Page 22 of Wagon Train Promises
“He’s fine. We’ve been looking after him.” Louise’s concern was not soothed by Hazel’s explanation. She jumped into the back of the wagon and sat close to her friend. Touched her forehead. “You’re still a little feverish.” Though she wasn’t burning up. The medicinal tea had helped. “Do you have anything else going on that you aren’t telling me?”
Hazel’s restless hands stilled in her lap. “I had such a disturbing dream about Peter. He was calling me. Trying to tell me something. A warning, I think.” She shook her head. “It’s left me feeling unsettled.”
Louise held her friend close. “You’ve had a fever. That’s probably what brought on the disturbing dream. Let’s finish tidying up, then join Cecil and Petey. That will make you feel better.”
Together, they folded everything and returned boxes to where they belonged. Then Louise took Hazel’s hand and led her to the fire.
“Sit here and enjoy the company. I’ll finish supper.” While she mixed up the dumpling dough, she watched Cecil with Hazel. As she’d hoped, he sat beside her and talked.
“We saw a coyote floating down the river on a log,” he said. “Petey here thought he’d like him for a pet.”
“Doggie,” Petey said and toddled toward the river.
Cecil directed him back by holding out his ball. “Catch.” He waited until Petey held out his hands six inches from Cecil’s and “tossed” the ball to the little boy.
“A coyote on a log. Imagine that.” Hazel’s tone was less enthusiastic than one might hope, but at least she was taking part in the conversation.
Cecil told her that the others across the river had waved. He repeated what he’d told Louise about how they wouldn’t go on without her and Petey.
“Good thing you’re with us, or they might not wait.”
That brought out Hazel’s chuckle.
Louise turned away from watching them. This was what she wanted. Both to see her friend feeling better and to have her enjoy Cecil’s attention. She was nothing but happy for both of them.
Again, she pressed her palm to the ache in her chest. Strange how it came on without cause. Perhaps she was breathing too much smoke.
She kept her attention on the meal, the fire, the boiling water, the clear blue sky, and the fluttering leaves on the nearby trees.… And ignored Cecil and Hazel until it was time to serve the meal.
Cecil offered grace, his words calming her soul.
“God, keep us safe,” she whispered before she loaded plates for everyone. If Cecil overheard her prayer, he would assume she meant from floodwaters. But that was only part of her prayer. She also meant—she shook her head.
Whatdidshe mean?
She had no answer apart from the fear that she would fail in her desire to see her best friend and Cecil falling in love and getting married.
Again, that tightness in her chest.
She sat a distance from Hazel and Cecil, the latter feeding Petey from his plate. A picture of a happy family.
Spoons scraped against metal plates as everyone ate. Even Hazel had developed an appetite. “Thank You, God,” Louise whispered, ducking her head when Cecil glanced her way, a silent question in his eyes.
When they’d finished eating, Louise suggested Hazel might like to walk. “Cecil, would you go with her and make sure she’s all right?”
He hesitated. “We’ll help with dishes first, and then you can join us.”
“Oh no. You go ahead while Hazel is feeling up to it.” She gathered up the dishes and slipped them into the pot of hot water.
Still, Cecil hesitated. Questions lingered in his eyes.
Finally, he exhaled and gave in. “Very well.” And with Petey between them, holding their hands, they made their slow way along the path Louise and Cecil had taken a few hours ago.
Louise ducked her head, giving the plate she scrubbed undue attention until they’d gone several yards. Then she looked up, her gaze following them.
Her friend deserved every bit of happiness life could provide.
Cecil concentratedon keeping Petey from stepping in puddles. He pointed out the flash of red from a bird in the trees.
