Tori kicked the broken wagon wheel, sweat running down her face. “Dammit!” She glared at the wagon and flung her hands on her hips. Whatever made her think she could do this? The old wagon had barely gotten them here, and now she faced a split wheel. The rotted wooden spokes were practically crumbling before her eyes.
Michael studied her. “I’ll take the wheel over to the blacksmith to see if he can fix it.”
“I told you this whole idea was stupid.” Rachel scowled over her shoulder while she pulled out wet, sodden clothing from the tilted wagon.
Michael wiped his forehead with the sleeve of his shirt. “Rachel, cut it out, Tori needs our help.”
“I hate it here. We never should have left home.” The young girl’s voice trembled as she swiped at her tears.
With a shake of his head, Michael rolled the wheel out of the camp area.
Tori stared at her distraught niece. Things had not gotten off to a good start. The trip had taken twice as long as planned, the children had been cranky, and it had rained every day since they left. Now the wagon wheel had cracked, and if they didn’t get it fixed in time, they wouldn’t make the race.
She pasted a smile on her face and squared her shoulders in an effort to appear confident. Who are you fooling? You’re scared to death. Keeping the children’s spirits up drained her. If they were going to get through this, she needed to rally the troops.
Tori scanned the area. Thousands of people camped along the Kansas border outside Arkansas City, waiting for the bugles and cannons to announce the start of the race. They’d been camped for three days, and every day it grew more crowded.
The air crackled with excitement. Wagons packed close together, hundreds of families anxious to secure a piece of free land. Women prepared meals over campfires, keeping their eyes on small children, who raced around in the party-like atmosphere. The stench of animals and people all packed together wafted on the air, assailing her nostrils. The race started tomorrow at noon, but without the wheel they could forget it.
“Rachel, when you finish unloading, spread everything out to dry. I’m going to gather some kindling to start a fire for supper.”
Tori tied an apron around her waist and walked to the wooded area behind the camped wagons. With everyone scavenging, it got harder every day to find the kindling needed to start a fire.
She frowned in concentration, careful to avoid the holes dug by small animals and roots that would trip her up. Even with her spectacles on, and the setting sun behind her shoulder, she found it difficult to see the difference between a branch and a snake. Every once in a while, she stooped, picked up a small branch with two fingers, and put it in the pocket she had created with the front of her apron.
In the distance, she spotted several perfect branches, and hurried over to scoop them up. The moment she reached out, a strong hand grabbed her wrist.
“Excuse me, ma’am, those branches belong to me.” A deep velvet voice rolled over her, raising the fine hairs on the nape of her neck in awareness.
Tori shaded her eyes with her free hand before she followed the man’s broad arms up to even broader shoulders. Curly brown hair that needed a trim peeked out from a well-worn Stetson. His white shirt, covered by a black leather vest, was tucked into a snug pair of denim pants that encased muscular thighs. The sun behind his head shadowed most of his face, but what she could see revealed a strong jaw with more than a day’s growth of beard. Yes, the voice, and everything that went with it, definitely male.
“I don’t know why you think branches lying on the ground in a wooded area belong to you, sir.” Tori yanked her wrist free from the stranger’s grip.
“Because I gathered them and put them there.” His lips thinned in annoyance.
“You shouldn’t have left them unattended.”
“I was gathering more.” He pushed his hat back with one finger. Mirth in his piercing blue eyes belied the scowl on his face. He smelled of sweat, horses, and man. Nothing offensive, just strong and somewhat pleasant.
A tingle ran down Tori’s spine, and her heart did a double thump. She stood far from camp, alone with a strange man. Was she mad? She didn’t know him, yet she stuck around to feud with him over some sticks. She thrust out her chin, needing the confidence. “Well, if you’re prepared to see a woman and four children miss supper for lack of firewood, then so be it.” She moved to go around him. “Excuse me.”
He stepped in her path. “Where is your husband, ma’am, and why does he let you roam around unescorted?”
“I don’t have a husband, and never will, thank you very much,” Tori huffed, meeting his gaze. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a meal to prepare.”
“I’m very sorry, ma’am. You’re a widow?” The man immediately removed his hat.
“No, I’m not a widow. I’ve never been married.” She arched one eyebrow.
“You’ve never had a husband, but you have children?”
“Not that it’s any of your business, but they’re my nieces and nephews. I’m their only parent.” Tori narrowed her eyes.
“I guess I need to apologize again, ma’am.” He flashed a smile that sent her stomach fluttering. Straight white teeth would have sparkled if the sun had sat high in the sky. Oh no. She wouldn’t fall for that again.
“Apology accepted, now if you will excuse me.”
He bent and scooped up the branches, handing them to her with a flourish. “I know it’s not a bouquet of flowers, but I think you need these more.” He bowed, flashing her that grin again.