Page 33 of Wagon Train Melody
“He needs his mama.” Alice looked around. “I don’t see any animals.”
Rudy knew she wouldn’t. “She’s left the baby here. She knows exactly where it is. The best thing we can do is leave it alone, so it doesn’t run away and get lost.”
“Aww,” Kitty rose to her feet and stepped back. “Bye-bye baby deer.”
Sissy joined her sister. “You sure her mama will come back?”
“Pretty sure.”
“What if her mama died?” Sissy’s eyes were wide, sheened with tears.
Rudy knew she was thinking of her own mama. He would have hugged her to his chest but knew it wasn’t what Alice would want and looked to her for help.
She had turned away and dashed at her eyes.
He understood she was dealing with her own grief. Sissy needed comfort and her aunt wasn’t able to give it. He lifted the child and hugged her. “Why don’t we ask God to take care of the fawn and its mama?”
“Yes, please.”
He prayed for the animals.
Sissy was satisfied. He put her down. She took Kitty’s hand. “He’ll be fine now.”
“I knows. Cause Mr. Rudy prayed. I likes his prayers.”
Bo and the children headed back to the wagon.
Alice still had her face averted.
Rudy touched her shoulder.
She spun to face him. “Mama’s don’t always come back. Or stay.”
Her pain was so raw it shook him. “I know. I’m sorry.” Words were so inadequate. He couldn’t leave her dealing with her sorrow alone and hesitating in case she resisted, he pulled her into his arms. She came readily, her hands pressed to his chest. She shuddered several times then grew quiet.
He expected her to pull away immediately, but she remained in his arms, soft and still. He couldn’t believe how good and right it felt.
After a moment, she drew in a deep breath and straightened. “I’ve done it again. I’m sorry.”
“What have you done?”
“Cried on your shoulder.”
He grinned. “It was actually my chest, and I didn’t mind in the least.” He touched her cheek, half teasing, and all tender. His heart jolted when she tipped her head toward his touch.
Then, as if realizing what she’d done, she straightened. “I better get back.” She hurried away.
He followed more slowly. He and Bo got the horses ready and then they were on their way again.
They’d gone only a few yards when Bo called. “I’m gonna walk.”
Rudy drew the wagon to a halt as the boy jumped down.
“Us too,” the girls chorused.
Rudy looked to Alice. She shrugged. “Might do them good to run off some energy.”
Having gotten permission, the girls joined Bo. They alternately ran and walked, stopping often to examine something on the ground. They stayed close to the wagon, so Rudy wasn’t concerned for their safety.
