Keegan's Bride (Mail Order Brides of Texas 2) by Kathleen Ball Read Free Book Online

edible. “You might just want to give Peg some of the potatoes unless she has sharp teeth.”
    He tried not to laugh as Addy turned a deep shade of red. She quickly nodded and glanced away. Peg opened her mouth like a little bird, waiting for Addy to drop food in.
    Finally, Addy turned toward him. “Thank you for rescuing dinner.”
    “Like you said once you get used to the fire instead of the stove it’ll all work out.” It wasn’t true. There was no way she knew how to cook. Why not just admit it?
    “Yes, I’m sure it won’t take long at all.”
    A groan got trapped in his throat. He hoped it wouldn’t take long, but he had the feeling he’d be eating some bad meals for a while. “I’ll dump the kettle and get some water heating.”
    “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