Page 19 of Wagon Train Redemption
Gravel crunched under his boots as he continued along the bank checking on the oxen. He clumped through the lumpy ground toward the wagons. The flames had died to flickering coals. A circle of rocks and bare ground ensured the fire wouldn’t get away.
Snores came from Gabe’s wagon and Walt’s tent. Other than that, all was quiet, and Carson continued on his way. He smiled when he passed the wagon where Angela slept. Tomorrow, they’d continue catching up. His smile widened and became permanent in his anticipation for the day.
A cold windgreeted him the next morning. Heavy black clouds filled the sky. Yup. Rain was coming. He rolled his bedding and dropped it inside Gabe’s wagon to ensure it stayed dry.
Flames crackled, and smoke drifted on the breeze. Murmurs rose from the others getting up. At Angela’s approach, he smiled across the heat waves rising from the fire.
A gentle smile answered him before she turned to Ma.
They huddled close to the fire and hurriedly ate.
“Let’s get moving before the rain hits,” Joe said once his plate was empty.
Carson paused only long enough to remind Angela he wanted to talk with her again this morning before he joined the general rush to hitch the oxen and clean up the campsite. Soon the wagons rumbled after Walt and Irene leading the way. Gabe, as usual, walked by his oxen. The wind tugged at Carson’s hat.
Ruby and Angela huddled under a blanket as they drove the lumbering oxen along. Even Bertie had chosen to ride in the wagon, seeking shelter from the cold.
“Stay warm,” Carson called. Drops of icy water stung his cheeks, and he unrolled his black canvas slicker. A musty smell wafted from the folds. He shrugged into its protection as rain slashed down with a vengeance.
The girls pulled the blanket over their heads. Angela spoke to Ruby who nodded before she crawled into the back. Good for Angela. No point in them both getting soaked.
Water splashed around King’s feet as Carson rode forward. He passed Walt and Irene who hunched down under their own rainwear. He continued onward, peering through the slashing rain, checking the sky, hoping to see a break in the clouds. But all he saw was rain.
Joe joined him. “It’s not going to let up.” He wiped water from his face, then pointed south. “Got to stick to high ground.”
Together they rode back to the others to direct them in the right direction. The ground was already growing mushy, and the wheels cut deep tracks in the sod. The oxen leaned into the harnessing, taking on the increased work.
This was pure misery, especially for those driving the wagons.
But he could do something to help. Ducking his head into the rain, he rode to Angela’s wagon, dismounted, tied his horse to the side, and swung up to the seat.
“Get in the back and find something dry.”
“I can do this.”
“No need in everyone getting soaked to the skin.” He tipped his head toward the back.
“Fine. I accept.” She climbed over the seat and pressed her hand to his shoulder in passing. “Thank you.”
“You’re dripping.” Ruby sounded equal parts concerned and annoyed.
The soaking blanket was draped over the bench.
“It’s a purely miserable day.” Angela’s voice came fromclose behind. She stayed out of the rain but sat where she could see out the front.
Or was she purposely sitting close enough they could talk?
With Ruby also nearby, the conversation wouldn’t likely reveal as much as it had yesterday. Or—the thought made him smile—would Ruby say things Angela wouldn’t?
“Hey, Ruby.”
“Hey yourself, big brother.”
“Angela said you two attended school together.”
“That we did. Poor Angela had never gone to a school. It was quite an experience for her.”
Angela hissed. “You didn’t have to tell him that.”
