Page 46 of Wagon Train Honor
“I remember using them as pretend logs to build tiny houses.”
Her pencil stilled. “Let me guess. You built miniature houses wherever you went.”
He sat up, startled by the question and by the truth he’d never before seen. “I guess I did that a lot. You can make tiny houses out of so many things—twigs, rocks, ice, snow—” He broke off. “I never thought it meant anything, but maybe it was me saying I wanted a house…a home.”
“I hope you get what you want. You’re a good person. You deserve it.”
“Thank you.”
She returned to drawing reeds. One by itself in great detail, and then a bunch of them leaning at different angles.
“The house I’ll build on my land will be made of logs.”
“I suppose you have it all planned out down to the tiniest detail.” She sat back, studied the drawing, and then added two more pencil strokes.
“Maybe.”
“Have you made a drawing?”
“Nope. It’s all here, though.” He tapped his head.
“Would be a shame if you lost it.” Her eyes were steady, expressionless.
He held her gaze without blinking, shuttering his reaction of surprise and then amusement. “I’ve never lost anything up here.” Again, he tapped his head. “Can’t lose it on the ground or accidentally drop it in the fire.”
The air tinkled with her quiet laughter. “I suppose that’s true.” She closed her notebook and stowed it in her pocket.
He adjusted his position so he could watch the horses. Joe reported he saw nothing in any direction to cause him concern. Still, the tightness across Robert’s neck didn’t let up. The animals were of fine breeding stock. A prize for anyone who owned them. It would be nice to think the rustlers would leave them alone, but he wouldn’t relax until the horses were safely inside the NWMP corrals with Mounties guarding them.
Nor would he let up guard until then, knowing he and the horses put the wagon train in the path of danger. Joe and Gabe and Gabe’s sons assured him they were prepared to defend both the wagons and the horses.
It was not something Robert wanted to witness.
Joe rode closer. “Time to move out.”
“Bye.” Ruby tossed the word over her shoulder as she hurried to help put away the dishes.
Robert readied the horses to leave while the others hitched the oxen to the wagons. For a bit, he rode with the horses, who seemed content to follow the wagons. He angled to one side to see ahead.
Would Ruby march with him again this afternoon? But he didn’t see her anywhere. Of course, she could be riding. No reason that should disappoint him.
Ruby preparedto walk beside the wagon. Only she didn’t plan to stay in that position. But before the wheels made a dozen revolutions, Angela glanced down.
“I don’t mind if you spend the afternoon with Robert.”
A tangle of grass caught Ruby’s toe and almost tripped her. She righted herself. “You have the wrong idea.”
Angela’s answer was a look rife with disbelief.
“I was only thanking him for his kindness in showing me around.” She had thanked him but maybe not this morning. But the words were too far from the truth and stung her conscience. “Why don’t I drive for the afternoon? My feet need a rest.”
“That’s not necessary. Besides, I wouldn’t want to?—”
Ruby didn’t let her finish but found a handhold and swung up to the seat, nudging Angela aside.
“I don’t mind you enjoying the company of a man.” Angela retained the reins, forcing Ruby to pry them from her hands.
“My turn.” She signaled the animals to stop. “Hurry so Gabe doesn’t overtake us.”
