Page 55 of My Darling Clementine

Clem smiled and did a little dance step. “It’s good because the first doesn’t drive through dust kicked up by all the wagons ahead of you, but I’ve got to stay alert and watch for danger, like ruts in the road and avoiding obstacles. The trail is well worn at the start; it’ll be easy enough. Mr. Cushing picks four or five wagons that take turns leading at different times along the way, and we’ll never be farther back than that in line. He wants those he can trust to move fast, stay on the trail, and lead others by example.” She shook her head. “When people are scared they react, and it’s best to show them what to do before their fear drives them to foolishness.”

“We’re going to be scared,” Kizzy stated, rather than asked.

“Yes,” agreed Clem, “it’s a tough trip that no one escapes unscathed, Kizzy. I thought you understood the dangers.”

“I do.” The intrepid young woman raised her chin. “I’ve read about the illnesses, weather, bandits, and Indians. I know that I’ll walk most of three thousand miles, we’ll travel days without fresh water, and hunt for food between outposts.” Her clear, honest eyes met Clem’s. “I know it’s going to be hard, but I hadn’t thought about being scared at the same time.”

Kizzy shrugged. “Now that I think about it, I’m not surprised.” She nodded. “There will be a lot happening to us out there, and we’ll be vulnerable, I see it now.” She looked worried. “I’ve lived a safe, sheltered life, and haven’t been afraid of much before. I hope I handle it well.”

“I hope I do, too, and I’ve been through it.” Clem started packing the last of the supplies, securing them where Kizzy indicated. “That’s all we can do; prepare for the worst and hope for the best.” She tightened the last rope and tied the knot, then looked around at the clever use of space. “You’ve left plenty of room for us to sleep in here, you clever minx. What a luxury.”

“What do you mean? Where else would we sleep in bad weather?” Kizzy gestured at neat stacks of bedding and pillows.

Clem laughed. “Well, being a stupid tenderfoot who had to learn better along the way, I saddled myself with a lot of heavy, unnecessary equipment and supplies the first time. I slept in a tarp tent most nights, and in rain I slung a hammock under the wagon.” She laughed even louder as she jumped down to the ground and lifted Kizzy after. “Unless I huddled among my horses to comfort them, and for their heat.” They walked down the street arm in arm.

“Now I know why we need so much soap,” Kizzy laughed, “to wash away the smell of wet mule.”

As they ate a delicious dinner of chicken and dumplings, spiced apples, and sweet potato pie, Kizzy kept looking around the room.

“Is Gabby here?” she asked Tilda Olsen, the woman serving them. “We’re leaving so early tomorrow morning I wanted to say goodbye now.”

“She’s busy, but I’ll see if I can find her, Miss,” she said, pouring more coffee.

After their meal, they stopped at the lobby desk to thank the Bates for their hospitality and for hosting their wedding. Before the couple made their way upstairs, they received a hug, a handshake, and a receipt marked Paid in Full.

Just as Clem put the key in the lock of their room, the door opened and out bustled Gabby, almost bowling them over.

“Oh!” the startled girl exclaimed.

“Whoa, slow down,” Clem said, grabbing her by the shoulders. “What were you doing in there?”

Kizzy pushed the door open wide. A tub full of steaming water stood by the wall, a kerosene lamp burned low, and a glass holding wildflowers stood on the table by the bed. “Did you do all this?” she asked Gabby with a smile.

“Mrs. Bates said it was silly, you both had baths yesterday. I hope you don’t mind, but there’s not much else I can give you,” she shrugged, a tear forming in her eye, “except the flowers, and those are from her garden, too.”

“That’s very sweet.” Clem let go of Gabby’s shoulders and took the girl’s hands. “Thank you.”

“And thoughtful,” agreed Kizzy. “After loading the wagon all day, my muscles are sore, and I’ll enjoy a soak in a warm bath. Lord knows how long it’ll be before I have another.” She gathered the awkward teen in for a hug. “What a nice good-bye gift.”

Gabby offered them a quavering smile. “Enjoy it,” she said, running down the stairs. “Bye-bye,” she cried over her shoulder, a hitch in her voice and tears streaming down both cheeks. “I hope I see you again.” With a jump, she landed at the bottom. “I won’t forget you Clem and Kizzy Dennison of Angel Creek.” Like a streak, she disappeared.

“Sweet kid,” said Clem, locking the door behind them and pocketing the key, then draping her coat over the door handle and lock. “I told her to find us if she ever comes out to California.”

“I’m glad you did,” Kizzy said. “There’s something about her that reminds me of myself at her age.”

“Odd you should say so,” mused Clem, pulling off her boots and stretching her toes. “I feel a kinship with her, too, like she’s my little sister or something.” She shook her head. “Gabby will probably never leave here, but maybe…”

Kizzy shrugged her unbuttoned dress off, shook it, then draped it over the bed. “I’ll be wearing this for the rest of the week,” she said.

“You are a very sensible woman. Now, into the tub with you,” ordered Clem, folding her sleeves back, and grinning as Kizzy shucked off her sensible bloomers. “I want to wash the dirty girl I married.”

Chapter fifteen

Westward, Ho!

“Wake up, my darling,” Clem whispered into a shell-shaped ear. “I’ve taken our bags to the wagon already, and all you have to do is freshen up, get dressed, and meet me downstairs in the dining room.” She shook a round shoulder. “Can you do that?”

Kizzy rolled over, reached up with both arms, and pulled her down. “Only if you kiss me, first.” Warm lips met hers, soft as rose petals, followed by such a sweet kiss Clem had to stop herself from flinging off her clothes and climbing under the covers to join her, but Kizzy pushed her back and sprang out of bed.