Page 26 of Wagon Train Promises
While Hazel perched on the log, amusing Petey, Louise ground coffee, and Cecil tended the coffeepot, hovering over it as if he could force it to boil faster.
She ducked her head to hide her amusement and gathered together the makings for cornbread.
As soon as the coffee sputtered, Cecil removed the pot with a gloved hand and filled three mugs, handing them out. He sucked back the hot brew and sighed expansively.
Louise hid another grin as the man blossomed like a sun-kissed flower. Life flowed into his eyes. Humor to his mouth. “You surely do like your morning coffee.”
“I surely do. Like Grandpa often said, coffee is the best way to start the morning.”
She refrained from pointing out that it was possible to function without the drink. Instead, without stopping to think before she spoke, she said, “I wish someone would look at me the way you look at your coffee.”
He sputtered his mouthful into the air as he burst out laughing.
Overcome with embarrassment, she ducked her head and pretended to be extremely busy putting the cornbread mixture into the Dutch oven.
The quietness that followed made her nerves twitch. If only she could pull the words back.
He edged closer. “Maybe someone will.” His words were soft…inviting.
She dared not look at him to see if he meant to be more than encouraging. Or maybe he was trying to be amusing. Yes. She’d go with amusing.
“Only if I’m bringing them a cup of morning coffee or something for pain.” Her chuckle sounded flat, but maybe he’d think it mirthful. Steeling herself, she looked at him with a wide smile.
He regarded her soberly, making her lips feel even more wooden than they were. He leaned closer. “Did I hear you say something last night just before I fell asleep?”
Please, please don’t let him have heard the words I shouldn’t have spoken.Swallowing hard, gathering up every fragment ofself-control, she nodded. “I said I was glad you hadn’t been sprayed by the skunk.”
“Right.”
“Hazel,” she called. “We had a skunk visit last night.”
Hazel looked at them. “Really? Did anyone get sprayed?”
Louise indicated Cecil should answer and turned her attention back to watching the breakfast cook. It certainly was taking its sweet time.
While Cecil gave Hazel the details, Louise hurried to the wagon for syrup and jam. The cornbread was finally done, and she cut generous portions for each of them and bowed her head as Cecil asked the blessing.
“Lord,” she murmured under her breath. “Help me do what’s right and good.” She didn’t need to explain because God knew she meant she must not get in the way of the developing feelings between Hazel and Cecil.
The cornbread was tasty and even tastier drowned in syrup.
“That was good. Thank you.” Hazel had eaten every bit from her plate. “I do believe I am feeling much better today.”
“That’s great news.” Louise took the empty plate. “But don’t overdo it.”
“I can at least help with dishes.” Hazel rose, clattered Cecil’s empty plate together with Petey’s, and dipped them into the hot water.
Cecil pushed to his feet. “Ladies, we’re going to need more firewood.” He looked toward the river, still in full flood. “I’ll see to it.” He retrieved an ax from the wagon and strode into the woods.
The crunch of fallen leaves and the crack of breaking wood signaled his progress.
“Watch out for skunks,” Louise called.
His laughter rang out in answer.
Chuckling, she stuck her hands in the hot water, wishing it would sear the foolishness that had her continually saying things she shouldn’t. One by one, she handed the scrubbed dishes to Hazel to dry. Soon, the place was clean, dishes put away, and beans set to cook. They wouldn’t be ready by noon. For that meal, they’d have the leftover stew from last night.
“Do you mind if I rest?” Hazel’s words were slow, heavy.
