Page 64 of Wagon Train Dreams
He told her how Gabe and his sons had joined the wagon train to ensure the Woods family got to their destination safely. “Mrs. Woods has now married Gabe Miller and the two Miller sons married as well.”
“Does Mrs. Meyers have a husband?” Ma asked.
“She’s a widow.”
“Ahh.”
Joe tossed the peeled potato into the water. “What does that mean?”
“Nothing. Only I’m pleased to know the affection in your voice isn’t for a married woman.”
“Affection? Ma?—”
“A mother knows.”
There was no argument against that, so he tackled another potato.
“Tell me about her.”
What was the point? She was another chapter in his past. Yet he found himself telling her about Petey, and then it was easy to talk about Hazel. “A man threatened to shoot me.”
She nodded as if she wasn’t surprised.
The potato in his hand forgotten, he stared into the distance. “After that, she’s refused to have anything to do with me.” He brought his gaze back to her. “She says she doesn’t want to be the reason men come after me.”
“That’s very noble of her.” She took the potato from him and finished peeling it. “Did you tell her there are men who would shoot you simply for the color of your skin?”
“Ma! I didn’t want to scare her.”
“No, I suppose not. Will you stay for supper? Once I serve the children, I’ll eat in here with you.”
“I’d like that.” It was something they’d done before.
Over the meal, he learned that she was continuing to teach the children to read, that three more had joined them, and that the oldest girl had gone to help a family with several children. For a long time, he avoided the one thing he wanted most to hear about, but Ma understood.
“Joe, the trading post is doing well, though I have to say, you and your father kept a better organized place.”
“I wish them well.”
“I know you do.” She patted his hand.
Light faded in the room, and Ma lit a lamp.
He pushed to his feet. “I should get back to my responsibilities.”
“Of course. How long will you be here?”
“We’ll move out tomorrow. Maybe stay until noon, though.” He wanted to look around more. But what excuse could he give for delaying their departure? They’d already lost so much time because of the fire and damaged wagons and other delays they’d encountered.
After bidding his mother good night, he went to the camp, put his bedroll where the wagons were in sight, and stretched out to study the stars overhead.
The next morning, he was awake early and circled the camp, ensuring everything was in order.
Gabe emerged from their tent, and Marnie followed. She stepped into the pale light and frowned.
“Bertie?” She hurried to where her son had settled for the night. His bedroll was empty except for the two cats curled up asleep. “Bertie, where are you?”
The goat, the dog, and the man were absent.
