Keegan's Bride (Mail Order Brides of Texas 2) (5 page)

“I can dump it right out the door and get the water.” Addy stood.

“No, dumping too close to the house can bring animals to our door or unpleasant odors.”

Her eyes widened and her mouth formed an O. “The diapers.”

“I’ll bring those in. I bet they’re dry by now. I’ll be right back.” He walked out the door with the kettle in hand. Once he closed the door behind him he laughed. He’d have a bit of fun until she fessed up to not knowing how to be a ranch wife. As long as she was willing to learn, it was all good.

****

The last dish was dried and the last diaper was folded. Keegan had Peg on his lap telling her a story. Addy couldn’t concentrate on what he was saying. Nervousness set in, and she didn’t know what to do. He’d be expecting a wedding night and once he found out she was a virgin…

“You all right over there? You look a little peaked.”

Grabbing the diapers, she gave him a curt nod as she put the cloths back into their bag. The bag contained more clothes for Peg, a hair brush, some underthings, and her Bible. She wished she’d thrown a few more gowns in.

“I’m so sorry about your shirts.”

“Come sit with us. I’m sure you can patch them back up. I don’t have fabric for new ones. And truthfully money is a bit tight. Now, don’t get me wrong. You didn’t marry a poor man. I’m rich in livestock and land for now. Eventually I’ll be cash rich too.”

His self-confidence warmed her. But his faith in her abilities made her stomach turn. He was bound to find out she was a big fraud and a failure.

“You look worried. It’ll all work out. Now about tonight…”

“Tonight?” She clasped her hands.

“You know. I mean I’m not sure how you and your husband arranged things.”

“Things?”

His face grew warm. “With a child around. Did you just wait for her to fall asleep?”

Her hands unclasped then clasped again. Glancing around the room she studied everything except for him. Finally she stared down at her lap. “She had her own room.”

“I see. It won’t be tonight, but I’ll figure something out. In the meantime she can sleep in between us.”

Her head jerked up, and her eyes widened as she stared at him. “You’re going to sleep in the bed?”

“Of course. I slept on the floor last night out of respect. We’re married now. Besides the floor is much harder than the bed.”

Biting her lip she nodded. “What is the mattress stuffed with? Is it straw?”

“No, straw gets lumpy. I prefer split corn husks. It stays nice and even, and it’s much more comfortable than straw.”

“Oh yes, I can only imagine.” She caught Peg, who had been walking in a circle around the table and pulled her onto her lap.

His lips twitched at her discomfort, and he turned his head away. She was probably used to beds made with soft feathers. She hadn’t complained, leastways not yet, and she sure was keen to look at. Only time would tell, but he had hope. Her attentive nature with Peg bode well for their children.

“What time does Peg go to bed? We may be able to have a little alone time,” he said as he stood and stretched his arms up over his head.

Turning red, she kissed Peg’s forehead. “She goes to bed when she’s sleepy.”

“You don’t want to be alone with me, do ya?”

Addy fussed with Peg’s hair, smoothing it down with her hand. “I know I have an obligation.”

“Tell you what. How about we get to know each other a bit, and I’ll build Peg her own bed? I can see you’re not ready.”

“Of course I’m ready.”

He smiled at her and nodded. “I have to go check on Strike. I’ll be in after a bit. You know, give you some privacy and all.” He waited for her to nod, and then he headed out the door, holding his laughter in until he got to the corral.

“Strike, I have a greenhorn on my hands. I don’t know but her husband must have been a buffoon in bed.” He sighed. “But I admire her guts. Takes a lot of courage to say yes when you really mean no.”

Strike nickered.

“I tell ya she’s not what I expected, but I like her. Yes I do. Well, ole buddy, you might be waiting a bit longer for a barn. I hope you don’t mind, but I’m going to need a bit of your lumber to make a bed. Don’t you worry; I’ll have it built before the first snow.” He looked up at the dark sky. The stars were brighter than ever. Had he given her enough time? Hard to know. He patted Strike on the neck and moseyed over to the house. Shaking his head, he knocked on the door. He’d never imagined having to knock on his own door. He waited a minute, and when there was no answer he opened the door slowly and peeked in. Addy was in bed sitting up, her hair clouded around her shoulders, and Peg had her thumb in her mouth sleeping.

He closed the door as quietly as possible and stoked the fire. Now what? He usually slept without clothes on, but that wasn’t an option. Facing away from them, he took off his shirt and heard a soft gasp. His heart pounded and he turned around. In the firelight he could see her blue eyes widen.

She quickly closed her eyes, but opened them just as quick. He saw her desire, but he also saw her fear. Had her husband abused her? He glanced away and inwardly groaned. He’d have to sleep with his pants on.

The bed dipped as he got in. He lay down to find his pillows had been taken by the two females. Oh well, it was better than the floor. The little girl scent filled his nostrils first but then the heady scent of Addy was all he experienced. It was intoxicating, and it was beginning to make him uncomfortable. Unfortunately there would be no relief for his ache until they had a wedding night. Sighing he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

****

The following morning, Addy managed with great care to climb over both Peg and Keegan. She had watched carefully while Keegan made coffee and she was certain she could now make it. She smiled as she listened to their snores. Peg’s were like whispers while Keegan sounded like a bear. Goodness, did he know how loud he snored? Her father snored, perhaps all men snored. It wasn’t something she’d considered before.

Peg woke up and immediately snuggled against Keegan. She put her little elbows on his chest and pulled out a chest hair. Giggling she did it again. Horrified, Addy rushed over to the bed.

Keegan’s eyes abruptly opened and he didn’t appear happy. “What in tarnation?” He roared but as soon as he focused on Peg, he smiled. “Well what do we have here? Are you a little bear pulling out my hair? Maybe you’re a puppy?”

Peg stood up and jumped up and down. “Puppy, puppy!” She jumped up and dropped onto Keegan’s chest. “Puppy?”

“Yes, puppy.” He kissed her forehead and handed her up to Addy. “Cookie is dropping one off after the noon meal.”

“Mama, Addy, Mama, puppy!”

“Yes, I know.” Her heart lightened and filled at the same time. “Let’s get you changed.”

Keegan stood and grabbed his shirt but not before she glimpsed his broad shoulders and well-muscled chest. She hadn’t been wrong about what she saw last night and it made her mouth go dry.

“I’ll go and give you two some privacy to get dressed.”

Glancing down at her night rail, she blushed. “That would be very good of you.”

He pulled his boots on, buttoned his shirt and opened the door. “Not a problem. I’ll be back in a bit.” He closed the door behind him.

“He seems to be a good man, doesn’t he, Peg?”

Peg nodded and squirmed until Addy put her on the floor. “Puppy!”

She laughed. He’d made Peg happy, and that was on the top of her list of qualities for a good husband. “Let’s get dressed.”

She washed Peg and herself with some warm water she poured into a bowl. Then she got Peg dressed. After Peg was ready, she grabbed her dress and stared at it. It was a mess, but it was the only whole dress she had to wear. Sewing would take priority today. She put it on and looked in the small mirror hanging on the wall. Immediately her hands flew to her hair. Keegan had seen her with her hair standing on end. Groaning, she shook her head and immediately set her hair to right. As right as she could get it.

“Hungry, Mama.” Peg tugged at the skirt of her dress.

She leaned down and picked her up again. “I suppose we should do something about that. Don’t you think?”

“Yes,” Peg answered definitively with a nod of her head.

“Let’s get busy.” Setting Peg back down, she went over to the shelves. Eggs were easy, but she didn’t see any. She grabbed the flour. “We’ll have pancakes.”

“Yum!”

She set a bowl on the table and poured in a good amount of flour. Next, she added some water and stirred. The batter was lumpy and sticky. She added more water and shook her head. It didn’t look anything like the pancake batter she’d seen before. Next she hunted for something to cook it on. Spying a skillet on one of the shelves she smiled. Keegan would be proud of her.

Adding more wood to the fire she waited for the flames to get higher. Then she ladled batter into the skillet and got close to the fireplace. Goodness it was hot. With one hand on the very end of the skillet she tried to lean in enough to cook the batter. Perspiration ran down from her forehead as the handle grew hotter and hotter. Finally, she couldn’t hold it anymore and she pulled away from the fire and dropped the skillet on the table. She hadn’t even turned the cake over but it was all charred.

Her left hand was fiery red, and searing pain set in. She grabbed a rag, wet it and wrapped it around her hand. Next, she grabbed a knife and tried to pry the burnt food out of the skillet. Unfortunately, it held fast.

“Need some help?” Keegan asked, in an amused voice.

Looking up she grimaced. “Ouch!” Her burnt hand slipped and the knife clattered to the floor.

Keegan rounded the table, took the skillet from her, and took her left hand in his big one, palm up. “What happened?”

“It’s nothing.” She tried to snatch her hand back.

He held on to her. “What are you trying to cook?”

Her face heated as he stared at the skillet. “Pancakes.” Her voice was just above a whisper.

“Oh. Well let’s get some salve on this hand, and then I’ll rustle up some breakfast.” He pulled out a chair and gently guided her to it. “Sit.”

“But—”

“I’ll take care of it. Peg, come and make sure your Ma stays put.”

Peg eagerly ran over and put her arms across Addy’s lap. “Stay, Mama.”

Amused, Addy looked up and met Keegan’s gaze. He arched his left brow and grinned. Her heart flipped in her chest. She’d never met another like him. He actually liked children, well maybe not all children but he sure had taken to Peg. Warmth wrapped around her as they stared into each other’s eyes.

“Mama?” Peg interrupted the moment.

“What is it my love?” She stroked the child’s hair.

“Puppy?”

Keegan laughed. “Let me grab the salve. Make sure your mama stays put.”

She watched as Keegan dug around in an old wooden trunk. She had an excellent view of his…
Oh my
. Glancing away she berated herself for such thoughts. A secret smile crossed her face and she took another peek. Some would call her shameless, but she didn’t care. Excitement surged through her. He was all hers.

He pulled the chair so it faced her and sat in it. He put some salve on his fingers and stroked it onto her palm. She shivered. “Cold?”

“No, not at all. Thank you for doing this.”

“What? Putting salve on your hand? Isn’t that what people do for one another? Especially man and wife?”

“I wouldn’t know.”

His brow furrowed. “Your husband?”

She swallowed hard to get rid of the lump in her throat. “Wasn’t a very nice person.”

“I’m sorry to hear it. You’re here now.”

“Yes. Thank you for not getting too upset about Peg.”

He shook his head. “It was thinking you lied. I was never mad about the little one.”

Her heart thumped as she glanced away. It was only a matter of time until he found out she had lied about a lot of things.

“So, first things first. Cooking over a fire is different from a stove. You don’t hold on to the skillet. You let the flames go down and wait for the hot embers. See how the skillet has legs? That’s so you can sit it on the embers. Now don’t put it in too far, it’s not safe. Same thing for biscuits. We have what you call a Dutch oven for those.” He stood up. “Cookie will be here this afternoon. He’d be glad to tell you. He’s awfully proud of being the cook over at Cinders’ ranch.”

Peg walked over and lifted her arms to him and he obliged by bending down and lifting her up into his arms. “Hungry.” She studied him and tried to put her finger in his eye.

“Fine, I’ll make breakfast. I can’t have you hungry can I, Peg?” She bestowed him with the sweetest smile and his eyes softened. Addy wanted to laugh. He didn’t know it, but Peg had just wrapped Keegan around her little finger.

Chapter Three

Addy finished cleaning up from the noon meal. She had made a simple repast of bread and cheese. She found out there was a root cellar under the plank floor. They had more food than she’d expected, including eggs.

Keegan was busy out by the corral building something. It was probably a bed for Peg so he could have his wedding night. She sighed. It wouldn’t do to get used to the place. She might not be here for long. Lies, he hated lies. Her mind wouldn’t rest. It kept whirling with dire possibilities. Guilt consumed her. Keegan’s honest and straightforward ways had showed her just how wrong her thinking was. For all she knew, William was on his way to Asherville to take his daughter back.

Her plans, so carefully made, now seemed ill conceived. Stupid in fact, but there was nothing she could do except hope she was never found out. She needed something to tell Keegan on their wedding night. She couldn’t tell him Peg’s father was still alive; he’d return her.

“Mama!” Peg started jumping up and down.

“What is it, love?”

“Puppy.” Peg pointed to the open door.

“I hear the wagon too. Shall we go and greet our guests?”

“Love you, Mama!” Peg shot out the door while Addy’s heart squeezed. She glowed at Peg’s words, but the glow faded as she remembered the truth. She needed to believe it would all work out. Straightening her shoulders, she strolled outside.

Cookie was a recognizable character with his gray beard, whiskers and hearty smile. He waved at them as he drove the team toward them. She kept her hands on Peg’s shoulders to hold her in place and safe from wagon wheels.

He was quite agile for his age. If they’d been in Boston, he’d be considered to be in his dotage. But not Cookie. He jumped into the back of the wagon, grabbed the dog, and jumped down to the ground.

“I have a surprise.” He stroked his beard. “Now who was I supposed to give this to? Hmmm.”

“Me, me!” Peg gave him her best smiles and Cookie appeared immediately smitten. “Of curse darlin’, this puppy is for you.”

Addy startled as he put the puppy into her arms. It wriggled fiercely. “Oh, my!”

“You’ve never had a dog?” Keegan had somehow snuck up behind her, and she jumped.

“No, never.”

He gently took the dog from her, giving her a sexy grin. “Peg, Let’s go sit on the front steps and get acquainted with this here pup.”

“What about the chickens and the milk cow?” Cookie yelled as they walked away.

“Stake the cow in the field yonder, and the chickens, well—”

“I’ll take care of it. Your little one wants her puppy.” Cookie chuckled.

Keegan held the puppy in one hand and Peg’s hand with the other. Addy trailed behind. He sat on the bottom step and pulled Peg onto his lap. “Now, Peg, there are a few rules about puppies. Never pull its ears or tail. Never bother him when he’s eating. If he growls, back away. Can you remember that?”

She nodded her head solemnly and with her blue eyes widened she said, “Yes.”

“Peg, this is the puppy. See, watch how I pet him. Now you try.”

Peg lunged and tried to grab the puppy. She had her little arms wrapped around it before Keegan had time to react. “My puppy.”

Keegan rescued the whining puppy and sat Peg back on his lap. “Another rule is never to grab the puppy. Now see how I pet him? Here, give me your hand.” He lay Peg’s hand on the dog and showed her what gentle meant. He glanced up and shot Addy a smile. “What shall we name him?”

Cookie ambled over to the group. “Name him Cookie after me.”

“Kooky.” Peg smiled a proud smile.

Addy covered her mouth to keep from laughing.

Cookie opened his mouth as if to correct her but smiled instead. “Kooky is a fine name for a dog.”

Keegan shrugged. “Kooky it is.”

Peg squirmed until Keegan stood her on her feet. The puppy followed and before they knew it Peg and Kooky were rolling on the ground together.

“I made sure he was gentle and used to people before I brought him over. Now, the cow is a bit moody and those chickens, well just watch your hands. I guess I should get going.”

Addy stepped forward. “Cookie, I need your help. I’m not used to cooking over a fire, and I already ruined breakfast.”

Cookie straightened his shoulders. “You have asked the best cook around. I’d be mite proud to show you.”

She glanced at Keegan.

Understanding flickered in his eyes. “Go, let Cookie help you. I’ll keep an eye on the little one while I introduce myself to the livestock.”

She smiled on the outside but inwardly she knew herself to be a fraud.

****

What a long day. Keegan lost the battle to keep Kooky outside, but he brightened at the smell of dinner. There was nothing on earth like Cookie’s meals. Addy was still busy stirring and checking the biscuits. He grabbed a chair, turned it around, and sat, leaning his arms on the chair back. The scene before him warmed his heart much more than he’d ever dreamed. He had a family. Pride filled him. “Smells good.”

“I bet it will be. Cookie is so nice, and Shannon is coming over tomorrow to help me sew. Truthfully, I don’t know where to start with your shirts.”

“And your dress.”

She nodded and glanced down at her stained clothes. “And my dress.”

“I wish I had money for cloth. I’m sure I’ll think of something. Maybe you could sell eggs and butter to Edith.”

“Butter?”

“I actually have a churn in the root cellar. The peddler came by not too long ago with it hanging off the side of the wagon and I figured you’d like it.”

“Of course.” She quickly went back to cooking.

“Addy?”

“Yes?”

“Look at me.” He waited for her to turn and gaze at him. “You don’t know how to make butter do you?”

Her shoulders slumped. “We, I, well no, I don’t.”

“I see.”

“I can learn.” Her expression was one of panic.

“I know you can, honey. If you don’t know how to do something it’s just best to ask, is all.” He tried to keep his voice as gentle as possible.

She heaved a sigh of relief and smiled. “I’ll dish up dinner.”

Trying to understand her wasn’t easy. She’d be happy, almost carefree, one minute and afraid the next. He needed to know more about her husband but wasn’t sure if he should ask. Just about everyone out west had a past and most didn’t like discussing it. He didn’t like questions. Maybe she’d tell him. He just didn’t like the wall he sensed when she was afraid.

He stood and turned his chair around as soon as he saw Peg trying to copy him. She ended up facing away from the table with her feet hanging off both sides. He went to her and lifted her into his arms. “You are a little imp.” He held onto her until Addy was done setting out the meal and had settled into her chair. “Here, take the imp.” He chuckled.

“I’m Peg, not imp.” She stared at him until he nodded. She was cute as a button, but her stare could back down the meanest of bulls.

“Let’s try your mama’s cooking,” he suggested as he sat in his seat. He took a bit of the stew fully aware Addy was watching him intently.
Thank God.
“This is really good!”

Addy took a bite and nodded. “I’m surprised but it is good. Cookie is a good teacher. I learned more from him in a few hours than I have, well I don’t know when.” Her smile of pleasure gripped his heart. He’d been a loner for so long; he thought it might grate on his nerves having someone around all the time. The little things made her happy.

“What are you thinking about? You have such a pensive expression on your face,” she asked cocking her head to one side.

“I was thinking about you. When you said your parents had a big house, I thought you’d be disappointed in this house. You’re not like that.”

“It’s a fine house, Keegan. I do believe knowing I won’t be constantly berated for every move, has made me happy. That and how kind you are to Peg. I feel as though I’ve been worried for a very long time, and you’ve helped to take some of the burden away.”

He couldn’t help the grin that spread across his face. “I hung on to the letter sending for you for an extra day. I spent the night pacing thinking of all the things that could go wrong. It took a leap of faith for both of us. As for Peg, she’s a sweet imp.”

“No. No. No imp. Peg.” She waved the spoon in her hand at him.

“You did tell me before not to call you an imp. I apologize, Peg.”

“Apple eyes?”

“He means he’s sorry.”

“Oh.” She nodded in satisfaction and went back to trying to eat. Addy helped her guide the spoon from the bowl to her mouth.

“So, Shannon is coming tomorrow? You’ll like her. Nice and down to earth.”

“What happened to her face and why is Edith so cold to her?”

“She was originally supposed to be John Hardy’s bride. In his letters he told her he ranched for a living—”

“That no account from town?”

“Yes. Shannon refused to marry him so he grabbed her and cut her with a knife. Cinders stepped in. They’re married and happy.”

“Goodness, how awful for Shannon. Edith doesn’t like her because of her scar?”

“No, Edith doesn’t like her because John Hardy told her Shannon was a whore before coming to Asherville. Don’t worry, it’s not true.”

“True or not, she’s your friend, and that’s good enough for me. Besides, she seems very nice.”

He stared into her eyes, liking the warmth in them. He’d gotten lucky, very lucky indeed.

Peg eyed him throughout the whole meal. “Daddy, can we play with Kooky outside?”

His heart jolted, and a lump formed in his throat. “We sure can, Peg.” He stared down at his empty bowl, composing himself. Being called Daddy sure did something to a man. He never imagined his heart could feel so big and so full. Addy stood and gathered the bowls. He looked up at her, and she had a sheen of tears in her eyes.

“Thank you.” She leaned down and kissed his cheek.

“Ready, Peg?”

“Yes! Yes! Yes!” She raced to the door with Kooky in her arms and waited for Keegan to open the door. “Bye, Mama.” Out she went, and he quickly followed.

****

Addy hadn’t seen Peg so happy before. In Boston there was no running, no jumping, no fun. She’d been expected to sit and be quiet and if she strayed from either she’d been smacked. How Sondra had allowed it, Addy would never know. It must have been out of fear. William let his fists fly often and it didn’t matter if the recipient of his anger was male or female. She witnessed enough maids running down the hall in tears with their hands to their cheeks.

If she’d married him, prison or hanging were the only two outcomes for her. Killing him would have been the only course she could have taken. Pinkertons were on her trail. There was no doubt about it. She prayed they’d never find her.

Keegan, Peg, and Kooky all came barreling inside, full of smiles.

“I take it you had fun?”

“Kooky likes me and Daddy.”

“Is that so?” She glanced over and met Keegan’s gaze. His eyes bore into hers and her stomach tightened. What was it about this man? He made her feel things she’d never known.

“All dogs like me, it’s just one of my many good qualities.”

“You have a list of good qualities?”

“Of course I do.”

“Such as?”

“Well, I’m tall and strong, young and healthy. Animals like me, and I work hard. I can read and write. I think that about covers it.”

She shook her head. “I would add kind, big-hearted, handsome and understanding.”

“You think I’m handsome?” His eyebrows rose.

“Did I say handsome? I meant passable.”

“So I’m ordinary but not unpleasant to look at?”

Laughing she nodded. “You explained it perfectly.”

He took a big step and he was right in front of her with his eyes full of humor as he pulled her into an embrace. “It’s a burden you’ll just have to live with.” Slowly he pulled away, his eyes staring into hers. Leaning down, he kissed her.

Addy startled at first, but the sweetness of his masculine lips on hers stilled her. Her heart beat faster as his tongue licked her lips prompting her to open her mouth. She moaned as he slipped his tongue inside her mouth and just as she was about to reciprocate, Peg pulled at her skirt.

“Mama, is Daddy hurting you?” Tears were in her eyes.

Addy instantly pulled away and got down on her knees. Pulling Peg to her, she kissed her cheek. “No one is going to hurt us ever again, Peg. Daddy will take care of us.” She gazed up at Keegan and saw his sadness for them. “We have a new life now, Peg.”

Kooky started to whine. Keegan scooped the puppy up. “Peg, your puppy needs you.”

Peg immediately let go of Addy and sat on the floor. She waited for Keegan to deposit the dog in her lap. She gave him one of her angelic smiles. “Kooky, no more hurts. Hitting is not nice.”