Page 12 of Wagon Train Promises
They both looked toward the wagon. Hazel hadn’t stirred. Could she still be sleeping? Or?—?
Louise hurried over and released her trapped breath when she saw Hazel’s chest rise and fall.
Cecil followed, bringing Petey. “Isn’t it good that she’s resting? With my grandma—I’m sorry. I know it isn’t the same.”
“Rest is good.” But that niggling feeling that things weren’t normal wouldn’t leave Louise as she returned to the fire to finish making the soup. Her insides felt raw. Was she missing something? Or was the reminder of Mama’s death unsettling her? Of course, it was. But how was she to get back her equilibrium? Maybe if she asked Cecil about his life, he wouldn’t ask any more questions about hers. “I know you were raised by your grandparents?—”
“And Pa. He was there as much as he could be. And always good to us. He encouraged me to try my hand at blacksmithing.”
“That’s nice.” She’d have to be careful not to talk like Mr. Miller had been like her pa. Absent a good deal of the time and was distant when he was there. He’d never gotten over the death of his wife. “I’m sorry you lost them.”
“Thanks. But both had grown old and weary and assured us they were ready to go.” He chuckled. “Grandmother often told me that she’d done her best to raise me to be a good man, and now it was up to me to honor that.”
He sounded so amused that she stared at him. “Does it make you feel beholding?”
Another soft, warming chuckle. “Not in the least. Our grandparents gave us a good life.” He leaned back, his gaze at the sky. His whole face smiled. “They’d approve of our decision to move West.”
“You seemed pleased with the thought.”
“I am. We leave behind our loved ones who have passed on, and together, we begin a new adventure.” He sat up and met her gaze. His eyes narrowed.
Her face warmed and not from the hot flames. She’d been admiring him, but she hadn’t meant for him to see it. She bent over the simmering pot.
“I can understand it’s harder for you having to leave your brothers.”
“Maybe one day they’ll move West.” Or she could return East if she wanted. She didn’t. Never before had she realized that. “I will miss my brothers, but, well, what I miss is being the one to take care of them. They no longer need that.”
“So, you’re looking for someone else to need you?”
She jerked upright. “That makes me sound needy. Like—” Like she wanted people to be sick or injured so she could tend them. She waved the spoon in the air, not caring for the way her insides rebelled. “Is it so wrong to want to be useful? To makea difference in people’s lives?” Her words were sharp, and she clamped her lips together.
“Not at all.”
“The soup is about ready. I’m going to get Hazel.”
“I’ll watch Petey. Louise?”
A part of her wanted to rush on, not giving him a chance to explain, but a more demanding part needed to hear what he had to say. She slowed.
“I’m sorry if I made you feel that way. You will find people everywhere who need a nurse. And isn’t that why you became one? And doesn’t caring make you a good nurse?”
All she could manage was a nod.
At the wagon, she touched Hazel. “Wake up. It’s time to eat.”
Nothing. Not so much as a groan.
“Hazel.” She shook her friend’s legs. Still nothing. Her heart squeezed out a painful beat. “Hazel.” She spoke louder, more demanding.
“What is it?” Cecil joined her at the wagon.
“She doesn’t wake up.”
CHAPTER 4
Cecil shifted Petey so he couldn’t see his mother. If she?—
He wouldn’t allow the thought and shook her foot. “She’s warm.” He studied her shoulders. “She’s breathing. Hazel! Hazel! Wake up!”
