Page 43 of Wagon Train Honor
The next morning, he was up before dawn to pack up his belongings. Sam helped him string the animals using tail knots to create two chains of horses. He also had to lead the pack animals.
Sam shook his head. “Yer gonna have yer hands full.”
“Yeah, but I’ll manage.” Robert saw no other choice.
When everything was ready, he swung to the back of his mount and rode down the trail. Passing the wagons, he stopped to say goodbye.
Gabe came out to meet him. “You’re leaving?”
“Have to deliver the horses.” Robert looked for Ruby. From near the camp table, she watched him, her eyes narrowed, her mouth tight. He touched his finger to his hat and nodded. This was goodbye. “It’s been a pleasure meeting you all.”
Gabe didn’t step aside. “You’ll need help with the horses. Joe says we’ll leave today. Wait and ride with us.”
“Thanks for the offer, but I don’t want to be a bother.”
The others joined Gabe. Each adding a protest at his plans or a plea to wait.
Joe stood before Robert’s horse. “That red coat don’t give you special powers. You need to accept help.”
Robert met Joe’s gaze without blinking.
“We’d like to assist with the horses.” Irene’s excited voice rang out.
Joe edged closer. “Could be we’ll need your help as much as you need ours.”
Did the man know rustlers were around? Maybe watching for their chance to try again? No doubt, they were the sort of men who wouldn’t contain themselves to stealing his horses. The directness of Joe’s gaze seemed to suggest it.
Robert scanned those gathered around him. If the wagon train was in danger?—
His gaze paused at Ruby. The pleading in her eyes convinced him. “Very well, if you’re sure you don’t mind the extra trouble.”
Gabe patted Robert’s leg. “There’s strength in numbers.”
Did he suspect there’d been trouble? Had the men who brought the horses spoken to Gabe or one of the others?
Robert didn’t know. He only hoped he wasn’t putting any of them in harm’s way. But before he could join them, he would speak to both Gabe and Joe and make sure they knew the danger that existed.
Ruby returnedto the campfire where Ma and the others were preparing breakfast. Robert would be traveling with them. She hugged the thought to herself. But hadn’t they said goodbye? Very sweet goodbyes when she wanted to kiss him, but knowing it was inappropriate, she settled for touching his lips. Now, she had to share him with the others. It would be impossible for them to have time alone together.
A smile threatened her mouth. Somehow, Irene, Hazel, and Louise managed to do so. Even Ma. If Ruby was interested, they could find a way, too. But wait. She wasn’t wanting a courtship, so there was no need to be seeking ways to be alone.
She turned her attention back to meal preparation while Robert accompanied the men to get the oxen and help hitch them up.
He came in with the others, looked around, and moved to her side.
“Hi.” His grin offered pleasure.
Or was she letting her imagination run away? “Hi.” See, she hadn’t let a single bit of excitement creep into her voice.
“I hope you don’t mind that I’ve joined your group.”
What did that mean? “Why would I?”
Gabe rose to ask the blessing, making it impossible for Robert to answer. Then, they were busy eating. Yes, there was conversation, but amongst all of them. As soon as the kitchen things were packed in the wagons, they were on their way.
Robert followed with the horses. Walt and Irene rode with him. She’d overheard Gabe say one of them would stay with him. Something about the way he said it made Ruby look behind. Was there a reason to be concerned? Everything seemed to be under control.
As was their customary order, the wagon she and Angela rode in was in the middle. Angela sat on the seat, driving the oxen as did Hazel in the front wagon. Behind her came Ma and Gabe. His oxen were driven by him walking beside them. Ma was often at Gabe’s side even as she was this morning. Bertie’s cats rode in Ruby’s wagon, and often, Bertie walked there. This morning, he was behind Ma and Gabe and kept glancing over his shoulder toward the horses.
