Page 23 of Wagon Train Redemption
Joe appeared by the oxen. “Everyone all right?”
“Yes,” Carson and Angela answered in unison.
“Shouldn’t you find shelter somewhere?” Carson asked.
“Can’t get any wetter, and I need to keep watch.” He rode away.
“Watch for what?” Angela’s words were sharp. “Can’t think anyone is going to bother us in this weather.”
“I wouldn’t think so.” No reason to mention other dangers. Like flash flooding. But they weren’t at risk of that. Though if the rain continued, they might be stranded on thishilltop until the ground dried. The wind blasted cold rain into his face. He shivered. They’d be there until the rain let up. Until the ground dried enough and the wagons could move. Daylight was muted gray. Impossible to tell where the sun was.
He hunkered down, getting as comfortable as possible on the hard bench with rain pounding on him.
The sploosh of someone or something approaching brought him to alertness. He made out Joe riding toward them.
“This isn’t gonna end anytime soon. The oxen need to be unharnessed so they can rest.”
“I’m coming.” Carson dropped to the ground and sloshed through the water to unhitch Sal and Sid from Gabe’s wagon where they’d helped his team. Gabe set his oxen loose, and Cecil did the same for his team.
“I’ll make sure they don’t wander,” Carson said.
After halfhearted protests from the others, Gabe handed Carson some canvas. “Throw it over your head to help keep the rain off.”
“Thanks.” He trotted back to inform Angela and Ruby of his plans though he didn’t see Ruby. Wise girl was staying warm and sheltered.
“It’s so cold,” Angela protested.
“We can’t take a chance on the oxen wandering away.”
“Why would they?”
He chuckled. “Maybe they’d like to find a place out of the wind and rain.”
“Wouldn’t we all?”
“Indeed.” He wanted to say something more though he didn’t know what there was to say. “When I come back, we’ll catch up on the four years.”
“What? We’re still doing that?” Her protest lacked conviction.
“You’re teasing.”
“Maybe.”
“I have to go.” His mouth curved upward as he slopped back to the oxen. The six beasts stood with their heads down and their backs to the wind. He did the same, grateful the canvas tarp provided protection and his thoughts were warm with the things he was learning about Angela. It would have been so hard for her to walk into school that first day, not knowing what to expect but guessing she’d have to prove herself.
Were there other times she’d felt that way? If he’d been more sympathetic and understanding, he might have helped her through some of those things. He chuckled. Not that she hadn’t managed well without his help.
Time passed without any way of measuring it. His legs ached from the cold. Shivers shook his body. Oh, for a blazing fire, but that was impossible until such time as the rain relented. He jolted as something touched him.
Walt jerked his hand back. “I’ll take over for a spell.”
Carson opened his mouth to protest. What was the point in anyone else being so cold and wet?
“I’ll take the canvas.” Already Walt edged the fabric from Carson’s shoulders. “Get some rest. Maybe get warm.”
“Thanks.” Water slapped at every step. He was halfway back to Ruby and Angela’s wagon when he stopped. Was there any reason to go there? He could hunker down under Gabe’s wagon. But when he moved again, it was toward Ruby and Angela’s wagon where he climbed up to the seat.
“Anyone got a cup of hot coffee back there?” He meant to sound teasing but might have sounded desperate.
