Page 60 of Wagon Train Dreams
Cecil ruffled the boy’s hair. “What would you do if you did?”
“I’d keep him. If you’d let me.”
Bertie followed the conversation. “Bunny make good pet.” He patted the two cats sleeping on his legs.
“Tell you what, Dobie.” Cecil gave the boy a look warm with affection. “When we get where we’re going, we’ll find you a pet.”
Dobie grinned. “I’d like that.”
Joe let his gaze circle the group until it rested on Hazel across the fire. She didn’t look away. Nor did he. He understood her decision. Agreed with it, in fact. Except for the stubborn, rebellious part that wouldn’t let go of the dream they’d shared for a fleeting moment.
Gabe began to play his guitar. He and Marnie sang “Home Sweet Home.”
Joe stared at the flames. He’d dreamed of a home such as he’d shared with his parents. And shared now with these people. Perhaps not solely home, but family.
A sigh escaped when they finished the song, and Gabe played something livelier.
After a few more songs, Gabe put away his guitar, and one by one, the others left. Only Hazel remained, the coals giving barely enough light to see her. Though he knew every detail of her appearance. Petey slept on her lap. Perhaps the reason she hadn’t risen.
He waited, not prepared to leave while she remained. Was she planning to say something?
But she looked around and saw that the others had left. “I must go.” She scrambled to her feet and hurried away to her wagon.
Joe remained until the wagon no longer moved, and no sounds came from within. Slowly, he got to his feet and tossed his bedroll. From here, her wagon stood big and clearly visible. He lay down.
He was a man who did what was right. Accepted his role in life. Moved on when he wasn’t wanted.
Except now.
Now, he was prepared to keep his distance but be near enough to make sure she was safe. For how long? Certainly, until they reached Fort Taylor. And then?
He didn’t have the answer.
Or maybe he meant he didn’t like the answer.
Hazel lay still, listening for Joe moving away. She hated hurting him. But she couldn’t let that stop her from doing what was necessary to keep him alive.
She lifted her head when she heard a soft footfall. Joe finally leaving to get his rest. She lay down again and exhaled knowing he would be nearby.
Her sleep was broken often with dreams of a man with a gun. Each time she had the dream, the gun grew larger. Dawn was a pink promise when she eased away from Petey and opened her trunk, holding her breath when the latches clicked. The sound didn’t disturb her son.
She pulled out the letter she sought and read it again, though she had it memorized.
My dear sister, I hope you decide to join Ma in moving West. For one thing, I miss you and don’t like to think of you back there without us around. But, besides that, there is a man here who would like a wife. I’ve told him a little about you. Don’t worry, I didn’t say anything that would make you uncomfortable. He is anxious to meet you, and if you suit each other, he will ask you to marry him. He’s a good man. Soon to be out of the Mounties. He plans to take advantage of the free land each of us is offered and build a nice house. I know you’ll like him.
Your loving brother, Carson.
A man who was safe. Who would have a home to offer her.
Was a marriage that offered safety what she wanted? She folded the letter and returned it to the trunk. It was an option but not one she found appealing. As soon as she heard the others moving around, she slipped from the wagon to join them.
There was no sign of Joe, but she didn’t expect to see him every time she turned around. Mustn’t expect it. Yes, she missed him, but she’d get used to it.
He didn’t show up for breakfast. Had he eaten already? Surely, he wasn’t going to miss meals in order to avoid her.
“Your mother gave him food, and he’s gone to scout ahead,” Louise murmured at Hazel’s side.
No point in pretending she didn’t know what her friend was talking about. Louise was far too astute.
