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

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