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Davis brought the wagon to a halt and immediately tended to the animals. Emma crawled into the back of the wagon, splashed water on her face, and pinned up her long braid. Tying her bonnet ribbons under her chin, she was ready to join the world again. Davis came back and helped her out of the wagon.
“Very busy place, this fort.” Davis grinned as he reached for her.
“Oh, it looks wonderful to me. It’s amazing to see the teepees, I never expected them to be so close to the fort.”
“The Indians like being near the fort because the Army trades for the meat they kill, and their women and children are protected while the men are out hunting.” He took her arm in his and they slowly strolled toward the main building of the fort.
“We’ll need to visit the supply store.” Emma looked around, breathless with excitement. “I need to restock some things, and I’m just dying to see what else they have there.” She turned to him. “I have money Peter received when he sold the farm.”
Davis shook his head, his lips tight. “Forget that money. Put it aside. If we need supplies, or if you need anything for yourself, I’ll give you money.”
She drew back, staring at him. “Don’t be silly. Why shouldn’t I use my own money?”
“Emma.” His tone brooked no argument. “I am your husband, and I will feed and clothe you. Now I don’t want to hear any more about it.”
Outside the store’s entrance sat piles of furniture, trunks, and household items previous emigrants had left behind to lighten their load for the difficult tri
p over the mountains. The inside of the building was small and dark. Emma spotted some things she could surely use, but aware of the weight of their own wagon sadly passed them by.
Davis struck up a conversation with one of the soldiers while she studied the supply of goods the store had to offer. She approached the soldier behind the counter and just as she began to speak a voice behind her called out. “Emma!”
She turned, but the darkness of the store kept her from seeing who spoke. She glanced over to where she last saw Davis, and he was still there. Hurried footsteps headed in her direction.
“Emma Thorpe!” the voice called out again. All of a sudden strong hands grabbed her waist and swung her in a circle. Then the man gave her a huge kiss, right on the lips.
“Emma, what are you doing out here, so far from home?” With the light from the door behind him, she still couldn’t make out his face, and put her hands on his chest to put a little distance between them. Just then she saw Davis out of the corner of her eye.
He strode straight toward them, and if the look on his face was any indication, he wasn’t too happy seeing his wife wrapped in the arms of a soldier.
Chapter Ten
“Emma, it’s me, Nate. Nathan Hale.” The soldier continued to hold Emma, smiling broadly.
“Oh Nate, how wonderful to see you!” Emma exclaimed, hugging him back.
“I hate to break up this little reunion, but I’d appreciate you removing your hands from my wife,” Davis drawled.
Nate dropped his hands and looked at Emma questioningly. “Wife?”
“Um, yes, Nate, this is Davis Cooper, my ah, husband.” Emma cleared her throat.
Nate looked back and forth between Emma and Davis confusion, clearly written on his face.
“But, but I thought you married Peter Thorpe right before I left for the army.” He glanced sideways at Davis who stood still, hat pushed back, hands on hips, his jaw tight.
“Yes, that’s right. I did marry Peter Thorpe. And then he sold the farm, and we came on this wagon train, and Peter had an accident. He died, Nate. Trampled by a horse.” She finished softly, her hands twisting as she spoke.
Davis reached over, pulling Emma against his chest, still glaring at the intruder who had upset his wife. “Mrs. Cooper and I got married a couple of weeks back. Now if you’ll excuse us, we have business to attend to.” He started toward the door but Emma dug in her heels.
“No, Davis, I want to introduce the two of you. This is Nathan Hale from Indiana. He and I grew up together.” She turned to Nate with a smile on her face. “And it’s so good to see someone from home.”
The soldier winked at Emma.
“That’s it,” Davis mumbled. “It’s been a pleasure, let’s go.” He shook the man’s hand, and with his arm like a steel band around her shoulders, led Emma out of the store.
“Davis, that was so rude.” Emma yanked herself away from him as they walked through the door into the bright sunlight. “I haven’t seen Nate in quite a while, and it would have been nice to visit for a bit.” She stopped and fisted her hands on her hips, chin sticking up in the air.
Bells went off in his head. This wasn’t good. The last thing he needed was for Emma to run into someone from home. Studying his feet, he rubbed the back of his neck and sighed. “Darlin’ we have things to do.” He stuck his hands in the back pockets of his pants. “And you’re looking a little tired. I think you need a short nap. You’re just getting over Influenza.”
