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“Doing well and enjoying the arrival of spring. How are things in Holiday? Didn’t you say you’d be staying with a cousin?”
“Yes. We came to Baker City on business today, so I wanted to pick up a few things that aren’t available in the mercantile there.” Rena patted the quilt. “Are the quilts made locally?”
“Indeed, they are. Mrs. Palmer creates them. Her husband owns the saddle shop in town.”
The mention of a saddle shop owner brought Josh to the forefront of Rena’s mind. She was starting to think nothing short of banging her head against a wall would dislodge thoughts of the man.
Rather than let her aggravation at herself ruin what had turned into an unexpectedly delightful day, she shoved it aside and smiled at Mr. Miller. “She does superb work, based on the quilts you have here in the store.”
“That she does. Is this quilt for you?”
“No. A little girl I met in Holiday. Her favorite color is pink, and she’ll be celebrating her fifth birthday soon.”
“I’m sure she’ll love this,” Mr. Miller said, carefully folding the quilt. “Would you like me to wrap it for you?”
“I’d appreciate that, Mr. Miller. Thank you.” Rena chose a length of pink ribbon to wrap around the package and planned to add it later so it wouldn’t get dirty in the wagon.
Mr. Miller tucked the quilt into a box, then wrapped it in white paper and tied it with twine. The paper, to Rena, looked similar to what was used for printing newspapers. Regardless of where it originated, the white box would be perfect for what she planned.
“I appreciate your help today, Mr. Miller,” she said as he gave her the total, then accepted her payment.
“I’m glad you came back, Miss Burke. I hope you have a safe return trip to Holiday and that you’ll stop by the next time you’re in town.”
“I’ll do that, sir.” Rena gathered her things, then hurried out the door, nearly colliding with Theo.
“There you are. Are you ready to go?” he asked as he took the box holding Gabi’s gift from her while she balanced the other packages in her hands.
“I haven’t yet ventured to the bakery. Are you hungry?” Rena followed Theo as he walked around the corner and headed back toward the dynamite shop.
“Do you even need to ask that question? When am I not hungry?” Theo tossed a teasing glance at her. “Let’s stow your purchases in the wagon then go to the bakery. In fact, why don’t you go to the bakery and I’ll see about rounding up some grub for our supper? Just meet me back here when you’re finished.”
Rena nodded in agreement and headed toward the bakery, while Theo jogged off down a side street with the basket that had held their lunch.
After purchasing cinnamon buns, half a dozen cookies, and two fruit-filled pastries they could eat for breakfast, she returned to the wagon. Theo hadn’t yet arrived, so she left the baked goods beneath the seat with her other purchases, took the bag with her clothes, and returned to the train depot, where she knew they had a lavatory. Rena changed into her work clothes, removed the pins from her hair, and braided it, then tugged on her father’s old hat. After fastening her gun belt around her hips, she hurried back to the wagon to find Theo just arriving with a lard pail in one hand and the basket in his other.
“Something smells wonderful,” Rena said, sniffing appreciatively.
“There’s fried chicken and biscuits with wild berry jam in the basket. The pail has boiled eggs and pickles in it. Looks like you bought enough for dessert and breakfast.”
Rena took the pail and handed him the traveling bag. “If you want to change, I’ll watch the food.”
“No snitching,” he warned in a serious tone, then winked before he hustled back inside Mr. Samuelson’s shop.
Theo was only gone a few minutes before he emerged wearing his work clothes. “Let’s head out while we still have some daylight.”
Rena swung up to the wagon seat. She and Theo waited until they were a few miles out of town to dig into their supper.
“That chicken is the best I think I’ve ever eaten,” Rena said, licking her fingers, then wiping them on a handkerchief she pulled from her pocket. She was surprised to find a jar of lemonade tucked in among the chicken and biscuits. She and Theo took turns sipping from it. They had a full water canteen, but the lemonade tasted sweet, tart, and refreshing.
The sun was almost set when she got out one of the cinnamon buns and shared it with Theo. When he grew weary, Rena offered to take over driving the wagon. She’d never controlled four horses at once, but Theo gave her detailed instructions before he leaned back in the seat and dozed.
Every shadow that danced in the silvery light from the moon that popped out from behind the clouds made Rena edgy, but she did her best to remain calm so the horses wouldn’t sense her fear. The animals spooking and bolting with a wagon full of explosives would end in tragedy.
When Theo awoke an hour later, he dug into the cookies she’d purchased at the bakery and gave her one, then ate two.
“Want to stop for the night?” he asked, brushing crumbs from his hands.
Rena cast a quick glimpse at him before turning her attention back to the road and the team. “I don’t mind traveling in the dark, as long as you think it’s safe. I was just worrying, though, if the team spooks, they’ll blow us up before I can even haul back on the reins.”
