Page 61 of Wagon Train Song
The sun hovered at the horizon, sending the wagons’ shadows out, long and skinny. Still, Joe hadn’t returned.
Marnie moved far out to the side to see ahead. “Shouldn’t Joe be back by now?”
“He’s just looking for a good place.”
“Gabe, don’t try to hide the truth from me.”
He brought his gaze to her. “What do you mean?”
“He’s been gone long enough that you’re beginning to worry just as I am. Something could have happened as we both know. I’d sooner you shared your worries with me than think you need to protect me.”
He nudged his hat up, smiling now. “It’s been a long time.”
How well she understood! He’d been alone so long, carrying the weight and worries of his family, but now they could become a team. “We can help each other.”
“I like that.” His gaze lingered before he scanned their surroundings.
Trees crowded in on either side. Tall, skinny, black-trunked trees that blocked the fading sunlight.
She shivered.
Gabe took her hand. “Whatever lies before us, we will face it together.”
Since it was impossible in the gloom for Bertie or any of them to see their hands clasped together, she squeezed Gabe’s fingers and leaned into his shoulder.
CHAPTER 16
Talking about their love, thinking about the promised kiss had distracted Gabe. But now he acknowledged his concern. Not that he intended to admit it to Marnie despite their agreement to share. He thought of trotting ahead to ask Walt if he saw anything, but he didn’t want to leave Marnie alone at the back of the wagon train.
He gave a whistle when Cecil rode nearby, so his son came over.
“Any sign of Joe?” Gabe asked.
“Nothing.” Cecil looked in every direction. “Walt wants to stop and wait for him. What do you think?”
Gabe took off his hat and scratched his head. “It will soon be dark. The oxen are tired. We’ll need to find a place for the night.” He replaced his hat and twitched his fingers toward Cecil’s reins. “Let me have your horse. Stay with Mrs. Woods while I scout around.”
Cecil dismounted, and Gabe took his place.
Irene trotted over, and Gabe explained his plan.
“I’ll be back soon. Stay alert.” Giving Marnie a reassuring glance, he rode to Walt. “Wait here while I scout around.”
The ground before him was dark, the trees even darker, so he proceeded slowly, assessing the area for a suitable camping spot but aware of the possibility of encountering the man they’d dealt with earlier in the day.
There were limited spots suitable for grazing, and he saw no water. He stopped to listen for any hint of running water. Instead, he heard the whisper of leaves informing him something or someone moved around nearby. He drew into the darkest shadows and readied his rifle.
“It’s me.”
Recognizing Joe’s voice, he let out his breath. “I’m glad to hear from you. I was getting worried.”
Joe closed the distance between them. “You’re looking for a place to camp?”
“Yeah. It’s getting dark.”
“I found something.” He rode toward the wagons, Gabe at his side.
Away from the shadowed trees there remained enough light in the sky to reveal the relief on every face as the two of them reached the waiting travelers.
