Shea: Cowboy Chance: The Kavanagh Brothers Book 10

by Ball, Kathleen

  Burden upon burden lifted from his shoulders as Teagan hugged him. He’d relied on his brother his entire life, and he knew he could count on him now. “Thank you for coming.”

  Teagan gave him a quick nod and turned toward the cell. “They’ve been here since you telegraphed?” He didn’t wait for an answer. “That is unacceptable.” He walked toward the bars and tilted his head. “Two?”

  “I’m Mary. I’m helping to take care of Phoebe.”

  “You’ve been locked in here also?”

  “By choice. I couldn’t leave dear Phoebe on her own.”

  Teagan’s gaze shifted to Phoebe. “I can see why you’re so taken with her, Shea. She looks like an angel. Hello, Phoebe. I’m Teagan, Shea’s oldest and wisest brother.”

  Phoebe smiled.

  “I know once you get to know me, you’ll realize the wisest is just the start. I’m the kindest, the fiercest, and the most handsome. I—”

  Shea chuckled. “Don’t pay him any mind. It’s my family’s fault; we let him assume all those things are true.”

  Teagan smiled. His smile turned into a frown as he turned back to the sheriff. “Sheriff… Yardley is it?”

  “Yardley.” The sheriff thrust out his hand for an introductory shake. “Donald Yardley.”

  Ignoring the hand, Teagan nodded at the jail cell. “Sheriff Yardley, you need to let the women out of there. I’m surprised the town allowed this.”

  “She’s a train robber!”

  Teagan laughed. “She can’t walk! I don’t know what you and her so-called mother are cooking up. I’m going to have lunch with Judge Stanton. I’ll be back with the lawyer…” He glanced at Shea.

  “Leonard Spitz,” Shea supplied.

  “I’ll be back with Mr. Spitz and Judge Stanton. I think we can get this straightened out. In the meantime, Sheriff, I’d appreciate it if you’d have…” He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and glanced at it. “Miss Adel Gates and the two Burns women here when we get back.” Teagan nodded to Phoebe and Mary. “Shea, walk me out, will you?”

  Once they were outside, Teagan smiled. “It’s good to see you, Shea. You’ve been gone too long. I have a private car for the trip home tomorrow. Looks like you had everything in hand before I got here.”

  Shea smiled. “Maybe eventually, but they kept postponing the trial.”

  “I can understand why you stayed. You picked well.”

  Shea furrowed his brow. “Picked?”

  “You don’t see how she looks at you? You have the same expression when you look at her.”

  Shea shook his head and regarded Teagan through wary eyes. “What expression?”

  “The same look you had when you got your first pistol. A look of wonder mixed with longing.” Chuckling, Teagan walked away.

  Shea remembered when he first got his six shooter. He’d never been so happy or proud. Finally, he had been worthy of a new gun. Thankfully, he never had to be a soldier, but on a ranch a firearm was a requirement.

  A frown pulled at his forehead. Did she actually look at him that way?

  Chapter Fourteen

  It had been beyond satisfying sitting in a chair out of the cell watching Adel, Mrs. Burns and her cowed daughter recant their stories to the judge. Adel admitted it had upset her Shea had fired her. With a sigh, Mrs. Burns admitted how she had slipped the jewelry into Phoebe’s bag. She wanted Phoebe out of the way so her daughter would have a chance at a Kavanagh.

  Shea’s jaw clenched at the words chance at a Kavanagh. He’d told her people merely wanted him for his money. Who wouldn’t just want Shea rich or not? She hadn’t realized she’d reached out and taken his hand until he gently squeezed it.

  “I still believe she was in cahoots with the robbers!” Sheriff Yardley insisted.

  “Why? Because Sheriff Farming said so? You had nothing to do with the investigation!” Shea’s temper was showing in the loudness of his words.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t hear about the case earlier,” Judge Stanton stated, frowning.

  “I thought you kept pushing it back,” Shea challenged.

  “Yes, I wanted Sheriff Farming to be here in Parsons. He told me he’d caught the mastermind. I didn’t think to ask questions. I went out of town. My daughter got married, you see. I apologize, Miss Kagan. It’s no excuse, and I should have checked.”

  She nodded as regally as she could. “I accept your apology. Am I free to go?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “I’ll pack up our things,” Mary offered.

  Shea leaned down and lifted Phoebe. It felt like coming home, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. What would it be like to be his wife? Working beside him, cooking his meals… She swallowed hard. What had she been thinking? Working beside him? How would she accomplish that? For a moment she’d forgotten her infirmity. She’d find some means to contribute to the ranch. Shea would never be sorry he took a chance on her.

  People stared at them as they went to the hotel. Many of the women looked pleased while a few of the men narrowed their eyes. The mastermind? How ridiculous.

  “We’re almost there. Are you all right?” Shea’s voice was so gentle.

  “I’m fine now I’m out of jail. I never once in all my life thought I’d spend any time in a cell.” She heaved a sigh. “What about my mother?”

  “Teagan put her on a train traveling north. She wanted to come to the ranch and take care of you, but he didn’t think it an appropriate idea.”

  “I’ll remember to thank your brother. What is that look for?”

  “I should have been able to accomplish what he did. He did it in a matter of hours.”

  “As the oldest, he’s probably used to getting to the heart of things. He doesn’t have time to fool around. He has too much to do looking after all you brothers. He just hurried along what you would have done. You, not Teagan, have been here by my side. You are my hero. I never doubted you. Plus, you are one of my many blessings.” She smiled.

  “Oh, I am? A blessing? I’ve never been thought of one before. You make my heart smile.” His face turned a fine shade of crimson, but he held her gaze.

  “I like that; you make my heart smile. It’s beautiful, and I believe the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.” A sigh slipped out. “You have been a true friend to me.”

  “They have lunch for us at the hotel. No one here thought it appropriate a woman had to spend time in a cell.”

  A chill rippled along Phoebe’s spine. Something had changed between them, and she didn’t know what. It was as if he was distancing himself. Maybe he didn’t wish to be her true friend. Had she been too forward?

  They entered the hotel restaurant, and a waiter held a chair out. Shea put her down, pushed her chair up to the table, and then sat next to her. He didn’t give her his usual boyish grin when he’d set her down. The silence that ensued hurt her heart.

  “I might stay here in Parsons,” she broached tentatively. “It seems like a pleasant town except for the lawmen.”

  His eyes flashed with something, perhaps anger. “You don’t want to come to the ranch?”

  Nothing she said was right. Her eyes became moist. “I realize I will never walk again. No matter what I do, I’ll be someone’s burden, and I don’t want you to see me as some responsibility because you once invited me to your home.”

  “What about having a good life?” He shook his head. “I can’t leave you behind.”

  “Because you feel responsible. Who knows? Maybe I could be of help to someone here, and someday… never mind.” She turned her head away. This wasn’t going right at all. She took a deep breath. “What I’m trying to say is I don’t need to be a millstone around your neck. You have to promise me you won’t put your life on hold because of me. A wife and children would suit you, and I don’t want you to miss out if the perfect woman comes along. If you can promise me, I won’t hold you back in any manner, I’d love to go to the ranch.”

  “Don’t cry,” he murmured as he took he
r hand. “You’ve been a true friend to me too. You won’t be in the way. My family will love you, and there are so many children to keep everyone occupied. You’ll never be in the way. Now, do you prefer to order now or should we wait for Teagan and Mary?”

  “I’d like to order now.”

  * * *

  Later that evening, Shea couldn’t sleep. A true friend? He wanted her to be his new pistol. Did she think because she couldn’t walk she wasn’t deserving of getting married? She might not be able to carry a child, but he’d make certain she never felt lacking in any way.

  Would she even be interested in him? She didn’t seem to care about money. She was in his heart, and he wouldn’t allow her to stay in Parsons. She was moving to go to the ranch, and one day she would be his wife.

  He sat upright. His wife? Then he released a sigh and smiled. Yes, his wife. That was exactly what he wanted. Now all he had to do was convince her. He could be charming, but she already knew his moods. Maybe if he gave her presents? No, there wasn’t time to buy presents. How was he to make her love him? He had to act pleasant and attentive. He’d need to know what she needed before she asked. That would surely make her fall in love with him.

  Having a plan was calming. A comfortable smile worked its way over his face as he drifted into sleep.

  * * *

  How had they amassed so much luggage? At least Phoebe didn’t have to carry it. All she cared about was making sure her chair was on the train. Once she saw it loaded, she agreed to go aboard. Her eyes widened when she saw the new Pullman car.

  “This is nicer than the house I lived in. Oh my. I’ve never seen such a car as this!” Plush rugs on the floor with matching curtains on the windows. The seats were bigger and overly stuffed. Beyond the seating area were two open polished wooden doors. Shea carried her into one room, and she gasped. Two very rich looking beds took up much of the room. The paintings on the walls were amazing landscapes.

  “This is very exceptional. I’m fine in the regular cars.”

  “They invited my big brother to try it out. You and Mary will share one room, and Teagan and I will take the other. The door to the necessary is there.” He gestured with his chin in the door’s direction.

  “It will be just the four of us? A whole car for only four people?”

  Shea laughed. “It appears so. I think we’ll be comfortable enough.” He sat her down on one of the plump chairs. “I’m happy you decided to come to Texas.”

  Her face heated as she nodded. “Me too.”

  “Well, look at this! How grand!” Mary exclaimed excitedly. She immediately set about exploring the room.

  Finally, Teagan joined them. “Oh, this is nicer than I was led to believe. Mr. Pullman sure knows how to design a luxury train car.” He smiled at Phoebe and then slapped Shea’s shoulder. “I think this will do.”

  No mothers with single daughters, no Jasper, and no Adel. Phoebe gazed at Shea. It didn’t get any better than this. Shea looked peaceful, yet he looked as though he didn’t sleep well if the shadows under his eyes were a sign. He’d done so much for her. She must be wearing him out.

  Mary sat and gave her hand a quick squeeze. “There is food here too. Can I get you anything?”

  Phoebe looked over a bowl of fruit, and her mouth watered. “Is that an orange I see?” Oranges were never plentiful, and they were her favorite.

  Mary hopped up.

  “I’ll get it, Mary.” Shea strode over to the fruit basket. He selected an orange and peeled it before bringing it to Phoebe. He placed the plate on the table in front of her and handed her a napkin.

  “Thank you.” She smiled when Mary shrugged her right shoulder. Taking a bite of a slice of the citrus fruit, Phoebe closed her eyes. It was perfectly sweet. When she opened her eyes, she noticed Shea staring at her. Quickly she took her napkin and dabbed it against her lips. Certain she didn’t have a piece of orange on her, she put her napkin down. Still, he stared.

  “Teagan, I hear you’ve been married for a while,” she said. Maybe chatting would get Shea to stop.

  “Yes, my Gemma is a wonderful woman. She’s an amazing wife and mother,” Teagan told her with pride in his voice.

  “What ages are your children?”

  “Well, we have the oldest and the new baby and a couple in between.”

  Maybe Teagan didn’t like small talk. She supposed she would meet everyone when she got to Texas. Soon enough, the men were discussing cattle breeds. Glancing out the window, she noticed the landscape passing by much faster than it had on the last train.

  “Why is the train going so fast? I mean, fast compared to the last train we were on?”

  Teagan smiled. “We are moving faster. Your last trip was to have fifteen stops and it would have been at least a six-day trip. This train is running faster, and we are only making two stops and later Fort Worth will be the last stop. It’s a part of a trial run for the Katy Railroad. The railroad is big business, and the Katy wants to be the best of the best. Right now, we are skirting Indian country.”

  She shuddered. “We’re safe?”

  Shea took her hand in his. “We are.”

  “It’s been a free-for-all war between the railroads,” Teagan said. He sipped from a cup of coffee then settled back in his seat. “Getting the tracks laid before anyone else was the first challenge. Other railroads would pull up tracks to cause trains to derail. Then there are the swindlers who sold land to people telling them the railroad wanted the land and they’d double or triple their investment.” He grimaced. “Only problem was, the swindler never owned the land. That land con is still going on. Folks want to cash in on the railroad. So they built lots of towns up because of the belief the railroad was coming through. Then the railroad owners adjusted their routes for differing reasons, and the towns crumbled.” He gave her a smile. “I got a bit off the question you asked. We should be there in less than three days, but it depends on many aspects.”

  Shea laughed. “Teagan knows something about everything.”

  “I’m glad he does. I know nothing of the history of the railroads,” she responded. Then she turned toward Mary, taking her hand out of Shea’s. “Mary, I—”

  Mary stood. “I’ll take you.”

  Shea stood. “I’ll carry her in.”

  “I am strong enough to carry Phoebe,” Mary protested.

  “I know you are, Mary.” He winked. “Maybe I just like to carry her.”

  Embarrassment filled Phoebe as her face warmed. It was bad enough she couldn’t walk, but to be used as an object so the two of them could prove their worth was humiliating. She opened her mouth to have her say, but Shea swept her up before she could utter a word. When he set her down, she thanked him keeping her gaze on the floor.

  The door closed and tears ran down her face.

  “Oh dear!” cried Mary. “Are you in pain?”

  “Just my pride. Will I ever have a private moment?”

  Mary rubbed her shoulder. “I’ll wait outside.”

  “No, what I mean is will everyone always be going knowing when I need something? Even if it’s something private? I would have never announced the need to use the necessary before, and now everyone knows everything I do. I know he’s trying to be a great friend, but some things…” She huffed out a frustrated breath. “I’d rather just you and I take care of certain things. I’m sorry. I’m being ungrateful again. Adel looked hearty but claimed she couldn’t lift me. She made me feel helpless, and then Shea just got into the habit of doing the carrying.”

  “She could have if she wanted. She didn’t want to help you or anyone else. Shea purchased a ticket home for her. I hope she went and didn’t cash the ticket in. No good will come from her being on her own.” She patted Phoebe’s shoulder. “Let’s just forget about that one. Have you seen how Shea looks at you? That man shows his feelings in his expressions. I know you are leery of getting involved with him but, love, he loves you.”

  A seed of hope planted itself in Phoebe’s heart, bu
t she was afraid to nurture it. “He’ll be sorry in the end being stuck with me. And I’m being practical, not feeling sorry for myself. I count my blessings every day, but the reality is he can walk and I can’t. It warms my heart to know, but—”

  “But nothing. People fall in love all the time.” She talked as she deftly assisted Phoebe. “It’s not perfection that makes one fall in love. It’s knowing they have a good and generous heart. It’s knowing you want to find out everything about the other person. It’s picturing yourself sitting together happily at the end of the day. He knows you can’t walk. Think of it this way.” She leaned over and met Phoebe’s gaze. “He hired me to take care of you. Many men would have expected me to tend to everything and maybe ask how you are once in a while.” She stood and helped right Phoebe’s skirts. “Give it some thought. Plus, I think you’d have a beautiful family together.”

  Her heart leaped but then fell again. “Oh…I don’t know if I can have a family. I mean with the accident…”

  “I think we need to consult with a doctor, but I know of many women who have had disabilities such as yours and have been able to have children. Don’t lose hope.”

  Phoebe smiled and nodded. “I’ll keep an open mind.”

  “And an open heart?”

  “Yes, Mary, an open heart.”

  “Good.” Mary smiled. “Ready?” Mary opened the door and easily lifted Phoebe.

  Shea closed the distance between them and took her from Mary. He kissed her forehead before he placed her into the chair. With a smile playing on his lips, he continued to watch her. She glanced at Mary, who grinned.

  Perhaps Mary is right after all.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Seemingly all of a sudden, Fort Worth was only an hour away. It had been an unusual three days. To her surprise, Phoebe started watching Shea as frequently as he watched her. Their gazes often met and held. He caused her to feel safe and loved. The seed of hope in her heart had blossomed. God was great.