Did he see her lips twitch? He met her gaze and held it, challenging her.
She laughed. “They’re good.”
“You’re a tease.” But he sat back, pleased with her acknowledgment.
“Maybe a little.” Something flickered through her eyes. “Though not often. Not often at all.” Her words ended in a whisper. She seemed surprised at her confession and jerked her attention back to her food and what the others were saying.
He listened as well. Mr. Zacharius wanted Hawk to guess as to when they might resume travel. Of course, the driver had no more idea than the rest of them.
“This is dreadful weather,” Shorty said. “I have had more than enough of rain and snow and cold. The mountains are not the place for me.”
“Where do ya plan to go?” Hawk asked.
“The prairies. I hear they are as flat as if someone rolled them out with a rolling pin.”
Hawk shook his head. “Seen ’em. Boring. And windy. Always windy.”
“Have you seen them?” Shorty looked to Nash.
“I have. Crossed them coming here.” He and Ma had taken the train as far as the lines went, then traveled by wagon the rest of the way.
“Do you agree with Hawk? Are they boring?” Shorty waited for Nash’s answer.
“There’s a certain sameness to them.” He thought back to those days. “The word that comes to mind is freedom.”
“Really? Be so good as to explain.”
He collected his thoughts. “The open spaces felt wide and inviting. Offering a man the chance to start over. Or to forge ahead with no obstacles in his way.”
Shorty expelled a noisy breath. “I like the sound of that. Indeed. As soon as I can get out of here, I shall head for the prairies, wide-open spaces, and freedom.”
Why did Shorty seek freedom? Did it have something to do with the books Nash and Addie had found in the storeroom?
The meal finished, Nash helped Addie clean up. They stood at the cupboard.
“We’ll be here overnight again, won’t we?” Her words were tight, as if the idea troubled her.
“It’s still raining.” The coach remained stuck, and the road might be washed out. No need to point out all the problems. “Why?”
“Mother has been restless. Did you notice?” She glanced back to where Mrs. Stone still lay on the fur. Twice, she’d awakened and called for a drink. Addie had taken her water. But when she offered her food, Mrs. Stone had refused. She’d retreated to her covers but couldn’t seem to find a comfortable position and tossed from one side to the other.
“I did. Does that worry you?”
“I’d be lying if I said it didn’t.”
He squeezed her shoulder. “Have you considered that she is better off here than riding in the coach?”
Addie raised her face to him. “She needs to get to Golden Valley and her own bed as soon as possible.” A smile warmed those wide eyes. “Thank you for making me see this delay is for her good.” Her lips rumbled with a soft chuckle. “You’d think I’d remember God’s promise to provide everything we need.”
“It’s easy to forget.” He meant to be reassuring, so why did she frown?
“Sounds like you have a story.”
“Sorry. I don’t know what you mean.” Worry wound around his spine. But she could not have learned anything about his past.
Seven
The wet rag hung from Addie’s hand as she studied Nash. Why did he seem reluctant to explain what he meant? Not that it was a concern of hers. But something in his tone when he’d said that the prairies offered freedom and a chance to start over, and then his comment about it being easy to forget God’s promises made her wonder about his past. What challenges and trials had he faced? Yes, his father had died. They’d moved to the ranch he’d mentioned. And now he had his own place. “I can’t imagine you got your place without encountering a few tests and trials.”
