Page 27 of Wagon Train Dreams
“I hope so.”
Cecil urged the oxen onward, guiding them over the edge. The slope was steep, but there wasn’t time to prepare. Wood squealing against wood informed Joe that Louise pulled on the brake. Even so, the oxen were pushed down, barely keeping ahead of the wagon. They reached the bottom, and Joe finally sucked in air.
“Hazel?” He had to know if she was all right.
“We’re fine. Praise God.”
“I have to check on the others.”
Gabe stepped out of the shadows. “Everyone is safe. The wagons will need repairs, the oxen are banged up, but none of us are hurt.”
Joe nodded. They were all alive. That’s all that mattered. “The fire might stop at the edge.” The ground down the slope was gravelly. He hadn’t made out any grass. But flames could leap across barren spots, especially driven by such a wind. He could barely see the gully’s far side in the dim light. Surely, it was far enough that the fire wouldn’t cross. “Gabe, get out blankets and brooms. Fill buckets with water. We might need to fight the fire.” The men were already in action.
One orange flame crowded to the bank overhead. Joe ground his teeth. He wouldn’t let the sight send him into a panic. “Everyone to Louise and Hazel’s wagon. We’ll make sure to save one.” It being the least damaged, it was the best choice.
In seconds, the women, Bertie, and his pets joined Louise and Hazel and the little boys.
“The oxen!” Irene paused to say.
Joe closed his eyes and let the words pass over him. No time to unhitch them. Already a row of flames danced along the edge. One trickled down the slope. Reached gravel and stopped. One by one, and in the occasional large attack, more flames raceddown the slope. Only a handful found enough fuel to make it to the bottom, where they were stomped out.
Joe held his breath, waiting for more. Smoke drifted over the edge. Sharp, bitter smoke that burned his throat. But not another flame.
Was the fire really, truly leaving them unharmed?
They all waited, not wanting to relax until they were certain the danger had ended.
The seconds ticked by.
“It’s over.” His voice wheezed past his teeth. He grabbed his canteen and sucked back the warm water.
Gabe dropped his wet blanket and rushed to the wagon. Marnie met him, and they held each other.
Walt reached for Irene, who had stood at his side to help, and he held her tight even as she held him.
Cecil dropped his broom. “Louise.” She let Dobie down. Then Cecil lifted her from the wagon, and the two embraced, Dobie squeezed between them.
Marnie called Bertie, Ruby, and Angela into a circle formed with Gabe, and they hugged.
Joe hesitated a moment…two…and then went to the wagon. “Hazel?”
Tears streaming down her cheeks, she handed Petey to him, climbed from the wagon, and straight into his arms.
“You’re safe,” he murmured. “Thanks to God.” Her arms circled him and tightened when he shuddered. “When I thought we might die, I promised myself I would do so holding you and Little Warrior in my arms.”
She turned her face up. “I never want to let you go.”
He wanted to kiss her. Claim her as his. Dare he?
“Joe, I don’t care what others say. I?—”
He wouldn’t let her finish. Couldn’t. He cared too much to let her be the subject of unkindness. And she would be.
“I’m glad you’re safe. Both of you. All of you.” He cupped his hand to her head and pressed her cheek to his chest. He breathed in her very essence.
But he was still the scout. He eased back from her embrace and handed Petey to her.
“I need to find out how much damage there is to the wagons and the animals. I’ll look around and see what we have to deal with.”
