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

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