Keegan's Bride (Mail Order Brides of Texas 2) by Kathleen Ball Page A

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