Page 48 of Wagon Train Promises
“Nothing. Except Louise stopped a coyote from stealing some meat.” He grinned as his amusement returned. “I thought she was going to wrestle him for it.”
Hazel blinked twice. “Is she all right?”
“Better you should ask if the coyote is in one piece. He is.” Cecil swung the ax over his shoulder and marched onward. Not only his face smiled; his whole insides did.
Louise was quite the woman. She’d fit well in the West.
More than that, she’d make a fine wife. Someone a man could count on through thick and thin. She’d be at her husband’s side to assist, to encourage, and—he chuckled—to amuse.
Would she see Cecil in the role of her husband?
Why not? They got along fine. He admired her. She seemed to like him. He had a few more hours, perhaps even days, to make her realize they belonged together.
What could he do to make her see that?
He’d kissed her.
It took all of Louise’s self-control not to brush her fingers over her lips and try to capture the feeling that lingered. Not that she could even say what it was. Only that it filled her entire being.
“What’s this I hear about you tackling a coyote?”
Hazel’s question jerked Louise back to here and now.
Guilt flooded up her body and pooled in her cheeks. Would Hazel hopefully think her heightened color was due to working over the fire? She didn’t want her friend to know Louise had enjoyed spending time with Cecil. Heaven forbid that she should learn about the kiss.
Why was she having to constantly remind herself that Hazel deserved Cecil? And why did the idea grind at her insides?
“It was nothing. I simply wasn’t prepared to let some sneaky animal steal our meal.”
Gritting her teeth, she hung the pot over the fire. It would stew the rest of the afternoon. There’d be meat for supper and enough for another meal…maybe two.
“Lord,” she murmured under her breath. “Help me be faithful and true.” Not only to God but also to her friend. She went to the wagon and dug through her belongings until she found what she wanted. Her Bible. To her shame, she’d spentfar more time reading a novel than reading God’s word. “Forgive me. No wonder my thoughts are so wayward.”
Clasping the Bible in her hands, she called to Hazel that she was going to the river to read. At least, when Cecil returned, he would be alone with Hazel.
She walked beside the water for a time until she found a grassy shelf and sat, her legs hanging over the bank. Resting her head back, pressing to the rough bark of a tree, she tried to sort her thoughts. She was good at distancing herself from unpleasant or difficult things and focusing on her duties and responsibilities.
Only this time, her thoughts jumped around, always landing back at the same spot.
Cecil had kissed her.
And she’d enjoyed it. More than that, she ached for more kisses.
Shaking her head, she opened her Bible. “Please, God. I confess I am fickle. Send me something to strengthen me.” But rather than read, she closed her eyes and let memories flit through her thoughts. Ma reading her Bible. Giving her verses to encourage Louise throughout her life. Her smile was sad while remembering her mother’s death.
But strength flowed into her heart as she recalled not only those verses but also her vow to become a nurse and help the sick and hurting. She didn’t intend to forget that.
Another memory came. Hazel visiting to encourage her.
Louise leaned over her knees and groaned. What kind of friend was she to repay that kindness by kissing Cecil? And wanting more of the same?
It must never happen again.
She read page after page, seeking so many things—strength, forgiveness, freedom from her forbidden longings. Her neck ached, and she sat back. No specific verse had jumped out at her,but remembering God’s love and faithfulness had given her the peace she desired.
Rocks rolled loose, drawing her attention to someone approaching. She looked up to see Cecil.
Her first response was to flee. Flee temptation. But she needed to face this situation head-on.
