Teagan: Cowboy Strong: The Kabvanagh Brothers Book One

by Ball, Kathleen

  Teagan was out of his chair in an instant. He turned her around and drew her into his arms holding her against him. He’d never thought about her suffering. He’d had no reason to think she was suffering. After all, she was the one who had said no. She had suffered just as he had… if not perhaps more. At least he had received the support and understanding from his family. It sounded like she had been alone with no one to talk to. He stroked her back up and down as she sobbed deeply. His eyes misted because of the pain she was in. He’d grieved their relationship long ago, though it still hurt.

  “It’ll be just fine,” he murmured. “I’m sorry for what you’ve been through, Gemma but you’ll never be alone again.” She stopped sobbing, and he was relieved. “I’ll find you a widower, and I won’t stop until I find the right one.”

  Gemma shook her head and she pulled away. “Gee thank you, you’ve always been more than helpful.” She swatted him on his shoulder.

  “So, the widowers can breathe easy now that you’re not on the hunt?” Teagan chuckled. He put his finger under her chin and tilted her head back so he could kiss her. It was a short kiss; he didn’t want to scare her off, but her eyes widened just the same.

  “I think the first thing we need to do is figure out who Richard thought my father was. Why did he think he was a stage robber? And why was he so sure there was gold on the property?”

  Teagan nodded. “I agree. Let’s find the answers to those questions first, then if we want, we can figure out which brother isn’t mine.”

  Gemma put her hand on his arm. “Oh, but he is your brother, he’s your father’s son, but he is also my brother. I think we need to weigh what it will do to this person if he finds out. What difference does it really make now? Well except for the fact that they would inherit my ranch, but I don’t know if I can ever live there again anyway.”

  “I think you’re right, honey. We need to think long and hard about this before we say a word. So, ready to eat?”

  “Actually, I think I can eat. I feel more relieved now that you know. It’s been an awful big burden of a secret to keep.” She sniffed and stood straighter. “Maybe we can start a list of any times we can remember my father being gone and then find out if there were any stagecoaches robbed at those times. It won’t be a long list, though. Richard never talked about having any evidence, but he must’ve had something to convince the bank owner to go along with him. And there’s still the question of the sheriff.”

  They started making a list, and Teagan realized there would be a lot of traveling involved. He couldn’t stay away from the ranch that long.

  “Maybe we can make inquiries by telegraph?”

  Teagan shook his head. “No, the sheriff would be sure to find out. I have an army friend I can trust to look into this. I’ll telegram him just tell him I need him.”

  “What about Richard’s body? Do you think he’ll be found by whoever else is involved?”

  “He’s buried at his campsite.” He stared into her eyes and smiled. “You’re a survivor. You amaze me, you just do. You’re bright and capable, and I’m telling this to the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. What would you say about you and me?”

  “Oh, you mean while we’re investigating?”

  His smile broadened. “No, actually I mean I want us to get to know each other again. I want another chance without interference. I want what we should have had. That is… if you’re willing?”

  She turned the most beautiful crimson color. “You remember I don’t like to be touched, don’t you?”

  “I’m not worried about it.” A tender smile lit his face. “I don’t think you realize how many times I’ve touched you in the last two days and you’ve been fine. Just give it some time. Let’s give us a chance.”

  She began to wring her hands as her brow furrowed. She stared down at her hands and finally she stilled them, looked at him, and nodded. “I would like that. I would like that very much. Are we going to tell your brothers?”

  Teagan grinned. “Not on your life. They’ll tease us and never let us have a moment of peace. They can guess or think whatever they want. That should keep them busy and out of our way. I enjoyed having lunch with you, but I need to have one of the men go into town to send a telegram.” He paused, holding her gaze with his. “I have to admit, it went better than I thought it would. Things used to be so easy between us and that’s what I’m hoping for again.”

  “I see Dolly is out doing the wash. I’m going to go help her. Bless her for doing so much around here.”

  “She is a wonder.” He gave Gemma a quick kiss on the cheek and left before she could say a thing.

  * * *

  Gemma hung the clothes on the line. Telling Teagan had lightened her burdens. If only she knew which brother or maybe it was better not to know. He may not want her as his sister, or it might be awkward knowing he was born out of infidelity. How long had the affair gone on? Their actions ruined their marriages and now there was a possibility of ruining more lives.

  For what seemed to be the hundredth time, she touched her cheek where Teagan had kissed her. If she wasn’t so afraid, she’d be on top of the world. He’d be gentle of course, but what if she just couldn’t? It wouldn’t be fair to him.

  A horse galloped toward the house with John Junior hanging on for dear life. Gemma abandoned the laundry and raced to him.

  “What happened?” She didn’t like the wild look in his eyes.

  “You have to come Miss. Gemma, you have to. There’s so much blood it’s everywhere. Pa is hurt bad, and Lorna told me to come get you.” The poor boy was shaking.

  One of the hands quickly saddled up another horse for her. “Here you go Miss. Gemma. I figure you and the little boy can ride double. His horse is too lathered to go on. I’ll let the boys know what’s going on.”

  Gemma nodded as the hand helped her up into the saddle and then handed John Junior to her. She kicked the sides of her horse and was off. It seemed like a much longer ride than she remembered. John Junior was crying, so she didn’t ask him any questions.

  As they approach the house, she saw blood by the wood chopping block. She slid down off the horse and then reached up for John Junior. The minute his feet were solidly on the ground, she flew to the door and opened it. The metallic smell of blood permeated the air. Aubrey and Martin were huddled in one corner while Lorna was frantically trying to stop the bleeding.

  Gemma instantly put on water to heat and grabbed all the towels and sheets she could find. She went to the bed and found it saturated with blood. Gently she lifted the towel that covered his leg and looked. It was hard to tell how bad it was because of all the blood.

  “John Junior, I need you to get me a bucket of water, hurry now.”

  Lorna was as white as a sheet. “Lorna, why don’t you grab a chair and bring it over here so you can sit down. You look like you might fall over. I can tell you’ve taken good care of your pa already.”

  John Junior ran in with the bucket of water and set it down next to Gemma. Gemma took one cloth and wet it. She then washed John’s leg. She sighed in relief it wasn’t as bad as she thought. “John? John can you hear me?”

  “Lorna, do you know if you have any whiskey in the house?”

  She climbed off the chair, seeming grateful to be moving. “Yes, yes, I do. I’ll get it for you.”

  Gemma touched John’s forehead to check for fever. So far it seemed fine, but she didn’t expect it to stay that way for long. She took the bottle of whiskey Lorna handed to her, opened it, and poured it over the wide wound. John groaned aloud, but he didn’t open his eyes. She was thankful he was still out. She needed to stitch him up and it was going to take a bit of time.

  Lorna found her some needle and thread. Gemma had her put them in the hot water for a few moments. Then she suggested that Lorna change her dress and take the children outside.

  As soon as she was alone, she got the needle and thread ready and began the long process of stitching up John’s leg. He’d be
off his feet for a while, and the family would need some help. She shook her head, that help would probably be her. She couldn’t imagine how frightened the children had been when they’d seen all the blood.

  After she stitched his leg, she bandaged it and then moved him to the other side of the bed where it was clean. She had a lot of scrubbing to do, and she got to it. The door burst open, and Teagan strode inside.

  “Is John all right?” Teagan walked closer and stared at John’s bandaged leg. “What happened?”

  “As far as I can tell he cut himself chopping wood. It could’ve been much worse. These kids will need a lot of help in the next few weeks. But first things first, I need you to help me change his sheets.”

  Teagan nodded and then assisted her in moving John so she could remove the blood-soaked sheets and replace them with clean ones. Next, he helped her scrub the floor and then gather all the towels and cloths that were bloodied.

  “I don’t think those are going to come clean.”

  “I’ll just bury them in the woods.”

  “Teagan, I’ll be staying here for the next couple weeks. There’s just no other option.”

  “Then I’m staying too.”

  She widened her eyes and stared at him. “Oh no you’re not. People will talk.”

  “They talk already so what do we care? Listen Gemma you can’t do this all alone. Who’s going to watch the children while you work the ranch? I know you’re capable of doing all the ranch work—that’s not the problem. The problem is you may be too tired to take care of the children too.”

  “I suppose you’re right, though I do hate to admit it. You’ll sleep in the barn, of course.”

  Teagan laughed. “Yes, I’ll sleep in the barn.”

  “I’ll start some supper. Why don’t you ask Lorna where the extra blankets are? Then I suppose we need to look and see what other chores need to be done. And, Teagan… I’m glad you’re staying.”

  A smile warmed his eyes. “Me too.” Then he was gone.

  Gemma bowed her head. Thank You, Lord. This could have been much worse. Thank You for giving me the knowledge to help John. And thank You for sending Teagan. Amen

  There was enough in the house for her to make venison stew. She also made dough for a couple loaves of bread. She’d show Lorna how to bake them when she came in. Looking around, she found dried apples and decided the kids needed a treat. She got everything ready to make an apple pie, and then she called Lorna inside.

  Lorna first checked on her father and then she came and hugged Gemma. “I was so scared.”

  Gemma hugged her back and then let go. “I don’t blame you. I would have been too. Teagan and I are staying for a few days to help out. Now, how would you like to learn how to make an apple pie?”

  “I’d love to learn. I tried to make biscuits many times, but no one ate them. Maybe you could teach me how to make those again.”

  “I think I’ll be able to teach you quite a few things while I’m here. How has John Junior been doing with helping you?”

  “He’s been really good about doing his share of the chores. And I’m not as short tempered or tired each day.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.” The sound of hoofbeats came from outside. Quickly she washed her hands and opened the door. Relief washed over her at the sight of Quinn sitting tall in his saddle.

  “Howdy. I just saw Teagan and he told me you two are staying here for a bit. What would you like me to fetch for you? I’ll have Dolly pack your bag.”

  “Just tell her the usual stuff. Oh, and I’d like to have the Bible that’s next to my bed please.”

  He tipped his hat and smiled. “Will do. Someone will be by later to drop your stuff off.”

  He was gone before she could say thank you.

  * * *

  Teagan wasn’t sure whether he was appalled or entertained by the children at supper. Table manners obviously weren’t a priority. Aubrey cried half the time while Martin decided he wanted to run around the table instead of sitting down and eating. Lorna looked like she was going to cry because no one would listen to her, and Gemma seem to be enjoying yourself.

  “So, Martin, you don’t like pie?” she asked casually.

  Martin came to a dead stop. “Pie?”

  “Yes, pie. Children that behave will get a slice of pie. You haven’t been behaving.”

  Martin hung his head and then slowly walked to his chair and sat down. “If I’m good now, can I have some pie?”

  “Well see,” Lorna replied.

  Teagan shared an amused smile with Gemma. She was very good with children. Too bad she was so set on having none of her own.

  He watched as she put the children to bed, giving them each a big hug and kiss. She even sang to little Aubrey. If it hadn’t been for the groans of pain from John, Teagan could have closed his eyes and pretended Gemma was his wife and this was his family. But she wasn’t and they weren’t. He started the dishes.

  Gemma sat with John, comforting him while she checked his wound. He seemed awkward by her attention. He repeatedly thanked her, both of them actually.

  Teagan went over to keep him company for a bit, and John kept apologizing.

  “Neighbors used to look after one another before the war. We’ll need to remember to do it now,” said Teagan. “This far from town, there aren’t as many of us. I’ll be staying in the barn. I’ll check with you in the morning to see what needs to be done.”

  “Too much. My wife had enough to do with the children, but she tried her best, God love her. My cattle multiplied, and I have plenty of water, and thankfully the grass has been plentiful this year. I just can’t round them all up and brand them and all the other things I need to do. I have no way to drive them to market either.”

  “You’re probably sitting on a lot of money. We can give you a hand and we’ll include your cattle in our cattle drive.”

  Moisture covered his eyes. “I don’t rightly know what to say. I’ll take you up on your offer. I’d hate to think of the banker getting my land. It would leave us penniless.”

  Teagan glanced at Gemma, who met his eyes and formed an O with her mouth. Teagan looked back at John and smiled. “Don’t you worry. You just get better.”

  John’s eyelids began to flutter closed. Teagan got up from the chair and joined Gemma by the fire. “How much do you want to bet that the banker thinks there is gold buried on this land?”

  There was a twinkle in her eye. “I’ll bet all the money my father stole,” she smiled. “Now I won’t have to wonder anymore. Darn that Richard. I feel awful I even had an inkling of doubt about my father.”

  Teagan reached over and squeezed her hand and let it go. “We all doubt the ones we love at some point, even if it’s whether they added salt to the meal. Your doubt was a little bigger, but it made sense Richard thought that. Someone had him believing it too.” He stretched. “Well, if all is set in here, I think I’ll head out to the barn. You have a very generous nature. I watched it all day. Good night.” He stood and went to the door. “Be sure to lock up after I close the door.”

  “I will.”

  As he lay in the hayloft, his mind was consumed with Gemma. Her patience with the children, her enjoyment of them, her comfort for John, and her smiles for him. She was really quite a woman.

  Chapter Ten

  Teagan stopped in for breakfast and couldn’t keep his lips from twitching. The boys were asking her question after question before she even had a chance to answer. Gemma was busy with them and making breakfast while Lorna got Aubrey dressed. John looked very pale, but he was alert and watching Gemma. Teagan wished John would watch someone else. But that would not happen anytime soon.

  Quinn was due at any time. He was bringing some men to help get John’s ranch into shape.

  “Can I get you some coffee?” Gemma asked.

  “That would be nice, thank you.” He watched as she poured the dark steaming liquid, humming some tune the whole while. She was happier here, and that stung. They sh
ared a smile when she handed the coffee to him, but the boys fired off more questions.

  “What’s on your schedule for the day?” she asked.

  “Some of the men are coming by. You?”

  “Besides the obvious, I’m going to tackle the laundry. I’m hoping to get some baking in too. I’m thinking about making cinnamon bread and cookies as well.”

  “Cookies?” Martin jumped up and down. “Clark, did you hear? Cookies!”

  The younger boy nodded and jumped up and down with Martin.

  “Will you teach me?” Lorna asked.

  “Of course. We’ll tackle it during naptime so we can concentrate.”

  Lorna smiled. “Do you know how to sew? I’m making a shirt for my pa. It’s a surprise,” she whispered.

  “I’d love to help. How far along are you with it?”

  Lorna scrunched up her forehead. “I was doing fine until I realized that one side was bigger than the other. I thought to add material to one sleeve and one of the front panels. I’m not sure the buttonholes line up either.”

  “No problem. That’s what scissors are for, cutting out the stitches to redo it.”

  “I bet you never have to cut out stitches,” Lorna said.

  “I sure have. Many times, in fact. Once I forgot about buttons and buttonholes but then I figured my pa could just slip it over his head only the neck hole wasn’t big enough. He tried not to laugh, but I ended up in tears anyway.” Gemma and Lorna shared a smile that grew into a loud chuckle.

  Teagan couldn’t take his gaze from Gemma. Had she always been so enchanting without even trying? The sound of horses interrupted his musings. He glanced at John and still didn’t like the way the man was watching Gemma. John had all day to watch Gemma and Gemma had all day to talk to John.

  Teagan stood strapped on his gun belt, picked up his hat, and kissed Gemma on the cheek before he grabbed his saddlebags and rifle. “Have a good day.” He didn’t look back to see Gemma’s reaction.