Page 44 of A Wanderer's Redemption
Gathering my skirts, I motion for Reggie to clasp his hands so he can help me up, only to shriek a little when his large hands gather around my waist instead, lifting me straight up so I can throw a leg over the saddle. The moment I am settled, he starts chuckling.
“Jess, your legs are not even long enough to hang down. How are these stirrups going to do you any good?”
“Just raise them up as high as they will go. I’ll probably just hook a leg over the saddle horn once we get going, switching back and forth as the day continues. He is slightly wider than I thought, and I feel like I’m on top of the world up here, but I’ll manage.”
“How are you planning on getting down?”
“Well, I am not traveling alone. I do have you or one of the others, but Zeus and I will figure out something when the time comes.”
“I may not always be about when you need to get on or off him. Nonetheless, if I am not around and you need help, I would prefer that you ask Jacob.”
“I’ve no issue with that.”
The train whistle for final boarding sounds, and I see people heading to their wagons, preparing to leave.
“I need to get everyone to their wagon and get this show on the road. You alright with these two?”
“I am, and I’ll hook Coco up as soon as I get that lead rope.”
I no sooner say that than Colby comes around the back of one of the wagons. He heads right toward me, only for Zeus to step out, blocking him from getting any closer. Reggie pats Zeus on the neck and walks off with what’s becoming a familiar smirk on his face.
“Jessie, nice to see you back to your old self. I was a little worried those big shots would twist you all up on the inside. Here is the lead rope. If you need any help with these two, yell.”
He tosses it to me because Zeus won’t let him come any closer, and I decide not to stop him after those cruel words.
“I’ll be just fine Colby, but thanks for the offer.”
I can tell he wants to say something else, but Reggie yelling out his name while telling all of them to line up has him turning away. Instantly, Zeus relaxes under me, and I reach around, gathering Coco’s reins up so that I can clasp the lead rope before hooking it around Zeus’ saddle horn. She doesn’t fight me, simply steps up to his side while chewing on her bit as she looks around. I rub my hand down Zeus’ long neck.
“You ready for this long trip, big guy?”
He stomps one of his big hooves and shakes his head playfully. I am still trying to figure out how to get comfortable in this huge saddle when Reggie comes riding up on Bells.
“You ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.”
He motions for Deven to head toward the tracks since we will have to cross them to get on the trail south.
“Who did you hire to drive the other wagon? I just noticed it when they lined up.”
“Actually, an older man and his young son are heading our way as well, and he stopped to ask if they could ride along with us earlier. Since I was looking for help anyway, I decided to ask him if he would be willing to drive one of the wagons. They didn’t have much with them, so we were able to get all their items into the middle wagon. Marcus and Henry, I believe are their names. I sent Jacob to the mercantile to get two more Macintosh coats, since I noticed they didn’t have anything to protect them from the chilly nights ahead. I probably should have asked you whether that would make fixing the meals harder with more mouths to feed.”
“That was very kind of you, Reggie. Most wouldn’t notice or care, and what’s two more mouths to feed? It’s not a problem so long as we don’t run out of supplies, but I am sure we will gather some small game on the way to help stretch things out. I’ll let you know if I get worried.”
Where he is sitting on Bells, and because of the height difference, for once he is practically eye to eye with me.
“What?”
“I am just amazed … you’re one hell of a woman, Jessica. Most women would be whining about the rip to come. You on the other hand, are contemplating what we’re going to kill while riding a monster most men would be terrified of.”
“Honestly, Reggie, this is the life I am most used to. Until Mrs. Marshal, my life consisted of taking care of the animals and the farm. Now, do I enjoy being out in the weather? Not always, but more than not. However, at the moment because it’s been somany years since I was in the saddle, I am not looking forward to sore thighs and a numb rump.”
“I will rub it for you if need be.”
The wicked grin on his face has me cupping my cheeks, trying to hide the blush that I know has taken over my face.
“Ughh, Reginald Tomas Kerns … shame on you.”
