The morning dragged into the afternoon. They paused a few times to give the mules and the people a breather. Mrs. Fox had fallen asleep with her head on Sharps’s shoulder, and he had to keep an arm around her so she wouldn’t tumble off the wagon.
While the captain scouted ahead to find the easiest path for their little wagon train to take, Bart and Frank rode on either side to make sure the mules kept to a steady pace.
Sharps started when Mrs. Fox leaned against him, caressed his cheek, then dropped her hand to fondle his chest.
“Albert,” she murmured. “I had the most horrible dream. You died and left me alone.”
Sharps cleared his throat. “Mrs. Fox?”
“What?” She sat upright, a blush coloring her cheeks. “Oh…” The word hitched in her throat. “Oh, my…I beg your pardon, Mr. Browne.”
“It
