Ruby's Risk by Marisa Masterson

Author:Marisa Masterson [Masterson, Marisa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-11-01T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

Onyx had been waiting in the alley alongside the jail, already mounted on his chestnut gelding. Once Elias had Ruby in the wagon, he followed behind them.

Letty fussed and Ruby did her best to change her in the moving vehicle. From the back of the wagon, Buddy peered over the seat, making faces at the crying baby until she stopped her noise and watched him. Ruby marveled at it for a moment, amazed by how quickly the two were bonding.

The drive out of St. Joseph went quickly. The jail stood near the western edge of the town, adding to their rapid exit. Seeing a clump of trees in front of them, Ruby tugged on Elias’ arm.

“What do you think about that spot? Some cover but not far from the river.” If she had to camp, the added shelter of the trees would be welcomed.

Nodding, her husband headed the team in that direction. “Good idea. Handy source for firewood, too.”

The mention of firewood stirred a buzz of worry in Ruby’s middle. “I’ve never cooked over anything but the cookstove at home. I’m really not sure how to—” She broke off since any other explanation didn’t seem needed.

Her husband gave her a measuring gaze. “Bet you’ll get the hang of it in no time. You seem like the kind to stick to something until you can do it.”

Well, his confidence in her certainly was satisfying. She determined to watch over anything she cooked until she figured it out. Hopefully, they’d find a home in the next couple weeks and this rough living wouldn’t last for long.

After choosing a flat spot at the edge of the trees and, to her disappointment, not under them, Elias stopped the wagon. With Buddy following him, he set up the canvas tent at the side of the wagon. The boy jumped and clapped his hands. He seemed to always be in motion as far as Ruby could tell.

He stopped clapping long enough to ask about the canvas dwelling. “I get to sleep in the tent. We’re sleeping together, right Daddy?” Hopeful eyes peered up at his father. Hiding her mouth behind her hand, she stifled a laugh at Elias’ grimace. Obviously, he’d planned for the tent to be theirs alone, probably with the kids in the wagon. That wouldn’t have worked, though. She didn’t plan to be separated from Letty.

Holding Letty, cold wetness let Ruby know that the baby was soaked through and had been wet for a while. “You are such a good-natured girl, but you do make a lot of messes,” she teased the little one, jostling her slightly to quiet her fussing as Ruby climbed into the back of the wagon.

Pushing bags and boxes aside, she searched for the baby’s second carpetbag. Letty had already messed all of the diapers and gowns packed in the first one and desperately needed what was in the other bag. No matter how many items she shoved aside, Ruby couldn’t locate the bag.

In her mind, she saw it tucked under the table in the hotel.

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