Wagon Train Song by Linda Ford

Author:Linda Ford [Ford, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Crocus Plain Publishing
Published: 2024-02-28T00:00:00+00:00

“We’ll travel now and rest in the heat of the day.”

When Joe’s words roused him from slumber while the sky was dark, Gabe yawned noisily. Walt echoed the sound. Before the yawns ended, Gabe was pulling on his boots. Then he headed out to feed and water the oxen.

The animals proved uncooperative. Not wanting to give up their sleep any more than Gabe.

“Is Bertie around? Maybe he can help.” Flames flared as the women got a fire going. In the dancing light, he made out familiar figures—Angela, Louise, and Marnie. His gaze stopped there.

She had talked about bad choices last night as if her life had included them. But what could she have meant? She was a woman devoted to her family, caring for a son who would need her long past normal time. Who had no doubt cared for Norman until he passed and was now escorting her family across the country to a better life.

Undoubtedly, she’d followed God every step of the way. What had Ellen told him when the children were so sick with measles?

“Marnie,” Ellen said in awe. “Fell on her knees at Bertie’s bedside and prayed fervently for his recovery. She has such faith.”

Back then, he’d wondered what would happen to her faith if Bertie didn’t survive. When he asked Ellen, his wife had smiled. “Do you know what she said before amen?”

Of course, he didn’t. Not that Ellen expected an answer.

“She said to God, ‘Even if You choose to take him, I will still love and obey You.’” Tears had filled Ellen’s eyes. “I wish I had that kind of faith.”

As clear as if it happened yesterday, Gabe recalled how he’d held Ellen and assured her God would provide faith when she needed it. As it turned out, it was he who needed it and, thanks to Norman, had found it.

Perhaps he’d remind Marnie of that as they walked together though she’d avoided him yesterday.

He made out Bertie headed toward the animals, seeking hay for his goat.

“Bertie,” Gabe called. “We need your help with the oxen.”

Eagerness filling his face, Bertie trotted over and soon had the oxen on their feet eating their breakfast.

The travelers ate hurriedly at Joe’s urging and resumed trundling across the dusty land.

Silver stars dotted the indigo sky. A gentle breeze, not yet hot, stirred invisible dust from the wheels. White wagon covers were the only thing detectible as they moved in the darkness.

Apart from the thump of oxen feet and rattle of harnessing, they’d traveled an hour in silence when pink crept across the sky, tinting the air with a blush of color.

The women walked ahead of him, and they stopped, lifted their gazes, and turned toward the rising sun. The color reflected in their faces.

Marnie closed her eyes.

Gabe let the oxen stop as he watched her—a picture of worship if he’d ever seen one.

A smile tugged at her lips, and she opened her eyes and looked at him. Caution replaced her peace—and perhaps a warning. She hurried to rejoin the others.

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