Page 45 of A Wanderer's Redemption
“Ohh, the whole name, I am in trouble now. Just how did you learn my middle name?”
“It’s on your stationery, silly.”
“Smart and beautiful.”
The train whistle blows, and it slowly starts moving forward. Reggie motions for me to follow him, and thankfully, Zeus follows my instructions effortlessly as he walks calmly behind Bells. Standing on the outer deck between their two personal cars are Tyberius and Victoria. They are both waving at us as they pass by.
I blow them a kiss, watching until I can no longer see either of them. Only then, do I remember Tyberius putting something in my hand when he walked past earlier. With all the chaos that Zeus caused, his words are just now registering. “A jewel for a jewel,” is what he said.
Reaching into the same pocket I have the small trinket box in, I open the small brown package while we wait for the train to clear the tracks. I gasp loudly when I see the gold bracelet inside. Zeus looks back at me, nipping playfully at my long skirt. I reach down, patting his neck. “I am fine pretty boy, just surprised is all.”
Large emerald stones are separated by sparkling diamonds in a delicately engraved cuff style. Intriguing swirls run the length of the piece, ending at a thick clasp, and it matches my ring perfectly. I hug it to my heart before pulling the small trinket box that Victoria gave me from my dress pocket. Flipping the case open, I glance up as Zeus starts fidgeting below me, making sure I have a minute before we take off. Thankfully, there are still a few cars left before we start moving. With a little maneuvering, I get the bracelet and the pearls inside. Making sure the clasp is fully closed, I tuck it deep into my pocket and button the enclosure to keep it from falling out. My heart is full of love that two strangers bestowed on me. I watch as Reggie motions for all of us to move out.
CHAPTER 19
JESSICA
The buckboard-covered wagons move slowly down what appears to be a well-worn path. At first, I maneuvered Zeus and Coco alongside but soon realized it’s easier to follow behind, even if it is dusty. I am not sure of the exact time, but I know it must be past noon, as the sun is high in the sky, even though the air is still quite cool. I knew the West would look different, but I had no idea the landscape would be so diverse.
I will say I am slightly guilty of watching Reggie and how comfortable he is on Bells riding back and forth more so than I’ve been watching where we are going. I keep looking back at Coco, who has been zero trouble so far, whereas Zeus is constantly getting a wild hair, reaching into a nearby bush or a low-lying tree branch for a snack. Each time he does it, I laugh, so I know he is not taking me seriously when I pull him back onto the trail. I notice Reggie heading my way once again, and it’s hard to hold back the smile that wants to creep up each time.
“Hey, how are you doing back here? Is the dust bothering you?”
“It’s not too bad. If it gets worse, I will tie up one of the bandanas you got me. I will say it is going to take my body a couple of daysto get used to being back in the saddle. Now that I think about it, it’s been years since I have even attempted riding this long.”
“If it makes you feel better, I’m feeling it too. We are all going to be groaning when night comes. How have these two been?”
“I don’t think Coco even needs a lead rope since wherever Zeus goes, she follows. He keeps a close eye on her, too. He is super protective of his little woman back here.”
“Little woman my ass, she’s massive!”
“Quit, you will hurt her feelings.”
His laughter echoes around us, and I love watching the small lines appear around his eyes each time.
“We only have a few more miles to cover today, then we’ll try to get the wagons situated and hopefully a good night’s sleep.”
“You’re not going to keep pushing with the weather this nice?”
“No, we have at least ten or more days of this, and we all need a minute to get settled.”
“Ugh Reggie, I do have a question?”
“Yeah?”
“Now that we are off the train, are you … I mean … do we still act … ? Never mind.”
He reaches over, grabbing Zeus’ halter, stopping all of us. Bells is not happy being this close to the much larger horses, but she doesn’t shy away.
“Are you asking whether I am still going to tell the others you are my wife?”
“Well, yeah.”
“There are two with us we do not know, and you’re a woman traveling alone with six men, so, yes, you are my wife from this point on. You will sleep with me under or in the wagon. You will dress, take a bath, and do all the things wives do with me. Is that clear?”
“Reggie, this will only make it harder on me when we get to Mr. Hayes. How are you going to explain all this to them?”
“You let me worry about Grant and Lauren. That is a problem for a later date, and anyway, is it so bad to be married to me?”
