Page 32 of Wagon Train Melody
“I asked God to send someone to help you and make you happy again.”
Rudy opened his mouth to protest. Then closed it without speaking.
Alice took the protesting child from Rudy. “It’s time for you to go back to sleep. I’ll join you.” She allowed Rudy to help her into the back. “Goodnight. Sleep well. And thank you.”
Her thanks sounded stilted. As if given out of obligation. He jerked away from the wagon but didn’t open his bedroll. What did he expect? They both understood this was a temporary arrangement. She had Clint. He had…well, he had plans which included staying out of Big Al’s path. He went to King’s side. He might have told the animal his confused thoughts, but King might not be the only one who heard them, so he remained silent as he looked to the star-studded sky.
God, help me not hurt these people. Help me escort them to Clint and safety.
As long as he was with them, they were less than safe. That truth clenched his insides.
He tossed his bedroll under the wagon beside Bo. At least he could offer them his protection until they reached the fort.
The next morning,he did his best to distance himself from the others. Especially the little girls. But Sissy would have none of it. She followed him like a shadow. He had to be careful not to turn too quickly and fall over her.
Twice, Alice scolded the child. Seeing the way her bottom lip quivered at her aunt’s words, Rudy said he didn’t mind.The truth was, he didn’t. It was nice to know she enjoyed his company. He would not let himself think that she might get a little too attached to him.
The sky was filled with fluffy clouds as they set out. Bo insisted on riding in the back. The girls returned to their place behind the seat.
For a distance, no one spoke.
Sissy didn’t join Kitty in play but pressed to Rudy’s back, her breath warm on his neck. He could tell that Alice wasn’t keen on the child’s attachment. He understood but wasn’t sure how to deal with it without unnecessarily hurting Sissy.
But soon she wearied of standing and sat down to play with Kitty.
Alice let out a sigh. Relief, he figured.
At noon, they stopped beside a slough to rest the horses and enjoy a cold meal.
Thankfully, Sissy and Kitty were amused by watching the birds among the reeds in the water. Red-winged blackbirds whistled. Ducks quacked. Yellow-headed blackbirds sat on thin, waving reeds.
Rudy had been sitting all afternoon and felt the urge to move. “Anyone want to walk with me?”
Bo and the girls immediately were at his side. Alice hesitated a moment then nodded. “I need to stretch my legs too.”
He was glad of her company but wondered if it was because she didn’t want him spending too much time with the girls. However, she needn’t have worried. Bo and the girls ran ahead.
“Alice, I feel like I’ve offended you. I’m sorry.”
She watched the children. “It’s not your fault. But the girls have had so much loss in their lives. If they grow too fond of you, it will mean another loss for them. I wish I could prevent it.”
“I don’t want to see them hurt any more than you do. I’d ride away right now?—”
She stopped, faced him. “That might be best.” She swallowed audibly. “However, please don’t. I know I can’t manage on my own with Bo nursing a broken arm.”
“Are you sure?”
Her expression went from caution to certainty so fast it left him breathless. “I’m sure.”
Did he catch a glimpse of something else in her eyes? Longing? Loneliness? The latter, no doubt. He would do his best to fill that need until they reached the fort and then it would be up to Clint.
“Look what we found,” Bo called. “Hurry.”
Rudy caught Alice’s hand as they ran to the children. Not until they reached them did he realize what he’d done and released his grasp.
A fawn lay in the tall grass and the children squatted beside it.
“A baby deer,” Kitty whispered. “Can we keep it?”
