Wagonmaster Page 5

  He grunted. “All the same, I’m glad you have it. I would have helped you set it up if I’d known.”

  “Thanks. It only took a few minutes.”

  They both turned to see Mr. Fleming exit his wagon. He pulled his hat low and trudged toward the bushes. Addie surmised that the call of nature had drawn the man from his dry shelter. On the other side of the clearing, Mrs. Cooper leaned out of her wagon and used the rain to rinse a plate. She waved at them before ducking back under cover.

  An awkward silence settled between Addie and Reynolds. She sought to break the silence. “Would you like some breakfast?”

  He shook his head. “I had some hardtack and a biscuit with Jimmy.” He paused and cleared his throat. “Addie, about last night, I—”

  Panic struck her, and she tried to stop his words. “Reynolds—”

  Mrs. Wheeler’s arrival stalled both of them. Carrying a coffee pot and a pan, she ducked under the edge of the canopy. “Mr. Reynolds. Mrs. Reynolds,” she greeted them. “I was wondering if you’d let me brew some coffee and warm some biscuits for the children.”

  Addie was surprised at the request. No one on the train had ever asked her for anything, though she knew the others often borrowed supplies and worked together when help was needed. “Yes, of course, Mrs. Wheeler.” She hurried to move her coffee pot to the side, giving the woman plenty of room for her things.

  “Thank you so much, Mrs. Reynolds.”

  Once she’d put her coffee pot and pan over the fire, Addie offered her only chair. “Would you like to sit down while you wait?”

  “Oh, goodness, no! I couldn’t possibly take your seat. I’ll just stand here out of the rain if you don’t mind. It’s nice just to be out of that stuffy wagon.”

  “I can imagine.” Addie tried to be as gracious as she knew how. “Would you like a cup of coffee while you wait?” This was the first time anyone from the train had approached her. She wanted to make a good impression.

  “No, thank you. That’s very sweet of you, but it will only be a few minutes before this is ready. I wouldn’t want to impose any more than I already have.”

  “Impose? Not at all! Any time I might be able to help, you need only ask. I’m happy to share anything I have.” Addie smiled, hoping Mrs. Wheeler knew she was sincere.

  The woman returned her smile. “Thank you. The same goes for you.”

  Relief flooded through Addie. Perhaps things would be less hostile between her and the rest of the train now. At least it would be less awkward between her and the Wheelers.

  * * * *

  The rainy morning passed quickly with others from the wagons coming to borrow the fire. The rain continued, abating for a few minutes at a time, but returning with a vengeance the moment anyone tried to venture out. Addie suggested that they find some big pots and cook stew for the entire train. Everyone readily agreed to supply vegetables and meat, anxious for a hot meal to lessen the chill of the wet weather.

  The rain finally ceased, and the day ended with stars peeping through the breaking clouds. Addie fell into bed, alone once again, grateful that the subject of her behavior last night hadn’t been broached a second time. That was one blunder she’d just as soon forget. It had been nice working with the other women to make the stew today. Most of them had been quiet, not really friendly, but it was a far cry from the silent treatment she’d received for the past few weeks.

  * * * *

  Dawn broke clear and cold the next day. The train burst to life once again with everyone trudging through the mud. Josh made his rounds, announcing they would leave after the midday meal. He instructed everyone to use the extra time to hunt, fish, and store wood and water. The heavy rains yesterday had made it almost impossible to prepare for the next section of their journey. A few of the men tried to hunt, but no one brought back anything substantial.

  After lunch, he stopped at Addie’s wagon. As usual, she’d stored all her belongings, hitched up her oxen, and stood ready to leave. Josh waited for her to climb into the wagon seat. He led her toward the trail and pointed in the direction she should go. She simply nodded and set her oxen on the path. No hesitation. No complaints about the treacherous mud. No fear.

  She never ceased to amaze him with her determination and strength. He’d learned so much about her during the last week. He looked forward to joining her after dinner every evening. She’d told him about how her father had decided to go west and become a rancher. He’d promised to come back for her after she’d finished school. He wanted to build a nice, safe home for her before he brought her to Oregon, but he’d gotten sick about three years ago and was unable to return. Although his mountain home helped with his condition, he was never able to fully recover.

  She’d asked many questions of her own during their talks around the campfire. Josh had answered very few of them, purposely changing the subject. Only once had she asked about his former wife. That was something he didn’t talk about. Not with anyone. She’d apologized for prying, but guilt rode him. He had been as nosey as any church busybody about her life, and she’d answered every question. But he’d been unable to do the same. It was yet another example of why he wasn’t fit to be her husband.

  The afternoon proved long and arduous. Travel was slower due to all the mud, but it was no less strenuous. Other than Addie, Josh had sent the wagons in order of strength. Those further back in the train found it even more difficult to navigate the trail. The muddy ruts became deeper and deeper, so those carrying lighter loads and the wagons with stronger oxen brought up the rear.

  Josh found a suitable campsite for the night and instructed Addie to make camp. The others followed her lead, pulling their wagons into the usual circle. Jimmy, driving the last wagon, whistled loudly and pointed to the wagon in front of him.

  The Wheeler’s wagon tipped dangerously, mired in mud. Josh hurried to enlist the help of Adams and Fleming. Wheeler remained in the wagon seat to control the restless oxen while Adams and Fleming levered themselves around a wheel buried to the axle in mud. Both men struggled to find purchase in the knee-deep quagmire. Josh moved around front to help guide the oxen.

  Wrapping his left arm around the yoke straps of one of the oxen, he used his right hand to stoke its head. He spoke softly to the animal to soothe it and calm its fear. Once the beast settled, he called to the others. “All right now. Fleming and Adams, tell us when you’ve lifted the wheel enough for us to try and move the wagon.”

  Adams counted to time the lift.

  A few moments later, Fleming yelled, “Go!”

  Josh nodded to Mr. Wheeler, signaling him to set the oxen in motion. He pulled on the straps wound around his arm. The oxen were slow to react to Wheeler’s prodding, so the man slapped them with the reins again. This time the beasts moved, but not in the intended direction. Pain tore through Josh’s shoulder as the beast jumped away and jerked his arm with unexpected force.

  Josh’s breath seized, and it took him a moment before he could alert the others to his predicament. “Hold!”

  Wheeler pulled on the reins and stopped the animals. Josh managed to free himself, but his knees buckled. The blood rushed back into his arm, sending a new wave of agony through him.

  “You all right, Reynolds?” Concern etched Wheeler’s voice.

  Josh bit back a cry of pain. He could do no more than shake his head and grind his teeth together. His arm throbbed relentlessly, and his shoulder burned like fire. Certain he’d torn his arm from his body, he lifted his right hand, running it over his shoulder to check for blood. His shirt was ripped, but he found no wetness.

  Suddenly, Jimmy, Wheeler, and several others stood over him. All of them spoke at the same time. The haze of pain fogging his mind made it difficult to understand what they said. It took him a moment to realize that they wanted to know if he was all right. He thought about trying to stand up but decided it would be best to catch his breath first. Still dizzy from the intensity of the pain, Josh tried to speak but had to stop and clear his th
roat to make his voice work. “I’ll be fine. Just pulled my shoulder.”

  Jimmy answered first. “All the same, you oughta have that wife of yours take a look at you.”

  “I don’t need—”

  A soft, feminine voice interrupted his response. “What happened?” Addie pushed her way through the men, fell to her knees before him, and grabbed his chin with one hand, lifting it firmly while she removed his hat with the other. She looked into his eyes. As always, he could read her thoughts in those midnight blue orbs. She was worried about him, but there was something more. An offer of strength and support called to him. She spoke calmly, but the concern in her eyes betrayed her alarm. “Tell me where it hurts.”

  “I’m all right, darlin’.” He tried to smile, but it was probably more of a grimace by the way she reacted.

  “No. You’re not all right. You’re injured.” He shook his head, trying to convince her otherwise. She ignored him and turned to the others. “Tell me what happened,” she demanded.

  Jimmy said, “The wagon was stuck. Reynolds here ’bout had his arm yanked off when the oxen tried to bolt.”

  She examined the arm he cradled at the elbow. Briskly and efficiently, she pushed the sleeve back, pressing on his hand and wrist. Her hands moved higher. Josh wanted to pull away, but knew if he tried it would only cause more pain. “Addie, I’m fine.”

  “I’ll be the judge of that.” She spoke quietly, but her words brooked no argument. “You have bruising along your arm, but no broken bones.” Still on her knees, she ran her fingers along the top of his shoulder. “There’s a great deal of swelling here. I think—”

  Josh stood, grateful his knees didn’t buckle again. He reached down with his uninjured arm to help Addie stand. “I said I’m all right.” He hadn’t meant to snap at her, but he could tell by the hurt in her eyes that he’d done just that. Josh tried to soften his words. “I’ll be fine, darlin’. It’s nothin’ a good shot of whiskey won’t cure.” Aware that the others watched their exchange, he brushed her cheek with his thumb. “Go on now and tend to your supper. I’ll be there soon.”

  Addie rested her hands on her hips. She didn’t speak a word. She didn’t have to. The look she gave him clearly said that the subject of his injury was not closed. She would have her say later. And judging by the fire that danced in her eyes, she had no intention of letting him ignore her.

  Chapter Seven

  A short time later, Josh rubbed his aching shoulder. The pain hadn’t eased at all. The throbbing in his bruised arm had lessened, but he could hardly move it without sending shots of fire through his shoulder. With a tired sigh, he headed toward Addie’s wagon. She’d probably want to examine it again, but he doubted she could do anything for it. It would heal with time.

  Addie leaned against her wagon with a tin cup in one hand. The other held a bottle of what looked like whiskey. God bless the woman! A good shot of whiskey would do wonders for the pain in his shoulder.

  Josh stopped before her. She said nothing, but the twinkle in her eyes warned him the whiskey would have strings attached. “Name your price, darlin’.”

  Her eyes widened in a false show of innocence. “Price?” She took a sip from the cup and ran her tongue across her lips. “You know, my father says this is the finest whiskey in the world. I brought it with me all the way from Boston. Would you like to taste it?”

  He planned to do more than just taste it, but for now he’d play along with her little game. Maybe he’d even beat her at it. He grinned at her and reached for the top of her braid to hold her immobile. “Yes, I would.” He kissed her. She whimpered and leaned into him, and he almost forgot his intent. He reached for the cup and took it from her hand. Addie didn’t even seem to notice. She lifted her empty hand and buried her fingers in his hair.

  Heaven above! Her kisses never failed to rattle him. His body reacted the moment his lips touched hers. The tightening in his groin distracted his thoughts from the ungodly pain in his shoulder, but he knew he couldn’t quench the thirst this kiss caused. He’d have to settle for the whiskey. A groan escaped him as he tore his lips away from hers. He cleared his throat. “That’s some mighty fine whiskey.” He lifted the cup and drained it in one gulp. Damn. The cup hadn’t even been halfway full.

  “You don’t play fair, Reynolds.” She narrowed her eyes, but they held no anger.

  “Neither do you. There was hardly more than a sip in that cup.”

  She smiled and waved the bottle. “Ah, but I have more.”

  “So I’ll ask again. At what price?”

  She stood as tall as her small frame would allow. “Let me treat your shoulder.”

  Josh closed his eyes and shook his head. “I told you, darlin’. It’ll be fine, I don’t need a doctor.”

  “Your shoulder is dislocated, Reynolds. It will not heal until it’s back in its proper place.” He started to argue, but she continued. “I know you’re in pain, Joshua. Let me help you.”

  “You can help me by giving me some more of that whiskey.”

  “The whiskey will only dull the pain for a little while. I can make the pain go away.”

  He knew exactly how he’d like for her to make his pains go away. His body still hadn’t recovered from the jolt of lust the kiss had delivered. He clenched his jaw.

  She stared at him. With another wave of the bottle, she repeated her terms. “Let me fix your shoulder. Then you can have another cup.”

  He took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. Maybe he could use her sympathy to win this little game. “It hurts like hell, Addie.” He gave her what he hoped was a pained expression. “I don’t want anyone touching my shoulder.”

  She laughed. “Nice try, handsome. But you’ll get no pity from me. Especially not when it’s your own stubbornness keeping you in pain.”

  Josh gritted his teeth. She wasn’t going to give in. But that was one of the things he admired most about her. She never gave up. He couldn’t help but smile. “You drive a hard bargain, little lady.”

  She pointed to the ground. “Lie facedown on that tarp.”

  In the fading light, he hadn’t noticed the tarp spread out on the grass next to the wagon. “Sure of yourself, aren’t you?” He laid on the piece of canvas.

  “I wanted to make sure you didn’t have time to change your mind. Now stretch your arm out to the side.”

  He grunted in pain, unable to extend his arm completely as she’d instructed. “You’re going to kill me, aren’t you?”

  “I’ll just put you out of your misery.” He could almost hear the smile in her voice. She ran her fingers lightly over his uninjured shoulder, then over the injured one. “Definitely dislocated. I’ll have it back in place in a jiffy.” She put her hand under his left arm and leaned down. Something touched his shoulder. Was it her knee? “This might hurt a little.”

  Suddenly she pushed her full weight on his shoulder and lifted his arm. Something popped loudly. A searing pain in his shoulder followed the sound. “Argh!” The cry had no sooner left his lips than her weight left him. He sat up quickly. “Hell, woman! I’m going to need more than one cup of whiskey after that….” Surprise filled him. The pain was gone. Gingerly, he rotated his shoulder. “Well, I’ll be damned. It still aches a little, but the real pain is gone.”

  She raised her brows as if to say ‘I told you so’ and retrieved the cup and bottle she’d set aside. She removed the cork and poured a generous amount. Josh stood, and Addie handed him the cup. “Your shoulder will be a bit tender until it’s completely healed,” she said softly. “You should be careful to avoid pulling on it. Now that the ligaments and tendons have been stretched, it can be dislocated again fairly easily.”

  He didn’t really need the whiskey now, but he wasn’t about to turn it down. “Thank you, Addie.”

  She just smiled. “You’re welcome. Good-night, Reynolds.” She spun on her heel and climbed into her wagon.

  Josh sipped the liquor and agreed with her father. This was the best whiskey
he’d ever had. But it tasted even better on Addie’s lips.

  * * * *

  Addie set the brake when Reynolds called a halt for the midday meal. The past three weeks had been long and hard. At first, the mud from the heavy rains hampered them. Cold weather followed. They had stopped for a day near Fort Hall to rest and restock a few supplies. Then the weather turned dry, forcing them to ration their water. A few days ago, it had finally rained again. Addie and the others had set out buckets and tubs to collect the precious liquid. Soft and slow, the welcomed rain left a few puddles and a bit of mud, but there had been no more incidents of stuck wagons. Last night they had made camp near a trickling stream fed by the recent showers.

  Addie thought about the journey thus far. Reynolds had told her they’d made good time. October brought nights so cold she’d added two more blankets to her bed. Josh never joined her in the wagon after their evening chats anymore. He hadn’t kissed her again either, and a part of her longed for him to hold her. She shoved those thoughts away. It was foolish for her to hope he might change his mind. During their talks, she’d learned little about the man other than the fact that Joshua Reynolds was a loner. He did not want a wife or family. He had mentioned an interest in starting his own ranch, but everything else about the man’s past and his dreams of the future remained a mystery.

  Addie waved at Mrs. Fleming before climbing into her wagon to find something to eat. Far less hostile to her now, several of the train members had been quite pleasant. Though she still wouldn’t claim to have a friendship with any of them, they had apparently accepted her.

  She pulled some leftover flapjacks from a basket along with a piece of meat Reynolds had given her. With her stomach rumbling, she hung her coffee pot on a hook over the fire and used a pole to cook the meat. When the meat was done, she wrapped a flapjack around it and ate. The constant labor involved with traveling with the train had increased her appetite more than she’d ever expected.