Page 44 of Wagon Train Melody
It was adventure enough for her. In fact, this whole trip was enough adventure to last her a lifetime. Because that wasn’t what she craved. It was home and love. Like her parents had lived.
CHAPTER 10
Rudy was aware that he’d disappointed Alice. Guessed she’d expected more response when she confessed she’d wanted nothing all her life but to be a mother and housewife. Maybe she thought he’d like to assist her in that dream, but she must understand that he had no experience of what that meant. He doubted he would ever be content to settle down in one place. All his life he had wandered. It was the only way he knew.
Bo perched next to him, eager to talk about everything and anything, and Rudy turned his attention to the boy who had a keen mind and noticed every detail.
Did Rudy know what the different types of clouds meant?
He had some idea simply from observation and he told Bo what he knew.
Had Rudy ever been attacked by a bear?
Thankfully, no.
“You ever eat bear meat?”
“I have. It’s very good.”
“I’d like to try it someday.”
Rudy grinned at Bo. “Maybe you can get your brother to take you hunting.”
“Wouldn’t that be fun?”
The afternoon passed quickly in that fashion. Several times Rudy glanced back, supposedly keeping a sharp eye out for Big Al, but he also studied Alice. Kitty woke up and she and Sissy looked at a picture book together. Alice seemed lost in thought. Twice she noticed him looking at her and shifted her attention to the girls.
With a weary sigh, he turned back to guiding the horses and began looking for a place to spend the night.
A little later, they camped in a grove of trees that protected them from the never-ending wind. Alice kept busy preparing food while Rudy and Bo took care of the horses.
Bo patted King. “Sure is a pretty horse. Where’d you get him?”
“Bought him off a rancher in the Dakotas. Had to work most of the winter for him, doing chores and cleaning out the barn. But he’s worth every shovelful of manure I moved.”
Bo laughed. “My pa always said you only appreciate something if you have to work for it. The harder you work, the more you appreciate.”
“Your pa was a wise man.”
“Yup. He was. When he knew he wasn’t going to recover he told me I had to be a man now. Take care of Alice and all.” He kept one hand on King as he sought Rudy’s gaze. “Don’t think I did as well as I should have. Seems Alice did most of the work taking care of both of us. Course she had Evelyn and John’s help to start with.” Bo ducked his head, overcome with emotion.
Rudy knew by the way Alice cocked her head that she heard the conversation. “Alice is a strong woman, but I think she appreciates all the things you do to help.”
“Wish I could do more.” He held up his broken arm. “When this is healed, I aim to take care of her and the girls better’n I have.” He tethered King by the other horses then straightened toconsider Rudy again. “Course once we reach the fort, Clint will take over. And you’re here now so….” He didn’t finish, but Rudy sensed the boy felt as if he wasn’t needed.
Rudy went to Bo and clapped him on the back. “No one will ever be able to do the things you do. That’s just the way life is. Each of us brings our own special abilities and skills.”
Bo’s expression was serious. “I don’t have special anything.”
“I beg to differ. You help despite your broken arm. You entertain the little girls which makes them happy. You’re cheerful. Do you have any idea how much that means to everyone?” He didn’t wait for Bo to answer. “Once on a cattle drive, I had to put up with a man who complained about everything. Constantly. The food wasn’t good. The weather was too hot or too cold. People didn’t act the way he thought they should. It went on and on. It was tiring and left those around him discouraged. You’re just the opposite of that. You leave the rest of us feeling better. Thank you.” He clapped his hand on Bo’s back one more time; then seeing the boy struggle with his emotions, left to find more firewood.
The little girls joined him as he sat by the fire, and he hugged them both. He’d been sincere in his praise of Bo. But the truth was, the entire family made him glad to be alive.
“I heard what you told Bo.” Alice spoke softly, perhaps not wanting Bo to hear. “Thank you.” She didn’t give him a chance to respond. “Supper is ready.”
Bo joined them. They held hands as they prayed. A nice little custom. It was Bo’s turn to ask the blessing. He cleared his throat and began, “Dear God in heaven. Thank You for taking care of us. Especially thank You for sending Rudy to help us. We’re so grateful for that. Thank You for the food and for family. Amen.”
Rudy smiled around at the others as the food was passed.
