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

insisted.
    “How about a pretty name like Sally or Joanne?”
    She shook her head. “No. Not those names.”
    “We’ll keep thinking of one.”
    “Kooky Two.”
    “Looks like Shannon is here,” Keegan said.
    “Nan?”
    “Good name for a cow. Nan. Good job, Peg.” Keegan picked her up and they started her way.
    “Kooky Two.”
    He had a twinkle in his eye as he handed her over. “Peg, Mama probably needs your help entertaining her guest.”
    Addy gladly accepted her into her arms. “Keegan? Does that make the puppy Kooky One?” She burst out laughing.
    Keegan smiled and shook his head. “Very funny. Let’s go greet Shannon.”
    She couldn’t help but notice how much of a family they seemed as they waited for the wagon to drive up. Even Kooky stood with them. If only it could be forever.
    “Howdy!” Shannon greeted as she put the brake on. She wrapped the reins around it and allowed Keegan to help her down. “Thank you.” She turned toward Addy. “I hear you need some sewing help. I brought some fabric with me.”
    “Oh, we don’t. I mean maybe we could fix what we have?” She stammered, mindful of Keegan’s admission that they had no funds for fabric.
    “We can try. Keegan, could you bring the fabric in. I don’t want it outside in the sun for too long.”
    He kissed her on the cheek. “Will do.”
    “So, Addy, how are you surviving out here? Big change from the east isn’t it?”
    “Yes it is, Shannon, but we’re getting by. Come inside.”
    “I have a puppy.”
    Shannon bent down and took the dog out of Peg’s hands. “He’s so cute. What did you name him?”
    Peggy held her hands up until Shannon gave her the dog back. “Kooky.”
    “What a fun name,” she chuckled.
    “She named him after Cookie,” Keegan commented as he walked by, his arms loaded down with bolts of fabric.
    Shannon’s brow furrowed. “Cookie must sound like Kooky to a child.”
    They walked into the cabin and Addy gestured for her to sit down. “It’s the only thing I can think of.”
    Keegan tipped his hat at them and walked out the door.
    Shannon hesitated before she took her bonnet off. It was sad to see her self-conscious. Addy smiled at her and looked her in the eye.
    “Can I offer you some water or coffee perhaps?”
    “Maybe in a bit. I want to sort through the material. Peg, cut this didn’t she?”
    “I’m just glad she didn’t cut herself.”
    Shannon smiled as she touched her middle. “I have so much to learn.”
    “Are you expecting?”
    She nodded. “I was beginning to think it wouldn’t happen. Cinders and I haven’t told anyone yet, except for Cookie and now you. I’ll tell Keegan before I go. I’m so glad you’re close to us. You’ve had a baby so you know more than me about the whole thing.”
    Addy gulped and tried to smile. “The birthing is different for each woman.” At least, she hoped that was true.
    Shannon nodded. “Of course it is. Now you could use these pieces to make a quilt but they aren’t big enough to fix.”
    “Thanks for taking a look. We’ll have to make do.”
    “Nonsense. I have more fabric than I could possibly use. I love sewing. I’ll just take a few measurements.”
    “I have no way to pay you. I can’t.”
    “Phewy. I don’t need money, but I am in need of some of the honey Keegan collects.”
    “I haven’t seen any around here.”
    “He should be gathering some soon. It’s been months since the last batch. Besides, neighbors do for each other. I’m hoping we can be friends. Most of my friends are the men on the ranch. Cookie likes you.”
    “Of course. We’ll be the best of friends. Now, tell me what if Cookie didn’t like me?”
    “You probably wouldn’t get a new dress or shirts. I’ve learned to trust his instincts. In most things.”
    “Edith?”
    “Is it so noticeable that she hates me? Yes, she’s the exception. Once her mind is made up, she will never admit she was wrong. She had the impression I was a soiled