Page 71 of Wagon Train Redemption
She lowered her eyes. “No. I guess I can’t quite believe it’s true.”
Startled, he touched stilled her fidgeting hands. “Why would you think that?”
Her gaze went past him. “I never expected something thisgood.” Eyes as warm as the evening sunshine met his. “Carson, thank you for making me part of your future.”
Unable to explain the way her words ached through him, he pulled her into his arms and pressed her to his chest. “Thank you for agreeing to be my partner and wife.”
The way she leaned into him gave him hope he’d comforted her worries.
Reluctantly, he eased her to one side, scooped up the blanket, called Boss to get into the buggy with them, and headed back to town. All the way there, she pressed to Carson’s side as if seeking more from him.
Whatever it was she wanted, he hoped he could provide it.
As soon as they stopped the buggy in front of the house, Boss bounded out and sat waiting for them. Carson helped Angela down and grabbed the picnic things from the back. He ordered Boss to stay outside as he and Angie went in.
“You’re back,” Ma said. “I hope you had a good day.”
“We did. Angie and I would like to get married at the same time as Ruby and Robert if no one has objections. I’ll ask them as soon as I see them.”
“That’d be fine,” Ma said. “Angela, this letter was waiting at the post office for you. It looks official.”
Angie took it and examined the return address. “It’s from my father’s lawyer. I can’t imagine what he wants after all this time.”
“There’s only one way to find out.” Carson nudged her.
Gingerly, she broke the seal and removed documents.
Carson glimpsed a few words. “At age eighteen, you inherit…”
She flipped the page over before he read the whole sentence, and then he made out more. “Help women like your mother. Save children from your disgrace…”
She ducked away, folding the pages and clutching them to her chest. “I need to read this in private.”
After she scurried to her bedroom, the air in the room stilled. No one spoke. Carson sucked in a breath that wobbled into his lungs. “What was that all about?”
Ma shook her head. “I can’t say, but I do believe you need to have a good long talk with her.”
Something in her tone set his nerves to jangling. “About what?”
“You need to ask her.”
He surely would. As soon as she left her bedroom. But she stayed there until he had to leave. “I’ll talk to her in the morning.” One phrase that he’d seen stuck in his thoughts. “Save children from your disgrace.” What disgrace could that possibly mean? Why should Angie wear such a harsh label?
Angela stayedin the bedroom and pretended sleep when Ruby crawled in beside her. But there’d be no sleep for her tonight. Father had her best interests in mind when he made this arrangement, but how could she deal with the contents of the letter and keep her secret? No longer did she feel as if her future was safe and secure.
How could she face Carson without telling the truth?God, help me. I can’t lie, and yet the truth will destroy me. Why did she hear the verse “The truth shall set you free”? Yes, in most cases, that was true. But not this one.
Hadn’t she always feared he would change his mind? So, this shouldn’t hurt so much. She swallowed a groan for fear of disturbing Ruby and forced herself to lie motionless, even though every muscle twitched.
Morning finally arrived, and with it, she set her thoughts to do what must be done.
Ruby sang as she dressed before she realized Angela wasbarely moving and gave her a hard look. “What’s wrong with you?”
“I didn’t sleep well,” Angela mumbled.
“Too excited about the future?” Ruby hugged herself.
“You could say that.” Though Angela wouldn’t use the wordexcited.
