Page 55 of Wagon Train Honor
His smile settled in the depths of his heart when Ruby perched next to him and Gabe offered a heartfelt grace. Yes, they were grateful for food and doubly so for safety.
Conversation flowed around him as the travelers discussed how they’d felt during the storm, how they’d spend some time brushing dust from their wagons and the need for a good wash.
“I found a little spot downstream where you might bathe if you don’t mind the cold water.”
“That explains why you’re so clean and shiny,” Ruby murmured.
“Thanks,” he whispered, resisting an urge to expand his chest.
“I’ll find that place as soon as we finish eating.” Mrs. Miller cleaned her plate and looked at the others. “What’s taking you so long?”
Chortled laughter answered her.
“Why don’t you and Gabe go ahead?” Hazel suggested. “I’m going to heat water here for Petey. Poor baby has dust in every corner of his skin.”
“Don’t mind if we do.” Mrs. Miller got a few things out of her wagon. Then, she and Gabe made their way to the water.
Robert held back a warning to be on the lookout for intruders. After all, Gabe wasn’t a greenhorn.
Ruby gathered up the used dishes. She washed them in the basin of hot water as Angela dried them. Robert would have grabbed a towel and helped, but he wasn’t needed. Nor would he let himself imagine being in the kitchen with Ruby, overlooking the mountains, doing dishes together.
The couple returned, and Irene and Walt left.
Robert’s gaze followed them. Someday, he promised himself, he’d have someone to walk on his arm, to share intimate moments with, to fill the needs of his heart.
Both Petey and Dobie received baths in warm water.
Ruby and Angela gathered items from their wagon and took their turn going to bathe.
Robert pretended not to watch and wait for their return. Then Ruby stepped into view, all bright and shiny as she’d called him. She sat close to the fire and brushed her hair as it dried. The flames turned her golden hair into dancing firelight.
Irene took Petey while Joe and Hazel left for their baths.
Dobie sat in front of Robert. He indicated Robert’s waist. “Why don’t you have your gun?”
The sidearm was part of his uniform, and he seldom was without it. He’d left it behind while escorting Ruby around Cypress Hills. But here? “My ma never allowed guns in the house and certainly not at the table. This is like a house and a table, don’t you think?” The pistol was within reach should there be a need for it.
Dobie nodded solemnly. “My new ma and pa say we will have a real home someday.”
“That’s something to look forward to.”
Leaning closer as if to share a secret, Dobie whispered, “I might have a little brother or sister too.”
“That sounds like fun.”
“Yeah.” His nod unsettled his still-damp hair.
The boy studied Robert and looked about ready to ask more questions when Bertie spoke.
“Alice want to play.”
Dobie hurried off to join Bertie, and they played with the animals.
With a start, Robert realized how long he’d been whiling away the evening hours, his duties forgotten. He hurried back to the horses, pausing to strap on his gun belt.
One mare whinnied as he passed the herd. Another bobbed its head. Apart from that, they were content.
He circled the area, checked the ropes, and scanned the distance for signs of a campfire. Nothing.
