Page 34 of Wagon Train Promises
The perfect picture of a complete family. This was exactly what Louise wanted for her friends. Even though a short time ago, she’d been sitting next to Cecil enjoying his attention. Of course, he was concerned she might have injured herself. He wouldn’t want an invalid on his hands. Thankfully, Hazel had improved, so he wasn’t looking at having two incapacitated women on his hands.
Louise turned her back to the three of them. Their presence and murmurs crowded her, and she went to the bank overlooking the river. The rumble of the water eased away her troubled thoughts.
Bertie wandered along on the far side. Seeing her, he waved and shouted. The noisy river drowned out his words.
She waved back. If only they could join the others. She could spend time with one of the other women, or even Bertie. Life would settle back into the calm routine of the past weeks.
A gurgle of laughter escaped.
“What amuses you?”
She hadn’t heard Cecil approach, and his question choked off her amusement. If she didn’t answer, would he forget he’d asked?
“Care to share?” He moved closer, his body blocking the cool breeze rushing down the river valley. He wasn’t going to forget.
How hard would it be to ignore him and his questions? And his caring? Nigh unto impossible, she discovered.
“I was thinking how nice it would be to cross the river and continue travel with the others. You know? Where things are peaceful and calm.” Would he catch that teasing note?
A log floated by. There was less debris than yesterday. Were they both going to stare silently at the water?
His roar of laughter rumbled through her. “Is that how you see it? The alkali flats, the wild animals, the young man stealing from us, the lady intruder, the?—”
A grin filled her heart. “I might not be remembering it exactly as it was.”
“And don’t forget the rogues who meant to do us harm.” His words broke as if catching on a tight throat.
“All right. All right.” She lifted her hands to admit defeat. “There might have been some less peaceful moments.”
“There definitely were.”
His dark eyes held her in their grasp. Searching. For what? She had nothing to hide.
She also had nothing to share. And turned her attention back to the turbulent waters.
“You know one of the best things about this journey?” His question jarred her back to the conversation.
“Seeing your pa remarry? Or your brother and Irene marry?” Seems those must be high on his what’s-good list.
“Let’s sit.”
The breeze hit her again as he lowered himself to the ground. Missing the warmth and protection he’d provided, she sat beside him and ignored the twinge of guilt at taking him away from Hazel. Besides, she didn’t take him. He’d come of his own free will.
“That’s the best part for them. But for me—” He picked up a twig and tossed it into the water. “It’s been having church outdoors. My grandparents raised me to believe, to go to church, and to pray.”
Another twig rose in the air, then dropped to the river.
“I’m growing closer to God on this journey. Especially when I see His power in the storms, His love in rescuing us, and His faithfulness in answering prayer.”
The rumble of his voice echoed the sound of the waters. And had the same power to reverberate in her chest.
“Sorry. I don’t mean to sound like a preacher.”
“You might make a good preacher.” She meant to be teasing but fell short.
“Nope. What I am is a blacksmith. Sometimes a wheelwright. I like making things with my hands. I like pounding and chopping. Making a hot fire for the forge.” He grinned. “It was one of my first tasks when I went to work.” He pumped his arms up and down to indicate what he’d done.
“I’m guessing the young ladies hovered at the street, watching you work and going ooh and ahh.” Again, the teasing didn’t quite make itself known.
