Shea: Cowboy Chance: The Kavanagh Brothers Book 10

by Ball, Kathleen

  “Dolly, what are you talking about?” Shea asked in confusion.

  “She means she can get a wedding together in a week,” Quinn told him.

  “A dress will have to be made,” Brogan said with a nod.

  “She could borrow one from our many wives,” Sullivan teased.

  “You all need to stop,” Shea said.

  “Just trying to hurry the obvious along,” teased Angus.

  Shea stood. “Phoebe, I don’t know about you, but I’m getting away from my interfering family. Would you like to join me?”

  A wider smile he had never seen. He pushed her chair toward the door and helped her with her coat. They went onto the porch. The fresh air felt perfect.

  “Ready to try the ramp?”

  She twisted her head and beamed up at him. “Why do you have a wicked grin on your face? You’re not planning to let go and have me roll faster until I hit the barn, are you?”

  “I hadn’t thought of that.” He winked at her. “Care to try it? It might be fun.”

  “Don’t you dare, Shea!” Her laughter rang through the night.

  He slowly took her down the ramp and pushed her to a spot near a flower garden. He lifted her and set her on the bench, and then he sat next to her, putting his arm around her. The feel of her head resting on his shoulder gave him all the courage he needed.

  “Phoebe, we’ve come to know each other the last few months. You are a brave, generous, optimistic, and beautiful woman. I know you just want to be friends, but perhaps you would consider being my wife?” His stomach tightened as his breath stalled in his chest.

  “Why?” she asked simply. “Because your family expects it?”

  “Oh sweetheart, of course not. I forgot to tell you the most important part. I love you so incredibly much. You make me very happy, and I want to be your husband.”

  “I just don’t know. I won’t be able to dance with you at the wedding. I’m not a whole woman.”

  He dropped to his knee. “You are a whole woman. You are the woman I love and the woman I want to spend my life with. All I think about is you, and when I’m near you I want to shout my love for all to hear.”

  Her eyes grew misty. “You are my very best friend, and I love you immensely. Oh, Shea. I would be honored to marry you!”

  “Woo hoo! She said yes!!” he shouted.

  “We can do a week, right?” a female voice asked. So they were listening.

  “Phoebe, you are the most becoming shade of crimson,” he murmured. Then he raised his voice. “They’ll leave us to start planning.”

  They both laughed.

  And for the first time, Shea placed his lips over Phoebe’s and gave her a gentle kiss, their first true kiss. It would not be their last.

  Epilogue

  Five years later

  Phoebe smiled as she watched the sun lower. It had been quite the day and she needed to talk to Shea.

  There had been so much excitement on the ranch with Mary and Cookie finally getting married. They wanted a small wedding but nothing was small with the huge Kavanagh family.

  The sounds of mothers calling their children inside could be heard. Along with the protests of children. How she loved each child. They had filled her heart after the initial sadness of not conceiving a baby. Shea had told her it didn’t matter but she was sure it did. It seemed as though there was at least two babies born on the ranch every year.

  With much prayer she was finally able to put aside her jealousy and despair. She embraced the children and more often than not she was surrounded by them.

  Shea loved her. He really truly loved her, and her heart lurched just thinking about him. He was big on hand holding, hugs and kisses. He made her feel special and she loved him back just as much if not more.

  They still lived in the main house, but she had a feeling that may change. Phoebe had worked hard and was strong enough to do a lot of things for herself. She could get into her chair and even get dressed. Getting dressed was the hardest part but the wives got together and made her dresses that didn’t button in the back. They all buttoned in the front. It was still hard, but it was easier on both Shea and Mary.

  It had been a long road to get so strong, but Mary deserved to be happy and she refused to get married as long as Phoebe needed her. Mary would always come and help if needed but she’d be living in her own house now.

  Sullivan had suggested building a house that had lower counters for Phoebe and Shea. He figured it would make it easier for her to cook. It was a wonderful idea.

  The front door opened, and Shea stepped onto the porch with two cups of coffee. He smiled and set them on the table.

  “What is the exciting news you wanted to tell me?” He looked confused and she was relieved he hadn’t guessed.

  “I’m with child.”

  Shea nearly choked on the coffee he was drinking and started coughing. His eyes grew wide. “What? How did that happen?”

  She laughed. “I’m pregnant and I’m sure it was done the way it always is done. We’ve been blessed.”

  “God certainly answered our prayers.”

  “Yes, He is always with us.”

  “Wait you can’t have a baby! Mary is getting married.” He frowned.

  “We’ll stay at the main house until I can handle our child myself and then, Shea I want our own house. It doesn’t have to be big. After it’s built I want to practice cooking in that kitchen before we move.” She placed her hand over his.

  He entwined his fingers with hers. “You’ve given this much thought.”

  Wasn’t he happy? She tried so hard not to be a burden but maybe with a baby she would become one. She sighed.

  Shea let go of her hand and swept her up. He put her on his lap as he sat. He shook his head and then held her close.

  “I’m going to be a father. We are going to be parents. I didn’t think… I’m beyond words and I’m beyond thrilled. Have I told you lately I love you?”

  A wide smile crossed her face. “Every day.”

  “You’re going to be such a good mother.”

  “I knew it!” Dolly said.

  “I knew too we just had to wait for her to figure it out on her own,” Mary said.

  Dolly and Mary stepped out of the house with excitement in their eyes.

  “You knew?” Phoebe asked. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Oh, love I wanted you to have the joy of discovering it on your own,” Mary told them.

  “It was joyous, still is. I keep thinking it’s some mistake and I’m not with child.”

  Dolly grinned. “No doubt about it.”

  “It’ll be like having my very own grandchild,” Mary said excitedly. “Dolly you have so many and I love each child, but they are your grandchildren.”

  “I understand, Mary. Just remember this baby is my grandchild too.”

  Phoebe turned and glanced at Shea. He looked as though he was trying not to laugh.

  “Phoebe, I don’t think we’ll get to hold the baby much,” he teased. “I think we’ll retire early tonight. The wedding is tomorrow, and I know we’ll want to be well rested.”

  Mary smiled. “I never thought I’d get married. God works in mysterious ways.”

  * * *

  Shea smiled and his heart felt near to exploding. The whole family had gathered for the wedding. Murphy moved his family back and there’d been a feeling of completeness.

  They’d experienced a few hard years, but they rode through it better than most. The price per head had drastically reduced but Teagan had been smart to put much of their profits away for such times.

  Children were running amongst the guests and being scolded by their parents. That would be him soon and of course Phoebe. Phoebe had been praying and praying for a baby and they were both joyous at the news. Of course, she’d had her worries about caring for an infant.

  She had gumption but many times she doubted herself. She’d turned into a heck of a cook. She had help but the flavors were all Phoebe. Sh
e’d made him so proud with her friendliness and kindness. She’d made him strive to be a better man.

  They prayed together everyday and it brought him an inner peace he’d never had before. His relationship with God was a priority. It had brought him even closer to Phoebe. He smiled. She had so many bible passages memorized not because her mother expected it but because she wanted to know more about the Lord.

  Music started and he watched as many of his brothers asked their wives to dance. Then the dance after that would be with their daughters and many would stand on their father’s boots to be led around the dance floor.

  Seeing Phoebe alone he hurried to her side and lifted her up into his arms. It felt so right to have her in his arms.

  “What are you doing?” Phoebe asked with a chuckle.

  He turned in a few circles with her. “Dancing with my favorite girl.” He grabbed a blanket and carried her to a big shady tree. He placed her on the ground for a moment until he opened the blanket. Then he put her on it and joined her. Putting his arm around her he pulled her close to his side.

  “Shea, we have so much to be grateful for. I could name our blessings but that would take all night. I’ll just mention a few.”

  He held in a laugh. There wasn’t such a thing as just a few when his wife started talking.

  “Of course, I’m grateful for you.” Her eyes sparkled. “I’m so happy about the baby. I’m grateful Mary found love and is now married. The fact that Murphy and his wife moved back is a blessing. Oh, and Orla being courted by Jack. He is so sweet and gentle with her. I’m grateful for all your brothers and their wives and of course the children. Especially the children. I have created close bonds with each child, and it has given me such joy.”

  She took a deep breath. “I pray for Donald Dill. I hope he finds only good things in his move. Imagine thinking you had no one all these years and he had an Uncle. I really would like to know where this uncle was when Donald was growing up. I’m grateful you and your brothers gave him so many prime horses for him to make a good start.”

  Shea nodded. “I miss him. He was like a brother to us all. I think you’ve covered just about everything.”

  She laid her head on his shoulder. “I’m not done. Your family have been so blessed to have Dolly. She’s only about seven years older than Teagan. It was providence she stayed to raise you all. Many would have walked away. I’m blessed to know and love her.” She was quiet for a time.

  “God has been so good to us. I do think we need to enlarge the church. It nearly busts when all the Kavanaghs attend services.”

  He loved her to distraction.

  “I almost forgot! If we have a girl I want to name her Cleopatra.”

  “What kind of name is that?”

  “We studied about her in school. You don’t know who she is?”

  “Doesn’t matter I don’t like the name. I like Christopher for a boy. Christopher Columbus discovered America you know,” he teased.

  “What’s the suffragette woman’s name? The one who believes women should have the right to vote?”

  He knew but he didn’t like the name. “I’m sure I don’t know. I’ve always admired Daniel Boone. How about Boone?”

  “Now you’re just teasing me. Maybe we don’t have to name our baby after people who are well known. We do have months to decide. Are you sure Cleopatra isn’t a pretty name? I had a doll and that’s what I named her.”

  Shea closed his eyes and listened to her. He’d need to come up with great names and get her off the Cleopatra name. He just wanted a healthy adorable baby. He opened his eyes and glanced at her and laughed when she started listing off Betsy Ross and George Washington.

  “Did you have any cake yet?” He hoped to change the conversation.

  “No but—”

  He stood and swept her up. This was the place for her, in his arms. “Dolly would be insulted if we didn’t eat the cake. We don’t want Dolly to be mad.”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck. “No, we don’t. It’s not a good thing.”

  Shea laughed. “I love you!”

  She turned and stared into his eyes. “And I love you.”

  Afterword

  Whew! Ten books of Kavanaghs. It took over a year to write this series and I so appreciate how you have embraced each of the cowboys. I’m going to miss them. They were constantly on my mind as I tried to think of what to write next. It’s been a long hard year for everyone, and books have made it tolerable for me to stay at home. Books have always been treasures to me. I was that kid who loved to read and couldn’t wait for library day. There are so many choices of books to read- Thank You for reading mine!

  Kathleen Ball

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  Cinder’s Bride Chapter One

  Shannon McMurphy jolted awake as the stagecoach came to an abrupt stop.

  “Asherville, Texas folks!” The driver yelled.

  “This is it, Asherville, Texas,” the brown-toothed man sitting across from her announced. He spit once again on the stagecoach floor and leered at her. “Are ya sure ya want to get hitched to Ole John Hardy? I can be your husband if ya like.” He leaned toward her and she quickly turned her head from the fetid smell of his rotting teeth. She wished he wouldn’t speak.

  Shannon shuddered, trying not to glance at him. He’d made her uncomfortable with his stare the whole last leg of her trip. Until then there had been other passengers and he’d behaved himself, but now she never wanted to be in his company again. Opening the shade, she looked out the coach window. The bright sun made her eyes squint from the glare.

  It didn’t look to be much of a town but beggars couldn’t be choosers, and in this situation, she was definitely the beggar.

  The driver opened the door, and Shannon expected to get off first, but the nasty passenger pushed past her and left. Maybe this is what manners are in the West.

  The driver extended his hand. She took it and carefully stepped out of the stagecoach. Taking a deep breath, she released his hand and glanced around. Where was Mr. Hardy? He promised to meet the stage, but she saw no one else on the wooden walkway. He was probably delayed at his ranch. Being a successful rancher must be hard work.

  The driver put her bag down next to her and she smiled her thanks. “You wouldn’t know—”

  “I usually drive straight through Asherville. I have a schedule to keep and can’t stand around jawing. Never had time to meet the folks.” He stroked his black mustache and shrugged. “Someone will be by to pick you up. A man would have to be crazy to leave a pretty gal like you standing out here alone and unescorted.” He climbed back on the coach, grabbed the reins and yelled. “Haw!”

  Not one to stand around waiting for something to happen, she grabbed her bag and strode down the boardwalk. There wasn’t much in the town to recommend itself. The biggest building was the saloon followed by the mercantile. On the other side of the street, she saw, a place called Eats and next to it was a barbershop. Somehow, through Mr. Hardy’s letters, she anticipated a booming town, not a sparsely populated wide spot in the road. There was a sign on the bank, which said, closed, and someone had nailed a plank of wood across the door to the sheriff's office.

  She plodded to the mercantile hoping they’d know where her intended could be. If nothing else, the store would get her out of the blazing sun. She stopped before entering and slid her hands down her skirt trying in vain to remove some of the dirt and wrinkles. All she'd created was a big puff of dust around her. What she wouldn’t give for a bath, but it would have to wait. Maybe she could ask for a cup of water to wash away some of the grit in her mouth.

  The bell dangling above the door rang as she entered the mercantile, and immediately everyone stopped and stared at her. She always believed first impressions mattered greatly but there was no help for it now. Plain and simple, she w
as covered in dirt. Smiling, she nodded in greeting to the customers.

  A tall, well-dressed woman in her thirties patted her dark hair in place. She stepped from behind the counter and headed right for Shannon, putting forth a big, gracious smile. “Welcome. You must be new around here. I’m Edith Mathers, and I'm the proprietor of this fine establishment. Are you and your husband settling in our town?”

  “It’s so nice to make your acquaintance. Actually, I’m here to marry John Hardy. Perhaps you could tell me where I might locate him?”

  A hush fell over the entire store. As she glanced around, she noted many patrons staring at her with their mouths dropped open.

  “Do you think he got tied up at his ranch? If it isn’t far perhaps I could rent a driver and a buggy to get out there?” A few of the customers whispered to each other. Her heart thumped painfully against her ribs as a shiver went up her spine. “Is something wrong?”

  Edith took her bag from Shannon and led her to a fine upholstered chair near the window. Edith gestured for her to sit down. “Oh dear, how should I say this?”

  Shannon sat in the chair and her shoulders slouched. “Is he dead?”

  Patting Shannon’s hand, Edith shook her head. “No, honey, John doesn’t own a ranch. Oh my, what did you say your name was?”

  Her stomach knotted and she felt the blood drain from her face. He didn’t own a ranch? He deceived her. “Mrs. Mathers, my name is Shannon. What do you mean? Do you know where he is? I’d like to talk to him.”

  “He’s at the saloon. He owns it.”

  Shannon jumped up. “Is it alright if I leave my bag with you? It appears I have something to straighten out.”

  Edith nodded. “Of course.”

  Seeing something akin to pity, she passed by the other customers. She lifted her chin, straightened her back and marched down the walk to the saloon. The scarred, wooden, swinging doors intimidated her. They were imposing as she stood gazing at them trying to gather her courage. A saloon? There had to be a mistake.