Cassie's Surprise

by Patricia Pacjac Carroll

  Cassie was proud of Uncle Sean, but she wondered how long it would last.

  Sure enough, Aunt Ethel stormed out of the wagon, looking like some kind of green dragon. “Sean, get things ready for breakfast, and keep your voice down. I have to take off my face cream.”

  Cassie would have laughed if she weren’t so crushed that her horse was missing.

  Uncle Sean reached into the front of the wagon and then came to her and handed her a bridle. “Go ahead and take the bay and find your horse. I’m sorry. I’m sure one of my daughters let her loose. When I get the oxen, I’ll tell the wranglers to keep an eye out for your mare. She might have rejoined the herd.”

  Nodding, Cassie took the bridle and put it on the bay mare. Looking around, Cassie rode to the wagon behind them to see if Abbie could go with her.

  Abbie was just waking up but jumped up to go. She asked her mother, and when she said yes, Abbie ran to her and climbed up behind Cassie.

  Cassie was thankful for Abbie. “Thanks for being a good friend. I hate to ride out there by myself.”

  Abbie nodded. “We’re safer together. Who knows what is out there? Could be Indians.”

  Cassie shook her head. “Nobody has seen an Indian since we left Missouri. Let’s go look for Silver Girl.”

  They rode away from the wagon and then up toward the herd of horses, but Cassie didn’t see her.

  Abbie tapped her shoulder. “The wagons are moving.”

  “Will you keep watch on them, so we don’t get too far away?”

  “Yes. You know we missed breakfast. And coffee.”

  Cassie nodded. “Sorry. I’m sure Aunt Ethel is ready to disown me.”

  “You’d be better off if she did.”

  “Then, where would I go?”

  “You could stay with me. Mama said she wouldn’t mind.”

  Cassie turned to look at her. “What would your papa say?”

  With a frown, Abbie nodded. “That we don’t have the supplies. Well, it was a thought.”

  “Look, I think I see her.” Cassie tapped the bay’s side and took off in a slow lope toward the horse. She’d almost reached her when she saw the reason the mare had run off. Cassie saw the prettiest little filly by her side.

  Cassie jumped down. “Look at you, girl. What a beautiful baby.”

  Abbie walked behind her. “Think you can catch her.”

  “I think so.” Cassie put a hand in her pocket, pulled out a fistful of grain, and held it out to the mare. “Come on, Silver Girl. I won’t hurt you.”

  The mare walked to her and ate the grain and then rubbed her head against Cassie’s hand. She slipped the rope over the mare’s head and led her toward the bay. “I guess I’ll have to walk back.”

  Abbie pointed. “Someone’s coming.” She turned to Cassie and grinned. “I think it might by Travis.”

  Cassie held her hand to the foal and was happy to see that the little filly came to her. She was a pretty dark brown with four white stockings and a blaze. “You’re a beauty. I think I’ll name you Surprise.”

  Travis rode up to them. “I saw you going after the mare.” He laughed. “Well, look at that. I never thought she was in foal. Some mares hide it. Looks like she surprised us all.”

  Rubbing Silver Girl’s neck, Cassie nodded. “Yes, she sure did. I named the filly Surprise.” She had to admit, her stomach had a flock of butterflies when she was around him.

  Travis stepped down and walked to her. “She’s a fine-looking horse.” He smiled at her and gently tucked one of Cassie’s curls behind her ear. “You do know that the filly won’t make it on the trail. Best if you sell the mare and filly at the next town.”

  She looked into his blue-gray eyes and saw honesty. “I suppose you’re right. I guess I can enjoy having her for a little while.”

  He smiled. “You’re a smart girl. I thought I’d have to argue with you for a while to give them up.”

  Sadness settled over Cassie’s heart. “I’ve learned that it’s best not to argue. It doesn’t do any good. I tried to hold onto my father, but he died anyway. That’s why I’m with my aunt and uncle.”

  “I’m sorry. I lost my parents when I was fifteen. Me and Matt headed west to find gold. We had to grow up in a hurry. Gave up on the gold and captured a herd of horses instead. Right now, they’re my gold.”

  She studied him. He was a man now. Broad-shouldered and strong. But then, she’d grown up too. When she looked at him, something happened inside her as warmth filled her heart. He was handsome and pleasant to be around.

  Abbie rode beside them. “I better get back to the wagons. Will you walk back with her, Travis?”

  He smiled at Abbie. “I’d be glad to. I’ll keep an eye on you too while you ride to the wagons.”

  Abbie blushed. “Thanks.” She whirled the bay around and galloped toward the long, winding row of wagons.

  Cassie felt herself blush as she watched Abbie ride. Now, she was alone with a man. With Travis. Cassie was sure Aunt Ethel would have something to say about that. And the way Annette looked at Travis, Cassie knew she’d pay for it sooner or later.

  Then she looked at the foal and Travis, and she decided not to let Aunt Ethel ruin her day. She did like Travis, and she wasn’t going to apologize for it. “Where are you taking the herd of horses?”

  Travis put a hand on the gray mare’s neck and played with her mane. “We’re going to sell them at the next town and join the wagon train. Matt and I are going to file for a homestead and raise horses.”

  “But you’re not going to take any of those with you.”

  “Maybe we’ll pull out the best mares. But we figure we can find more in Oregon.”

  Cassie brightened at the mention of Oregon. “That’s where we’re going. I plan to get my own homestead. I know how to run a farm. If the drought hadn’t been so bad, and father so sick, we wouldn’t have lost it.”

  Travis stared at her but remained quiet.

  Embarrassed at the way he was looking at her, she dropped her gaze and patted the filly. “I will hate to give you up, little one, but I’d rather someone take care of you than lose you on the prairie.”

  He put his hand over hers. “You’re wise to let the filly go. Too many pioneers hang onto the past and lose their lives going west. I saw plenty of it. Before we reach the Rockies, people will start dumping their belongings. Cherished items that women thought they could never leave will be tossed out as if they were trash.”

  “It’s a hard journey, isn’t it?”

  Travis nodded. “Harder than you can believe.” He grinned at her. “Don’t you worry, I’ll make sure you stay safe.”

  She smiled at him. “I feel better already.” Cassie wanted to say more but wasn’t sure what would be right to say. Her thoughts wandered close to marriage. About a life with him. And as they did, her cheeks warmed.

  Travis stared at her, smiling. They were silent for a few minutes. Finally, he pushed his hat up. “It’s good you’ve been walking. Those cousins of yours are going to have to start walking before we hit the Platte. It’s more a giant mud puddle than a river, but the wagons bog down. You might suggest to them it’s best to get used to walking now before the hard times.”

  Cassie nodded. “I will, but they’re stubborn and never listen.” She wondered if he liked Annette more than her.

  “We better start back.” Travis turned toward the train. “It’s going to take us some time to catch up. I guess your friend will let them know what we’re doing.”

  “Abbie will tell my uncle. He’s the only one that really cares about me.” Cassie said it but didn’t mean it to be a thing of pity, just fact. By the look on Travis’s face, he’d felt pity. That wasn’t how she wanted him to look at her. “Do you have any family?”

  Travis grinned. “No, just Matt. We’re partners. I might want to add you to my list, though.”

  Cassie’s cheeks warmed. He did like her then. “I consider you, my friend.”

  “That sounds good to me.” He
stopped and pointed out a bush. Watch those, they sting. He led his horse to the side of the bush and made sure she walked around it. “I have to help Martha Hunt drive her wagon this afternoon.”

  “That’s nice of you. She has a hard time of it being a widow with six boys.” Cassie recalled the day Martha’s husband had drowned in the river crossing. So tragic. Two wagons had turned back that day.

  “She’s doing well. The older boys are fourteen and twelve, and they help a lot.”

  “Maybe I can help her by watching the little ones.” Cassie waited for the foal to catch up. She noticed Travis stopped and waited with her.

  “I’m sure she’d love the help. She’s a nice woman. I bet she’ll be married before we reach Oregon.”

  Cassie twirled the lead rope around. “You think so? I guess there are bachelors on the train. I know of two that would match her age. Doug Carson has three little girls. That would be one big family.”

  Travis laughed. “That would be something, wouldn’t it. I’ve heard wagon trains called the marrying march because so many weddings happen along the way.” His cheeks turned red as he looked away.

  Cassie let his embarrassment pass. It seems perhaps that it had occurred to him that he might be one of those getting married. Well, she wouldn’t mind as long as it was to her. Then again, she’d just started on the long journey. She’d have to wait and see who the Lord had for her. But she sure wouldn’t mind if it was Travis Andrews.

  Chapter 4

  As she knew it would happen, Cassie wasn’t back five minutes when Aunt Ethel scolded her for leaving the wagon before her chores were done. Uncle Sean didn’t stand up for her, but then he didn’t stand up for himself either.

  Cassie did as Travis had instructed and encouraged Annette and Babette to get out and walk.

  They refused.

  Old Mozart was getting ornerier by the day. This morning it took a handful of grain to make him start walking. She was afraid Uncle Sean was going to have him for dinner. She was relieved when the big ox finally got up and led the others in their lumbering walk toward Oregon.

  Today, they should reach Alcove Springs, and there was going to be a dance. Even with her sore feet, Cassie looked forward to a fun night. She finished her chores and untied Silver Girl to take them to Martha Hunt’s wagon.

  She’d promised to watch the younger children. Martha was a wonderful mother, but the six-year-old twins took their toll on her. Cassie hoped Travis would be driving the widow’s wagon today, but he’d had to ride after a few mules that decided to make a break from the herd.

  Leading the mare and filly, Cassie had to hurry to catch up to Martha’s wagon. Captain Watkins kept her wagon near his so he could help her. Mr. Hunt had been one of the wagon master’s close friends.

  Cassie waved at Melton, the oldest boy. He was driving the mules and yelling at the twins to stay away from the wheels. Already, one boy from another wagon had been run over and broken his leg.

  She didn’t see Travis or his horse. Shoving away the disappointment, she looked for the twins. Harley and Bob were on the south side of the wagons walking with their mother. She had a firm grip on their hands and a determined if not perturbed look on her face.

  “Mrs. Hunt, I can watch the boys.” Cassie led Silver Girl to them. “Harley, Bob, look at my surprise.”

  The boys’ eyes grew wide.

  Cassie stopped the mare and let the filly catch up to them. “In fact, her name is Surprise.”

  Mrs. Hunt released the boys and walked over to Cassie. “Oh, isn’t that the prettiest little filly. Travis was telling me about her. They never guessed the mare was in foal.”

  Cassie stroked the filly’s silky hair. “I’ll have to sell them at the next town. Travis said she wouldn’t survive the trip.”

  “That’s a shame, but he’s right.” Mrs. Hunt kept an eye on her boys. “We have to watch over the little ones. Thank you for coming to help. Sometimes, I wonder if I shouldn’t stop along the way in a town. But my husband would want us to go on. It was his dream for his sons. So I will.” She smiled. “And we’ll all make it to Oregon.”

  “You will. And it will be good.” Cassie admired Mrs. Hunt. She was a strong woman but also filled with love and compassion. Nothing like Aunt Ethel.

  “Yes, it will.” She pulled a bucket from under the wagon and looked at her middle sons. “Tim and Mark, stay near the wagon but pick us up some buffalo chips. We’re almost out.”

  Cassie led the mare while they walked alongside the wagon. “Captain Watkins said we would stop at a place called Alcove Springs tonight and stay there a couple of days. Even have a dance.” Not wanting to admit she was thinking of Travis, Cassie felt her cheeks warm.

  Mrs. Hunt grinned. “Travis is a handsome man. If I were, well, I don’t even want to say how many years younger, but I would think he’d be a good catch for any girl.”

  Cassie grinned but remained silent. Yes, she agreed. Despite her words with Abbie, Cassie had to admit that she did like Travis. He had caught her eye and interest. After all, half the reason she was helping Mrs. Hunt was because of him.

  Fortunately, Abbie had thrown her interest on Matt, Travis’s partner. Both men seemed friendly and were hard workers. Captain Watkins liked them, and that said a lot for the two wranglers.

  Mrs. Hunt smiled. “Travis said he was hunting for game, so we’d have a good dinner tonight. Those two men have been a godsend to me and my brood.”

  “Travis let me have the mare. That was sweet of him. He said they were going to sell the herd in the next town and join the wagon train to Oregon.” Cassie pulled Harley away from the filly before he could get kicked.

  Mrs. Hunt nodded, not batting an eye at the danger her son had come to in getting kicked. “They will be a good addition to the wagon train, but I am afraid they will be fought over by all the unwed daughters on this train. I know Captain Watkins already has a job keeping his own daughters from fighting over them.”

  Cassie’s good feelings darkened. She didn’t have a chance with so many pretty young women fighting over Travis. Her cousins alone would make life difficult enough. She caught Bob just before he rushed off to who knows where and took hold of Harley just for good measure. “You, boys, stay right by me. Your mama has things to do.”

  “Thank you, dear. I’m going to spell Melton and send him to look for the other boys.”

  “Take a rest, Mrs. Hunt. I’ll watch these two. We’ll walk along with the wagon, and they can make sure Surprise stays with us.”

  “Can we pet her?”

  “Sure. Come here, boys. Gently and no running around.” Cassie took hold of the filly’s makeshift halter and held her still. The boys petted her and smiled.

  Harley shook his head. “She’s just a baby. Does she sleep in the wagon when she gets tired?”

  Cassie laughed. “No, when she gets tired, she just stops and lays down and takes a nap. Her mother watches over her, and then they catch up after she wakes up.” The poor little filly. She had to be exhausted. As if reading her mind, Surprise plopped down on the ground and put her head in Cassie’s lap.

  She petted her head. “Sleep little one. Soon we’ll be at Alcove Springs, and you can rest a few days.”

  Bob sat down beside Cassie. “I’m tired like Surprise, but I don’t think I could catch up. Can we ride in the wagon now?”

  By Cassie’s figuring, it was close to lunch. “I think so.” She got up and left the horses and walked the boys to the wagon. Running up to the driver section, Cassie called out to Mrs. Hunt. “Bob and Harley are tired. Think they can ride in the wagon for a little bit?”

  Mrs. Hunt stopped the wagon, and Cassie helped the boys into the back. Tim and Mark climbed in with them, leaving the two older boys to walk alongside.

  Cassie was about to start back to her own wagon when she saw Travis riding toward her.

  ***

  Travis waved. “I just rode up to Alcove Springs and left Matt with the herd. You’ll like it.” He ste
pped from his horse and went to her, knelt by the filly, and patted her neck. “I see she’s keeping up.”

  “She was worn out after lunch. How long before we reach the springs?”

  “It’s not far. Maybe another two hours. There’s a town twenty miles to the east. Matt and I plan to sell the herd. I can take your mare and filly and get a price for them, too.”

  Cassie fingered the locket around her neck. She wondered what her mother and father would say about Travis. “You keep the money. I’ve enjoyed having them, but I can see the filly is struggling. I’d appreciate it if you went and found them a good home.” She looked at him, and her heart fluttered as her gaze remained locked with his.

  Travis swatted at a fly, breaking the connection between them. “I’ll find them a good home.” He picked a long piece of grass and chewed on it. “Can I call on you to go to the dance with me?”

  A smile welled up inside her. “Yes, but it might be better if I meet you here at the Hunt wagon. Otherwise, Annette and Babette will take over, and Aunt Ethel will find chores for me to do. She might do that anyway.”

  Grinning, Travis stood and put his hands on her shoulders and looked her straight in the eye. “I’ll come around and steal you away if she does. Be ready.”

  “I will.” Warmth shot through her, starting where his hands touched her. She was staring at him, not sure what to say when she heard someone coming and turned.

  Annette rode up to them on her bay mare. “Cassie. Mama wants you. She said you spent enough time with Mrs. Hunts’ children, and your own chores are lacking.” Annette smiled and batted her eyelashes. “Hi, Travis.”

  Cassie rolled her eyes. Could her cousin be any more obvious? Then again, if Cassie didn’t get back in a hurry, Aunt Ethel might not let her go to the dance. “I’ll go.”

  Travis took her hand. “I’ll ride you to your wagon.”

  “I can walk.”

  “No, not while I’m around. Come on.” He mounted his horse and held a hand down for her to grab hold and swung her up behind him.