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to the stopped wagon and jumped down off Strike. He held his arms up for Peg and quickly handed her off to Shannon, who was already out of the wagon. Then he went back and swept Addy into his arms, and despite her protests, he carried her into the house.
    “You claim you don’t have pretty words but your actions are very romantic, Keegan.” The joy on her face filled his heart.
    “I—”
    A shriek permeated the air.
    “You’d best put me down. Peg needs me.”
    Reluctantly he set her on her feet and watched her run outside. Shrugging his shoulders, he followed her.
    “I was going to suggest taking her with us overnight but…” Shannon shook her head.
    “It’s a kind thought, Shannon,” he reassured her.
    “She does this,” Addy explained as she tried to quiet Peg.
    Cinders laughed. “Do you want me to get Shane?”
    Keegan laughed too, though he didn’t feel like laughing. “We’ll get her settled. I appreciate the thought.”
    Shannon walked over and gave him a hug. “Congratulations and much happiness. She’s a keeper.”
    He hugged her back. “If she’s anything like you, then she’s perfect.”
    Red seeped into Shannon’s face as she stepped back. “Addy, it’s been a pleasure meeting you. I’m not too far over yonder if you need anything or just a little woman talk. I know just how talkative a man is when he’s tired from being in the saddle all day. I also know how different life is here compared to back east.”
    With her free hand, Addy reached out and grasped Shannon’s. “Thank you for everything. You and Cinders really made the day special.”
    Nodding, Shannon patted a screaming Peg on the back and then turned. “Come on, Cinders, we’d better go check on Cookie. I’m sure he’s cursing up a storm.”
    Cinders frowned. “Why’s that?”
    “He was planning on making a cake to bring here tomorrow but there’s no eggs.”
    “What happened to the eggs?” Cinders asked as he lifted her into the wagon.
    “The stopped laying yesterday. Not really sure what the problem is.”
    Cinders climbed up and took the reins. “She’s right. Cookie is probably cursing. Congratulations!” He turned the wagon around and drove off.
    Keegan watched them then turned toward Addy. “She’s sleeping.”
    “I know, I figured when she stopped crying she was asleep.”
    He put his hand on the small of Addy’s back. “Let’s go put her down for a nap.”
    Addy gave him another smile. If he could keep her smiling life would be great.
     
    ****
     
    After they put Peg down on the bed, Addy stood and studied the fireplace. She suddenly didn’t know what to say to Keegan. He expected a wedding night. Peg would be a great help in putting that off. She supposed he expected her to cook food too. Stew looked easy enough to make. There was a big kettle and the pivotal crane to hold it over the fire. Water was heated the same way but what about the rest? There seemed to be plenty of food supplies. Maybe there was a cookbook? She shook her head. There didn’t seem to be a book in the place.
    “It was a nice wedding.” Keegan’s voice washed over her, and chills went up her spine.
    She glanced over her shoulder and smiled trying to seem carefree. “Yes, it was and you have very nice friends. People who really care about you.” She stepped away from the hearth and faced him.
    “Are you all right?”
    “Why do you ask?”
    “You keep twisting your hands as though you have something on your mind.” Keegan stared at her.
    “I’m sure all newly married women have things on their mind.” She wanted to confess her sins right then and there, but she had too much to lose. “Why don’t you go and do whatever you usually do, and I’ll take care of things around here.”
    He stepped forward and kissed her cheek. “You know the judge never said I could kiss my bride. I’ll be wanting that kiss when I get back.”
    His sexy grin turned her legs into jelly, and she placed her hand on the stone fireplace