Page 52 of Wagon Train Melody
Alice moved from Rudy’s arms.
He jammed his fingers into his pockets to keep from pulling her back. Instead, he strode toward the kitchen. “Come on Bo, let’s see what there is for wood out back.”
It turned out there was a decent-sized woodpile. A little pasture and barn for the horses. He took wood in, then he and Bo brought the horses and wagon around to the back to take care of them. He turned King into the pasture with Sam and Sue.
King kicked up his heels and trotted around the enclosure.
Rudy and Bo returned to the house. He sniffed. “Smells good in here.”
Alice smiled. “It’s nice to cook over a real stove. Would you care to join us for the meal?”
“I’d love to.” She’d made a thick vegetable soup and biscuits to go with it.
As soon as they finished eating, she asked Bo to take the girls outside to play. She waited for the door to close behind them.
“Did you tell the Mountie about Big Al?”
He repeated everything. Including the possibility Big Al was dead.
“You don’t sound like that’s good news. Why?”
He shrugged. “Because I can’t be sure it’s him, so I don’t dare let down my guard.”
“At least you’re safe here, aren’t you?”
He considered how best to answer her. “I suppose as long as I’m with a Mountie I’m safer.” Again, he didn’t point out the possibility of ambush. He chuckled a little; as if amused by the idea. “My plans don’t include hanging around the fort.” He knew what he had to do. Leave so Big Al would have no reason to linger in the vicinity. And either find gold or a paying job so he could help Alice.
“What are your plans if you don’t mind me asking?”
“There’s a patrol headed west Monday morning. I will accompany them as far as they go and then from there, head for the goldfields. Maybe I’ll strike a vein.”
She trailed her finger around the rim of her empty plate. “Say hello to Clint if you see him.”
He told himself he didn’t hear hurt and disappointment in her voice. But it wasn’t as if he’d ever promised her he’d stay.
After all, hadn’t he made it clear he wasn’t the settling down sort of man?
Too bad, he hadn’t informed his own heart.
Alice kepta calm face as Rudy departed, saying he’d be staying nearby. “I’ll drop by tomorrow and help you get settled.” He waited for her response. “If you’d like.”
Oh, if only he knew how much she wanted him to help. And so much more. But settling wasn’t in his nature. She knew that. Had always known that.
“I’d like it very much.”
“Until tomorrow then.” He brushed his knuckles over her cheek, then went to his horse and rode away.
She closed the door and leaned her forehead against the wood. She could do this. Take care of the children on her own. Create a new life here. And yes, she would survive saying goodbye to Rudy. It wasn’t as if she had any other choice.
She maintained her calm composure as she got the bedrooms ready to use. Thankfully there were beds enough. The girls would sleep on one in the same bedroom as she slept. At some point, she would hang a curtain between the two beds so she wouldn’t disturb them. The second, smaller room had a narrow cot in it, and she made it up with quilts.
Bo joined her and arranged his belongings on a crate. “Clint’s gone. Rudy’s going.” His voice carried a wagon load of sorrow.
She gave him a sideways hug. “Thank goodness you’re here to help.”
He nodded. “I’ll do my best.”
She heard the defeat in his voice and turned him to face her. “Bo, you listen to me. You’re almost a man and already you’re doing a man’s work. Pa would be so proud. I know I am and I’m grateful too. I couldn’t ask for anything better than your help.”
