Shane's Bride (Mail Order Brides of Texas #3) by Kathleen Ball Page A

can’t promise Poor Boy will stay, though.  I have a feeling if Eats opens up another restaurant, Poor Boy will want to be by his side.”
    “Understandable.  It seems as though Poor Boy views Eats as a father figure.  And you’re not bound to the property either.  I’m sure some man will come to sweep you off your feet and steal you from me.”
    She ducked her head and gently withdrew her hand from his, not knowing what to say or do.  There’d be no man ever.  The silence became awkward, and she put on her best false smile and stood.  “I’ll get the sleeping arrangements all set.  I’ll be back to check on you as soon as I’m done.  I’m sorry you’re stuck in bed.  I can tell you’re not the type who likes to stay still for very long.  I’m sure after we all get to know each other better everything will run smoothly.”
    Shane laughed.  “In this case, I think you’re being overly optimistic, but if we all try, it might be bearable.”
    “I’ll see you in a little bit.  Try to get some rest.” She went out the door and quietly closed it behind her.  He was probably right about her being optimistic, but she had to try for all their sakes.  She had a feeling that being on the wrong side of Lucy would be a living hell.

 
     
     
    Chapter Four
     
     
     
                  The next day didn’t start cheerfully at all.  Cecily had an ache in her neck from sleeping in the chair in Shane’s room.  Despite the pain and Lucy’s glare she made them all breakfast and decided a simple fare of beef broth would be perfect for the evening meal.  Shane hadn’t eaten much breakfast and she wanted something that would be easy on his stomach. 
    Before he was even done chewing his food, Poor Boy was out the door.  Cecily longed to go with him.  Lucy didn’t say much but it was her manner that had Cecily on edge.  Lucy stared at her and shook her head most of the morning until Cecily’s nerves were frayed.  Of course as soon as the dishes needed to be washed, Lucy had grabbed her shawl and left.
    Cecily cleaned the kitchen and checked on Shane who had fallen back to sleep.  She needed a breath of fresh air and decided to join Poor Boy out at the barn.
    It was windy, very windy, and she had a hard time trying to keep her dress in place.  It was a good thing she wasn’t going anywhere important.  Her hair flew all around her head.  The barn look sturdy enough, not as new as the house, but much better than some she’d seen.  She smiled.  They’d be able to have a good farm here.  She stopped just before the barn door and glanced over the parcel of land that Shane owned.  In her mind’s eye she could picture chickens, pigs, a dog or two, a big garden, and a crop to bring in some money.  She’d have to find out what type of crops grew best out here.  Things were bound to be very different from Pennsylvania.
    She threw open the barn door and stepped inside.  It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the darkness.  Jester was in the first stall and he neighed at her in greeting.  She crossed over to Jester and patted his fine face.  “How you doing, Boy? You’re looking good.  Poor Boy seems to be doing a fine job of taking care of you.” She glanced inside the stall and saw that the horse had plenty of hay and clean water.
    She looked into the empty stall next to Jester and was surprised to see Poor Boy sleeping on a mound of hay with an old worn wool blanket full of holes over him.  He was such a good kid and she certainly didn’t begrudge the nap he was taking.  Keeping silent, she left the barn, eased the door closed against the wind, and started back toward the house.  Glancing left, she caught sight of a figure at the entrance of the hidden trail in the canyon.  Fear held her in place for the barest minute before she ran back into the barn.
    “Poor Boy, come quick I think trouble is headed our way.  Let’s make our way inside as quickly as we can.”
    He