Page 34 of Wagon Train Honor
His empty plate was removed, leaving him only the mug and a final mouthful of coffee.
“Ma.” Ruby’s voice pulled him toward her. Well, not really. It simply felt that way. “The constable has offered to show me more of the place while we’re here. Unless you need me for something?”
Knowing there was always work to be done around a camp, Robert held his breath. It would likely be the last day they could enjoy together. Although, since Joe said one of the oxen still favored a foot, Robert allowed himself a thread of hope that they might be granted tomorrow. But they’d have no more after that. He would take the horses to the fort and, in a few weeks, file on his chosen piece of land. It was what he must do to fulfill the deep longings of his heart. Until he did, he’d continue to be a restless man with a deep hollowness inside.
And she would also follow her dream to her chosen task.
But in the meantime…
If she was asked to stay, he could help her do whatever chore she was assigned. For he did not want to waste one minute.
Ruby feltAngela watching her as she waited for Ma’s answer. If Irene had been there, she’d have protested that Ruby was trying to get out of work, but she’d gone with Walt to check on their horses. The others were busy with other things and didn’t pay any attention to Ruby.
“I don’t mind if you do some exploring. At least you have a Mountie with you, so I can feel you’re safe.”
“Thanks, Ma.” She hurried to the trees, Robert staying at her side. When they were out of sight, she hugged herself and laughed. “I was afraid she’d say no.”
“If she did, I’d decided I would help you.”
The idea tickled her clear through. “Even if I was washing out unmentionables?” She tried to contain the teasing smile but couldn’t hold back the way her eyes squinched at the corners.
He searched her face with such intensity she lowered her gaze. “I can tell you’re teasing. No, I might not have helped wring out something like that, but I can scrub shirts and trousers as good as anyone.”
She waved away his claim. “So you say.”
He drew himself up to his full height and squared his shoulders. “I’m a Mountie. We are required to be spit-polish clean. I’ll have you know I haven’t once been reprimanded for my uniform being less than perfect.”
“Yes, sir, Mr. Mountie.” Saluting, she stiffened her lips to keep from grinning and ran her gaze up and down his length as if inspecting his outfit. Taking in the yellow stripe on the navy trousers, the polished holster, and the red serge he wore today. Her inspection ended at the clean Stetson. Her gaze slid to his and stopped. She swallowed hard. “How do you keep so clean?”
He roared with laughter. When he was able to talk, humor still lingered in his eyes as he leaned closer. “I’ll tell you the secret, but you have to swear not to repeat it to anyone.”
She pressed her palm to her chest. “I solemnly swear to never repeat this awe-inspiring secret.”
He studied her, then nodded as if satisfied. “We always carry some special equipment with us.” He craned around as if checking for someone eavesdropping, then whispered close to her ear. “A brush and a polish cloth.”
As his breath warmed her cheek, she forgot what the conversation was about. Then the truth of what he’d said hit her. Amusement began deep in her chest and exploded upward in a shout of laughter that sent the birds from the trees squawking and scolding.
Still looking serious, he caught her hand and led her through the branches. By the time they emerged on a grassy hill, they were both laughing so hard they stopped to catch their breath.
“Remember, it’s a secret.”
His words brought on a fresh burst of amusement. The feeling lingered in her heart as they walked along the crest of the hill overlooking a tree-studded valley that drifted away to open prairie.
They paused where the trees parted, leaving an open view.
Beside her, Robert stiffened. She glanced toward him, his attention riveted to the distance, and turned to see what held his interest. At first, she didn’t see anything, and then she squinted.
“Is that a tent in the trees?”
“It is. And there’s a horse tied almost out of sight.” Concern deepened his voice, and he eased forward. “There’s someone there. See him?”
“He’s sleeping.” She waved skyward. “Kind of late in the day to be asleep.”
“Unless he isn’t. Stay here while I check it out.” He began to ease down the slope.
She had no intention of being left behind nor of letting him head into trouble while she stood by watching, so she followed.
He stopped. “Ruby, it might not be safe.”
