms. Tonight, it was his turn not to keep watch, so he enjoyed his pleasant dreams until Joe clanged two pots together to waken them the next day.
His first thought was of Marnie, even as his last one had been. He glanced toward her tent. The canvas billowed as the ladies wakened and moved about. His boots were on, his bedroll stowed before she emerged. Seeing him across the clearing, she smiled and then ducked her head.
Grinning with satisfaction at the short acknowledgment, he sauntered away to get the oxen. Somehow, he’d find time to spend with Marnie today. He might even think of it as courting her.
Later, as they followed a barely visible trail through the trees and up and down gentle hills, he discovered it was easier to be alone with her than he’d expected thanks to Marnie herself.
They’d been on the march less than an hour, Bertie meandering beside Gabe, Marnie ahead with Hazel, taking turns carrying Petey, who squirmed to be free from restrictions, when Marnie glanced back. She studied Bertie, darted a look at Gabe that made his pulse quicken, and then fell in beside Bertie.
“Petey’s restless.”
Bertie’s vigorous nod flipped the front lock of his hair back and forth. “He want to walk.”
“His legs are too short. He can’t keep up. Poor little guy.” Marnie let out a sigh. “I thought of holding his hand on one side while Hazel held him on the other side. He could swing and walk.” She looked down. “But I’m not strong enough to keep doing that.”
Gabe blinked. He’d seen her drag in a tree that weighed almost as much as she did. And hoist a tub of water to heat over the fire.
Marnie brightened. “Bertie, you’re strong enough to help them.”
“I sure am.” Laughing, he trotted ahead and spoke to Hazel. Soon the pair of them held Petey between them.
Gabe gaped at Marnie.
Eyes round in innocence, she met his look. “What?”
He shook his head in mock disbelief.
“Sometimes a mother needs a break.” She tossed off her words airily.
“I’m not objecting.” Would she read the warmth in his eyes and the welcome in his heart?
Her laugh was like honey dripping into that heart.
“What can I do for you, fair lady?” He swept off his hat with a bow, his tone matching his heart.
“I wanted to say how nice the trees are. How sweet the birdsong?—”
“And how pretty the flowers.” Their gazes went to the roadside where tiny reddish-orange flowers grew. But they only looked that direction a moment before they turned to each other.
