Page 62 of Wagon Train Song
“There’s a spot a mile from here.”
Gabe gave the horse back to Cecil and drove his oxen forward with Marnie at his side.
“We’ll soon be settled for the night. And then—” He chuckled as he anticipated the coming evening.
“And then we’ll have food to prepare and tents to set up.”
Amusement at her failed attempt to sound dismissive tickled his insides. “All work and no play?—”
“Are you calling me dull?” She jabbed his upper arm.
He drew back and rubbed the spot, pretending she’d hurt him which earned him a tiny laugh. “Not unless your name is Jack.”
Another laugh that burst into his heart like a flash of sunshine.
He leaned close and whispered even though no one was close enough to hear him. “Maybe we could rendezvous away from the others, and I can kiss you.”
“Under the starlit sky.” She sighed expansively. “It sounds wonderful.”
“It does indeed.” He squeezed her hand before he turned back to guiding the weary oxen into place beside the lead wagons as they drew into their customary semicircle. Joe directed them to make the circle smaller. Before the oxen were unhitched, Joe gave instructions.
“Two will be guarding the place at all times. The ladies will take one of us with them when they are away from camp. For any reason.”
Irene gasped. “Even private matters?”
“Any reason.” Joe helped lead a pair of oxen to the narrow stream.
Gabe appreciated Joe’s concern and intended to use it to his advantage. He’d escort Marnie wherever she went. Not that he’d be close enough to see what she did. But he’d be close enough to make sure nothing threatened her. With that thought secured in place and a smile on his face, he led his oxen away.
The next hour was busy with taking care of the animals and the wagons. Bertie decided it was time to leave his shelter. Or perhaps his pets persuaded him. He accompanied them to the water.
The fire provided light for the evening meal.
It was about all Gabe could do to wait for Marnie to say she needed to go to the trees.
She rose. “Gabe, can you escort me, please?”
“Of course.” He fell into step beside her as they left the flickering circle of light provided by the fire. At first, it was hardto see. Then his eyes adjusted. They reached a small clearing, the area lit by a thousand stars, and he pulled her into his arms.
“Marnie, I love you.”
She lifted her face to him, and they kissed. At first tentative and then with the welcome of two hungry hearts.
She pressed her palm to his cheek. “I can’t believe this is happening.”
“Believe it.” He kissed her again. “Will you marry me?”
Her cool fingers trailed down his face and rested on his shoulders. “Are you sure? I don’t want to stand in the way of your dreams.”
He understood what she meant. Going to a ranch in British Columbia was a goal he’d give up rather than ask her to leave her family behind and go with him over the mountains. “My happiness, my dream, my everything is right here.” He captured her lips again to make sure she knew what he meant.
“Then, yes, I will marry you.” She brushed her lips to his. “I love you, Gabe Miller.”
His heart brimming over, he held her close. “What are we going to tell the others?”
She stiffened just enough for him to notice. “Can we keep it to ourselves for a little while?”
“Of course.”
