Page 37 of Wagon Train Honor
She laughed at his answer, then sobered. “Won’t we see you at the fort?”
“We will both be moving on. You to Banff and I to that homesite waiting for me.” He’d be lonely at first. Maybe he’d write to Hennie and ask if she’d find someone to marry him. The idea didn’t brighten his mood. “How long do you expect to help The Society?”
She propped herself up on one elbow to consider him. “I don’t know. It’s not something I ever thought of. You see, I was just so happy they wanted me.”
He caught the hair that hung down, thinking to push it back. Instead, he rubbed it between his fingers. “It’s a pretty color.”
The color in her cheeks deepened, but she didn’t look away.
“I have half a mind to kiss you.” His words seemed husky to his ears.
She didn’t move. Did that mean she’d welcome a kiss? Then she shook her head and settled over her knees. “I plan to save my kisses for the man I’ll marry.”
“Very noble and right.” And very disappointing.
They sat together as the warm sun dried her hair. She scooped it back, fixing it in place with a few hairpins.
“How long do you think that’s going to stay there?”
“Long enough.” Her words were airy.
His mouth grew strangely dry, making it impossible to ask long enough for what? “Hey, there’s more to see.” More than a passed-out drunk and a stream of water. He stood and helped her to her feet. She waited while he slipped his arms into the tunic and buttoned it. He ran his finger around the neckline. The thing sure did get hot.
They wandered by trees with leaves already showing the promise of autumn. He plucked a bright yellow one and offered it to her.
“Thanks.” She tucked it between the pages of her book.
Spying a patch of orange flowers, he guided her in that direction.
She showed no eagerness as she opened the pages and began to draw. But soon, she bent forward, the tip of her tongue touching her upper lip.
He waited, enjoying watching her work.
When she inhaled a deep breath and looked up, he knew she’d finished the drawing. Already, the sun was high overhead.
“Time to get you back before Gabe sends out a hunting party.”
She laughed just as he’d hoped she would. “You don’t fool me. You’re thinking of your stomach.”
He might have denied it except for the loud rumble it made. She caught his hand and ran with him at her side. “We better get you back before you faint away.”
He didn’t bother to protest. Why should he? This was far too much fun.
Before they reached a place where they could be seen by the others, he freed his hand, and they walked sedately side by side. Realizing how cautious they were now, he chuckled.
“What?” Her look demanded an explanation.
“Us? Who’d know we were the same two who helped a drunken man and played in the water? By the way, your hair is falling down.”
She bunched it up at the back of her head and jabbed in what was left of her hairpins. “I’ll never convince them I am grown up if I let my hair hang down like a child.”
“If I recall correctly, Irene leaves hers down.”
“Which proves my point. Irene has never abandoned her wild streak.” Ruby waved her hand, her expression sad, maybe regretful. “I don’t understand how sedate, careful Walt ended up marrying her.”
“They say love is blind.”
“I’d say it’s also patient and willing to overlook flaws.”
