The Texan's Bride by Geralyn Dawson Read Free Book Online Page A

your father is fond of saying, I’m in need of a wee drop of the Irish.”
    Katie approached carrying two glasses and a bottle of John Gallagher’s best. Undisguised curiosity put a glow to her face that made Branch want to laugh. It made him want to throw her over his shoulder and carry her up the stairs to his bed and answer all the questions that really mattered.
    She poured each man a drink and waited expectantly. Branch looked up at her. “I guess you want an introduction.”
    She shrugged. “Well, this gentleman is the first of our guests to inquire after you by name. Obviously, you are acquaintances, and I’m always interested in learning more about our employees.”
    Branch shook his head at her demure look. Really, the woman should be on stage. “Mrs. Starr, may I present Mr. William Bell. William is a friend.”
    Bell had stood as Branch spoke, and both he and Katie waited a moment for Branch to expound on the relationship between them. When it became obvious that Branch had no intention of doing so, Bell bent over Katie’s hand and gave it a courtly kiss. “I’m honored, madam. Please allow me to tell you how much I enjoyed the meal this evening. The turkey was roasted to perfection, and that cornbread dressing was the most delicious I’ve ever tasted. You must share your secret so that I may tell my wife.”
    Katie’s smile beamed her pleasure. “Why, thank you, Mr. Bell. It’s rewarding to know that my guests enjoy my cooking.” No one but Branch knew she punctuated that statement with a kick to Branch’s shin.
    She’s never goin’ to let me forget those doughballs , he thought.
    “I normally do not share my recipes, Mr. Bell, but since you are a friend of Mr. Kincaid’s, I’ll make an exception.” A teasing twinkle in her eyes, she looked first over one shoulder, then the other, and whispered, “Two pours of Irish whiskey.”
    “Aha.” Bell chuckled. “What an innovation!”
    Katie nodded. “Actually, one might say it’s my father’s discovery. He’s the one who tipped the bottle over in my kitchen one afternoon.” She smiled warmly at William and added, “Welcome to Gallagher’s, Mr. Bell. Make yourself at home. If I may be of any assistance, please let me know.”
    Watching her, Branch suddenly got a picture of Katie standing on the front veranda at Riverrun, welcoming guests in just the same manner. The thought cut like a knife.
    “Sprite, I haven’t checked on Striker yet this evening. Would you find Daniel for me and ask him to make sure he’s settled for the night?”
    Katie accepted the obvious request for privacy and left the table, stopping to inquire as to the needs of the dice players before exiting the room.
    “Mrs. Starr is a pleasant young woman,” William commented.
    “Don’t believe it. She’s as ornery as a mule colt, I’m here to tell you. And take a hint, never go near the woman when she’s within squirrel-swingin’ distance.”
    Branch sipped his whiskey and dealt another hand while thoughts of the Widow Starr mingled with memories of Riverrun. After a few moments of quiet he said, “Listen, William, I know you want to help me. I appreciate that, and I appreciate all the work you did searching to find me when Hoss ordered it.” He sighed. “This is hard for me, William. I apologize for acting like a mule’s hind end. It’s just that, well, you were there that day, you know what it was like.”
    Bell studied his manicured fingernails. “It wasn’t much of a party, was it?”
    Branch’s twisted grin agreed. Oh, the trappings had all been there. No matter how hard he tried, he could not forget the details of that night. It had been the end of his innocence—the payment for manhood. “Recollect the lanterns? Must have been four hundred of ‘em hangin’ from the live oaks that lined the drive up to the Big House.”
    Bell nodded.
    “They cooked for weeks getting ready. The music, the dancing—I loved that song ‘Possum up a Gum Stump.’ The