Page 21 of Wagon Train Promises
In the meantime, she had to make sure Hazel got better.
And she had to keep this unwelcome interest in Cecil rebuked. There was no place in her life or her heart for it. She’d learned her lesson about reading more into kindness than was meant. It wasn’t something she meant to trip over again.
Her heart was set on beginning again in the West and in doing her utmost to see that Hazel got better and, most of all, staying out of the way of the growing attraction between her friend and Cecil.
They belonged together. She pressed her palm to her chest, where a sudden ache developed.
It was concern about Hazel. Nothing more. Nothing else.
The women lined up on the opposite bank and waved. She couldn’t see their expressions well enough to guess if they wondered where Hazel was. But Joe had seen her earlier. He wouldn’t have been able to tell how confused and frail she was, only that she was standing and moving about.
A good amount of debris floated past them. Uprooted trees. Tangled bushes twisting in the current, and then Cecil laughed and pointed.
A coyote balanced on a log, his tongue lolling out.
Louise laughed. “He seems to be enjoying it.”
“I’d say so.”
Across the river, Limpy barked furiously at the coyote.
“Doggie,” Petey said, squirming to get down.
Cecil kept him in his arms. “Not a doggie. A coyote.”
“Want doggie.” Petey struggled to be free. The boy would surely want to run to the coyote.
“Let’s go back and see how the stew is.” Cecil hurried the little guy away from the river.
Louise waved to the others and followed him. Petey continued to fuss.
“Let’s get your ball.” Cecil stopped at the wagon.
He reached inside. “Hazel!”
Louise dashed over to see what caused his shock.
CHAPTER 6
The moment Louise could see inside the wagon, she understood Cecil’s reaction. The blankets had been tossed haphazardly over the front seat. Several boxes stood open, and the contents scattered about. Hazel dug through the satchel holding Petey’s clothing, throwing items over her shoulder.
“Hazel!” At Louise’s sharp words, the woman looked up, her eyes cloudy blue.
“Where’s Petey? I can’t find him. Where is he?” The panicky words tore at the air.
“Hazel, he’s right here.” Cecil stood beside Louise, the child in his arms.
“Mama.”
At Petey’s voice, Hazel sat back, releasing a gust of air. “When I couldn’t find him—” She scowled at the mess around her and gave a mirthless laugh. “’ Course, I didn’t think he’d be in the satchel. I don’t know what I was thinking.” She folded each garment and returned it to the bag. “I’ll clean up this mess.”
Louise and Cecil edged back, far enough away they could whisper without Hazel overhearing.
“She seems confused.” Cecil’s attention stayed on Hazel.
“Decidedly. Her fever might have risen.” Louise returned to her friend. “Hazel, how are you feeling?”
“Fine. I’m fine. Oh, a little tired, but that’s to be expected.” Her hands fluttered as she folded items and returned them to the various boxes. She shot a glance at Louise. “You must wonder why I did something so foolish.” She waved to indicate the untidy interior. “It’s just that when I awoke and didn’t see Petey, I panicked. I thought—” She shrugged. “I was only half awake and not thinking clearly.”
