Page 76 of Wagon Train Promises
“Dob?” he whispered. “Dob?”
“He’s with Louise,” Pa called.
Huh. Why would she keep him at her side when it was plain she meant to give him to others? Poor Dobie.
Something about the situation befuddled him. First, it wasn’t like Louise. At least the Louise he’d grown to know. She was loyal and kind. Second, why Hazel? Had Hazel said something to make Louise think she had aspirations to marry him?
Nah. That didn’t make sense either. Hazel and he were good friends. Nothing more. She felt the same way. He was not a part of her future, nor did he want to be.
Nothing made sense.
In the morning, it still didn’t make sense.
Louise avoided him so efficiently that Walt shook his head as they brought in the oxen.
“Lover’s quarrel?” His tone was mild.
“What?” At least there was no one around to hear what Walt said.
“You heard me.”
“You are sadly mistaken.” The words burned from Cecil’s tongue. A quarrel would be easy to resolve.
“Sadly?”
Shoot. He’d given away more than he planned.
“Tell me what’s going on. Your big brother might be able to help.”
They backed the oxen into place. “Right. You’re happily married to the woman you love.”
Walt chuckled. “I recall it was something you said to me that made me realize what I needed to do.”
“Really. Me?”
“Yeah. I was surprised, too.”
“Don’t suppose what I said to you would be any help to me.” He patted the oxen next to him.
“It might be. You said, and I quote, ‘If I was in your shoes, I’d find a way to tell the gal how I feel about her.’ Cecil, have you told her?”
He gulped. “Well, not in so many words. But surely, she can see.”
“Or maybe not. If I was you, I would find a way to tell her. In words that can’t be misunderstood.”
“You’re assuming she will listen.”
“You don’t know if you don’t try.”
“Guess so.” The animals were ready to leave. Cecil stood with his arms crossed, staring across the bristly backbones to his brother.
“Seems you should be a little more excited about the idea.”
“Yeah. Sure.” Just how much more rejection could he take?
“Grow up, little brother. Some things are worth the risk.”
“Yes, they are.” He should have seen that for himself. This was not a time to bow out. He’d find a way and a time to talk to her.
