Page 38 of Wagon Train Honor
“Yup. In fact, love is ready to make sacrifices.” He’d expected her to have a retort. Maybe say that proved it was blind. Or something. But she walked on without another word on the subject. Not that he could fault her on that. Why were they talking about love anyway? Except as it related to Walt and Irene? Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he accompanied her to the campsite.
Without a backward look, she hurried to her mother’s side to help with meal preparations.
No one spoke to Robert. He’d go to his campsite and make himself a pot of coffee, but before he’d gone two steps, Mrs. Miller called.
“Robert, I hope you’re planning to share our meal. It’s the least we can do after you’ve spent so many hours showing Ruby around. It gives me peace of mind to know she’s not wandering around by herself.”
Robert stopped and gathered his thoughts together before he turned. Ruby’s ma made it sound like he was doing a chore, fulfilling a duty. When it was nothing like that at all, he darted a look at Ruby. Read surprise, longing, and recognition in her face. What could he say to make it clear how he felt? Something that didn’t make her uncomfortable.
“It’s been my great pleasure.” With the way Ruby ducked her head—but not before he saw her pleased smile—he must’ve said the right thing. “Thank you for the invitation to share your meal. I gladly accept.” He adjusted his hat. “I’ll go see what the men are doing.”
They stood near the oxen in serious discussion, and he joined them. Gabe was anxious to resume the journey.
“We’ll need to restock our wood supply and make sure the water barrels are topped up,” Joe said.
“Food is ready,” Hazel called, and the men hurried to the campsite. As usual, Gabe offered up grace. As usual, the food was abundant and delicious.
They filed past the table and helped themselves. And Ruby, following him, sneakily added scoops to his plate after he’d taken what he wanted.
He rolled his head back and forth.
She muffled her amusement, though maybe not as successfully as she wanted, for several people looked at her.
“What so funny?” Bertie asked, his gaze going from Ruby to Robert and back again. “I not see anythin’.”
“Nothing,” Ruby murmured, keeping her head down so she didn’t see the others.
Normally, it seemed to Robert, they gathered around the fire on log stools to eat. But today, perhaps because the heat was unwelcome, the family spread out, finding grassy spots where they could sit. He folded his legs and perched his plate over his knees, Ruby doing the same at his side. They could hear the others talking back and forth, but he felt like they were almost alone.
Gabe raised his voice enough to make it clear he spoke to everyone. “We need to get moving as soon as possible. That means we need to be ready once Joe deems the oxen can be put to work.”
Murmurs of agreement came from the others. No doubt, they were all anxious to arrive at their new home and get settled. Did Ruby share those feelings or, like him, did she wish for a few more days enjoying each other’s company? He couldn’t bring himself to look at her because he knew her reasons for being eager to get there were different from the others’ but no less real. No less in conflict with his. Maybe, though, they could have one more day before the oxen were sufficiently rested.
Ruby staredat the food on her plate. Why had she taken so much? Knowing her time with Robert would soon end, she was unable to swallow it. How foolish to be surprised. She’d always known it was only for a day or two. She’d have sweet memories of her time here. And drawings of beautiful flowers. And one of Robert.
Gabe’s voice brought her back to the plans for leaving. “We need a good wood supply and the water barrels refilled. Food prepared for the trail. If you have letters to send, get it done.” He listed several other things.
“Gabe,” Ruby called. “I don’t mind gathering wood.”
“I’ll help her.” Robert’s offer was what she’d hoped for.
As soon as the meal ended, Gabe handed Robert an ax, and Robert and Ruby set out. He also borrowed a tarpaulin to carry wood back in.
The woods nearby had been picked clean of deadwood, forcing them to move to higher ground.
Ruby smiled as she admitted she didn’t care if they needed to go miles away.
“You’re looking mighty pleased,” Robert said.
“Maybe because I am.”
“You enjoy gathering wood that much?”
She tapped her lips as if considering an answer, which she was. Her enjoyment came from being with him, but she wasn’t so bold as to say so. “You know I prefer to be where it’s quiet.” She tipped her face to the sun. “Where I can enjoy nature.”
“Me too.”
She checked out of the corner of her eyes. He wasn’t looking at the sky or the nearby trees or the distant hills. No, his gaze was on her, his eyes warm and—she gulped—full of invitation. Whatever she meant by that. “Wood.” The word exploded from her without any context to give it meaning. “Firewood.” Slightly better. “We need to get firewood.”
