“Our hired hands took off. Thought they could make more money with another company. They’ll regret it, though.”

“Oh. I’m real sorry to hear that.” Though not at all surprised. “Must be hard on Mrs. Joyner.”

“It is, thank you. The thing is, now I need a couple hands to help manage the wagon and cattle. I found one fellow already, but I need another.”

“You offering me a job, Mr. Joyner?”

“You’ve proven yourself reliable and of decent moral character.”

“I don’t think your wife agrees, pardon my saying.”

He has the grace to seem confused. “Mrs. Joyner accepts my judgment in these matters. I remember that day, Mr. McCauley, when you helped us load the wagon without asking for pay. I was going to offer you a job the next day, but you disappeared.”

I don’t like the Joyners, and I’ll probably never like the Joyners. But this might be my last chance to travel in a big company. Might be my last chance to head west this season at all.

I’ve done all I can. I came here to meet Jefferson, just as I said I would. I’ve looked for him. I’ve left a message for him. If I wait any longer, it’ll be too late. It’s time for me to give up the search and hope our paths cross somewhere else.

My heart is a stone in my chest as I say, “Board as long as I’m with you. And two dollars and fifty cents a week until we get to California or part ways.”

He hesitates.

“I’ve got another offer,” I say. “Heading out tomorrow.” He doesn’t need to know that my other offer is with a single soul, when I’d rather travel with a big outfit.

“Done!”

He spits into his palm and holds out his hand. I stare at it.

I’ve never entered into a contract before. Not formally, like this. And I still wouldn’t, if he knew I was a girl.

I spit into my own palm, and we clasp hands, shaking firmly.

Chapter Seventeen

Mr. Joyner jabbers incessantly as we ride toward the wagons, which suits me fine because I don’t care for talking just now. I know I’ve made the right decision, but I feel like a shell of a girl, all hollow and aching at the possibility that I’ve missed Jefferson for good. What if I never see him again?