Page 49 of Wagon Train Honor
Three times, she caught him looking at her, but she couldn’t decipher his expression.
He finished eating at the same time Ma and Gabe finished their song. Then, he joined the others in singing. His voice was deep and calming. Assuring her he wasn’t concerned about?—
Well, anything.
If he wasn’t concerned, then no need for her to be. She filled her lungs and sang more robustly.
“That’s it for tonight.” Gabe set his guitar to the side.
Joe rose. “Tonight, with the extra horses here, we will double the guard. Cecil and Gabe on first watch. Walt and?—”
Irene interrupted him. “I’ll do watch with Walt.”
When Joe frowned, probably ready to argue, Walt held up his hand. “It’s fine with me.”
The scout nodded. “Robert and I will take the last watch.” He smiled at Hazel. “Let’s get Little Warrior to bed.” He took sleepy Petey from his mama and headed for the tent they shared now that they were married.
Ruby smiled after them. It was nice to see Hazel loved and loving again after Peter’s death.
“Good night, all.” Robert strode past the far wagon and out of sight in the dusky light.
Angela went to the wagon she and Ruby shared, casting a look at Ruby. For some inexplicable reason, Ruby didn’t want to end the evening. Oh well. No point in sitting staring at the dying coals while everyone else retired. She traipsed after Angela.
She took up her bedding. “I’ll sleep under the wagon.” They often did so rather than crowd into the narrow space between crates and trunks.
“Might be mosquitoey tonight,” Angela warned.
“Joe gave me a sprig of sweetgrass.” Ruby spread her blankets, put the sweetgrass by her head, and wished for sleep.
But her troubled thoughts gave her no peace. Why did having Robert riding with them make her restless and unsettled?
Chapter 12
Robert bedded down close to where the horses rested, contained by the rope corral the others fashioned. He’d be sure to thank them for it.
He lay on his back, his hands locked behind his head. He’d checked far and wide for evidence of being followed. Seen nothing. Which should’ve eased his worry. But it didn’t. He’d get this same feeling as a kid waiting for Pa to get home. Wishing he’d come home sober and happy. Knowing the chances of that happening were unlikely.
Understanding others were on guard and watching, knowing the men understood his concern, he should be able to relax and go to sleep.
But more than the thought of rustlers had his mind twisting. Ruby was so close, and yet he couldn’t spend time with her. That knotted things up inside him. How often during the afternoon had he seen something he would’ve liked to point out to her? The rabbit standing alert and watchful as he rode past. The herd of deer in a hollow. Knowing her keen interest in flowers and plants, he’d sought the colorful spots on the ground. He’d even stooped to pick a red flower to give to her, but it was crushed and unrecognizable by the time he returned to the camp.
Sleep came softly. He awakened when Walt nudged him, and he sat up, instantly alert.
“Anything happen?” he asked.
“A curious coyote wandered by, and an owl hooted.” Walt shrugged. “That’s all.”
Robert pulled on his boots. “I wish I could believe it’s good news.”
Walt adjusted his hat, his gaze following Irene as she made her way to the tent they shared. “What would it take to make you believe those men aren’t following?”
“I don’t know.” Robert let the words out on a huff. “Maybe knowing they’re behind bars.”
“Daylight will soon be here. I’m going to get a little more shut-eye while I can.”
“Thanks.” He hoped Walt would understand all that he meant.
Walt nodded. “Anytime.” He strode away to join his wife.
