Keegan's Bride (Mail Order Brides of Texas 2) (9 page)

“You are so different than the people you left behind. I remember when I first met you on the stage. I admired your kindness and the way you put Peg’s needs first. I saw her eat but you rarely did.”

“Keegan didn’t know he was feeding two when he sent the ticket and traveling money. Do you have anything to read around here? It would help pass the time.”

Shane laughed. “The last sheriff didn’t leave any books, just the wanted posters.”

“I’ll take them.”

His brow arched. “The wanted posters?”

“Why not? Reading is reading.”

Shane grabbed the pile and handed them to her. “Some look to be years old.”

“Thank you.” She sat on the cot and began to read the posters. Some men were wanted for petty crimes, but far too many were wanted for murder. These were not the type of men one wanted to run into. She flipped toward the bottom of the pile. These men were probably all caught by now. Some were probably dead, while others were in prison. Most had squinty eyes and scruffy chins and necks. She turned the page and gasped.

This was not a picture of a squinty-eyed ruffian, it was Keegan; a younger version of Keegan. Her heart pounded as she stared at the picture. It fluttered from her fingers and sailed to the floor.

Quickly she picked it up and read it. He was wanted for the murder in Kansas. Her thoughts began to whirl. It had to be a mistake, this was not Keegan. The picture just looked like Keegan. Many people looked alike. Shaking her head she promptly disagreed with herself. Brothers and sisters looked alike, not most people. She watched Shane out of the corner of her eye, and when he got up to refill his coffee, she quickly folded the poster and tucked it down the front of her dress.

Keegan believed in honesty. If he had the law after him, he would have told her. Granted they’d only spent a couple of days together but he wouldn’t have given her such a condemning look when her truth came out if his life was a lie. She continued to shuffle the posters, pretending to read them but all she could think about was Keegan. Had there been any clue she missed? It was very possible this wasn’t him. The man’s name on the poster was Keith Summers.

It was so easy to change your name. She had done it throughout her journey west. He was a drifter before he settled in Asherville. Lots of cowboys drifted, didn’t they? It couldn’t be him, and it was disloyal of her to think it could be. It was a big mistake. Chilled, she sat back against the wall and made a mental list of all of Keegan’s good qualities. There were so many. She suddenly felt foolish for thinking he could ever be a wanted man.

Despite counting his good points, she still came back to the wanted poster. It haunted her all night.

****

The next morning, Addy waited for Keegan and Peg. As the hours passed, she grew despondent. Had they forgotten her? Keegan probably couldn’t stand the sight of her.

“Where’s Peg?” Edith asked as she set the tray laden with food on the desk.

“If you don’t know, then no one knows,” Addy snapped.

Edith put her hands on her hips. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Her eyes narrowed.

“I’m sorry, Edith. I just can’t stand to be in here any longer. I have no idea where Peg is.”

“Aw, honey, I’m sure Keegan will bring her in. He probably has a heap of work to do. Cookie is due in town in a bit. I’ll see if he knows anything.”

“Thanks, Edith, and I’m sorry I lashed out at you.”

“Don’t give it another thought. I’ll see you later.”

All out of sorts, she sat down staring at the food she couldn’t get to. Where was Shane? He was making the rounds and he usually was back before Edith showed up. She reached in her dress and grabbed the poster she’d put in there and opened it. Clear as day there were Keegan’s eyes. Her heart twisted as she quickly folded it back up and hid it in her dress.

When the door opened, she expected Shane, but it was Cookie instead. He glanced from the food to her and back at the food again. “Hungry?”

“Yes, thanks.”

Cookie loaded up a plate for her and poured her a glass of water. He brought them to the cell and made a face when after passing her the water , he couldn’t fit the food between the bars. He pulled the sheriff’s chair over and placed the plate on it. “Best I can do.”

“I would have never thought of it. Thank you, Cookie. Is there any word—”

“On Peg? All I know is one of the hands dropped Ilene off at his place to watch Peg.”

“This morning?”

“Nope, last night. I imagine he’ll bring her in soon. Ilene will have to stay behind, I guess. I’d best get back. Edith and I hardly get any time together as it is.”

“Thanks, Cookie.” Addy waved as he left. Her blood ran cold. He was replacing her already. He had said they needed to talk. He wanted his freedom. The food was suddenly unappetizing, and she wasn’t hungry. She’d known her harebrained scheme could turn out this way. It didn’t seem fair to give her so much hope only to have it all taken away.

A woman’s reformatory. She shivered. They were known for disease and death and harsh treatment. She knew better than most how filthy they could be. She’d tried to start a committee in Boston to make improvements for the women, but no one wanted to spend a minute helping
the scourge of society.
Most who went in never came out. Closing her eyes Addy remembered the horrid smell of the place and the constant wails from the sick women. They were undernourished and made to work outdoors no matter what the weather. It could get so cold in Boston, it was a wonder they survived the winter season.

Where had Ilene slept last night? Was she more willing, even with a child in the same room? Was she kind to Peg? The more time Addy spent alone, the more outlandish her imagination became. All of it hurtful.

Shane still hadn’t come in for his meal, and she began to worry. There was a spare key to the cell wasn’t there? She heard the sounds of little feet scurrying outside the building and she closed her eyes, wishing.

Her wish was granted as a smiling Peg came running in.

“Mama! Guess what? We have a nude lady. She made breakfast, and last night she told me a story about when she was a little girl.”

Addy’s lips twitched. “A nude lady?”

“A new lady,” Keegan corrected. He stepped inside and took off his hat.

Addy’s heart stuttered. She didn’t know when she’d started loving him, but love him she did. God help her.

“Apparently she makes breakfast.”

Keegan nodded. “She found the eggs. Ilene is a nice woman.”

“Oh?” She glared at him.

“What is that look for? I brought you Peg.”

Glancing away she nodded. “Yes, and I thank you.” Her voice was huskier than she liked. She wished she could be cold and standoffish, but she didn’t have it in her.

“In, Daddy.”

“Where’s Shane?”

“He left right after breakfast, and I haven’t seen him since.” She tried to smile, but she needed Peg on her lap. “I guess we can visit with the bars between us.”

Keegan went to the shelf and grabbed a cup with a hole in it. He took out the key and opened the cell door. “Now you two can visit like real mother and daughter.”

Peg dashed into her arms, and Addy closed her eyes cherishing the moment, the feeling of Peg. This was what she’d miss the most, and it was worth it. She spared the girl from her father’s abuse if only for a little while.

Keegan cleared his throat. “I have to get home. I have lots to do. Cookie will be here in a couple hours to get Peg. You two have a nice visit.” He didn’t wait for a response. Her jaw dropped at how quickly he left. Was he hurrying home to Ilene?

“So, tell me about your day yesterday. Did you have fun when you got home?”

“I sure did. The nude lady made me a doll.” Peg beamed.

“How sweet. Did you name your dollie?”

“I named her Mama. Daddy said it was a good name.”

Keegan was a good man. Addy needed to stop her imagination from running amuck. No more questioning Peg. It wasn’t fair to either of them.

She put aside all her questions and doubts and spent the next few hours singing and laughing with Peg. The visit ended too soon.

****

Keegan thought long and hard about the Ilene problem during his ride home. She couldn’t go back to New York, but she couldn’t stay with him once Addy was released. He was grateful for the help with Peg, but somehow he was going to have to find her a husband. He couldn’t remember one cowhand at Cinders’ ranch who ever mentioned settling down. Ilene was attractive and a hard worker; surely he could find someone to marry her. He’d have to wait, he supposed. He had cattle to move to the north end of the property where there was plenty of grass and a small lake. He was going to have to find some help eventually, but for now it was all on his shoulders.

A wife was supposed to alleviate some of his workload, but he was getting less done than ever. Not because she was in jail, because he cared too much. He wanted to be around Addy and Peg, and he’d been cutting his work days short. Now with Ilene holding down the house, he’d have more time. Shannon had promised to take Peg back and forth the rest of the week.

No matter what problems they faced, he needed to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. A man, a real man lived up to his responsibilities. Unlike his father, the ruthless bastard who’d worked him like a mule while he sat on the front porch drinking.

As he and Strike neared the house, Ilene came out and waved. She sure was a pretty gal. Yep, she needed a husband. He pulled back on the reins and dismounted as Strike came to a stop.

“How’s Addy?” she asked. The smell of fresh baked bread filled the air.

“She’s fine. Always glad to see Peg.”

“Any word when she’ll be set free?”

“No. I need to grab some grub and head out on the range. Cookie will bring Peg back. Thank you for looking out for her. I really want to make something of this ranch, and it needs my attention.”

Ilene smiled. “I believe you can do anything you set your mind to, Keegan. I’ll go slice you some fresh bread, and I made butter too.”

“I knew there’d be a need for that churn.” He turned Strike into the corral. “I’ll be right in.” Taking a deep breath he blew it out slowly. What if Addy never came home? William said he had Boston lawyers, and Addy didn’t even have any lawyer. If you had money, you were at an advantage, at least in this case. He’d managed to push all doubt to the back of his mind. Addy would come home and they would be a family again.

The sound of Ilene humming greeted him as he entered the house. She stopped when she saw him and smiled. I have food in a sack for you. I hope it’s enough. I can add more if you think—”

“I’m sure it’s fine. I’ll probably be out the rest of the day. Don’t hold dinner for me. Cookie will be here in about an hour or so. You’ll be all right here alone?”

She laughed. “I was alone most of the day. I’m fine, and I’m keeping myself busy. I think I’ll do the washing.”

“Do you need help carrying the water?”

“No, I’m quite schooled in carrying pails. My father was very fond of having a pail of beer brought to him, up three flights of stairs. I’d rather carry water.”

“You lived near Shannon?”

“In the same building, yes. She came from decent folks. They were mostly quiet, and her father never yelled or raised a hand to her or her mother. My life wasn’t as peaceful. My father loved the sound of his own voice, and he was quick with his fist. He always hit first and asked questions later, if he asked at all. Go on, I’ll be fine.”

He took the offered sack and walked outside to the corral. He put the food in his saddle bag, led Strike out and mounted. “Come on boy we have more work to do.” His only hope was Judge Gleason and Shane, and he hated putting Addy’s fate in the hands of the law. He’d been running and hiding from the law for so long, he didn’t trust them. Judge Gleason was a town fixture, but Shane? He didn’t know a thing about him except he was nice to Addy and Peg. Warmth spread through his body. Wife and daughter, he hoped, forever.

Chapter Six

“Big doin’s today,” Shane announced the next morning. “Looks like you’re going home and John Hardy is taking your place in the cell.”

“I get to keep Peg?”

“We don’t know for sure about that yet, but we can’t have you in a cell next to John Hardy. Judge Gleason is going to talk with you, but the gist of it is, you’re to stay put on Keegan’s ranch. Seeing as Keegan only has the one horse, he doesn’t think you’ll make a run for it with Peg.” He locked gazes with her. “Addy, please don’t prove him wrong. There is a lot wrong with William’s claims. In fact, the whole thing stinks, and I’m sure we’ll hear from the Boston police soon. So, for all of our sakes stay out of trouble.”

“Of course!” She jumped up and waited at the cell door. Shane couldn’t get it open fast enough for her. Once the cell was opened, she sailed past him and out the back door. Shane protested behind her but she only wanted to breathe in fresh air. It was only a matter of time before William made a mistake, and she planned to be ready. He’d come for her, she had no doubt.

“Isn’t it a beautiful day, Sheriff?” She smiled and threw her arms wide open. Can I sit out here for a bit?”

“I suppose, just keep the door open so I can see you.”

It hadn’t occurred to her how the rest of the town might view her. Would she forever be the woman who stole her niece and tricked Keegan? Edith had been kind to her, but would she still be kind in front of the other women. She’d shown her mean spirit the way she ignored Shannon. The only thing she could do was wait and see. All that really mattered was getting back to the ranch.

Doubts assailed her again, and she couldn’t rid her mind of them. It would be up to Keegan whether he wanted her in his house or not. Did he even know his face was on a wanted poster? Did it really matter? The birds were chirping and squirrels were chasing each other up and down the trees. No, today it didn’t matter.

“I need to escort you over to Edith’s. Hardy is on his way here, courtesy of Judge Gleason. We have him on enticing Shannon and Ilene out here for purposes other than marriage. Not sure we can make it stick, but we’ve put that woman Hazel, the one who set up the marriages, out of business. I have a feeling there are many more victims out there.”

Standing Addy then walked back into the jail. John hardy almost fell when Judge Gleason pushed him through the door.

“Here, Shane, let’s switch. I’ll escort Mrs. Quinn to the mercantile.”

“Sure thing, Judge. Come on, Hardy, let’s get you into a nice comfortable cell.” Shane winked at her. “Remember what I said about staying put.”

“I will. Thank you, Shane.”

“You’re letting her go and putting me behind bars? What’s the justice in that?” John Hardy roared as the cell door closed behind him. No one acknowledged him.

“Ready?” Judge Gleason offered his arm to her. She put her hand on his arm and they walked across the street. Her face warmed as people stopped and stared. “Don’t worry about the busybodies. They’re probably all jabbering about Hardy. I’m glad he’s finally in jail.”

“Thank you for your kindness in all this mess,” She said.

“I’m just sorry you had to stay in jail as long as you did but that brother-in-law of yours is a big pain in the old—”

“Come in, Judge, Addy,” Edith’s voice sounded very welcoming. “I just made some tea. Judge, would you like to join us?”

“Sorry, tea parties aren’t something I partake in. Now if you had some whiskey…”

Edith shook her head. “It’s early morning. Of course there’s no whiskey.” She laughed. “You never change.”

“Don’t intend to either. Addy, no leaving the ranch once you get there until this matter is settled. I won’t have to worry about you running off, will I?”

“Are you kidding? She loves Keegan. She’ll stay put.”

“I give you my word. I’ll stay put.”

“Good day,” he said as he touched the brim of his hat.

“Come dear, let’s have some tea. Cookie will be coming to get you in a while.” Edith led her to the corner of the store near a window. There, three chairs covered in a floral design were arranged around a big table. “This is where I like to have tea. It’s comfortable, and I can see what’s going on in town. Sit dear.”

“How do you know Cookie is coming for me? I was only let go just now.”

Edith waited for Addy to sit, and then she sat in a chair across from her. “It’s been in the works.” She poured the tea into china cups. “I know what you’re thinking. How in the world did I get china here without it breaking? It’s amazing isn’t it?”

“It certainly is,” Addy agreed, to be polite.

“My late husband brought it himself. He was a wonderful man. It’s been lonely without him, but I have Cookie. He’s a good man.”

“Yes, he’s a very kind man.”

Edith smiled at her. “Not that anything could ever come of it, mind you. He’d never be a shopkeeper, and I’d never live anywhere else.”

Addy took a sip of tea. “I’ve missed tea since coming west. There’s always plenty of coffee but no tea.”

“I keep it in stock. I’ll send some home with you,” Edith offered.

“You’re a dear, but Keegan wouldn’t want me to spend money on luxuries.”

“It’ll be a getting out of jail present from me.”

Addy couldn’t help it. She started to laugh, and soon enough Edith joined her. “I’ve never celebrated such an occasion before.”

“It’s a first for me too. Oh, look, there’s Cookie.” Edith patted her hair in place as she stood. Addy joined her, wanting more than anything to just go home. She glanced away when Cookie kissed Edith’s cheek.

“Well, Addy, ready to go? I know one little girl who’ll be happy to see ya.” His hand rubbed up and down Edith’s arm. “Sorry I can’t stay.”

“I understand. Go on, the two of you.”

Addy stood and joined Cookie at the door. “I don’t know how to thank you, Edith.”

“Oh, wait, don’t go.” Edith hurried to one of the shelves and grabbed a wooden box. “Here’s your present.” They both laughed while Cookie stared.

“Come back when you can, both of you.”

Addy smiled and walked toward the wagon giving Cookie and Edith a bit of privacy.

They rode in the wagon to Keegan’s ranch while Cookie chattered on. Addy’s heart was beating fast and hard and there were times she could barely catch her breath. Keegan had wanted to talk to her, but they’d never had the chance. What if she wasn’t welcome? He prized honesty above all else. She’d been anything but honest. What would happen to Peg? Her heart broke thinking about the possibilities. Even if William didn’t get to take Peg back, where would they live? She’d been selfish allowing Peg to call her Mama and Keegan Daddy. It just made things harder. Too hard.

“Hey, cheer up. A smile goes better with a hello than a frown.”

“Cookie, I’m not sure of the welcome I’ll get,” her voice quavered.

“I know one little girl who’ll be happy to see you.”

“You’re right.” She gave him a small smile, but the feeling of dread didn’t lessen. The house came into view, and Kooky ran in circles barking. “He’s gotten so big.”

“Dogs do that.”

“Yes, they do. You’ve been a good friend, Cookie.”

The lines in his face deepened when he smiled at her. “I happen to like you too. Just don’t go tellin’ people I’m nice or nothin’.” He drove into the yard and slowed the horses to a stop, put on the brake and jumped down.

“Kooky!” Peg ran out of the house and into the older man’s arms. He laughed as he swung her in a circle. Her eyes grew big and she ran to the other side of the wagon waiting for her mama to climb down. “Mama!” She grabbed her tightly around her legs.

“Let go so I can hold you.” Addy leaned down and lifted Peg into her arms. The feel of the little girl against her was heaven. She kissed Peg’s face over and over.

“Mama, that’s too many.”

“No, Peg. I’m making up for the goodnight kisses I missed.”

Ilene bounded out the door, wiping her hands with a cloth. “Well this is a pleasant surprise. I bet you’re glad to be home.” She smiled but the smile didn’t reach her eyes.

“I can’t thank you enough for taking care of Peg. I heard you’re a good cook. I’m hoping you can teach me a thing or two.”

“I’m needed back at the ranch. I’m mighty pleased you’re back home, Addy. He climbed into the wagon and tipped his hat. “Ladies, have a pleasant day.”

Ilene sighed deeply, and Addy realized she’d been afraid of her own fate. That made two of them. “Come on, Ilene, I’m starved.”

“I just happen to have food ready.” Ilene’s body visibly relaxed.

Addy followed her inside, with Peg in her arms. The place looked great, and she experienced a feeling of rightness being there. She sat on one of the chairs and placed Peg on her lap. “Is that fresh baked bread I smell?

“Yes, and I’m making a cobbler for tonight.”

“I bet you’ve made Keegan very happy.” Addy didn’t even know why she asked, since she didn’t want to know the answer.

Ilene placed slices of bread slathered with butter on the table and sat down. “What man doesn’t like to eat? I know Keegan has missed you. You’re his wife. He’s been the perfect gentleman. I’m not saying there haven’t been awkward moments. I did kick him in the head when I needed the privy in the middle of the night. The fire had died down, and I didn’t see him lying there on the floor. I was mortified.”

“Did he yell?”

“No, but he gave a grunt of displeasure. Your husband isn’t much of a yeller. Where I’m from it was hard to think with all the yelling.”

Addy ate some bread and wondered about Ilene’s background, but she wasn’t going to ask. She had enough of her own problems to deal with. “He isn’t a yeller, you’re right. I haven’t known him long enough to know how he reacts when he’s mad. He’s been nothing but good to me and Peg. He didn’t expect Peg to be with me when I got here, but he’s accepted her as his own. He made us both very happy, but now…”

****

Keegan stood outside the door listening. The sound of Addy’s sweet voice washed over him. He squared his shoulders, took off his hat and ran his fingers through his hair before he went in. His gaze met Addy’s as he crossed the threshold. He drank in the sight of her and smiled. “Welcome home.”

“Thank you.” Her eyes misted as she stood and handed Peg to Ilene. He held his arms open, and when she stepped into them, his heart felt whole again. She wrapped her arms around his waist and held on.

Ilene stood and took Peg and Kooky to the door. As she glanced back, he mouthed
thank you
to her. He swooped down and kissed Addy the very moment the door closed. Her lips were honey sweet and rose petal soft. When she moaned he thought he’d go crazy with wanting her. She opened her mouth to him, and he put his tongue in, deepening the kiss.

Sweeping her up into his arms he sat on the bed with her on his lap. Her neck was long and so beautiful, and he couldn’t help but kiss it. She squirmed and her movements made his need even greater. She pulled his collar back and kissed his neck too. He’d never been kissed so sensually. He reached to unbutton the front of her dress, but she put her hand over his, stopping him.

“I want this too, but Peg and Ilene are outside. I wasn’t sure what type of reception I’d get, and you’ve managed to make me believe in us again. I don’t know if that was your intent. I’m still facing a lot of trouble.” She stood, clasped her hands before her and kept her gaze upon them.

Grabbing her hands he gave then a squeeze. “I have to admit I was furious and hurt that you lied, but after meeting William Bartlette, I understood. I wish you’d felt you could have confided in me. But we can’t go back, only forward and I want to go forward with you.” He stood and wiped the tears from her face with the pad of his thumb.

“I don’t know what I did to deserve such a good man,” she said, her chin wobbling.

“It must have been something mighty good.” He grinned.

She smiled and nodded, “Must have. It’s early afternoon. I didn’t expect you back home so soon.”

“I had a feeling I was needed here.”

“I’m glad. We’d better go see what Peg is doing. I know she can be a handful, and I appreciate you looking after her.”

Intoxicating warmth spread through him. “We’re a family. Besides, I love that little imp.”

They strolled hand in hand to the yard. Peg was playing with Kooky while Ilene laughed.

“Peg named the cow and the chickens,” he said.

“I thought the cow was Nan?”

His lips twitched. “I guess we were wrong. The cow is Kooky Two. The biggest chicken is Kooky Three, the brown one is Kooky Seven and the rooster is Kooky Nine.”

“What happened to the other numbers?”

“I was going to ask you. That’s how she counts every time.” It felt good to laugh.

“I’m impressed she can count at all. She’s not even two yet.”

“She has her own alphabet too. It’s A, B, C, W, Z.”

Addy burst out laughing. “You’re right, she is an imp.”

Ilene glanced over and smiled. He supposed he’d have to find her a place to stay. He’d talk it over with Cinders. Cinders had all the supplies to build a foreman’s cabin. His foreman, Tramp, had up and left after the last cattle drive. All he knew was they’d been friends for years. He’d check with Cinders maybe they could get the house built and tuck Ilene inside. There were plenty of nice ranch hands at the ranch. She might find a husband there.