Page 24 of Wagon Train Redemption
“You must be cold as a March storm.” Angela’s warm voice went a good distance toward easing that cold.
“Who’d have guessed a fall rain could feel like winter?”
“Why not shed your wet slicker and come back here? We’ve got blankets to spare.”
The invitation beckoned, but there was little space. How would he keep a discreet distance from her?
Angela pressedher fingers to her mouth. Had she really so boldly invited him to share their limited space? Not that it appeared to bother Ruby. But Carson was her brother so, of course, it didn’t feel uncomfortable for her.
Though perhaps uncomfortable was not the right word. Nor could Angela think what word she meant.
The wagon tipped and creaked as he shed his coat and climbed over the seat. He hovered at the front.
“There’s blankets there. Help yourself.” Ruby pointed without looking up.
Carson’s damp feet brushed Angela’s legs while he stepped across them. He selected two blankets, draped them around his shoulders, and looked around for a place to sit.
Ruby shifted over to make room, her sketchbook on her knees, her attention on her drawing. “Sit here.”
Eyes full of uncertainty met Angela’s. She gave a mental shrug and moved enough for him to fit between them.
Cold encircled him and shivered up her arm when he settled into place.
“Goodness, you’re cold,” Ruby commented. “Isn’t he, Ang?”
“Like ice.” Surely, that explained the way her words trembled. No reason for anyone to think it was because her nerves jittered at his nearness. “Is it ever going to stop?” She didn’t really think there was an answer. The question was only meant to divert her thoughts.
“Pa used to say that without rain there would be no life.” Carson’s voice was vibrant with the memory.
“I remember that.”
Hearing Ruby’s loving remembrance, Angela offered her own. “My father said there was only one thing to do when it rained.” She paused to make sure she had their attention. “And that was to let it rain.”
The other two laughed as she hoped they would.
Carson nudged her. “Then I guess we sit here and let it rain.”
Ruby made a scoffing sound. “I intend to spend the time drawing.”
“What are you drawing?” Carson leaned toward Ruby.
“Just something.”
“It’s Robert.” Carson chuckled. “Of course that’s what you’re doing. Good likeness.”
She closed her notebook. “There must be something else to do while we’re cramped here.”
Angela tipped her head against the box at her back, content to let these two do whatever they pleased to pass the time.
“I have an idea.” Something about Ruby’s gleeful words made Angela lift her head from its rest. Ruby had been known to come up with some odd ideas. “It’s a game called Tell the Truth.”
Carson arched a brow at Angela and narrowed his eyes. “Is she making this up?”
“Quite likely.”
“I have the feeling she’s up to something.”
Angela shrugged. “I can’t think she can do much to us in these tight quarters.”
