Page 63 of Wagon Train Song
“Thank you.” Her fingers brushed his lips.
He enjoyed one more kiss before they returned. Minutes later, she said she was tired and going to bed.
“I’ll be on first watch,” he announced. After all, he wouldn’t be able to sleep anyway. His head would be full of dreams of a future shared with Marnie.
The next day,happiness filled Marnie’s heart, bubbling over, making her want to shout and laugh and sing. Several times, one of the girls gave her a questioning look, so her joy must be shining on her face. But she wasn’t ready to confess the reason. Instead, she went out of her way to avoid looking at Gabe or walking too close to him for fear she wouldn’t be able to keep from brushing her hand to his or touching his arm. She took Petey, fed him his meal, and played with him hoping it provided an excuse for how easily she laughed.
As they moved out, Bertie and Alice walked beside Gabe. No one would wonder if she chose to walk beside Ruby while Angela drove the oxen. Or if, after the noon break, she rode with Hazel as Petey slept in the back. But oh, how she longed for Gabe’s company. To make plans.
There’s no rush.They had many miles and many weeks to go before they reached the fort.
Unless—
No, she wouldn’t jump ahead of herself. They hadn’t discussed anything yet. Not dates, places, or living arrangements. There was plenty of time for that.
Restless, she ordered Hazel to stop the wagon, and she got down to walk. Her steps slowed until she walked at Gabe’s wagon. Bertie remained at Gabe’s side, but it was enough for Marnie to exchange a promising smile with Gabe.
But by the time they stopped for the night, she was ready to dash into the nearby bushes, dragging Gabe with her. So many things she wanted to say. And she longed to hold him and feel his arms around her.
“Do you think there’s any more danger from that awful man?” Louise asked, a brittle note to her voice as she scraped her plate.
Joe sat cross-legged across the fire from her. “Maybe not from him. But we need to be cautious. We’re in wild country.”
Marnie tried to recall what sort of land they’d crossed during the day, but she couldn’t. There’d been some trees. Maybe a hill or two. And she remembered stumbling over a rock. But her thoughts had been elsewhere.
Had she forgotten she had daughters, a son, and a grandson under her care? She couldn’t afford to grow careless.
Nevertheless, she waited until Gabe left to check on the oxen. Then she slipped away, murmuring something about needing a private moment. Joe hadn’t ordered they have escorts tonight. She went to the left, into the bushes, then cut to the right and angled toward the water where the animals were grazing. Walt was out there. Cecil remained at the campfire. And Joe—she shrugged. She didn’t know where he was, but then, why would he be interested? The one she was most concerned about was Bertie, and he’d been feeding his dog when she left.
Water flashed silver and pink in the evening light. One of the oxen mooed, perhaps noticing her hovering nearby. She circled the clearing, staying out of sight until she saw Gabe. He lifted his head, smiled, and nodded.
Knowing he would come to her, she melted back into the trees, a smile tugging at her mouth as she waited.
The crunch of greenery under his feet announced his coming.
As did the thrill that raced up her insides.
She pulled aside an overhanging branch to watch his approach. His smile, so warm and welcoming, brought to mind what he’d said about home. A place shared with those you cared about and who shared your hopes and dreams.
Opening her arms to welcome him, she whispered. “This is my home sweet home.”
His throaty chuckle informed her that he understood. “Youare my home sweet home.”
Here in the shelter of rustling trees, those words were vows they both committed themselves to.
He bent his head and claimed her lips in a gentle, warming kiss.
She sighed. “I’ve been wanting this all day.”
“What? Just one little kiss?”
When he feigned disappointment, she answered with a chuckle.
“I’ve had similar longings.” His whiskers were long enough to be soft against her cheek. “Let’s not wait to get married. Let’s stop at the next railway town we see and find a preacher.”
“I’d like that. But I have to tell my family and let them get used to the idea. But then—” There’d be no reason for delay.
His arms tightened around her. “I look forward to the day.”
