Second Chance Brides

by McDonough, Vickie;

  Chuckling, Rachel shook her head. “It would serve those rascals right if only men showed up.”

  “I’ve had enough of the Corbett brothers matchmaking and interfering in my life.”

  A wagon drove by, and the driver lifted his hat to the two women. He stared until his wagon turned down Main Street.

  Leah faked a shiver. “I sometimes feel as if I’m on exhibit.”

  “Men around here admire pretty women. There are so few of them to be had in Texas.”

  “Men everywhere admire women. Pretty or not. It’s their nature.”

  “True. But if they know of one who is available, that piques their interest even more.”

  Leah crossed her arms over her chest and jiggled her foot. “Just who told them I was available?”

  “I’ll give you one guess.”

  “I guess it’s no secret how that bride contest turned out.” Leah shot to her feet, sorry for making Rachel squirm but irritated to the core. “I’m about ready to march over to the freight office and give those two scalawags a piece of my mind.”

  Rachel stood. “Try to see that they mean well. They messed things up by bringing you and Shannon to town, and now they’re trying to fix that mistake.”

  “I can’t believe you’re defending them after the trouble they caused for you.”

  Rachel walked down the steps and plucked several dead leaves off a rosebush. “You know, if those two men hadn’t sent for you brides, Luke might never have forgiven me and gotten up his courage to ask me to marry him. So in a strange, roundabout way, I’m beholden to Mark and Garrett.”

  Leah opened her mouth to comment, but Rachel held up her hand. She flipped her long braid over her shoulder.

  “That doesn’t mean I condone what they did. It was wrong to pretend to be Luke and to write to you. But now that you’re here and neither of you want to leave, I guess they feel they owe it to you to find you a husband.”

  Leah shoved her hands to her hips and paced the porch. “I don’t need their help in finding a mate. I’ve already got my eye on someone.”

  “Oh yeah?” Rachel’s eyes lit up, and she cocked her head. “Who?”

  Leah realized her mistake too late. “I…uh…am not ready to say. I don’t even know if he’s interested in me.”

  Leaning her arms on the porch rail, Rachel stared up at her. “Well then, going to the social could be a good thing.”

  Leah narrowed her eyes. “How so?”

  “It would give you a place to get to know this man better. Other than outright courting, there aren’t many opportunities for a man and woman to spend time together.”

  “Hmm…” Leah tapped her index finger against her lips. “You may be right. But it would mean talking to other men, too.”

  “True, but you might meet someone more interesting than the man you’ve got your eye on. Or you will confirm that he’s the one for you.”

  What Rachel said made sense. But was getting to know Dan Howard worth having to dance with and talk to all those other men? Leah shuddered at the thought of being near some of the uncouth men. Still, she would be able to talk with Dan there and somehow let him see her interest. “I think you may be right.”

  Too bad she didn’t have a new dress to wear to the social.

  Shannon stared at the man standing in front of Mark’s desk. “You want what?”

  The lanky cowboy wore a faded, red plaid shirt, dingy denim pants, and worn boots. He twisted the brim of his hat in his shaking hands, and his ears turned the color of his shirt. “I asked if you’d like to get hitched to me, ma’am. Got me a ranch over toward Dennison a ways, and an ailing ma. I need a woman to help care for her and cook for my men.”

  “So you need a cook, not a wife?”

  The man scratched his head, his hazel eyes darting around the office. “Uh…what’s the difference, ma’am?”

  Shannon’s mouth quirked. She knew little of married life, but there had to be more than just cooking. She felt sorry for his mother, but she wouldn’t marry unless she was in love. Her own mum had married the man her parents wanted—a man she didn’t love—and she’d never been happy. “I’m sorry, Mr. Harkins, but I have a job already.”

  His brows dipped again. “I didn’t offer you a job, ma’am. I asked you to marry me.”

  She felt sorry for the clueless cowboy, but she shook her head. A noise sounded from the right, and she saw Mark standing in the doorway to the side room, scowling. How long had he been there?

  “I believe the woman said no, Abbot.”

  The cowboy frowned. “What am I gonna do, Mark? I need someone to help care for ma and feed my men.”

  Mark’s gaze gentled, and he crossed the room and laid his hand on Abbot’s shoulder. “I’m sorry to hear about your mother. If Garrett and I can do anything, be sure to let me know.” Mark rubbed the back of his neck. “Maybe what you need is to hire a cook rather than take a wife. Or maybe a neighbor could help out for a while.”

  Abbot nodded and seemed to be studying the floorboards. “Maybe so, but ma has her heart set on seeing me married before she—“ The man swallowed hard, and his Adam’s apple bobbed.

  “Marrying isn’t something done in haste. You need time to develop a relationship and to fall in love.”

  Shannon watched Mark, admiring the gentleness in his voice and how he treated the man with respect in spite of his misguided mission. In the two weeks that she’d been working at the freight office, she’d come to admire Mark—on most occasions. There had been a few times when he’d dropped his guard and horseplayed too roughly with his brother for her taste or even argued with Garrett. She’d never had siblings who lived long, but she couldn’t help thinking she’d fight less and love them more.

  Abbot nodded. “I reckon you’re right. You think that other bride would be interested?”

  “In what? Marriage or being a cook?” Mark asked.

  Abbot shrugged; then his eyes glinted with an ornery gleam. “Could be I’ll just attend that Saturday social you and your brother are planning and see if I cain’t win her heart.”

  Mark’s gaze darted to Shannon’s, and she didn’t miss the apprehension there. What was Mr. Harkins talking about?

  He patted the man’s shoulder again. “You do that, Abbot. You’ve got as good a chance as anyone else.”

  The rancher nodded and tipped his hat to Shannon. “G’day, ma’am. Mark.” His spurs jingled as he crossed the room and walked out the open door, carrying with him the scent of dust and cattle.

  Shannon stood and crossed her arms. “What exactly is this Saturday social thing?”

  An odd look crossed Mark’s face, and the tips of his ears turned red. “Uh…just a gathering of folks and a dance.”

  Shannon narrowed her eyes. “Sounds like more than that. Why would the two of you be hosting a social? Could you be looking for a wife now?”

  “No, we’re not looking to marry.” Mark crossed to the open door and stared outside. He heaved a heavy sigh. “It was Garrett’s idea.”

  “Why does that not surprise me?” Shannon mumbled.

  Mark leaned against the doorjamb and turned to face her. His blue eyes looked troubled, and his short hair twisted in enticing curls, giving him a softer look than his brother. “For the record, I told him that it was a bad idea and that I wanted nothin’ to do with it.”

  “Why is it he felt the need to organize such an event?” Mark’s mouth twisted to one side, and he broke from her gaze.

  “Do you not feel you owe me the truth?”

  He captured her gaze again, and it set her heart thumping. She shifted her feet, not wanting to admit how attracted she was to him. Her pa had been rough, dirty, and hairy, but Mark was always clean and smelled fresh. Garrett’s desk was always a mess, with things tossed haphazardly, but Mark’s was always tidy, even while he was working. After he’d gotten used to working with her, he’d been only kind and patient in showing her how to do everything. But how could he stir her senses after all he and h
is brother had done? It made no sense to her.

  “Garrett has…uh…been talking to some of our customers and discovered there are a number of them who’d like to marry. We also have found women in other towns who are looking for husbands.”

  Shannon’s ire simmered to a boil, and she bolted to her feet as she realized the truth. “You mean your brother is hosting a social so that you can marry off Leah and me? Isn’t that correct?”

  Mark’s silence was all the answer she needed.

  Shannon lifted her chin and straightened her back. These men had meddled enough in her life. “I believe that I’ve finished working for today.”

  She marched to the door, but Mark didn’t move. His fresh scent wafted over her. Looking up, she hated to see the pain she’d inflicted. Mark was somewhat a victim of his brother’s shenanigans, but he was a grown man—a man who needed to stand up for what he believed and not be swayed by his conniving sibling.

  “Shannon…Miss O’Neil.”

  “Pardon me, Mr. Corbett.”

  His heavy sigh warmed her face, but he stepped back. Shannon strode out of the office, uncertain if she’d ever return.

  CHAPTER 10

  While Rachel was busy in the kitchen, fixing their noon meal, Leah tiptoed into the dining room and quietly set the table. Maybe Rachel wouldn’t willingly ask for help, but Leah had decided to find small ways to help anyway. She completed her task without getting caught and left the room feeling good.

  A shadow darkened the screen door, and Shannon strode in with a scowl on her face.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Oh, those…those…” She stomped her foot. “They fuel my ire like a match to lamp oil.”

  Leah’s mouth twitched. She’d never seen Shannon so worked up before. Normally, the girl would turn quiet and withdraw when upset, but seeing her angry encouraged Leah that maybe Shannon had more of a backbone than she thought. “Those what? Or should I say who?”

  Shannon’s green eyes flickered with fury. “Do you know what those hooligans are plannin’ now?”

  “Ah, you’ve heard about the Saturday social.”

  “You know about it? Why didn’t you say something?”

  Leah held up her hand and leaned against the parlor doorjamb. “I just learned about it this morning.”

  “And are you goin’?”

  Leah waved her hand toward the parlor. “Let’s sit down.”

  Shannon followed her to the settee and turned to face Leah. Taking a moment to organize her thoughts, Leah straightened her skirt.

  “Surely you are not actually considering goin’. ’twould only encourage the Corbett brothers.” Shannon eyed her with skepticism.

  “Now hear me out. I’ve got my eye on a man.”

  “Aye?” Shannon leaned forward, brows lifted. “What man would that be?”

  Leah pressed her lips together, not sure she was ready to share that information. “Uh…just someone I’ve met a time or two.”

  “How can you know a man when you’ve only just met him?”

  Leah shifted on the seat. “That’s the thing. I can’t. Attending the social would give me the chance to talk with this man and learn more about him. He might even ask me to dance.”

  “If he attends it.” Shannon seemed to be considering what Leah said as different expressions crossed her face. “Aye, I can see how ’twould be beneficial to you, but I won’t be attending.”

  Leah gasped, suddenly not so sure of her plan. “Oh, but you have to. I don’t want to go alone.”

  “Perhaps you can go with Luke and Rachel.”

  Leah shook her head. “They aren’t invited. It’s only for unmarried folks.”

  Shannon nibbled on the inside corner of her lip and stared across the room. “I don’t know. ’twould almost be as if I were advertising for a husband.”

  A warm breeze fluttered the curtains at the open window. A bird flitted on the bush just outside the window, chirping a lively tune. “I can see why you’d think that, but I’m pretty sure that it’s just a social. Yes, men and women will meet, but what’s wrong with that?”

  Shannon shrugged and wrung her hands.

  “I realize that you now have a job and are no longer dependent on the Corbett brothers for your support as I still am.”

  Shannon muttered something about quitting her job, then looked at Leah. “It’s one and the same. I may be working and earning a wage, but I’m still dependent on those hooligan brothers since I work for them.”

  “I see your point, but it’s different. You’re earning your keep, I’m just a…dried-up old cow, no longer giving milk but too tough to eat.”

  Shannon sucked in a loud breath and whacked Leah on the arm. “Don’t you say such a thing. You can’t be much older than me.”

  Leah shrugged. “I know, but it just seems that way at times. I don’t want those men supporting me, but what else can I do? There are no other jobs available.”

  “Perhaps I could help you. I have a wee bit of extra money.”

  Leah placed her hands over her friend’s. “Thank you, but you know that isn’t true. Maybe you have some money left after paying room and board, but it’s precious little, I’d imagine. You need that to buy yourself some more dresses. You can’t wear this one every day.”

  Shannon looked down and fingered her sleeve. “Aye, there’s truth in what you say. Perhaps I could ask to work more hours.”

  Leah smiled, warmed by Shannon’s desire to help, but she shook her head. “No, I very much appreciate your offer, but I need to make my own way. I need to find a man to marry or a job.”

  “So, you are serious, then, about attending the social?”

  “Yes. It seems the thing to do. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get to know the man I’m attracted to better, but at the same time, I can ask around about employment.”

  Shannon’s grip tightened on Leah’s. “Just be careful. Not all men are honorable. Don’t be going off alone with any of them.”

  “Yes, Ma.” Leah grinned, and Shannon chuckled. “Why are you back early from work, anyway?”

  Shannon sighed. “I got irritated with Mark when I overheard him tell a cowboy about the social.”

  “Oh, it’s Mark now, is it?” Leah couldn’t resist teasing.

  Shannon’s face turned five shades of red, and she looked away. “I do work with two Corbett men, and ’twould be confusing to refer to them both as Mr. Corbett.”

  Leah couldn’t help wondering if Shannon was attracted to Mark. She couldn’t imagine having an infatuation with either man, but at least Mark seemed less ornery and more sensible than his brother. “Do you also call Garrett by his first name?”

  Leah could hardly believe it possible, but Shannon’s cheeks flamed more.

  “I…uh, no. He isn’t in the office very often, and it wouldn’t seem proper.”

  Leah sat back, smiling. “I see the way of things.”

  “Nay!” Shannon held her palm toward Leah. “I…it just makes things easier since we work together so much.”

  “So, you’re not attracted to him?”

  Shannon ducked her head and fiddled with her apron, not answering at first. “It does seem hard to believe, but I am attracted to him, though he couldn’t care less about me.”

  “Why would you say such a thing? You’re a beautiful woman, and he has to be intrigued by your lovely accent.”

  Shannon lifted one shoulder and dropped it back down. “His brother hadn’t told him that he’d hired me, and Mark was quite angry when he first found out. I was so embarrassed to witness their disagreement, especially with me being the topic of it. I wanted to run from their office, but I couldn’t because of my ankle.”

  “Oh, Shannon, I never knew. What a horrible thing for him to do. I can understand why Mark would be upset.”

  “Aye, me, too, now that I’ve had time to step back and think about the situation. But Mark quickly adjusted and has been quite gracious and patient since then.”

  “Just give him
some time. He’s seems a levelheaded man, even if he does let his brother involve him in his high jinks.” Leah squeezed Shannon’s hand. “Let me tell you: That’s often the case of a younger brother following his older one. I’ve lots of brothers, and it most always happens.”

  Shannon stood, as if uncomfortable with the topic of conversation. “I should go and clean up. I imagine dinner will be ready before too long.”

  Leah watched her scurry from the room. Had the girl already fallen for Mark Corbett? Leah shook her head, unable to envision such a union. She stood and walked out onto the front porch. The heat of the day made her sweat, even though the August sun wasn’t yet fully overhead.

  A worm of jealousy inched its way into Leah’s heart. If Shannon were to marry Mark Corbett, she’d have a home and a family—of sorts. Yeah, she’d be permanently supported by a Corbett, but that would be different since she’d be married to one.

  Leah blew out a breath. She was getting the cart before the horse. Shannon seemed only mildly attracted to Mark. Besides, even if they did happen to get married, she should be happy for her friend, not jealous of her.

  Shoving those thoughts aside, she studied the town. Several horses were tied in front of the bank and also the café. Their heads hung low, as if they, too, were bothered by the heat. Leah longed for the cooler temperatures of fall, but the uncertainty of her future nagged at her. There must be something she could do to make some money.

  After lunch and an afternoon rest, Leah ventured down to the café. An idea had percolated in her mind, and she hoped that Polly would still be there. She passed the lot where the store had been, and the marshal’s office, but she didn’t look inside. It no longer mattered to her what Luke Davis did. He might have once been the target of her sights, but no more. He was a happily married man.

  She opened the door to the café and stepped inside. Aromatic scents lingered even though all the customers were gone. The front windows were wide open, but the room was still overly warm. A fly buzzed near her head, and she swatted at it. Pots clanged together in the back room, so she made a beeline in that direction.