Keegan's Bride (Mail Order Brides of Texas 2) (6 page)

Addy’s heart broke for the little girl. She’d probably seen far too much violence. “A few more minutes until bedtime, Peg.”

Peg just nodded and kept playing with Kooky.

Keegan touched her softly on the arm. “Addy, can we talk after Peg goes to sleep?”

Her heart squeezed. It was bound to be lies she told him. “Yes, of course.” She went about getting the covers turned down and getting Peg’s nightgown out along with a fresh diaper. She passed the mirror on the wall but she couldn’t bring herself to look. All she’d see was a liar.

It took a bit of doing but Peg finally slept with Kooky on the pillow next to her. Keegan hadn’t been too keen on having a dog in his bed but he relented, easily. Now he sat at the table waiting for her. Perspiration formed on her brow as she slowly walked to the table and sat down.

“I just want to know what Peg’s been through. I don’t want to mistakenly scare her.”

Oh, Lord, he’s such a good man
. “Her father was a man of discipline. Actually, that’s being generous. Her father was a cruel man. The slightest thing made him mad and he used his fists on those around him.”

“Including you and Peg.”

She stared at her clasped hands not sure what to say. Finally, after a lengthy silence, she gazed at him. “Yes, including me and Peg.”

“Why didn’t you leave? Did you tell your parents? What about the authorities?”

“It’s hard to explain. My family is much wealthier than I let on. We moved in the best of circles and were very well respected. William was not a choice of mine; he was a choice of my parents. I had no say. He married me for my money. My father refused to buy us a place of our own. He gave us a wing of the house to live in and that didn’t sit well with William. You see, William was supposedly wealthy but in reality, he owed money to everyone in Boston. He was a gambler. Notorious, or so I’ve been told, but somehow he fooled my father.”

She took a deep breath. “He took his frustrations out on the staff, me, and sometimes Peg. I tried to tell my parents. They saw the bruises, but they didn’t want to hear about it.”

Keegan reached across the table and covered her shaking hands with his hand. “I’m not blaming you, Addy. He sounds like a monster. He should have appreciated both you and Peg. I do.”

“Peg has been like a different child here. She runs, laughs, and smiles. She hasn’t shrieked in at least a day. I hope you don’t mind her calling you Daddy.”

“Damn near made me cry. It was one of the most special moments in my life. I just hope I can live up to the honor.”

“Keegan, you already have.”

“So, you’re planning on stayin’?”

“Of course I am.”

“Good. I’m starting to get all these feeling for you, and I want you to stay.”

She hoped her smile was bright. Inside, her heart dropped and ached. In for a penny, in for a pound. There was no going back. Did he have feelings for her or for Addy, the poor abused woman? Either way, shame filled her. Keegan didn’t deserve lies. At the time all she wanted was to get out of Boston but now, she was falling for this handsome rancher.

He gave her hand a squeeze before he stood. “I’ll give you some privacy to get changed. I’ll check on the livestock, and then I’ll be back.”

“Thank you.” She watched him leave with tears in her eyes. They could have had something so special. Perhaps real love. With the back of her hand she dashed the tears away and stood. She was doing this for Peg. She needed to remember her goal and keep her feelings out of it. The worst part was keeping track of her lies. She’d told Shane her husband died before Peg was born. Hopefully they’d never compare notes about her. Her stomach dropped. No matter what she did, it only made things worse.

****

The next day Addy woefully gathered all the pieces of Keegan’s shirts and her dress. There was no way they could be repaired. She set the pieces of cloth on the table. Shannon should be by soon. It would be nice to get to know her.

Breakfast actually went fine. Hardboiled eggs and hard biscuits was the offered fare and Keegan didn’t complain. She’d have to ask Shannon about making biscuits. She had obviously done something wrong. But Peg ate them dipped in milk.

Peg’s voice carried from outside. Keegan was building some sort of temporary shelter for the animals, and Peg was following him around, chattering. Addy’s heart felt lighter this morning. She had spent most of the night convincing herself her lies were for a good cause. It was the only way she could live with herself.

She’d fretted about having nothing to serve her guest, but Keegan told her it wasn’t expected. Back home she would have bathed and put on a clean dress. There would have been tea and all kinds of cakes and finger sandwiches. All she had to offer was water or coffee.

Strolling outside she put her hand over her mouth to keep from laughing as Keegan and Peg talked.

“Kooky Two is not a good name for a cow,” Keegan said.

“Yes, Kooky Two,” Peg insisted.

“How about a pretty name like Sally or Joanne?”

She shook her head. “No. Not those names.”

“We’ll keep thinking of one.”

“Kooky Two.”

“Looks like Shannon is here,” Keegan said.

“Nan?”

“Good name for a cow. Nan. Good job, Peg.” Keegan picked her up and they started her way.

“Kooky Two.”

He had a twinkle in his eye as he handed her over. “Peg, Mama probably needs your help entertaining her guest.”

Addy gladly accepted her into her arms. “Keegan? Does that make the puppy Kooky One?” She burst out laughing.

Keegan smiled and shook his head. “Very funny. Let’s go greet Shannon.”

She couldn’t help but notice how much of a family they seemed as they waited for the wagon to drive up. Even Kooky stood with them. If only it could be forever.

“Howdy!” Shannon greeted as she put the brake on. She wrapped the reins around it and allowed Keegan to help her down. “Thank you.” She turned toward Addy. “I hear you need some sewing help. I brought some fabric with me.”

“Oh, we don’t. I mean maybe we could fix what we have?” She stammered, mindful of Keegan’s admission that they had no funds for fabric.

“We can try. Keegan, could you bring the fabric in. I don’t want it outside in the sun for too long.”

He kissed her on the cheek. “Will do.”

“So, Addy, how are you surviving out here? Big change from the east isn’t it?”

“Yes it is, Shannon, but we’re getting by. Come inside.”

“I have a puppy.”

Shannon bent down and took the dog out of Peg’s hands. “He’s so cute. What did you name him?”

Peggy held her hands up until Shannon gave her the dog back. “Kooky.”

“What a fun name,” she chuckled.

“She named him after Cookie,” Keegan commented as he walked by, his arms loaded down with bolts of fabric.

Shannon’s brow furrowed. “Cookie must sound like Kooky to a child.”

They walked into the cabin and Addy gestured for her to sit down. “It’s the only thing I can think of.”

Keegan tipped his hat at them and walked out the door.

Shannon hesitated before she took her bonnet off. It was sad to see her self-conscious. Addy smiled at her and looked her in the eye.

“Can I offer you some water or coffee perhaps?”

“Maybe in a bit. I want to sort through the material. Peg, cut this didn’t she?”

“I’m just glad she didn’t cut herself.”

Shannon smiled as she touched her middle. “I have so much to learn.”

“Are you expecting?”

She nodded. “I was beginning to think it wouldn’t happen. Cinders and I haven’t told anyone yet, except for Cookie and now you. I’ll tell Keegan before I go. I’m so glad you’re close to us. You’ve had a baby so you know more than me about the whole thing.”

Addy gulped and tried to smile. “The birthing is different for each woman.” At least, she hoped that was true.

Shannon nodded. “Of course it is. Now you could use these pieces to make a quilt but they aren’t big enough to fix.”

“Thanks for taking a look. We’ll have to make do.”

“Nonsense. I have more fabric than I could possibly use. I love sewing. I’ll just take a few measurements.”

“I have no way to pay you. I can’t.”

“Phewy. I don’t need money, but I am in need of some of the honey Keegan collects.”

“I haven’t seen any around here.”

“He should be gathering some soon. It’s been months since the last batch. Besides, neighbors do for each other. I’m hoping we can be friends. Most of my friends are the men on the ranch. Cookie likes you.”

“Of course. We’ll be the best of friends. Now, tell me what if Cookie didn’t like me?”

“You probably wouldn’t get a new dress or shirts. I’ve learned to trust his instincts. In most things.”

“Edith?”

“Is it so noticeable that she hates me? Yes, she’s the exception. Once her mind is made up, she will never admit she was wrong. She had the impression I was a soiled dove.”

“Oh, my.”

“Oh, my, indeed. She knows she was wrong but she still keeps her distance and glares at me.” Peg ran over and lifted her arms to Shannon who picked her up and placed her on her lap. “She’s darling. How old is she?”

“She’ll be two in a couple months.”

“She looks a lot like you.”

“She does look a bit like my side of the family. Her dark hair, she got from her father.”

“How long were you a widow?”

Addy glanced away. “Five months. My family was pressuring me to marry a vile man. I’m glad I’m here. Keegan is a wonderful man.”

“More talk like that and I’ll need a bigger hat,” Keegan jovially said. “I came in to get Peg. I thought I’d take her with me to check on some cattle.”

“I don’t think—”

“Well only be gone an hour. There’s a canyon nearby, and I have quite a few stashed there. I just need to make sure they’re still there is all.” Keegan walked over and put his hand on her shoulder sending a tingling feeling through her body.

“All right. Please be careful.” She stood and found herself much too close to her husband. Taking a step back didn’t help. She still felt the pull of him.

“Kooky come too?” Peg asked as she put her feet on top of Keegan’s boots. She had to crane her neck to see him.

“No, Kooky, but how about a horse ride?”

“Yes.” She turned and went to the dog and gave him a pat on the head. “You be a good boy or else.”

Both Shannon and Keegan’s eyebrows arched.

Addy couldn’t quite meet their eyes. “She heard the same phrase said to her over and over from her father.”

“She’ll be fine. Come on, Peg, we have a horse to ride.” Keegan bent and picked her up and walked out the door while she waved at them.

“I’m glad you found Keegan. He’s a gentle soul. Truthfully, after the cattle drive last year, I expected him to move on. It came as a big surprise when he bought the land. Cinders and I couldn’t ask for a better neighbor.”

“I’m glad I came to Texas. Oh, I almost forgot. I need you to explain biscuit making. I thought I had it right but they turned out as hard as rocks.”

“I’d be glad to.” The easy kindness in her voice warmed Addy.

A short while later, Addy waved goodbye to her friend. The only friend she’d had growing up was her sister, and after Sondra married she had isolated herself. It had been a lonely time, but now she had more friends than ever.

Chapter Four

A lovelier sight he’d never seen. Both of his girls wore new dresses, standing in the sunshine while the breeze ruffled the hems. “Such beauty is good for the soul.” Addy’s face turned a lovely shade of pink.

“That’s sweet. Thank you.” She put her hand on his arm, stood on tiptoe, and kissed his cheek. There was too much cheek kissing as far as he was concerned. He longed for her soft supple lips. He ached to have her in his arms, and he wanted to make her his. He bet her skin was soft and her breasts would look like heaven. She was driving him to distraction.

“I think I’ll work on Peg’s bed today,” he said as he ran his fingers through his hair.

“You’re done with making the shelter for the chickens and the cow?” Her weight shifted from one foot to the other. She smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes.

“It’s temporary shelter.” He sensed her fear. “Actually if you don’t mind I really need to ride the range and check on the cattle.”

“Is that what you usually do when we’re not here?”

He chuckled. “From sun up to sun down.”

“Keegan, we don’t need watching. Don’t let us get in your way. I know your dream is to make the ranch successful. We’ll be just fine.” She didn’t look as confident as she sounded.

“You’re sure?”

“Go. We’ll be right here when you get back.”

“I need to grab a few things and I’ll go. By the way, you made a good trade with Shannon. Honey traded for clothes, who’d have thought?”

“It must be some honey.”

“It’s the best I’ve seen in years.” He walked to her and kissed her cheek, grabbed up a giggling Peg and kissed her cheek too. “You two stay out of trouble.”

He saddled Strike, filled his canteen, grabbed some bread and dried meat, and strapped on his gun belt. Then he mounted his horse, checked the rifle, and rode over to say goodbye. “I’ll see you later.”

They both waved at him and his heart warmed. He could get used to having someone waiting for him at home. He turned Strike and rode out. The wind against his face refreshed him. Addy was right, he needed to get back to ranching. A few days off was really a few too many. He wished he could hire some help, but it wasn’t in the plans for now. No cowhand would work for honey. He smiled. He’d given Shannon honey for free last time. She’d sewn the clothes out of the goodness of her heart. Imagine, Cinders was going to be a daddy. When Shannon told him, he’d wanted to ride over and congratulate him but for now they weren’t making it public. He never had understood the reasoning behind hiding a pregnancy.

He slowed Strike as they neared the canyon. The herd wasn’t all there. Naturally some scattered but it looked to be more than half missing. “Damn!” He felt gut kicked. Where were his cattle? He turned Strike and spurred him on. He had a lot of land to cover, and he hoped he’d find them. Cattle rustling was a hanging offense. But only if the rustlers were caught.

It took long grueling hours in the saddle, but he found them and rounded them up. He moved them to a different pasture. He’d move the rest tomorrow. They hadn’t been rustled after all, but why they’d scattered he had no idea. He was extra glad to know Addy and Peg were waiting for him at home.

The sun was setting as he rode closer to the house. No smoke wound up from the chimney. His heart sank; it was too quiet. Jumping off Strike he raced to the house. No one was inside, not even Kooky. Fear settled upon him as he looked around. Finally, he saw the note on the table. Why he hadn’t seen it first off he didn’t know.

It was from Cinders. He was needed at the sheriff’s office and Peg and Kooky were with Shannon. He’d meet him in town.
What the hell
?

Racing outside, he patted Strike’s neck. “I know it’s been a long day but I need you.” Strike looked him in the eye, and Keegan knew the horse’s heart was in it with him. An hour later he arrived in town, just as the dark of night appeared. He stopped in front of the sheriff’s office and jumped down. Racing inside he found the new sheriff, Cinders, and another man arguing while Addy sat on the cot in the jail cell.

“What the hell is going on? Why is my wife locked up?”

“Your wife, sir? She was promised to me.” The well-dressed, dark-haired man looked him up and down and, by his expression of disdain, found him lacking.

“Yes, my wife.” Keegan widened his stance to shoulder width, ready to throw a few punches if necessary.

Cinders stepped forward. “Keegan, hear the sheriff out.”

He nodded. “Sheriff, my wife is sitting in one of your cells. Care to explain?”

The dark-haired man spoke first. “Perhaps I’m in a better position to explain the crimes of your
wife.
”

“Who the hell are you?” It took every ounce of his being to restrain himself from beating the dandy into a pulp.

“I am William Bartlette. Our Adeline stole my daughter, Margret, and took up with you.” He turned and glared at Addy.

Keegan took a step back. “Whoa, what? Listen, Sheriff, I don’t know what this guy’s been saying but it’s a lie,” Keegan insisted, his mind reeling.

“Call me Shane. I hate to say this but he seems to be telling the truth.”

Keegan clenched his fists and walked to the cell. “Tell me it’s a lie.” His heart lay at her feet, and he waited for her to stomp on it.

“I can explain.”

“So, Peg isn’t your daughter?”

“Her name is Margret,” William shouted.

“Well?” Tears trailed down her face as she stared at him. She simply shook her head.

“She’s my niece,” she whispered as she lowered her head.

In that moment, he knew he loved her. Now while she stomped on his heart causing immeasurable pain. “You lied.”

“Yes.” She didn’t look at him.

He turned away. “Where’s Peg?”

“Shannon took her and Kooky to our house. We thought it best until this was sorted out.” Cinders said.

He nodded and walked out the door. He untied Strike’s reins and headed for the livery. He needed to let Strike get some rest. Able Bann, the livery owner, put Strike in a stall. “I’ll take care of him. The Paint on the end, you can borrow to go home.”

“Much obliged.” He saddled the paint and left. It was slow going in the dark. He didn’t want to take the chance of the horse stepping into a hole and breaking its leg. It took most of his concentration to find a clear path. Once he was home, he unsaddled the horse and let him loose in the corral.

Staring at the house made him ill. He went in anyway. At least there wasn’t much to pack up. It looked as though Peg’s things were gone.

Pounding the wall, he squeezed his eyes shut. How could Addy have let him fall in love with her and Peg knowing it was all a lie? He sat on the bed, his heart shattered. He gave himself an hour to grieve for his family, and then he hardened his heart, swearing to never make the same mistake again.

The fire needed starting and coffee needed to be made. He’d do that and go check on his cattle. He’d bring the paint back in the afternoon. He didn’t want to see Addy ever again.

****

It had been one of the longest nights she’d had in a while. She paced all night, remembering the bleakness of Keegan’s expression. When he’d said he hated lies, he had meant it. She never thought he’d just walk away from her. Now she waited for him to return but as painful as it was, she had to admit he might not come back.

With her back against the cold wall, she slid down to the ground, buried her face in her lap and cried. Peg would have to go back to her father. He’d take his anger out on his daughter. She’d have no one to protect her. All Addy had done was make things worse. She hadn’t saved Peg after all; she’d sentenced her to a life of hell instead.

It didn’t matter what happened to her. What was the sentence for kidnapping? Hanging, she supposed. Wiping her tears, she realized, she’d do it all over again. Only she would have hidden Peg better. And she would have guarded her heart. It lay at her feet now, in too many pieces to count. Keegan could get an annulment since they’d never consummated the marriage. It would probably be for the best.

The sun was slowly rising as Shane walked into the office. He’d been there most of the night but had gone home to change his clothes. She hated the pity she saw in his eyes, but at least he was a friendly face.

“Good morning, Shane.”

“Edith will be over this morning to help you change and the like. She offered to provide meals for us while you are here.”

“That’s awfully nice of her.”

“There are times I can’t figure her out, and then there are times she has the world’s biggest heart.”

“She doesn’t like Shannon.”

Shane sat at his desk. “I noticed that too. It’s none of my business. I try to stay out of things if I can. People are always trying to get me to take sides in the silliest of matters.”

“Really?”

“One rancher has a goat, another has a child who could benefit from the goat’s milk. The owner of the goat wants money for the milk and the father of the child can’t make ends meet. So, the owner of the goat wanted to press charges for non-payment of milk.”

“How old is the child?”

“Two months. His mother died in childbirth.”

“That’s just plain sad. If cow’s milk would help we have a cow.” She swallowed hard and lowered her voice. “Keegan has a cow. I don’t think there is a
we
anymore.”

“Why don’t you try to get some rest?” Shane suggested.

“No, what decision did you come to?”

“Oh, well I suggested the baby and father move in with the rancher and help around the place as payment. The baby began to cry, and the rancher said forget it and rushed out. He is now giving the milk for free.”

“You have a way with people.”

He grinned. “I try.”

The door flew open and Edith came in carrying a big tray. Shane instantly stood and rounded his desk, taking the tray from her.

“My, Edith, this smell heavenly. Coffee too? I can’t thank you enough.” Edith blushed, and for once she was speechless.

“I’ll be by to help you change clothes in an hour or so. What size dress shall I bring?”

“I don’t have any money.”

“Of course you do, Keegan has an account.”

“I would never charge anything he didn’t approve.”

“I’ll bring over soap and stuff for you to wash up with. I’m sure Keegan will approve when he comes to see you.”

She smiled and nodded but, Keegan would never buy her a dress, or anything for that matter. Pride prevented her from telling Edith the truth. More lies. “Thank you. Edith, where is Mr. Bartlette staying?” It would serve him right if he had to stay at the saloon.

“My dear, a lovely widow, Polly Noone, is renting him a room. I’ll be back later.” She sailed out of the office.

Shane opened the cell door and brought her a plate of food and a cup of coffee. He closed the door behind him. “Before you ask, Polly and Mr. Bartlette should get on nicely. They are both arrogant people.”

“But Edith likes her.”

“Only because Cinders dated the widow for a while before he met Shannon.”

“Oh.” They ate the rest of the meal in silence. She had just wiped her mouth with her napkin when the door opened again. This time it was Shannon and a shrieking Peg.

“I didn’t know if I should bring her or not but she’s been screaming like that all night,” Shannon explained.

As soon as Peg saw Addy she wiggled until Shannon put her down. Then Peg ran to the cell and reached through the bars. It broke her heart as she went to her niece and knelt down, hugging her through the iron. How many people had to suffer because of what she had done?

“Mama, go home. Please, Mama,” Peg cried with tears rolling down her face.

“Oh, Peg.” Addy couldn’t help it she broke down and cried too.

Shane walked over and opened the cell door. “Peg, go on in and see your Mama.”

Peg ran in and almost knocked Addy down in her zeal to touch her.

“I’m so sorry, my love,” she crooned to the child as she picked her up and rocked her. No one else existed and no one else mattered. Peg was her only concern at the moment. She held her close for a long time. Edith had returned, but Shane told her to come back later.

“Get my daughter out of that cell this minute!” William Bartlette roared. He stalked to the cell and glared at her. “I don’t want you touching Margret again!”

Peg clutched her for dear life. “No, Mama, no!”

“She calls you Mama? How dare you! Come on, Sheriff unlock the door.”

Shane shot her a look of apology. “I’m sorry, Addy. He’s her father.” He took Peg into his arms and carried her out of the cell.

“She belongs to me. I don’t want you contacting her ever. She’s all that’s left, and I need her.” He grabbed Peg from Shane and walked away while Peg screamed.

“Oh, dear Lord, what have I done?” Addy sat on the cot and wrapped her arms around her middle. She’d hurt the ones she loved most.

Shannon walked into the cell and sat next to her. “You must have had a good reason. He doesn’t seem the kindest.”