Page 52 of Wagon Train Song
It was enough to jerk her from her state.
She took his hand and allowed him to help her to the seat. Rather than look at the water, she held his gaze. “Thanks.”
“My pleasure.” He climbed up beside her, and Joe urged the big animals forward. They took a tentative step into the waters that must be as cold as a winter night. The wagon dipped forward. Spray wet her face.
I won’t grab his hand and crush it. I won’t. Her fingers knotted as she gripped them together.
Then Gabe cupped his hand over hers. “The ground is solid.”
Those words were meant to calm her, but it was the warmth of his hand that eased her worries.If I drown, my last thought will be this comfort.
The wagon jerked over the rough bed. The water rushed around them, resisting the intrusion. Marnie leaned toward the current as if her tiny bit of weight could prevent them from tipping over.
“You can open your eyes. We’re over,” Gabe teased, his voice warm with comfort.
“They’re open.” Her protests brought his snort of laughter, and then the wagon tipped rearward as the oxen pulled it up the bank to solid footing. It was all she could do not to leapdown and kiss the ground. But she restrained herself while Gabe helped her descend.
She patted the oxen. “Thank you.” She stood before Joe. “Thank you.”
The man chuckled. “Just doin’ my job. Join the others but take your time. Let them animals blow for a bit.”
The river behind her, Marnie’s worries now appeared irrational, and she laughed.
Gabe studied her, a flicker of amusement lacing his concerned gaze. “Nice to see you’re all right.” He narrowed his eyes. “You are, aren’t you?”
“Right as sunshine. Right as green grass and blue sky.”
He caught her hand and pulled her close. “Right as a field of wildflowers and a cup of sweet tea.”
She didn’t imagine the deepening of his voice nor the way his eyes warmed with affection. An answering emotion raced up inside her and flooded her eyes.
“Marnie.” Her name sounded like honey on his lips. “Is it possible?—?”
Was he unable to finish? Or unwilling?
He ran a gentle finger along her cheek, drawing her toward that touch, filling her with a desire for more. They’d been friends in the past. But what she was feeling now was something more than friendship.
Was it possible?
Their gazes locked. They stood motionless, lost in the moment. And in the possibilities?
“Marnie?”
“Yes?” The word whispered over dry lips, and she ran her tongue across them.
One of the oxen snorted, startling her. She jerked back. “It sounds like they’re ready to move on.”
“We’ll finish this later.” Gabe took her hand and led her beside the oxen.
She could hardly wait.
For several minutes, they walked without talking as they navigated the rocky bank. But she had so much she wanted to ask. Wanted to know. She wanted to know everything.
“How did the boys adjust when you took them to your parents? How did your parents cope? How did they do in school?” At his burst of laughter, she stopped. “I’m just trying to catch up.”
“It might take us a long time.” His smile warmed her insides.
“I look forward to it.” Did her eyes tell him all that was in her heart?
