Page 53 of Wagon Train Song
“Me too.” His grip on her hand promised more. “About the boys—they missed their ma, but my mother welcomed them, and they didn’t lack for love.” He told how his ma had spent hours rocking Cecil to sleep. And how she’d held Walt and comforted him even when, at first, he resisted. “It was hard.”
“I’m sure it was. But you had your parents to help.”
“Norman said how difficult it was when you realized Bertie would never be the same. He said that, at first, Bertie barely moved and then he grew frantic.”
“I think he remembered the things he used to do and now couldn’t. It was painful to watch.” Her voice broke. “He had so many fears that, at times, I was at a loss to know how to calm him. He didn’t like strangers.” Her laugh was short and mirthless. “Truth be, he doesn’t care to have anyone apart from the family around him.”
“And now my family.”
“Yes.” And how grateful she was. She rolled her head back and forth. “The sound of a train whistle frightens him. We moved to the farm to give him some peace, but we could still hear the whistle. Every time the train went through, he wouldrace to the barn to hide.” She let out a huge breath as if she’d been holding it since—well, it was impossible, but it felt like she released air stored up since Bertie’s illness.
A grove of trees grew almost to the side of the water, blocking their passage and hiding them from the others who were half a mile away.
Gabe stopped the oxen. She thought he was searching for a way around, but he pulled her into his arms. “I’m sorry you had to go through that. I prayed for you and Norman and Bertie.”
She wouldn’t cry. She’d shed all the tears she would over losses. “I’m so grateful he settled down and is now content and compliant. I don’t know what I’d do if he wasn’t.”
“He’s a gentle soul.”
“He is.” She rested in his warm embrace, finding strength and solace. Then she eased back. They needed to rejoin the others.
“It looks like we can go around this.” Gabe pointed to the right where the grove ended, and they moved on.
The others cheered as they made the final yards.
Bertie rushed out to greet her.
“Were you worried?” she asked. He tended to get upset at unexpected events, especially if Marnie wasn’t close by.
He patted her shoulder. “Mr. Gabe take care of you. Just like Papa used to.”
It was a blessing that Bertie was confident with Gabe around.Thank You, God.Her heart lightened. God would meet all her needs. He had promised. “Mr. Gabe, Joe, andGodwill take care of us.” Her words were emphatic.
Ruby waited until Bertie left to help Gabe with the oxen and then sidled up to her. “Ma, I was worried. What if something happened to you?”
Marnie hugged her youngest child. “Ruby, I hope nothing happens to me, but if it did, you’re strong.”
“Not that strong.”
“Both your pa and I have taught you to seek God’s help in hard times. He’ll never leave you nor forsake you.”
“I know.” She sucked in a deep breath. “But I don’t want anything to happen.”
“Nor do I.” Not when the future had grown brighter.
“I’m glad Mr. Gabe is along. He gives Bertie confidence.”
“I’m grateful too.” It was good to know Bertie accepted Gabe. It would make things easier when?—
Wasn’t she a little old for such dreams?
If only theycould spend more time together—alone. Gabe hadn’t finished the conversation they’d started after crossing the river. He wanted to tell her he longed for their friendship to grow into more.
As they continued the journey, he suggested she walk with him, and she agreed. But Bertie remained at her side. Or was it his side? At least, they had many miles and many weeks of travel ahead. There would come a time he could say what was on his heart.
The afternoon travel was pleasant. They crossed undulating hills covered with grass. The oxen and horses would be well fed this evening. The sun grew hot but not unbearable. Bertie’s questions grew repetitive. Perhaps Marnie felt the same way for she pointed out nearby boulders.
“Bertie, why don’t you go over there and explore? Perhaps you’ll find another buffalo horn.”
