Page 50 of Wagon Train Dreams
“I’d like that.”
“I’ll get the basket.”
He accompanied her to the wagon. Before she could swing the basket from the back, he reached over her shoulder and got it.
Bertie had watched Hazel go to Joe and then haul out the picnic basket. He trotted over. “I go with you?”
Joe seemed about ready to invite him, but Hazel patted her brother’s arm. “Not this time, Bertie. Can you help Louise and Dobie look after Petey?”
Bertie switched his gaze from Joe to Hazel, then over to Petey. He nodded. “I play with him. He likes the cats.” And with his pets following him, he crossed to where Petey sat with Dobie. He plopped down on the ground and waved to Hazel.
“I was afraid he’d insist on coming. He loves picnics as much as I do.”
Joe headed for the trees. “Did you have some special place in mind?”
“Any place with you is special.”
Joe chuckled, a deep pleasing sound.
Her eyes were bright. “I can imagine enjoying that every day.”
Surprise followed by confusion, flitted across his face. He glanced around as if seeking an explanation of their surroundings. “What do you imagine?”
She caught his arm and pressed her cheek to his shoulder. “You. Especially hearing you laugh. You don’t do it nearly often enough.”
Another chuckle rumbled in his chest. “I’ll try and do better.” He led her past bushes and between trees.
“Where are we going?”
“Does it matter?” The teasing note in his voice deepened her smile.
“Not in the least.”
“I do have something in mind. A place I discovered this morning. Up this hill.”
“I didn’t realize we were climbing.” She clung to his arm as if needing his help. Of course, she didn’t, and he likely knew it.
“It’s not far.”
“I’m not complaining.” She stopped and tugged him to a halt. “Because, Joe Dumont, there is no place too far, no hill too steep, no valley too wide if I’m with you.”
His warm fingertip caressed her chin. “I hope you always feel that way.”
“I promise you I will.” She searched his eyes, finding them more open than ever before. She’d gladly drown in the depth of his gaze.
He lowered his head and brushed his lips to hers and then caught her hand and resumed their journey.
They went another ten feet before she regained her senses.
“We’re almost there.”
His words sounded like a promise of things to come. “You’re wrong.”
He stopped. Looked around.
She laughed. “We’re already here. Where we belong. Heart to heart, dream to dream, hope to hope—united.”
The corners of his eyes crinkled. Warmth glowed in his irises, so he understood.
