Page 35 of Wagon Train Dreams
Ruby set out plates and cutlery on the worn wooden table they often used. Then she called to the others.
They gathered around the table, a distance from the fire and the heat. When Joe stayed on the opposite side, Hazel gave him a hard, demanding stare. He met her gaze without blinking, without showing a hint of understanding. But he knew what she wanted. He simply wasn’t about to give in. Fine. He’d soon enough learn that once she set her mind on something, she didn’t easily change it. She hoisted Petey and crossed to Joe’s side.
Gabe waited until she settled on the butt of a log before he prayed.
Hazel added her own private prayer. Yes, she was grateful for safety and for food. But she had a request for God.Please help Joe to realize it’s possible for him to love a white woman.Meaning herself, of course.
Ma loaded the plates, Ruby passed them around, and Angela offered everyone biscuits.
“Stew’s good. Thank you, Mrs. Miller.” Joe’s words were quiet and stiff. So unlike the way he talked to Hazel.
It proved he felt comfortable with her. She hugged the encouraging knowledge to herself.
Petey ate off her plate, his hungry little mouth popping open at regular intervals for Hazel to fill it. Finally satisfied, he turned his attention to the biscuit he held. Before he finished it, his eyes drooped, and he tipped forward. She eased him back against her chest and let him sleep while she finished her meal. Conversation hummed as she enjoyed being next to Joe.
“It’s like an oven in this gully,” Gabe commented.
It was hot down here. Much hotter than up above where she and Joe had spent the morning.
Joe set his plate aside. “Give the animals more water than usual. If they are rested enough, we’ll leave in the morning. I found a place where we can climb out of here, but the oxen need to be ready to work.”
Only the rest of the day? Hazel stuffed down her disappointment. Selfishly, she had hoped for two. She sat up straight and pushed her shoulders back. She’d make the most of the few hours she had left, and hopefully…
She carried Petey to the wagon and eased him down. He barely stirred as he settled in for a nap.
Dishes were easy to do. No washing. Just a thorough wiping with a damp rag. Ma had beans on the coals. They’d be ready for supper. She eyed the jars of meat. They were down to two. Supplies were running low. Another reason for them to move on soon. Understanding the urgency didn’t mean Hazel had to like it.
Louise and Cecil rested in the shade, little Dobie with them.
Hazel eased over to them and whispered, “Can you listen for Petey? I want to go with Joe to see where we’re going to climb out of this gully.”
Louise’s smile crinkled up her cheeks. “Of course. You take your time. No need to hurry back.”
“Thank you.” Pretending not to notice Louise’s teasing, Hazel hurried away. Maybe her heated cheeks hadn’t colored up, and if they did, maybe Louise hadn’t noticed.
Hazel crossed to where Joe leaned on one of the wagons as if examining the frame, but she felt his gaze on her every step she took.
Bertie watched her approach. He straightened, glanced from her to Joe, and saw her intent. “I go with you?”
Protest rose to Hazel’s tongue. Her footsteps slowed. Taking Bertie would disrupt her plans, but she didn’t like to say no.
“Bertie, stay here,” Ma said. “If you go, your pets will follow you, and it’s too hot for them.”
“Oh.” He sat back and nodded. “I stay.”
Thank you, Ma.But Hazel didn’t say the words aloud. Joe had promised her today, but today wasn’t enough. She wantedforever. Her heart stalled, and her steps slowed. Once before, she’d thought she had forever. That had been snatched from her. Life was uncertain.
All the more reason to hoard every precious moment and claim every special person. She must convince Joe, though.
He straightened as she reached him. A smile glowed in his eyes, although his expression didn’t change. With a tip of his head, he indicated they should go toward the trees.
Fine. She didn’t care where they went only that they were together.
Irene and Walt, deep in discussion about something, waved as they passed.
Strange that no one seemed surprised or interested in her going with Joe. Well, that ought to be a lesson to him. Lots of people are willing to accept them as a couple.
“Thought it would be cooler in the trees.” He held back a prickly branch, so she stepped through the bushes to the green clearing they’d visited this morning. A breeze drifted down the nearby slope and whispered through the leaves.
