Page 43 of Wagon Train Hope
As Hazel headed for her wagon with the baby, Irene approached the fire. “Ma, I’ll help put away the meat.”
The dried venison would serve them for several days. Satisfied that all was well and Irene content, he moved on.
“Mr. Walt.” Bertie’s voice came from under the wagon where he regularly slept, often with Irene at his side.
How protective Irene was! It was an admirable quality. “What is it, Bertie?”
“You and Irene gone long time.”
“This afternoon?”
“Yeah. I got scared, but Mama said you’d take care of her.”
Rather high praise, that. “Yes, I will.” Always. Or at least as much as she’d allow. That might not be very much. But then she’d made it this far in life without his help, so perhaps she didn’t need his protection as much as he thought.
“Irene my sister.”
“I know.” Bertie wasn’t telling Walt something he didn’t already know but informing him that he cared for his sister and would do what he could to protect her. “You’re a good big brother to her.”
“Thanks, Mr. Walt. You wanna pet my cats?”
Walt’s chuckle came from deep in his lungs. That offer from Bertie was a sign of approval. “I’d love to.” He squatted to stroke the soft fur of the cats cradled in Bertie’s lap. “Thanks.” Warmth swept through him when he pushed to his feet. He’d have to be sure and tell Irene what happened.
The camp quieted as the others went to their beds. The fire died down. An owl hooted in the distance. Peace descended.
He circled the area again, then leaned against a tree to keep watch. Warm, gentle thoughts kept him company. Remembering the afternoon brought a smile to his lips. The smile lingered when Pa came out to relieve him. And remained there as he went to his bedroll.
“Good night.” The soft words came from under the wagon where Irene lay beside Bertie.
“Good night to you, too.” His smile deepened and took residence in the secret corners of his heart.
Walt wakenedbefore dawn lightened the sky. He lay quiet, listening to the camp begin to rouse. Pa stirred the coals and tossed on more wood. He murmured to Marnie as she put the coffee to boil. Petey cried, and Hazel soothed him. Bertie called, “Good morning.” He shuffled about and then stumbled toward his ma.
“Bertie, call your dog.” Irene’s voice came from where she’d slept.
The day had begun. Walt pulled on his boots, rolled his bedding, stowed it in the wagon, and then went to join the others.
The ladies worked at preparing breakfast. Pa checked the coffeepot.
Irene met Walt’s gaze across the space. She didn’t smile, but one hovered in her gaze. Just as one warmed his own eyes.
And then chores consumed everyone. The men brought in the oxen as breakfast cooked and coffee brewed. By then,breakfast was ready, and they gathered around to eat the warm food and drink the strong coffee. Usually, Irene sat across the fire from him, but this morning, she sat next to him. Their elbows bumped as they ate.
“Whoops,” she said after it happened a third time.
“You’re doing it on purpose, aren’t you?” He kept his voice low so the others wouldn’t hear.
The way Marnie’s glance went from Walt to Irene and back, she probably knew what her daughter was up to. Which was?
Putting a word to her teasing behavior would force him to decide how he felt about it, and he wasn’t ready to do that. Instead, he nudged her elbow just as she lifted her cup of coffee to her mouth. The liquid sloshed but didn’t spill over the rim.
She ducked her head and grinned.
Oh ho. The little minx liked to tease, did she? Well, wait until he got her away from the others. He’d?—
Well, he didn’t know what he’d do, but he couldn’t wait to do it. Before he could go any further in his thoughts, Louise gathered up the used dishes and lowered them into the basin of hot water. He and Irene retained their cups.
Pa rose. “‘This is the day that the Lord has made.’”
