Page 73 of Wagon Train Promises
Pa continued. “God promises He will always be with us and take care of all our needs.”
Dobie nodded again. “That’s what Papa and Mama said.”
“God loves you.” Pa stroked his hand over the boy’s head.
A reverent silence filled the air, and then Pa prayed.
As they set out, Pa was well enough to walk by his oxen, and Dobie fell in step with him.
Cecil looked around for Louise. She was in the lead wagon, where she’d spent many days riding. Hazel sat beside her. Irene rode out front at Walt’s side.
Cecil could take his time. He joined Joe for a spell. After that, he rode to the crest of a nearby hill and watched the wagons pass. He then guided Chief to the lead wagon.
“Louise, would you like to walk a ways?”
She darted a glance at him. “I’m driving the oxen.” She flicked the reins to make sure he understood what she meant.
“I don’t mind doing it.” Hazel reached for the leather straps. “Go ahead.”
Louise curled her fingers tighter, but Hazel insisted.
Cecil dismounted, tied Chief to the wagon, and then reached up to help Louise to the ground. They moved aside to let the wagons pass and then followed on the grass bent over by the wheels.
All of Cecil’s rehearsed speeches disappeared into the bright sky. He cleared his throat.
She glanced at him. “Did you say something?”
No, but now was his time. “Dobie is doing well, don’t you think?”
“Poor child has had a lot of loss, but yes, he seems to be adjusting.” Her words ended on a note of mirth. “Look, he’s walking with Bertie.”
The pair followed the second wagon, the goat bouncing along at Bertie’s side.
“They both need a friend.” It wasn’t what he wanted to say, but the words wouldn’t come.
“I can’t believe what he’s gone through. But his mother did her best to prepare him. Poor woman.”
This was his opportunity. “We promised her he’d have a good home.”
“Yes, and he shall.” She kicked up a spray of grass seeds.
“He needs a mother and a father.”
She stumbled and righted herself before he caught her. Dust whispered around her feet as she backed away.
“I’ve been thinking the same thing.”
Why did her voice crack? Was the idea of marrying him that distressing?
She continued. “You and Hazel should get married and raise the boy.”
“Me and Hazel?” Why would she suggest such a thing? Before he could answer, she trotted to Pa’s wagon and climbed aboard.
She’d promisedDobie’s mother that he’d have a family. Cecil was right. The boy needed a mother and a father. Marriage was out of the question for her. At least for now. Wouldn’t she have to give up nursing to get married? But unless she married, she wouldn’t have anyone to share Dobie’s care. The argument had gone round and round in her mind. She’d avoided the obvioussolution as long as she could. Dobie deserved a mother and father. Cecil would make a wonderful pa. And Hazel was always loving and kind.
But saying the words left her insides bleeding.
It was almost time to stop for the noon break. The thought of seeing Cecil taking Hazel aside to propose seared her throat. Thankfully, no one asked her a question because she would have been unable to answer.
