Page 32 of Wagon Train Honor
How often Robert had wished for a man like Gabe for a father. A verse his mother often quoted comforted and encouraged him—Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” She’d always added, “God plans your good. Your part is to trust Him.”
Just knowing such men as Gabe existed was reassuring. And from what Ruby told him, her father had also been such a man.Thank You, Father God, that she has such a family.
They soon dispatched with the carcass. The aroma of venison roasting over the coals made Robert swallow hard. By the time Mrs. Miller announced the meal was ready, his stomach rumbled a constant complaint.
Ruby tipped her head toward the stool closest to her, and he sat at her side.
Gabe stood to ask the blessing. “Lord God, thank You for Your generous provisions. Thank You for family and friends. May we honor You in all we say and do. Amen.”
The food was every bit as good as it smelled. Not only were there generous portions of venison, but there were also boiled potatoes, cooked turnips, and warm biscuits. To complete the meal, Ruby handed around mouthwatering plates of gingerbread topped with a sweet sauce.
Irene paused between mouthfuls. “Ruby made the dessert.”
“Gingerbread is my favorite.” He smiled at Ruby as he said it, and then, lest anyone misinterpret his look, he spread his smile around the circle.
Supper ended, and everyone scattered to their tasks.
Robert took a step after the men, but Ruby called softly, “Robert, about the picture.”
“Yes?”
She sidled up to him. “Meet me at the corner of the corrals in ten minutes.”
“Very well.” He’d go there this very minute and wait but didn’t want to appear too eager. So, after thanking Gabe and Mrs. Miller for the meal, he sauntered away. He reached the trail when he realized the rough men had moved out. Strange that they left so close to nightfall. Was there a reason they liked traveling under cover of darkness? What was it the Good Book said?Men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil.
Robert shook his shoulders. Thanks to his father, he was well acquainted with the reasons for fleeing under cover of darkness. He detoured to the trading post.
“Hiram, you have any trouble with those men?”
Hiram scowled. “Only that they was rude. I see they left. Good riddance ta bad rubbish if ya ask me.”
“I hear ya.” But the tension in Robert’s spine didn’t depart. However, he was to meet Ruby, and he hurried out.
They arrived at the corrals at the same time. She perched on an upturned bucket and began to draw on a clean sheet of paper.
“Can I watch?”
“I guess.”
She drew a covered wagon with a campfire nearby and a three-legged dog. Then she shifted. “I need you to stand by the fence. Lean on the post.”
He would have liked to watch her, but as that was impossible under the circumstances, he patiently stood as directed and observed how her pencil flew over the page, and her gaze went back and forth from him to her drawing.
Dusk was closing in on them when she finished. “There.” She handed him the drawing. “What do you think?”
Speechless, he stared at it. There he was, leaning against the back of the wagon, his eyes watchful, his stance relaxed. “Ruby, it’s perfect. I can’t wait to send it to Hennie.”
“You’re welcome.”
The men had said they would be staying one more day, and seeing as the horses hadn’t yet arrived, he hoped he could spend the time with Ruby. “I could show you around some more tomorrow if you’d like.”
“I would.”
“After breakfast?” The fading light cast shadows around them, and yet her features remained sharp and clear…at least in his memories. He smiled at his foolishness.
“Or you could join us. You’d be welcomed by everyone.”
Her hopeful tone allowed him to believe he’d be welcomed by her, and for some reason, that far outweighed the rest. “If you’re sure?”
