Page 42 of Wagon Train Promises
She was only trying to help.
Petey cocked his at Louise and then at his mother. “Ball?” Seeing it nearby, he scooted over to pat it.
It was a perfect opportunity for Cecil to play with the boy, but he made no move to do so.
Louise closed her eyes and shook her head. Why were these two practically ignoring each other? Had they had a squabble while out walking?
“Did you find that square?” She knew the answer. Hazel hadn’t tried.
Her friend sighed, then slid a bit of white fabric from her collection, and held it toward Cecil.
He flashed a look at Louise before he took it. “That’s nice.”
That was it? The square had a bright red ball held in a pair of tiny hands.
“She’s done a wonderful job. Hands are hard to do.”
“It’s good.”
Louise squinted at Cecil. This was not like him. Normally, he was the one who rejoiced with others, made them laugh, or at least smile. Had he hurt himself when they fell? And what kind of nurse was she not to check?
She stepped toward him and then stopped as Hazel fumbled with another square and showed it to him.
“I wanted to show Joe looking noble, but I couldn’t get it right. So I settled for showing his moccasins.”
Cecil chuckled. “They look like they’re waiting for Joe to step into them.”
As the pair settled into discussing their scout and guide and reminiscing about the times he’d rescued them and the trips he’d made to the towns along the way, Louise stood back, satisfied things were going as she wanted.
“It’s unfair that he is judged harshly because he’s part Native.” Hazel’s voice rang with objection.
“I agree.” Cecil nodded. “Joe is a good man.”
While the two of them conversed, Louise tended the cookies and then sat on the opposite side of the fire to watch and listen.
They were still talking when she served supper.
But as soon as they’d eaten and the dishes were washed, Hazel yawned. “I’m going to take Petey to bed. I won’t be back. Good night.”
Just like that, she was gone. The evening stretched out before Louise. It was too early to go to bed. Though what else was she supposed to do?
“There’s light for a little while yet. Maybe you could read some more.”
His soft words made it impossible for her to say no. Only because she enjoyed it. The story, that is. Not the company. Not that she didn’t enjoy the company but?—
Before she could talk herself out of doing so, she got the book and continued reading the story.
Cecil tossed two more logs on the fire, then moved closer. “So I can hear better, and you don’t have to talk so loud.”
She should have objected, but it made sense. The light faded. Her voice cracked when she finally closed the book. Before she got to her feet, he leaned toward her.
“You keep saying you’re fine after your fall. Two falls. But really, are you?” His breath whispered across her cheek.
“I am.” She meant to speak firmly but could only manage a murmur.
Heat eased up her neck as he continued to study her. Finally, when she thought her lungs were permanently paralyzed, he sat back. “I can’t help but worry about you.”
“No need.” She willed her legs to move and pushed upright. “I’ll bid you good night.” The ground felt too far away, every step jarring up her spine as she crossed to her tent.
