Quinn: Cowboy Risk: The Kavanagh Brothers Book Two

by Ball, Kathleen

  “Thank you, Teagan.”

  “That’s what brothers are for.”

  Chapter Nine

  “What do you mean he’s gone?” A chill went through her, and she couldn’t stop shaking. “He wants me gone, doesn’t he? Before he’ll come back?” Tears spilled down her face.

  “No, he said he needed to get Alicia out of his mind once and for all. He’s not one to do things by half measures. For him, it’s all or nothing and you scare him. He wants all, but he doesn’t want his heart broken again.”

  “Is there somewhere else I could live? I could work and support me and my children.” She felt sick to her stomach.

  “Heaven listen to me. He will be back. You’ll be properly married. Don’t worry.”

  She hung her head. “So, you know about that? We never meant to deceive anyone. It was more for my protection. There are some men, killers who would like to see me dead, and I have my children and the baby coming. If not for the recent gun battle I would have held out. I—a man was killed.”

  “I can see you’re a strong woman. Quinn could have left you in town with some money. He cares, and you two need to have a proper wedding.”

  Sighing, she shook her head. “I’d rather not talk about it until Quinn gets back. He could change his mind and send us away as soon as the danger is gone.”

  “You’re not going anywhere until your baby is born. No matter what happens, we’ll protect you.” Teagan gave her a kind smile.

  “Thank you. I’m sorry to be such a burden, but could you help me upstairs?”

  * * *

  Three days later, Heaven was busy sewing baby clothes. She already had a pile of diapers hemmed. Sullivan had taken Daisy and Tim fishing, and everything felt relaxing. The ranch was a beautiful place. From the porch, she could see the barn and bunkhouse. The other smaller house must be for the foreman. A big garden was planted on one side of the house while the clothesline was on the other. The front of the porch was lined in flowers swaying in the Texas breeze.

  Gemma stepped out with two glasses of water and set them on a table. “Who is that?”

  Heaven looked up and sure enough there was a buggy coming their way. A woman held the reins, and she pulled them back as she stopped.

  “Is this the Kavanagh Ranch?” a smartly dressed brunette asked.

  “Yes.” Gemma walked to the buggy and spoke with the woman. When Gemma turned around, she didn’t appear happy.

  The woman and a small boy exited the buggy and followed Gemma up onto the porch.

  “Heaven, this is Alicia Goren and her son Arnold. They are friends of Quinn’s. Alicia, Heaven is Quinn’s wife.”

  Heaven nodded to the other woman, but her heart raced. Alicia was the name of the woman Teagan had said Quinn was trying to forget. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “When will Quinn be back?” Alicia asked brusquely.

  “Probably not today,” Gemma told her. “He had ranch business to take care of, and he wasn’t sure how long it would take.”

  “I see. I wanted Quinn to get to know his son. But I’ll take my leave.”

  “No, wait!” Heaven stood. “Is there any way you could stay a few days? I’d hate for Quinn to miss seeing his son.”

  “We don’t have a place to stay, and money is tight. I rented the buggy, and I need to get it back.” She peered down at the small boy. “Arnold, are you ready to go?”

  “Mama, I want to see cat- catt…”

  “Cattle?”

  “Yes, Mama, and I want a pony.”

  Alicia bent and smiled at her son. “Daddy isn’t here. We have to go, and hopefully you’ll meet him one day.”

  “Stay,” Gemma said. “There foreman’s house is empty, and you’re welcome to it until Quinn says differently. It needs to be aired out.”

  Alicia released a sigh. “That would take care of so many of my problems. I can take care of opening the house. I have a few trunks in town I’ll need.”

  “Of course. I’ll get a few of the men to drive the buggy and the wagon into town. Let me talk to Teagan.” Gemma practically ran to the barn.

  “Have a seat,” Heaven offered. “I have two children. A boy and a girl. One of the brothers took them fishing.”

  “Thank you.” Alicia sat down and pulled Arnold onto her lap. “It’s been hard times, and I wasn’t sure where to go. I didn’t know Quinn had married.”

  “How do you know Quinn?” Heaven asked not wanting to know the answer.

  “I nursed him. I volunteered at the military hospital. We got to be very close. I left without being able to tell him.” A look of sadness entered her eyes. “My father saw how… scarred Quinn is and didn’t want someone so damaged for me. He took me away and left me at my aunt’s house.”

  Something didn’t ring true, but Heaven couldn’t put her finger on which part of the story was a lie. “How old is Arnold?”

  Alicia smiled. “Quinn’s son is eight years old.”

  Heaven nodded absently. That child looked to be five years old. Quinn would have to decide whether or not he believed his nurse. Any way it played out it would cause everyone pain. He was free to be with the woman he loved. Heaven could find another place to live and raise her family. Somehow, she’d find a way.

  Alicia was lovely. Her skin was perfect. Her green eyes were big and inquisitive. The combination of her green eyes and dark hair was striking. She was so petite, and men liked petite, didn’t they? She also had the look of quality to her. Heaven touched her blond hair and felt it listing to the left, ready to fall. Going back to her one braid down her back might be the best thing to do. At least it would look neat that way.

  Their clothes couldn’t even be compared. Hopefully, Alicia had worn her best dress when planning to see Quinn again. Heaven had never worried much about her clothes. She was proud that she sewed them herself and they weren’t torn or faded. But even little Arnold was dressed in a pressed white shirt with brown knickers.

  Perhaps she could take the house when Quinn returned and saw the woman he loved. Second chances didn’t come around often. Perhaps this was God’s way of letting them all know who should be with whom.

  Teagan and Shea both met Alicia and then they went to town.

  “Alicia, I’m going to open the windows in the house where you’ll be staying and take the covers off the furniture. Usually Dolly would help but it’s her day off. Would you accompany me and look at the place?”

  Alicia turned her head and stared at Heaven, and then she cocked her brow.

  “I’m supposed to stay in bed.”

  “Quinn must be ecstatic.”

  “This isn’t his child. I’m a widow.”

  Alicia brightened. “So, you and Quinn don’t have any children together?”

  “No, but he’s a wonderful father to my children.”

  Alicia nodded and stood. “Let’s get started.” Arnold rubbed his eyes. “I’ll find a bed for you to nap on. Come on.”

  Heaven’s heart dropped. Quinn’s choice would not be her. She’d have to stay until the baby was born, but once the rest of the family saw the baby, they’d turn their backs on her anyway. She didn’t feel so safe and protected now. Tim and Daisy would be heartbroken. They had already lost one father, a father that didn’t spend much time with them. Losing Quinn would be devastating, and she had no idea how she’d explain it to them.

  A sense of weakness and exhaustion had crept up on her, and she needed to lie down. Her belly hardened in one of the spasms she had been having off and on since the gunfight. She could make it to her room herself. Lying on the sofa with Alicia around wouldn’t be resting. Walking inside was easy. It was standing at the bottom of the staircase that brought despair. She put her foot on the bottom step and then the next, moving up one slow step at a time. By the time she lay on the bed, she was exhausted. The spasms didn’t stop like they had before, but somehow she fell asleep.

  Chapter Ten

  He was eager to get back to Heaven and the children. It had t
aken little soul searching to realize he loved them all. Alicia was the past; what he’d had with her had been the first love of a young man. It was a painful lesson. But it was over and best forgotten.

  After the baby came, he and his brothers would ride out and take care of the men who had tried to kill her. He also wanted to set up a shelter for the boys wandering Texas.

  His thoughts wandered back to the child. A baby… what if he dropped it?

  “Come on, Bandit, we’re almost home.”

  Bandit was as keen as he to get home, and the ranch house never looked brighter or more welcoming. One of their wagons stood in front of the foreman’s house, and he could see Donnell hauling a trunk inside. “See Bandit? We’ve only been gone a short while, and the whole world is turned up sided down.”

  Tim and Daisy were playing with another boy. He didn’t see Heaven, but Gemma was on the front porch. He swung down and handed Bandit off to one of the hired men. Quinn was curious what was going on, but he wanted to say hello to Heaven first.

  Before he made it to the front porch, a woman almost tackled him. Once he saw her, time moved very slowly, becoming drawn out, as she flung her arms around his neck and pulled his head down for a kiss on the lips. He’d dreamed this very thing night after night, but that was before Heaven. Now that it was happening the way he had yearned for, all he could think of was the strong blond mother who made sure children not her own were safe. Reaching behind his neck he took hold of Alicia’s hands and pulled away.

  “Alicia? Why are you here?”

  “Oh, Quinn…” She tried to step back into his embrace, but he held her at bay. “I wanted you to get to know your son. I didn’t know you were married. But I’m staying in your foreman’s house for a while so you can see Arnold.” She smiled. He remembered that smile; sweet and loving.

  “Son? But we never—”

  “Oh, but we did.” A perfect, pretty pout appeared on her lips. “The doctors had you drugged for the pain, but I always thought you’d remember us being together.”

  Confusion filled him. He had been out of it a lot, but they hadn’t… had they?

  “Arnold, come meet your daddy!”

  Quinn froze as all three young ones came running his way. Arnold roughly pushed Daisy out of the way and hugged Quinn’s waist. Tears rolled down the boy’s face. Daisy started to cry, and Quinn disengaged himself from the boy then picked her up and kissed her cheek. Tim stood apart from the rest with a glare on his face. Quinn’s heart hurt just gazing at him.

  “Tim, I haven’t gotten a hug from you,” he said gently.

  “You have enough people to hug you.” Tim ran to the porch and wrapped his arms around Gemma.

  “Where is Heaven?”

  “She’s resting. Apparently being a mother is too much for her.” Alicia smiled, but the words sounded catty to Quinn. He hadn’t remembered Alicia as being petty like that.

  He handed Daisy to Alicia and hurried inside. What in the blazes is happening? He took the stairs two at a time then stood outside Heaven’s door and watched her sleep. It wasn’t a restful sleep. She was moaning, and tears flowed freely. He went to her and sat on the bed. “Heaven, sweetheart, it’s me, Quinn.”

  Her eyes lids fluttered a few times before she was awake. “I had the most awful dream. Did you have a good trip? You had so much to think about, and I was worried.”

  He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. He kissed the back of it. “You feel cold.”

  “I’ve been having a few pains. I think the baby will come sooner than later.”

  “Isn’t it too early?” He expected to see worry on her face.

  “It is, but the pain hasn’t increased so I don’t know. It’s been a… full day.” She glanced away from him.

  “Yes, I saw them when I arrived. Are you all right?”

  “Yes, no, I don’t know. You have every right to see your son, and I know you loved Alicia deeply. It’s just as well we’re not married so you can decide.”

  “You’re not married?”

  Quinn turned. “Alicia, who invited you up here? We’re having a private discussion.”

  “I was led to believe you and Heaven were married!” She stepped into the room and glared at Heaven. “Do you know the torment I felt when I was told Quinn married you? My heart was broken all for a lie?”

  Quinn stood. “Alicia that’s enough! We both told everyone we’re married for reasons of our own.” He turned his back on her and sat back down on the bed. “How bad are the pains? Should I send for the doctor?”

  “I just need to take my bedrest more seriously. I have done little, but I haven’t stayed lying down either. Today has been a bit confusing and wearisome, but I’m trying to stay calm.”

  Quinn glanced over his shoulder to see they still had company. Irritation flared. “Alicia, would you excuse us and close the door behind you? I don’t want to be disturbed, please.” His eyes drank her in as she hovered in the doorway. Boy, she looked wonderful, just as he remembered her. Her walnut colored hair wasn’t as severely drawn back as it had been in the hospital.

  She nodded and closed the door behind her, but her features had taken on a shuttered expression.

  Quinn took his boots off and got on the bed. He spooned Heaven and palmed her belly. The baby kicked, and hard. Startled, he yanked his hand away. “What was that?”

  “You’ve felt the baby move before.”

  “Not like that. It kicked me.” He chuckled then put his hand back on her and relaxed.

  Her stiffness took a long time to leave, but eventually she seemed tranquil.

  “You must be ecstatic Alicia is here. I know you’ve grieved for her.” She put her hand over his. He expected tears. Heaven was a strong woman. “And having a son of your own must be exciting.”

  “Between you and me, I like Daisy and Tim better, but I haven’t had a chance to get to know Arnold.”

  “You go on and have a good time with your family. I’ll be just fine. Don’t worry I’m not capable of running off. It’s hard to explain but lying here with you, I feel the love of God run through me and brush over me. I have a sense of serenity that I’ve never had before. Somehow, everything is going to be fine. I’d ask you what you decided while you were away, but things have changed drastically. You had no way of knowing she’d find you. So, I’m not asking for answers now. You need to make the decision that is best for you. The only promise I want you to keep is to build another safe house.”

  His arms tightened slightly. “Of course, I will. I’ve been talking to Sullivan about it, and he thinks he knows the right spot. Just… let me hold you and let this moment linger. It feels right to have you in my arms. Any pain now?”

  “No, none. You have a calming touch.”

  They were silent for a time. It was the most peaceful he’d been since forever. He didn’t know who Arnold’s father was, but his gut told him it wasn’t him. He hadn’t been healed enough for that before she had left. He’d hear her out though. He had loved her at one time…

  “I’ll be back up with your supper.” He kissed Heaven’s cheek before he crawled out of bed. He smiled at her then walked out the door, leaving it open so Daisy and Tim could get to her if they wanted.

  Teagan stood at the bottom of the stairs. “I need to talk to you in the office.”

  Quinn followed him and sat in a chair in front of the desk. “What did you need?”

  “I figured you’d need a moment. It’s not every day the woman you plan to marry is here and then the love of your life drops back into it.”

  “It’s been shocking,” he admitted. “But I made peace with my memories of her. I let her go and was coming home to tell Heaven I have feelings for her and want to be the father of her children. Heaven wants me to see Alicia and see how I feel. She said it was fine if I still love Alicia, that things will work out.”

  A smile stretched Teagan’s lips. “Heaven is a rare woman. You do know that boy can’t be eight. Gemma thinks four or five at
the most. Besides, when I saw you, you were in no condition to father a child. Your skin was still trying to heal. It hurt when anyone touched you.” He angled an assessing look at Quinn. “Or did you somehow manage?”

  “No, and I’d like to hear her explanation. She must have hit on hard times if she’s here.” He couldn’t help the smile. “You have to admit she’s beautiful.”

  “It’s what’s on the inside that shines through, that’s real beauty. Don’t be fooled by false attractiveness. A pretty face with a conniving heart is dangerous. I feel bad for the children, you know. They all call you daddy.”

  “I’ll talk to Alicia and get the truth. She doesn’t have to lie; I’d help her regardless. But I don’t love her anymore. The heartbreak has almost disappeared, thanks to Heaven. I’m just sorry the rest of you have a front seat to this drama. If she needs to, I’d like Alicia, or whatever her name is, to stay in the foreman’s house until something else is figured out for her.” He nodded as a sense of peace settled over him. Heaven was right. “It’ll all work out.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Later that evening, he had Alicia on his arm as they took a walk. What he had initially thought would be easy had turned into a major drama.

  “When could we have created Arnold? You know I wasn’t capable.”

  She stopped and gazed at him. “There were plenty of times while you were full of morphine. You don’t remember much. I gave you sponge baths and we… Anyway, he is your son and you should be marrying me.”

  “You shame yourself by saying we… at the hospital. I know I was mad for you, but this doesn’t sound true to me. It is so unlike me.”

  “You were worse than any man who flirted with me. It worked, I liked you best.”

  Liked? “You… did spend a lot of time with me.”

  “Yes, I was paid to see you were well taken care of. Teagan donated to the hospital and the doctors had me sit with you. We grew close during that time, and I always enjoyed your company. One of the doctors saw the way you looked at me and sent me to another hospital. It was a huge blow, I had to walk two miles to get there and I was on my feet all day.”