Page 70 of Wagon Train Promises
“What did you say?”
She repeated the verse. “I’d say we’ve had enough troubles and concerns for one day.”
“So has that little fellow.” He tipped his head toward Cecil and Dobie. “I’m happy to see Cecil’s concern for him.”
When Gabe shifted to look at her, she tried to ignore him, but he continued to study her. So she brought her gaze to him, and at the gentleness in his eyes, she released a pent-up sob.
“It was awful.” She described the scene.
“This may be some comfort to you. Cecil told me the boy’s father had died very recently.”
Her breath whooshed out like it fired from a slingshot. “I’m so glad. It was awful to think Dobie had—” The words caught in the back of her throat, trapped by her horror and relief.
Gabe pressed his hands to hers. “What a miracle that God put us here when we were needed.”
“He said his mother prayed for him to have a new mama and papa. And along we came. Just in time.” She sat up straight, sending a stiff rod down her spine. “I promised his ma I would take care of him. And I shall.”
“What about— Never mind.”
Louise might have pressed him to finish his sentence, but Bertie fell back, his goat and dog at his heels. He’d left the cats in the wagon ahead.
“Mama?”
Marnie moved forward from where she’d been on a pallet in the back. “Yes, son.”
“Me and Dobie be friends?”
Dobie turned at his name.
Bertie waved. “You me be friends,” he called.
Dobie pressed his cheek to Cecil’s back.
“You need to let him get used to you,” Marnie said. “He’s surrounded by strangers. I’m sure he’s feeling a little afraid at the moment.”
“I not like strangers.” Bertie slowed, let the wagon pass him, then trotted up behind Cecil. “We not be strangers. I big boy. You little boy. We be friends.” He touched the tip of his finger to Dobie’s leg, then ambled back to his cats.
Cecil spoke to Dobie over his shoulder. “Bertie and you will be good friends. You’ll learn to be happy here. You’re safe.” He met Louise’s look, his eyes sending some sort of message.
She didn’t know what he was trying to tell her.
CHAPTER 17
Cecil had brought a few items of clothing from the house for Dobie. All there was. They needed to be washed. As did the boy. He smelled like a cowboy who’d spent his summer on horseback and abhorred water.
But for now, Dobie needed to know he was safe.
Cecil hadn’t spoken his promise aloud to the dying mother, but he’d meant it with every breath he took. He would see that the boy had a home. A mother and father. All he had to do was convince Louise. He would do it tonight if he could.
But the evening was busy with chores, with Louise doing Dobie’s laundry. Hazel joined her to wash Petey’s items.
Cecil persuaded the boy to bathe in the river by joining him.
No matter what they did or where they went, Dobie clung to either him or Louise, making it impossible for them to have a private talk. And what Cecil had to say needed to be said with no one else around.
At bedtime, Dobie refused to go to bed until Cecil got out his bedroll. He followed Cecil as closely as his shadow. Cecil spread blankets next to his for the boy. But not until Cecil lay down, did Dobie do the same, a weary sigh whispering through the air.
When Cecil left for guard duty, the boy jerked awake.
