Her Believing Heart by Vicki Hunt Budge

Author:Vicki Hunt Budge [Budge, Vicki Hunt]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Eastwood Press
Published: 2019-07-30T04:00:00+00:00

6

Monday morning dawned cool and clear with the promise of a pleasant day for a country ride. Evan breathed deeply of the refreshing air as he helped Charlie harness three work teams, hitch them to three supply wagons, and line them up in front of the Gardner barn. He kept glancing toward the Gardner home, but he had yet to see Nellie. Warmth radiated through him as he anticipated working in close contact with her for the next few weeks. Just thinking about being in her presence every day set his heart racing.

By the time Evan brought out the chuck wagon and lined it up behind the supply wagons, a few of the horses snorted and pawed at the ground, adding to Evan’s excitement . He figured the horses were as anxious to get moving as he was. He had never considered survey work before Mr. Gardner approached him about the job, but now he couldn’t wait to get started.

“Okay, boys,” Mr. Gardner said after the chuck wagon was in line. “Recheck all the straps and buckles to make sure everything is secure. I think we’re ready to move out. I’ll go inside and see where our cooks are.”

When Mr. Gardner returned, the whole family followed him to see everyone off. Nellie was the last one out the door, and Evan’s heart drummed in his chest when he saw her. She was wearing a blue dress that matched the sky, and she smiled and waved to him as she stepped down from the porch. Evan wanted to throw his hat in the air.

Mr. Gardner kissed his wife and the daughters who were staying behind. Mrs. Gardner hugged everyone, including Evan. Gunner flitted from person to person, wagging his tail vigorously and whining. He nuzzled Mr. Gardner’s legs, like he had caught the enthusiasm of going somewhere and wanted to be a part of it. Mr. Gardner patted the dog on his head and scratched behind his ears. “I know you want to go,” he said, “but I need you to stay behind and look after the family.”

For some strange reason that Evan couldn’t understand, his throat swelled as he watched the parting scene before him. His mother had gotten up to fix his breakfast and see him off, but he had left his home before the break of day, too early for any of his sisters to be awake. His father had never been there to see him off on a job that he could remember.

Evan pursed his lips. There was no point in thinking about what he didn’t have. He had a job to do and he was thankful for it. In fact, he was thrilled for this particular job, and to be a part of this family for this moment in time.

“I’ll drive the first team,” Mr. Gardner said. “Charlie, you take the second, Evan the third, and Nellie the chuck wagon. Alice, you can ride with Nellie. We’ll pick up Nelson at the crossroads. Nelson, the blacksmith’s oldest son, had helped Mr.

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