Keegan's Bride (Mail Order Brides of Texas 2) (13 page)

Shannon came toward them, all smiles. “Come in, we’re celebrating.”

Everything inside her told her to turn and walk away, but she needed to be near him. Why, she had no idea. Love was powerful, and she couldn’t turn hers off. She’d woven dreams around their love, and it was all starting to unravel. Addy followed Shannon into the house.

She immediately sought out Keegan’s gaze, but he didn’t look her way. Something wilted within her and she felt shriveled. Cookie came and got Peg, enticing her with the litter of kittens she’d come to love. Without Peg, she felt exposed and vulnerable. She saw the glances the men shot at each other.

She drank in the sight of him. She’d missed him with every fiber of her being. He looked the same, but he wasn’t the same man who had loved her. He must have come to the conclusion she didn’t measure up. She’d been nothing but a burden. She couldn’t sew like Shannon or cook like Ilene. There wasn’t anything remarkable or special about her. Her parents had told her so many times. Her sister was the beauty and she was nothing to speak of. They wholly expected her to be a spinster. Her only talents were running a houseful of servants. She wasn’t useful to Keegan, she could see that now.

Shannon was busy handing out food and drinks and Addy had never felt so alone. She had a quick word with Cookie asking him to watch Peg and then she left. She hoped he’d come running after her asking her where she was going, but sadly she made it to the door without interruption.

Ilene was just putting her bonnet on. “Is it over already?” She looked Addy over. “What happened? Keegan’s all right isn’t he?”

“I’m just not feeling well. I’m going to lie down. Cookie is watching Peg, would you mind helping him?”

“Of course not.” Ilene hugged her. “Don’t you worry.”

She nodded and did her best to smile. As soon as Ilene left, tears streamed down her face. It wasn’t her imagination. Keegan didn’t love her and probably never did. Why he’d pretended, she probably would never know. Where were she and Peg supposed to go? She and Keegan were married weren’t they? Did the fact that he’d used a different name void the marriage? He must have known the answer before he bedded her. Tomorrow she’d go and talk to Judge Gleason. He’d know the truth of things. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t stem her tears. Her heart was in pieces as everyone celebrated Keegan’s return.

It hurt more to have someone tell you they loved you and then take it away, then to never hear the words at all. She’d have to find a paying job. She needed money to leave Asherville. And what about Peg? Poor Peg, how could Keegan be so cold to Peg? Addy had been so wrong about Keegan’s character, and her poor decisions where he was concerned scared her.

Her decisions had hurt Peg, and she’d never forgive herself. Why did everything have to turn out badly? There was no happily ever after, at least not for her. The only family she had left in the world was Peg. The town was growing. Perhaps she could open a school… She’d been in jail. No one would let her teach their children.

The front door opened and closed. Maybe it was Keegan coming to tell her it was all a mistake. Addy wiped her eyes and made her way into the main room. It was Shannon with Peg, who was sobbing. Addy opened her arms, and Peg threw herself at her, clutching her around the neck, sobbing as though her heart had been ripped out.

Shannon shook her head. “I don’t—”

“Neither do I. He doesn’t want us anymore. I don’t want to be a burden. I’ll find work or something.”

“Aw, honey, don’t worry about that now. You take care of yourself and Peg. I’m so sorry.”

Addy tried to swallow, but the lump in her throat was too big. All she could do was nod as she picked Peg up. She carried her into the bedroom and closed her eyes as she rocked the child back and forth. They’d been sucker punched by Keegan. She’d never seen it coming, and she hadn’t braced herself for the impact.

Finally, Peg fell into a fitful sleep. Addy heard Ilene come home and asked if she minded listening for Peg. If she didn’t take a moment for herself she’d scream. She hurried out of the house and ran across the yard until she was in the woods. She kept going until she figured she was far enough away for anyone to hear her. Her body wracked with sobs, loud, earth shattering, soul deep sobs. She needed to get it out and after each bout she thought she was done but the sobs started all over again. Finally right before dawn she got ahold of herself and walked back. As she exited the forest, she was stunned to see Keegan standing at the entrance of the bunk house watching her.

He didn’t acknowledge her, he just stared. So, he wasn’t sorry, he didn’t care. There wasn’t even a hello for her, and her heart ached all over again. She wasn’t worth his regard, and it hurt her deep inside. She’d been dying in pieces ever since his return. Surely, there was nothing left to die. Her heart stuttered in her chest as she walked past him to Ilene’s house. Apparently, she’d been clinging unknowingly to a seed of hope. But now the seed was gone.

Chapter Ten

Peg adjusted much sooner than Addy. Cookie kept her busy, and she loved the animals. The litter of kittens didn’t hurt. Everyone had been kind to Addy, but she couldn’t shake the melancholy. She made herself get up each day and go through the motions. It wasn’t as though she didn’t try to be cheerful or smile even. But her smile had disappeared, and she didn’t know how to get it back.

Judge Gleason told her he’d leave the validity of the marriage to her. That hadn’t helped one bit. He did have some good news for her though. She was wealthy. She’d been too stupidly in love to wonder about her parent’s money, but now it was all hers. She contemplated buying land in Asherville, but seeing Keegan would be too much for her.

She’d spied him once in the last few weeks while she was in town. He pretended he didn’t know her. Being stabbed with a fiery hot knife wouldn’t have hurt as much. All she did each day was go over every conversation they’d had, everything they’d done and search for clues. She must have done something but for the life of her, she didn’t know what. Unless he was lying about understanding why she had taken Peg from her father.

Nothing made sense anymore, and Addy felt certain she’d worn out her welcome. People were probably tired of trying to cheer her up. It was in their eyes as they watched her. It was time to leave. She’d ask Judge Gleason to notify Keegan the marriage wasn’t valid, and he was free of her. Then she’d make plans to leave. It would break Peg’s heart to go, but there was no other choice.

Having made a plan, Addy asked Ilene to watch Peg, and then she saddled a horse and rode to town. She found Judge Gleason at his favorite eatery, Eats.

He stood when she approached him. “Have a seat. You’ve made a decision.”

Addy sat down and nodded. “I have. I want the marriage declared invalid. I’m leaving town and starting over somewhere else. I need a fresh start and so does Peg. Everything reminds me of Keegan and I can’t go on like this.”

“I understand. If it helps, Keegan looks as though he doesn’t sleep either.”

“If he wanted me, he would have come to get me by now. I’m sure he’s sleeping like a baby.”

“At the saloon,” A man at the next table said.

“Excuse me?” Addy asked.

“Sorry Ma’am, I should have kept my mouth shut.”

“Is it true?”

The older gentleman nodded, took money out of his pocket to pay his bill and walked away from them.

“I’m going to be sick.” She quickly ran out of Eats to the alley behind the restaurant and was violently ill. She knew someone was behind her, and she assumed it was the judge. He handed her a clean handkerchief, one she recognized. It belonged to Keegan. Her heart pounded painfully against her chest. Closing her eyes, she wiped her mouth, stood as tall as she could. “I’ll have it back to you after it’s washed.” She didn’t even look at Keegan’s face. She just couldn’t. She felt like such a failure as she turned and walked away. Once again, she half expected him to come after her but he didn’t. In that instant she knew she’d made the right decision.

Cinders, Shannon, and Ilene weren’t keen on her leaving, but they understood. She knew they’d each talked to Keegan, and none of them had ever come back with an ounce of hope. “I’ll write to you. I’m thinking about traveling to Colorado. I hear it’s pretty there and not as hot. If I don’t like it, I can always return to Boston. My family home is still there. I won’t sell it until I know I have a place I want to stay permanently.”

“I don’t know, Addy, you look awfully pale and tired. Maybe you should postpone leaving,” Shannon suggested.

Addy looked around Shannon’s home. “You got lucky finding a man like Cinders. I’ll keep looking until I find a man as good as he.”

“I did get lucky. I’m so sorry it didn’t work out for you.”

Addy hugged the other woman. “I’ve learned I’m stronger than I ever knew. I can make a life for myself and Peg and I don’t need a man. The money my parents had will allow me choices in life.”

“Perhaps you and Shane—”

“Shannon, I have to admit he’s a good man but he’s also Keegan’s friend.”

“I know. I’m just trying to keep you here.” Shannon smiled as she let go.

“I’m all packed.”

Tears slid down Shannon’s face. “I know.”

A few days later, Addy watched as Cinders handed her bags up to the stagecoach driver. He was the only one she allowed to see her off. Tearful goodbyes at the ranch had been hard enough. There were a lot of stops between Asherville and Colorado Springs, and she planned to take a look at each town. Fort Worth sounded like a booming town and there just might be a job or something she could do. Maybe she’d just buy some land close to town and have a house built. The possibilities were endless, but none really excited her.

Peg hugged Cinders tight and kissed his cheek. He set her down and she grabbed Addy’s hand. “Come on, Mama,” she said as she tugged her to the stage.

Glancing over her shoulder, she nodded to Cinders, and then she and Peg boarded the stagecoach. It had been so different arriving in Asherville instead of leaving. She’d been a nervous, excited, naive girl when she’d first gotten there. Leaving, she was a world weary woman. Happy endings were the exception. At one time she’d thought she’d have one. A few more passengers climbed in, and they were off, leaving her life behind.

Whatever happened, she needed to appear happy and confident for Peg’s sake. It wasn’t her fault, any of it, and she deserved a happy life. An older couple sat across from them.

“Where are you headed?” The pretty woman with white hair asked.

“I’m not really sure. I was thinking about Fort Worth,” Addy answered.

The woman smiled. “I’m Lucille Day, and this is my husband Hank. We just sold our ranch and are heading to Forth Worth to live near our daughter, her husband, and our grandchildren.”

“Have you been to Fort Worth?” Addy asked.

“Plenty of times, let me tell you about it.”

****

“Keegan!” Judge Gleason yelled, looking decidedly impatient.

“Sorry, I guess I wasn’t paying attention. I still can’t get past the part where I’m not married anymore. Whatever happened to till death do us part? I know I haven’t seen Addy but I can’t imagine her unmarrying me.”

“Keegan, you look like hell. When was the last time you took a bath or had a full night’s sleep?” Judge Gleason glanced around the cabin. “Your place looks like a raccoon has set up housekeeping.”

“I’m out on the range most days, and I don’t have time to keep the place neat.”

“Anyway Addy and Peg have moved on, and I suggest you do the same. Hear tell you’ve been at the saloon most nights.” Judge Gleason frowned.

“No, I was there one night. Passed out and they threw me on a bed. I can’t afford to be away from the ranch. My future is tied up in the cattle.”

“Sounds like a lonely future if you ask me.”

“Maybe I should talk to Addy.”

“You damn fool. Addy and Peg left town a week ago. If you cared at all you’d have known it. I’m sorry for you, Keegan. You let a wonderful woman and enchanting little girl slip right through your fingers. I don’t know what happened between you, and I don’t care. If Addy were mine, I’d have never let her go.” He stood and shook his head. “Enjoy your solitary life. I know it’s not all it’s chalked up to be. Nights can get mighty lonely.” He jammed his hat on his head and left.

Addy and Peg were gone? He thought…
Damn
. He swiped his arm across the table and set everything crashing to the floor. It hadn’t been that long since he last saw her. He sat down and his jaw dropped open. He’d been so busy thinking about things that might happen they happened anyway. No one showed to collect the bounty as he feared. He’d been afraid of the hurt he’d feel if he had to leave Addy, and now she was gone.

How could he have been so blind and bullheaded? Maybe they weren’t meant to be if she could just cut and run like that. Bitterness shrouded him. If she had loved him she wouldn’t have left. All he had was his ranch, and he had work to do.

He headed outside and spied Cinders’ riding his way. He hoped it wasn’t a lecture about what a fool he’d been. He widened his stance and folded his arms across his chest.

“Oh, good, you’re here.” Cinders got down from his horse. “We’re gathering up a posse and we’ll need your help.”

“What happened?”

“A white woman was seen with the Comanche and rumor has it John Hardy had yet another mail order bride we missed. We need to go get her.”

“I thought you were friends with the Comanche.”

“I am but I’m not friends with the man who has her. His name is Long Nose.”

“Damn, isn’t he the one who tried to steal Shannon?”

Cinders nodded. “Yes and he’s not a nice man. I need to go talk to Chief Spotted Elk before a war breaks out. Come with me?”

“Sure, let me grab my gear. How long has the woman been missing?”

“Right before Addy came to town, John made a trip and came back with a woman but no one has seen her. I have a feeling she was no saloon girl. If she’s with Long Nose, she’s in trouble.”

“Let’s go, and then I have to go get my wife.” Keegan grabbed his gear and they rode out. It didn’t take more than a few hours to find the Comanche camp. Cinders was a longtime ally to the Comanche and had helped feed them one winter.

Keegan had seen his share of Indians, but he’d never been to one of their villages. He was surprised how orderly everything was. The Buffalo hide teepees were evenly spaced. They were much bigger than he imagined. They didn’t dismount until Cinders was greeted by a large man named Big Hunter.

Big Hunter motioned for them to get down. He greeted Cinders then gazed at Keegan with piercing dark eyes. “Where’s Tramp? I miss He Who Puts Boot in Mouth.”

Cinders chuckled. “He left after my last cattle drive. He never did say why exactly. He knows where home is.”

“Sometimes one must wander before returning to his family. Come,” Big Hunter said as he motioned for them to follow. He showed them to the biggest teepee and entered. They followed behind.

It was semi dark and a bit smoky. Both Cinders and Keegan sat across from Chief Running Elk. Keegan knew enough to keep his mouth shut and allow Cinders to handle the situation.

“You come about Long Nose? He is no longer welcome here.”

Cinders nodded. “I know, but I was hoping you’d know where to find him. He has a white woman with him.”

“Yes, I did hear of him taking a wife. He didn’t try to steal yours again did he?”

“No, Shannon is safe. John Hardy gave Long Nose a woman.”

“Cinders, there is evil in both men. I fear for the woman. You may not want her back. She will not be the same.”

Cinders nodded. “John Hardy is in prison. We just want the woman back no matter what she’s endured.”

Chief Running Elk nodded. “Big Hunter will find your woman.”

Big Hunter stood and motioned for the men to follow. The air outside was much clearer and Keegan took a deep breath. It felt strange to be among those who were supposed to be his enemy. There were good people and bad people anywhere you went in life. As soon as they were well away from the camp the pounding of his chest calmed.

“Now what?” he asked Cinders.

“We wait and give them a chance to find Big Nose. I don’t want the army setting up camp in our town. Nothing good can come of it.”

“Do you know anything about the woman?”

“No, we have no hard proof but some of the girls from the saloon told Shane there was a woman. We’ll have to wait and see.”

They rode in silence for a while. “Do you think Tramp will come back?”

“You are nosier than an old woman today. He’ll be back. We grew up together and learned how to survive together. I’m not sure why he didn’t come back with us after the cattle drive. I suppose he has a few demons to wrestle. What about you? Ready to go get your wife?”

He frowned and his stomach churned. “She’s not my wife anymore. I’m going after her and Peg, but I wouldn’t blame her if she sent me packing. I’m still trying to figure it all out in my mind. I always thought of myself as a decent man, but you wouldn’t know it from my treatment of my family.”

“Good luck. I’ll send Rollo over to look after your place. When are you leaving?”

“In the morning.” They nodded at each other and headed toward their own ranches. His stomach churned the whole way. What if she did send him packing?

****

Addy looked around the spacious room she and Peg now rented. It was such a relief to know she could take her time and find her place in Fort Worth. She decided there was no need to keep stopping at other towns. It was a bustling place, and she was told there were endless opportunities.

The boarding house she lived in was just outside the town, away from the noise and occasional violence. Mrs. Fanter ran a strict and fair house. She was a tall woman with a wide girth and a booming voice. She claimed to be in her thirties but she appeared to be more like a hundred. There were rules for everything. You had to be at the breakfast table no later than six o’clock am. Dinner was promptly at six o’clock pm. The noon meal was extra. You had to be in before eight o’clock pm unless you had special permission. The door locked promptly at five minutes after eight o’clock pm. But she kept a clean house, the food was good, and the other boarders were polite. Though she did she them exchange glances at some of Peg’s antics.