Keegan's Bride (Mail Order Brides of Texas 2) Read Online Free PDF Page A

need to know. I’ve been waiting for such a smile. Keegan is like family to us.” She raised her hand to her cheek and kept it there for a minute while she studied Addy. Cinders put his arm around her and hugged her to his side. Finally she pulled her hand away. A large scar ran down the length of her face.
    “I’m hoping as you get to know Peg and me, we’ll be considered family too.”
    Shannon’s shoulders relaxed, and she took a step away from her handsome husband. She gazed at Peg with longing in her eyes. “What a beautiful child. She’ll keep you busy, Keegan.”
    “I plan to care for her. I don’t want to add to Keegan’s work.”
    Shannon laughed. “I meant in a good way. Kids take root in your heart, and I have a feeling Peg will have him wrapped around her finger in no time.”
    Addy let out a deep breath. She hadn’t realized just how tense her body was. “She is a little imp.”
    “We should get going,” Keegan said as he lifted Peg into the back of the wagon. Next, he helped Addy in. “I’ll be right behind you on Strike. And Addy, I’m glad you’re both here.”
    She couldn’t help the glow spreading through her. He’d said he didn’t know any pretty words, but he did. Most likely he didn’t know the truth could be very sweet. The ride was bumpy, and she jostled Peg trying to make sure she didn’t fall out of the wagon. Keegan watched her the whole way, and she could feel the heat of a blush on her face and neck. Keegan Quinn, Mrs. Keegan Quinn, Addy Quinn, Peg Quinn; they all sounded wonderful to her.
    Butterflies started in her stomach, and anticipation filled her heart. Closing her eyes, she asked God for his help in making their marriage a success. She also prayed for happiness. Soon enough they were at the edge of town. They stopped in front of the mercantile and Cinders set the wagon brake. Keegan dismounted, walked to the end of the wagon bed, and waited to help her and Peg.
    Did he hold her for and extra second or was it wishful thinking? His smile was so darned cute and masculine. How had she not have noticed his strong, chiseled chin?
    “I’ll wait out here,” Shannon said.
    “Nonsense. You’re welcome here now.” Cinders took her hand.
    “I know. I just can’t shake a sense of rejection every time I go into the mercantile.”
    Addy watched the other women in town as they stared at her. “Keegan, why am I being stared at?”
    “Your dress.”
    “What’s wrong with my dress? It was made by one of the finest seamstresses in Boston.”
    “That’s what’s wrong. Plain and simple, they can’t afford a dress like yours.”
    “Oh, well it’s my wedding day.”
    “And you look beautiful.”
    “Indeed she does,” a rotund man said. “Allow me to introduce myself. I’m John Hardy, the owner of the fine establishment next door.”
    Keegan stepped between Addy and the man. “We don’t need your kind introducing yourself to my intended.”
    John Hardy laughed. “You’re not going to marry this saddle bum are you? Why look at your clothes. You’re used to fine living, not scraping the dry soil for a crumb of food.”
    Addy handed Peg to Shannon and stepped in front of Keegan. “Good day, Mr. Hardy. By insulting Keegan you have insulted me, and I don’t take kindly to insults.” She turned on one foot, grabbed Keegan’s arm and led him away from John.
    Shannon handed a fussing Peg back to Addy. “Well done. That man is as mean as a snake.”
    “He should be in jail,” Keegan added.
    “That’s why we now have a new sheriff. We’ll stop by and meet him after the ceremony,” Cinders added.
    They entered the mercantile, and Addy was delighted to see a section of the store turned into a beautiful wedding scene. There were flowers in vases set out along with fine cloth draped from the ceiling. “Oh, this is beautiful!”
    “Thank you, dear. I’m Edith Mathers. We met briefly yesterday.” She smiled and looked toward the door. “Did Cookie come with