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

“I know having Peg with me is a surprise, and I’m sorry I lied. It was Mr. Cookie’s idea to come out here. I was going to look for somewhere to spend the night. I’ll just have him take me back to town.” The look in his eye scared her. It was official she had nowhere to go. “Do you know anyone looking for help? I can find a job.”

“Just how do you expect to work with a child?” Frowning he shook his head. “It’s not the girl I’m upset about. It’s the fact her father was on the stage too. I’m no fool, lady. I don’t know what type of con you and your husband are planning, but I’m on to you.”

Her eyes widened. “Husband? I’ve never… I mean my husband is dead. I’m a widow. I’m sure I mentioned it in my letter.”

“Your letter lacked a few pertinent details. I would think a child with said deceased husband would be information you’d give to the man you planned to marry. I saw your husband. Next time you should arrive on separate stages. You blew it as soon as the girl yelled for her daddy.”

A long sigh escaped through her lips. “He’s not my husband. He’s the new sheriff.”

Keegan’s body visibly relaxed. “The sheriff is here already?”

“Yes, and he’s a nice man. Peg took right to him. She was screaming, and I couldn’t comfort her. As soon as Shane took her, she quieted and slept. A woman who was on the stage earlier called him her daddy. She’s at the age she thinks his name is Daddy.”

Taking off his hat he wiped his brow with his sleeve. His light brown hair blew in the breeze. He could do with a cut, but she wasn’t going to say a word. He was handsome, and when he wasn’t spitting nails, his eyes looked kind. “What did you say the sheriff’s name was?”

“Shane O’Connor”

The flare of awareness in his eyes gave her pause. “Do you know him?” she asked.

“No, I steer clear of the law.”

She knew better than to ask a question she didn’t want the answer to.

“Listen, Adeline, I’m sorry I left you in town. I jumped to the wrong conclusion. I’m glad Cookie brought you out here.”

“I knew you would be,” Cookie said as he came out of the house. “I put Peg on the bed. Poor wee one is worn to a nub. And if there isn’t anything else, I need to return this wagon and hightail it to Cinders’ place. Shannon relies on my expertise in the kitchen.”

Keegan shook hands with Cookie. “You did the right thing bringing Adeline here. Much obliged.”

“Are you sayin’ I’m right?”

“Yes, you old coot. Tell  Cinders and Shannon I said hey, and I’ll bring Adeline around in a few days.”

Cookie climbed onto the wagon, grabbed the reins and winked at her. “Nice to meet you, Addy. Yaw!”

They both watched until he was no longer in sight. “I’d better go and check on Peg. She rolls around in her sleep, and I don’t want her to fall out of bed.”

“Of course, right this way,” Keegan said as he gestured toward the door.

Walking into the tiny cabin, she smiled at how clean and organized it was. She’d imagined a big mess. One wall housed a massive stone hearth. A small table with two chairs stood close to the fireplace. A big bed dominated the opposite wall. Addy hurried to the bed and sat next to Peg. It wasn’t a very comfortable bed, and she suspected it was full of straw. “It’s a great house, did you build it yourself?”

Keegan smiled deeply, showing a dimple in his left cheek. “I was hoping you’d like it. I’m still working on it but for the most part it’s done.”

“Did you build the fine furniture too?”

“Yes I did. I’ve traveled around and done lots of odd jobs. One was with a carpenter. I mostly delivered the furniture, but I watched every chance I got. It paid off.”

“Sounds like we have a lot to learn about each other. Your life is fascinating, and I’d love to hear more about it.”

It was as if a door slammed in her face. Keegan frowned, looked away and took a step back. He was done with questions. It was just as well, she had a few things she didn’t want to talk about either. “I think if I just put a pillow next to Peg it’ll keep her from rolling out of bed.”

“How old?”

“Peg? She’ll be two in a few months. I’m sorry I didn’t mention her. I intended to, but I didn’t want you to tell me not to come. It was selfish of me. I realize now it was a stupid risk to take, and I’ve put you in an awkward position.” He still didn’t look at her, and she sighed. It had seemed like a good idea at the time. There was no way she would have left Peg behind with her monster of a father.

He rubbed the back of his neck before he glanced her way. “It’s done now. We’ll make the best of things.” He gave her a quick nod before he walked out the door.

****

He jammed his hat on his head and quickly crossed the yard to the corral. Fresh air filled his lungs as he drew in a deep breath to calm himself. He shook his head as he whistled. Immediately his gelding’s ears turned toward him and he trotted over. “Hi ya, boy. Somehow we ended up with two females instead on one.” He stoked the buckskin’s neck. “I don’t know what to think, Strike. Things don’t bode well when they start with lies. Yeah, I know. I should talk. My past is my own business. I just don’t know. I was looking forward to having someone around I could trust, but now…” Keegan shrugged. “I know I promised you a barn. I have the supplies, and now I have someone to take care of the house. I should be able to get some of it done between caring for the cattle. We’re up for the challenge right, Strike?”

He heard light footsteps behind him and turned. She was a pretty gal. Most of her blond hair had escaped its bun, or whatever it was called, and graced her shoulders. Her blue eyes reminded him of slate. He cringed at his own description. Well, no one ever accused him of having pretty words.

“Why are you smiling at me that way?” Her attempts to fix her hair were futile.

“I was trying to think of what your eyes reminded me of, and all I could come up with was slate. I was never one for courtin’, and I don’t know any of those words women like to hear. I suppose I could have said your eyes remind me of the sky but they don’t.”

“They remind you of slate. There’s nothing wrong with being plain speaking. I’ve had a few compliments in my day, and most were not very believable. Don’t worry about it. I don’t want fake words. The truth for a change would be nice.”

He studied her delicate features. “You’re right, the truth is best.”

A blush started at her neck and worked its way up to her face. “I’m sorry about not telling you about Peg. I needed to leave Boston. There was a man pressing for my suit, and I didn’t want to say yes, but my parents were insistent.” Her eyes bore into his waiting for a reply.

“Then I’m glad you’re here. There’s nothing like being forced to do something. You had to move back in with your parents when your husband died?”

“I never left home—I mean we lived with Mother and Father. The house was quite big, you see.”

“Mine must seem awfully small to you.”

“No, not at all. I’d rather be happy with less than miserable with more. I’ll make a good wife. When do you think we’ll get married?”

“It was supposed to be today. I had Judge Gleason all ready. I suppose tomorrow will have to do.”

Her shoulders relaxed and she nodded. “Sounds perfect. I’m going back to the house. I don’t like to leave Peg for too long if I can help it.”

“I’ll be in soon.”

She gave him a brief smile before she turned and walked away. He admired the sway of her hips. She sure was pretty. She had never let on in her letters that she was from a wealthy family. He hoped she’d be content out here in the Texas frontier. There were a lot of things he hadn’t considered in this whole mail order bride thing. All he could do was hope for the best. Life was full of hope and disappointments, and he sure hoped this wasn’t going to be a disappointment.

Not that she was getting any prize. He constantly looked over his shoulder and tried to keep moving. It wasn’t until he saw the magic between his old boss, Cinders and his wife Shannon, that he’d decided he wanted the same for himself. The same day he got the deed to his land, he’d contacted a mail order bride agency and asked for a sweet-tempered woman. So far, Adeline appeared sweet.

Hopefully, the sheriff wouldn’t be a problem. The original plan was to just keep clear of him but now that he knew Adeline and Peg, it might not be as easy. This time he couldn’t just cut and run. No, he wanted to be here for the long haul, build a ranch and create a family.

He just might get lucky and no one was looking for him anymore. He shook his head. “We still need to watch our backs, boy.” He stroked Strike’s nose. Hopefully, everything would fall into place. “Talk to you later, Strike. I’d best make sure they get settled in.” As he walked back he thought of the small reticule she’d brought with her. They’d pick up her things in the morning when they got married.

Opening the door, he was treated to a beautiful sight. Adeline sat on the bed with Peg in her arms. The child’s head lay on Adeline’s shoulder. She sighed in contentment as Adeline rocked her back and forth.

Adeline’s gaze met his as he stepped into the house. She sent mixed signals. Usually he was good at reading people but not now. She appeared relieved, relaxed, yet nervous. He took off his hat and hung it on the rack made of antler horns. “Is she asleep?”

“No, but she’s not crying. She cried a lot on the trip out here. I thought a couple times I’d be put off the stage. She has the loudest shriek I’ve ever heard.”

Keegan smiled. “Well she’s home now. It’ll probably take her a bit to get adjusted, but we’ll get through it. I figure we’ll go to town early tomorrow and get married. That is if you still want to marry me.” He held his breath. Why had he given her a chance to back out?

“I’d be honored to be your wife, Keegan. I’m just hoping you won’t find me lacking.”

“I don’t see that as a problem. We can pick up the rest of your things. I’m surprised Cookie didn’t bring them out here.”

She looked away and blushed. “I have everything I need. There isn’t anything to pick up.”

He nodded as if he understood, but he didn’t.

“I told you my parents wanted me to marry someone else. I left without telling them.”

“What?”

“I know it was only a matter of time until I would have been forced to go along with their wishes. It was a godsend when you asked me out here. I had to leave in the middle of the night.”

He studied her wondering how anyone could force her to do anything. She seemed strong-willed. “We can wire them tomorrow and let them know you’re married. This way they won’t worry.”

“No! I mean, let’s just wait a bit. I don’t want them coming out here before we get to know each other.” Now he could read her; she was in full panic.

“Whatever you think best. You’re safe with me. The man your parents selected for you must be pretty bad.”

Wrapping her arms securely around Peg, she nodded. “He’s been known to hit women. I realize once a woman becomes a man’s wife, it’s no one else’s business how he treats her. I might end up killing him some day. I couldn’t bear to have him touch me.” She shuddered. “I’m sorry I shouldn’t be talking about anything so unseemly. I just don’t want you to think I‘m flighty or impulsive.”

“Enough said. You don’t need to explain. Many people come out West to start over. Most don’t like or ask questions.

****

Addy’s breathing mirrored Peg’s—slow and easy. Keegan seemed sincere, and she hoped she was right. She’d tried to be careful, changing her name each leg of the trip. Until the last part since Keegan knew her as Adeline. When the sheriff said he was getting off in Asherville, she’d been glad she’d used her real name, it was too risky to take a chance with a fake name.

“Are you hungry? I have food heating by the fire.”

She blinked and looked around, noticing for the first time, there wasn’t a stove. She barely knew how to cook as it was, but on a fire? Oh Lord, he’d put her out before they were even married. Truth be told, she knew little about doing anything. She was raised to run a household of servants. She’d have to muddle through. After all, she’d watched the servants many times.

“Yes, I’m hungry. Peg will be too as soon as she wakes. Thank you for having food ready.”

“I’m used to doing for myself. I have so much I want to do with the ranch, I’m glad you’ll be here to relieve me of some of the chores.”

“Of course.” She smiled. Could she fool him long enough for him to like her and want to keep her? All she could do was try. He was bound to fall in love with Peg. Everyone did. No one had ever asked for her hand, and she didn’t know why. Perhaps she was too plain or too tall. Maybe it was because she had her own opinions or because she didn’t allow stolen kisses. She had never asked, fearing the answer.

An awkward silence ensued as he watched her. What was he really thinking? Most people she knew put on good faces but never had the noblest of intents. Slowly she lay Peg back down on the bed and stood up. “Tell me what your typical day is like.”

“Up before the sun. I eat and then I’m out the door. Raising cattle is a lot of work. I need to keep track of them, move them to better pastures when they’ve overgrazed an area. I find strays, and patrol the borders of my property.”