Page 57 of Wagon Train Redemption
“Yes, but don’t get me wrong. I love my big brother and would never choose someone over him.” Again, that niggling doubt surfaced. Maybe it wasn’t always because of Bertie. Maybe some of the reasons others had rejected him, especially girls, was because of something wrong with him. That was one reassuring thing about a partnership—it wasn’t based on feelings.
Hearingof Carson’s pal sent hollowness into Angela’s soul. How she’d longed for a friend especially after Mama died. But it had proved impossible. Not until she moved away after Father’s death and discarded her past had she known companions and acceptance. And she didn’t intend to do anything to jeopardize that.
Carson continued talking about his adventures with Billy.
She laughed when he told about them trying to catch a crow. “His grandmother had told him she’d had a pet crow.” His grin abounded with amusement. “I think the bird was teasing us. He likely went home and bragged about how he made two boys dash after him only to fly away and land again almost within reach. I don’t know who would have given up first—bird or boys—if Ma hadn’t called us for supper.”
Her past forgotten, she asked what happened to Billy. “I don’t recall any Billy Becker.”
“It was a sad day for me when his father decided the family would move. We promised to write, but after half a dozen scattered letters, we stopped.”
“That’s too bad.” To have a friend and lose him must be worse than not ever having one. “Were there others after that?”
“Yeah. But none like Billy until I met Robert.”
“I’m glad we’re going to be so close.”
“Me too.” For a mile or more, they settled into contemplative silence. “I meant to ask you about house plans.”
“What about them?”
“Well, we have nothing much to do but decide what kind of house we’d like.”
“True.” She’d let him give his preferences first.
“What would your dream be?”
Dream? Why had he used that word? Her dreams didn’t matter. This was a partnership. She had to be practical. “Warm and dry.”
He laughed as she’d hoped he would. “We could live in a ten-by-ten building and have that.”
“True.” Was that what he was suggesting? Did he expect them to be more than partners? To be husband and wife? Would it cause her to reconsider her agreement?
Because in her dream…
No dreams allowed.
Carson continued talking, and she brought her attention back to his words.
“I had planned a house big enough for Ma and the girls. I thought of four bedrooms upstairs and one on the main floor for when Ma couldn’t get around so well anymore.” He shook his head. “I sure got that wrong. And I’m happy for all of them.”
Was he happy for himself? She didn’t ask because she feared his answer would reveal disappointment at settling for a marriage of convenience.
“I don’t think we need that big a house.” He slanted a look at her. “At least not yet.”
Heat stung her cheeks at what he meant. Thankfully, he didn’t seem to require a response because her throat had closed off.
“We can make new plans.” He seemed satisfied with that possibility.
“Sounds good.” And it did. She’d like to be part of something new and promising.
Huh. Promising what?
She couldn’t answer.
The trail led up a hill, and the oxen stopped in protest. She flicked the reins. “Sid, Sal, pull.” They did. They were the most patient and enduring of animals.
“Do you prefer a one-story or a two-story house?”
