Page 29 of Wagon Train Promises
“What were you uncertain about?”
“If I could manage all the work. If I was doing good enough. If my brothers would be all right after losing their mother.” She lifted her free hand, palm to the sky. “So many things.”
“You’d lost your mother too. Did no one give you a shoulder to cry on?”
Her breath rushed in and ended on a strangled sob.
He did the only thing that felt right. If she didn’t like it, she must let him know. He put his arms around her shoulders and pulled her close.
For a heartbeat…two… she remained stiff and then sighed against him. Shudder after shudder rippled through her, but she didn’t show any other sign of sorrow. After a few minutes, she spoke.
“I simply had to get on with life.”
“Why is it I feel like that is your motto?” He brushed away strands of hair that tickled his face.
She laughed, the sound soft and warm against his chest. “I suppose it might be.”
Content to hold her, to have herlethim hold her, he didn’t move.
A chill hit his chest as she eased back and sat with her head down, her face hidden as if unable to look at him. The thought that he’d offended her stung his heart.
“Louise, I didn’t mean to be bold. I only wanted to comfort you.” It seemed like someone should.
“No. No. I understand.” The log shifted as she got to her feet.
“Wait. What’s your rush?” He tugged on her hand, wanting her to sit down again.
“Hazel might need me.”
“Very well.” Her concern for her friend was noble. And unselfish. They’d gather wood and return to the campsite. But if Hazel didn’t need her attention, he meant to make the most of this time with Louise. Once they were back with the other wagons, she’d be with the other women. He’d be busy with camp chores.
But before that, he had her practically to himself. And he wasn’t about to waste that opportunity because every minute spent with her made him admire her more.
Not that he expected she would see him in the same way. What did he have to offer her?
There might not be a future, but there was the present.
They climbed over fallen logs while they gathered up deadwood. She went to the left as he stopped to pick up wood. His arms were full. It was time to head back.
The crash of something heavy falling shattered the air.
“Louise?” No answer. “Louise!”
He dropped his armload and made his way as fast as possible over uneven ground crisscrossed with mossy logs.
“Louise.” He rushed forward, his heart hammering in his chest.
CHAPTER 8
The ground slammed into Louise. Her armload of wood crashed around her. One thumped on her head. Another smashed into the back of her hand. Something dug into her ribs.
“Louise?”
She tried to answer, but nothing came from her mouth.
And no air went in.
The ground thudded as Cecil raced toward her. “Louise. What happened?”
