Teagan: Cowboy Strong: The Kabvanagh Brothers Book One

by Ball, Kathleen

  “I told him I’d be back. I just didn’t say when.” She flashed him a smile.

  He glared back.

  The man came out of the house, disappointment etched into his features.

  Gemma gasped and then put her hand over her mouth.

  Judging from her reaction, this was the man who had falsely married her. As much as he wanted to confront the man, Teagan decided to wait. He doubted Richard Parks would tell them anything unless he had to. He studied Parks. He certainly wasn’t anything to look at. Skinny like a starving coyote that couldn’t figure out how to get in the henhouse, he had stringy hair that fell across his face and hung over his shoulders. It might have been any color under all that dirt.

  Richard stalked to the barn and rode out on his horse. This time he didn’t go through the woods; he rode down the dirt road.

  Teagan tilted his head and regarded Gemma, disbelief rifling through his system. “You married him? I expected someone suave and handsome.”

  “Oh, please. Like I had so many choices. Besides he was handsome when I met him.” She gestured toward the house. “He was looking for something, but what? Something he left behind? Something of my father’s? I had nothing hidden. Why not just wait until I was away from the house and search it like a normal thief would have?”

  “That part, I believe, has something to do with the banker. Shall we go inside while it’s still bright and see what we can find?”

  She smiled. “I think we shall.”

  He stared at her feet. They were wrapped heavily in bandages. They had to be paining her. Why couldn’t she just have stayed at his house and rested?

  He didn’t offer her his arm. The less they touched the better.

  As soon as they were inside, she turned in a wide circle then stopped. “I don’t know where to begin. It’s plain to see the place is empty.”

  “Loose floorboards, loose rocks around the fireplace. Behind a wall…” He surveyed the tiny room. “Well, yours are all single walled, so we’ll start at the fireplace.”

  She nodded and went to the massive fireplace. She took the right side while he took the left, and they both started pushing and shaking the rocks. He was about halfway up from the floor when she released a tiny cry.

  “I found a loose one!”

  He shifted to join her, and they both pulled and wiggled. The stone was in there good, but it was definitely loose. Finally, it gave way and tumbled to the hearth with a thud.

  In the small space behind it, was stuffed a gold ring and a small bit of money. “Well, we found something,” he admitted. “Just not what I think Richard is looking for.”

  “No, I suppose not.” She stared at the ring for a moment. “This is my daddy’s wedding ring. He must’ve left this for Mama to sell if she needed to.” She tucked the money and ring into her skirt pocket. They continued pushing and pulling on the rounded stones but came up empty.

  After a while, they started on the floorboards.

  Teagan stomped his foot in the middle of the room, eliciting a hollow sound. “You have a lot of loose floorboards.”

  “I don’t have any nails to fix them. That’s why the roof leaks too.” She turned away but not before he saw her face turn crimson.

  He’d embarrassed her, and he hadn’t meant to. There wasn’t anything in the main rooms. They stepped into her parent’s room and the pried floorboards were thrown around the room. Gemma shook her head and then got on her hands and knees looking in all the holes.

  Teagan checked the rest of the floor but found nothing. After giving it some thought, they went to her room, but the floor appeared untouched. None of the floorboards showed signs of being loose. With a little effort, he pried up a couple but didn’t find a thing.

  “Maybe we’re not on the right track,” he mused aloud. “But he looked confident when he went in. Like he knew what he was looking for and where to find it. I wonder if anyone was around here last night… It might be too late, but I’ll have the place guarded and the fence fixed so your cattle stay on my property.”

  “Just how many head are they?”

  “I’d say at least thirty. More than enough to pay any loans. I think someone was counting on us not talking. But the Kavanaghs work for what they have. We don’t take cattle from others.”

  They walked to the horses, and he helped her onto the saddle before he mounted his. There was a lot to think about. Too bad he hadn’t a clue where to begin.

  He glanced at Gemma, taking in her confident seat in the saddle, the loose hold she had on the reins. She sure was pretty. “I’d forgotten how good of a rider you are.”

  She stiffened but otherwise acted as though she didn’t hear him. “You mentioned you had a Bible I could use?”

  “I’ll get it for you when we get home. I think it a good idea if we attend church together. I want people to know you’re under the Kavanagh’s protection. Maybe it’ll cut down on the traffic at your place.”

  “What is that supposed to mean, Teagan Kavanagh? If you’re implying, I entertain men, you can just forget it. I will never as long as I live.”

  The vehemence in her voice gave him pause, but he had to ask. “What about the big family you wanted to have?”

  “Teagan, there is only one way that I know of to make a child, and I refuse to allow myself be touched like that ever again. Once I’m settled enough and I make the house look nice, I plan to see about adopting a child.”

  “You have to be married.” He bit his tongue, wishing he’d held the words inside. The hurt and worry on her face was a bit much to take. “I’m sure there are exceptions,” he hastened to add.

  Her face didn’t brighten any. If anything, she looked to have lost her best friend.

  * * *

  Was he purposely trying to hurt her? A slap across the face would have been easier. It was obvious Teagan didn’t believe her about her father having him killed if she said yes to his marriage proposal. It sounded farfetched, even to her, and she had lived it. Her father had always acted as though he liked Teagan, and then suddenly the Kavanaghs were the enemy. Were the Kavanaghs even aware of her father’s hatred?

  It didn’t seem they were. Seeing Richard unnerved her. At the time she had refused him, she’d never thought to see him again and that had been just fine with her. She blamed herself for the position she was in now. She still had to go to town to buy new clothes. It had been a while since she’d purchased anything for herself besides essential things like flour.

  “Am I to talk to Mr. Lyons in town today or just go to the store?”

  “Neither. Have no doubt you’re in danger. I’ll have Dolly buy a few things, and you can sew a few dresses. You do sew, don’t you?”

  Why didn’t he just knock her off her horse? Her heart ached more every time he opened his mouth. She’d made him a beautiful shirt out of fine material, but clearly, he didn’t remember. He acted as though he liked it at the time. She just rode right by him. He didn’t deserve an answer.

  She rode to the barn, and Shea stepped out of the shadows. Without being asked, he lifted her down. “Here you go. I’ll take care of Thomas for you.”

  She blinked in surprise. “The horse is named Thomas?”

  “Yes, it is, and you’re lucky you still have your hide. Teagan never allows us to ride him.”

  She thanked him and went to the house, purposely ignoring Teagan as he rode in. If he planned to break another piece of her heart, he was too late. There hadn’t been anything to break in a long time.

  “There you are!” Dolly said. “Ready to go to town, or do you want to freshen up?”

  “She’s not going,” Teagan answered for her.

  “I’ll be in danger,” Gemma replied, trying to keep the peace. “If I give you a small list, could you pick me up a few things?”

  “Put new shoes and some boots on the list, Dolly.”

  Gemma ignored him and sat down at the table waiting for him to go away. He wasn’t cooperating. “Dolly, I don’t need much. I can s
ew anything I need so whatever you find that isn’t expensive… umm, except for anything brown will be fine.” She looked down at her faded brown dress. “All I’ve worn for years is brown. I can make my underthings. I think if you get anything readymade someone is bound to notice that it’s not your size.”

  Teagan gave a nod. “Get her a few readymade things in your size, Dolly. She can alter them for now.”

  “I can probably go down a couple sizes and no one would even notice. I’ll just play it by ear.”

  “Thank you, Dolly, I appreciate it,” Gemma said. Getting away from Teagan was first on her list. It was too hard to pretend nothing had happened. It was too hard knowing he didn’t like her… well, probably hated her.

  She went into her room and closed the door. The day was full of sunshine but not for her. Somehow it was lonelier than being at her ranch alone. At the ranch she didn’t have any expectations, and she didn’t dare to hope for any change. Just how did someone stop hoping? If she knew, her life would have been free from so much hurt.

  Being here enhanced the fact that she really didn’t have anyone. She was on her own and she never thought she would be. Sometime after her mother died and her father didn’t come back from the war, a piece of her died. She did her best to keep the ranch going, but things turned dire, and that was the only reason she had married Richard. It would have been nice if someone had told her about his gambling. Or his wife. She’d had an idea that he was stepping out on her since he stayed away all night.

  To think she had grown up in this town, went to school with most of the people, and no one came to see if she was doing well after Richard took off. She’d gone over and over it in her mind. What had she done? Had she been rude to someone? Had she insulted someone? Was she just unlikable? Finally, she had reached the conclusion that she must be the type of person people didn’t like. She had read her Bible every day, looking for clues on how to make people think her likeable. She volunteered to be on committees in the community, but they always just said they’d let her know and never got back to her. The last one had been for a town dance. She’d offered to pour the punch and clean up after, but they told her the wrong date and excluded her.

  She’d never been outgoing. She had always been more on the quiet side. It had been hard to go into town and seek to volunteer. To have the dance and not tell her was extremely insulting, but she had finally gotten the message. They didn’t want her around.

  It seemed her heart had been hurt more in the last several years than it ever had before, and being an adult wasn’t always easy. Ranch work usually kept her too busy to contemplate the why of it all day. Though she prayed on it each night.

  Teagan didn’t want her here, but right now she didn’t have a choice. She waited until she heard the doors shut and quietly left her room. She borrowed a straw hat hanging on a peg and grabbed a basket. The Kavanagh’s garden wasn’t far from their house.

  She kneeled on the soil and weeded the whole garden, crawling along the rows a little at a time. Then she picked only what needed picking. Next, she hauled water from the well and watered the plants. It was a garden big enough to feed everyone including the hands.

  She stood and lifted the basket. It was nice and full. She’d start a stew while Dolly was shopping. There was enough time to make it for supper. She reached the kitchen, and the mess astounded her. Ten men, no make that nine, since Quinn had driven Dolly to town, had made this mess. Just who did they think would clean it all up?

  They had gone through all the bread and ham. Sighing, she put her basket down and rolled up her sleeves. They had a hand pump sink, which made things much easier, but they could have at least cleared the table. It took over one-half hour before it looked presentable. She cut the beef into cubes and browned those in an iron pot. Next, she added flour and stirred in some water. Then she washed the vegetables and set to chopping them. Lastly, she added all the vegetables.

  The sound of the wagon made her smile. She was excited at the prospect of sewing a new dress. She went outside and saw Teagan helping Dolly down. Dolly glanced over and bestowed a wide smile on Gemma.

  “Wait until you see the yard goods. I haven’t seen such a selection in a long time. It was sheer joy picking colors and such.” She reached into the back of the wagon and grabbed a crate.

  Teagan took it from her and followed them both inside.

  Dolly acted as though it was Christmas. Her eyes glowed with each new thing she took out of the crate and handed to Gemma. The cotton material was in shades of green, blue, yellow, pink, all in calico and gingham patterns. There were ribbons and lace and pretty buttons.

  “This must have cost a fortune, Dolly. I didn’t need all this.”

  “Quinn told me to get them.” Dolly’s smile widened. “He added the ribbons.”

  Gemma’s face heated. “It’s all so beautiful.”

  There was very soft white material for underthings, and then there was softer and sheerer white cloth. She looked at Dolly and tilted her head.

  “That’s for nightgowns. I’ve never felt anything so delicate.”

  “Quinn?”

  Dolly nodded.

  “Thank you, I know how expensive all this is, and I promise to pay you back somehow.”

  Dolly chuckled. “I’d say you already did. I saw the garden as we drove by. You must have spent hours in it.” She sniffed. “And I do believe I smell stew cooking!”

  Quinn brought in a few more crates and there was a comb, brush, and mirror, all set in silver. She sat and stared, overwhelmed.

  Teagan cleared his throat. “I remembered you once had such a set. And there are shoes in here somewhere.” He gestured to the mound of packages. “I need to do some paperwork.” As he talked, he glanced at her. “See you at supper.”

  She watched him go. “Thank you, Dolly and Quinn, for getting all this. It’ll keep me busy.”

  Quinn tipped his hat and went back outside.

  Dolly went to one last crate and pulled out two pretty dresses. One was a dusty rose color and the other was an emerald green. “These are the readymade dresses. I thought I could help you at least take them up later this evening.”

  “You thought of everything. My heart was so sore and heavy today, but between you and God, I feel much better.” Gemma sat down. “Dolly can I ask you something?”

  “You sure can.”

  “Why don’t people like me? I’ve known most of the people in town for a long time, yet I feel excluded. No, I know I’m being excluded. I don’t understand what I’ve done. They don’t want my help at gatherings. I missed the last dance because they told me the wrong date. We used to all be friends. I don’t know, it just hurts is all.”

  “I don’t think it’s as much you as it is them. Some folks have the notion you knew about Richard Parks being married but lived as his wife anyway. The worst part is, something like that can’t really be defended. Either they believe you or they don’t. I know the hurt just makes you feel alone. All you can do is pray that the hurt goes away for yourself. The others won’t change. But you can pray for comfort and peace.”

  “You’re right.” She sighed. “Teagan was going to loan me a Bible.”

  Dolly went into the other room and brought back a big leather-bound book. “This is the only one I can think of. It’s the family Bible. Just don’t throw it at anyone.”

  “I promise I won’t.” She put the heavy book on her bed and then went back and put the supplies away.

  Chapter Four

  The horses were beautiful. Many looked like thoroughbreds. Which brother had decided to breed horses? Gemma put her hand out to touch the nose of a beautiful bay.

  “Don’t touch my horses.”

  She turned and there stood Brogan looking angrier than she’d even seen him. “They are great horses, Brogan.”

  “You might have flattered your way into Teagan’s good graces, but I have a very long memory. I remember just how broken Teagan was after you were done with him. Why did you lead
him on? Was it fun to have a man fall in love with you? Did it feel powerful to turn him away? Did you laugh about it later?” He snorted. “I bet it was good for your ego.”

  “No, it—”

  “I don’t want to hear your lies. Did you know Teagan joined up the next day and Quinn went with him? Teagan was reckless, not caring if he returned home or not, and while he never got a scratch on him, Quinn did. I blame you for it all. When I saw you sitting at our table, I wanted to jump over it, grab you and throw you out the door. Now you’re staying here. Have you thought for one single second what your presence here is doing to Teagan?”

  Why wasn’t she close to the door so she could just run out? She deserved some of his disdain, it was true, but he didn’t know the whole story. He was only looking out for his brother. Side stepping, she hoped to get by him, but he blocked her way.

  “I want you out of here tonight. I don’t care what excuse you give to Teagan, but your invitation to stay here has been revoked. Understand?” he practically growled at her.

  She shook her head and tried to get around him again. He grabbed her arm.

  “I asked if you understood.”

  “Yes, yes I understand. Just let me go.” As soon as he released her, she ran out of the barn. She hadn’t known any of what Brogan had just told her. But he was right. It was her fault. Somehow, she had to make things right. Starting with finding employment so she could take care of herself.

  She looked down at her new dress and new boots. She was presentable now. Maybe she could find a position in town. Turning south, she walked toward the town. Going back home was what she really wanted to do, but she was too scared, and it would be a hardship to live with no furniture or even a decent blanket.

  It was a long, dry dusty walk, and she dreaded every step. It would be all right, she tried to convince herself. Maybe it had been a big misunderstanding about the dance. Certainly, people wouldn’t be so cruel to exclude her like she thought they had. The town seemed to grow every day. There was now a barber shop and a new doctor. Hopefully Mrs. Miller still ran her boarding house. But before she could think of a place to stay, she’d need a job first.