Page 22 of Wagon Train Redemption
Carson climbed to the seat and hunkered in the shelter of his slicker.
“You look cold and miserable.” Angela wanted to invite him into the wagon, but he dripped water.
“We’re safe. That’s all that matters.”
Ruby huddled under a quilt and leaned back against a box. “I might as well sleep.”
Rain pounded overhead. Relentless. The sound echoed in Angela’s head. A constant drumming. Her breathing grew shallow.
She had to do something to stop the panic climbing up her throat.
Six
“How long will this last?”
Carson shifted at Angela’s anxious tone. Her eyes were wide, her mouth a tense line. “There’s no telling but everyone is safe.”
“I don’t like it.”
“It’s not pleasant but it’s not dangerous.” He wouldn’t mention that narrow stream of water along the bottom of the hill.
“I once got lost in a downpour like this.”
Ahh, that explained her tension. “What happened?”
“I was with Father.” Her voice cracked. “We’d gone to the woods to gather mushrooms. Suddenly it started to pour.”
He reached back to cover her intertwined fingers. Feeling the warmth of her hands, he maybe shouldn’t have done that. His hands were icy compared to hers.
She didn’t seem to mind.
“Everything became blurry. I couldn’t see Father. Couldn’t tell what direction to go. I called, but he didn’t answer. It was getting dark.” Her head dipped, and her shoulders hunched until she was talking to her chest.
He squeezed her hands tighter. If the seat back wasn’t in the way and he wasn’t dripping wet, he would’ve pulled her into his arms and held her. Much like he’d done to Bertie many times. Comforting away her fears.
Except it wouldn’t be the same as holding Bertie.
“The rain hammered on the leaves. So loud. It was the only sound I heard. I sat on a log, drenched and cold.”
She stopped talking and he waited. Until he couldn’t wait any longer.
“What happened?”
“Father appeared out of nowhere and scooped me up. Carried me home. Mama took off my wet clothes, wrapped me in a blanket, and rocked me in front of the fire.”
“I’m glad it turned out all right.”
She snorted. “Well, obviously, I didn’t perish in the woods. Because here I am.”
“Oh, I hadn’t thought of that.”
“Silly.” She seemed to put aside that dark memory which eased Carson’s concern.
“I think that’s the first time you’ve spoken of your mother.”
“Is it?” She pulled her hands free to rearrange the shawl across her shoulders.
He remained silent hoping she’d say more. She didn’t.
