Page 41 of Wagon Train Honor
He picked up the ax. “I am going to take home every inch of this tree and smile to think of it burning.”
Her mouth softened into a grin. “I’ll rejoice, too.” Though perhaps for a different reason. Her memories would be of him rescuing her and, even more, of him holding her.
They laughed as they carried the chopped lengths to the tarp, secured it on the horse, and returned to the wagons.
The afternoon had drawn to a close. The storage area was full. She might have been distracted by a dozen wayward thoughts as she ate the evening meal. Thoughts of being held and feeling secure stood in opposition to knowing he would soon leave. Or they would.
Every minute became precious.
As soon as the dishes were done, she spoke to Ma. “The evening is so pleasant I think I’ll take a walk.”
“Don’t be long.”
“I won’t.” Ruby dared not glance at her sisters for fear they might read more into her plans than they had a right.
“I’ll make sure she’s safe.” Robert followed her.
They sauntered past the barn and the corrals and up the hill, where they paused. Perhaps to watch the western sky turn pink and orange, though her thoughts weren’t there.
“It seems you’re ready to leave.” His voice deepened. He must be as reluctant for their time together to end as she.
“No one has given a departure time. I guess it depends on how the oxen are doing.” She didn’t want the animals to be nursing a wound, but would it hurt for them to be tired for another day? Or selfishly two?
They stood on a hilltop looking down at the wagons and a sweeping view to the east. Dust tailed up in the distance, signaling travelers.
“I believe that’s my horses being delivered.”
Not already.
She managed to keep from speaking the words aloud. But she failed to keep them from stinging her heart.
Chapter 10
Robert ground down on his molars. He’d been expecting the animals for days, but now he wasn’t glad to see them. Of course, he knew from the outset his time with Ruby was to be short. If only they could enjoy a few more days.
He managed to stifle a groan. One would think he’d be so used to moving on that it wouldn’t bother him.
Whoever thought that would be wrong this time.
“Best get back.” His words were lacking in enthusiasm but no more so than his feelings.
“I guess that means you’ll be on your way soon.”
Delight curved the corners of his mouth at her tone.
She didn’t seem any more eager for their goodbye than he.
“In the morning, I suppose.” They made their way downhill at a pace comparable to that of a snail. But delaying didn’t bring reprieve. They passed the barn. He took her hand.
“Let me get you back to the wagons.”
His feet shuffled with uncharacteristic slowness and stopped altogether as they neared the camp. “Ruby, I’ve enjoyed spending time with you. I wish you all the best with the Banff society.”
“This is goodbye, isn’t it?”
“We might see each other at the fort, but yes, it’s goodbye to what we shared here.” Would she hear the tightness in his throat making his words jerky?
“Thank you for showing me the orchids and everything.”
