Davis didn’t realize he held his breath until she whispered, “No.”
He wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on her head. When had Emma become so important to him? He knew he had been acting the fool with Nate, but it didn’t occur to him until now that he was afraid of losing her. No longer could he pretend she merely fit in with his plans. Somehow this spirited, soft, loving woman had wormed herself into his heart. And he was determined to keep her right there.
Hand in hand they took their time walking back to the wagon. A colorful field of wildflowers set against a backdrop of the deep blue sky, with snow-capped mountains in the distance, surrounded them with a sense of peace as they strolled along. Emma bent and picked a small bouquet of flowers. Sniffing them, she smiled up at him, and the sun became brighter.
Nathan had indeed left when they reached the wagon, as had the crowd. Emma busied herself making the noon meal of bacon and biscuits while Davis attended the animals. It was now mid-summer, and the sun came up early, and set late. The group had traveled away from the prairie, yet the cooler air made no difference with the relentless sun beating down day after day, and drained man, woman and child.
Most days Emma took a nap in the afternoon while Davis drove the wagon. They were very long days.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Emma gripped the log she sat on and swallowed, attempting to tramp down her terror as Ezra outlined to the gathered group the plans for the next morning’s river crossing. Because of recent rains, he explained the Great Platte River at the South Fork swelled and raced with dangerous speed. He emphasized what they each needed to do to insure their safe arrival on the other side.
She took in deep breaths and placed her hand over her galloping heart. A quick glance around to view her fellow travelers told her while they all looked concerned, no one seemed to be facing the fear that crippled her.
Davis put his arm around her shoulders and squeezed. “It’ll be all right, darlin’.”
How could he say that? Twice she’d almost drowned, and now Ezra was putting her in a position to finally complete the act.
She could not face another river crossing. Even with her husband’s reassurances her stomach clenched and bile rose in the back of her throat. And her baby! If she drowned, she’d take the tiny life inside her as well. Somehow she had to convince Davis this was the best time to turn around and head back to Indiana.
Once the meeting broke up, she and Davis headed toward their wagon. Only familiar nighttime critter sounds greeted them until Davis broke the silence as he took hold of Emma’s hand. “This crossing will be fine, sweetheart. I’ll drive the wagon, all you have to do is hold on.”
She twisted her hands in her apron. “I can’t do this. Please don’t make me.”
Davis’s bows drew together. “Honey, we have no choice. In the morning we’ll all be crossing.” He pulled her into his arms. “I won’t let anything happen to you.” He drew back and looked directly into her eyes. “You have to trust me. I will keep you safe.”
“Maybe this is a good time to turn back and…”
He raised his hand to stop her words. “No. Emma, I promise you, I will not let you drown.”
If he meant to calm her, it didn’t work. Tossing and turning all night, when she finally slept a vision of a little child bobbing in swift moving water, its tiny hands reaching out, woke her with a pounding heart.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Four wagons had already crossed when Emma and Davis’s turn arrived. One wagon had overturned, causing precious supplies to float down river. Even now she could see barrels and boxes floating away. The occupants and their somewhat bruised wagon had made it safety to the other side, however.
Emma climbed up onto the seat, her whole body shaking with fear. She swiped at the sweat gathered on her brow, then gripped her middle. Dear God, she couldn’t do this.
“You ready, darlin’?” Davis reached for her cold hand and squeezed. “Trust me, Emma.”
He grabbed the reins, his full concentration on the animals that would lead them across. They started into the river and hit a bump, swaying the wagon. A jolt of fear sped through her. Her eyes grew wide as the animal’s front hoofs hit the swirling, rapid coursing water. Before she could even think about it, she jumped off the wagon seat, splashing in the water, and ran back to shore.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Emma!” Shouting a spew of curses, Davis pulled up on the oxen, but once in the water, they refused to stop. Having no choice, he continued across the river, trying his best to concentrate on keeping the animals from panicking as they went deeper into the water. By the time he reached the other side, muscles he didn’t know he owned burned with the strain of holding the animals tight. Moving his wagon up off the bank, he stopped the oxen and hopped off the seat.
“Davis, you better get that wife of yours under control.” Ezra stomped behind him. “Now whaddya gonna do with her over there, and you over here?”
“I’m going back for her on a horse.” He stalked over to several riders on horses guiding the emigrants from the river. Davis nodded to Nate. “I’d appreciate the use of your horse, Hale.”
“I can go back for her, Davis.”
“Don’t make me drag you off that animal,” he growled.
After mounting the horse Nate had reluctantly vacated, Davis splashed back into the river and returned to the other side.
Completely oblivious to the crossings going on around her, Emma huddled on the bank, arms wrapped around her raised knees, rocking back and forth, a keening sound coming from her.