Conveniently Wed

James spoke. As the firstborn he usually took the lead, and John rarely objected. “How could we lose our house, Momma?” Clearly the eight-year-old didn’t understand.

“The government controls who gets to keep a house. Ladies have problems owning land that men don’t have. It’s complicated, so you’re going to have to trust that Papa Warren knows best.”

“Are you sure, Momma?” John’s concern reflected in his small face. “Can’t we keep it? It’s ours now.”

Daisy drew the boys back into a hug and kissed both blond heads. “I wish we could, but because of the laws of the state of Texas, this is the best way. I promise.” Again she felt the press of helplessness that had threatened to overwhelm her since Murdock had been killed. It went against her stubborn nature to need someone else to rescue her.

“Mr. Barlow is a good man,” she assured. “I’ve known him for many years. He’s a godly man, like your papa. He’ll take good care of us. He’ll teach you things I can’t. Like how to plow a field or take care of a broken wagon wheel. There’s so much you’ll need to know that only a man can teach you.”

James and John leaned back and looked at her. “Are you sure, Momma?” James asked.

“I’m sure, son.” Daisy smiled at them. “And you’ll grow to love him, too. He’s a respectable man.”

The twins looked at each other in resignation and dropped their heads. Her amazement at their matching mannerisms never dimmed. “Okay, Momma. But it’s gonna take a bit for us to get used to having another man around here.” John paused. “We just got used to being the only men. Now we’ve got to train another one. He can show us how to fix wagon wheels and plow, but we’ll teach him how to take care of the farm like Papa did.”

Laughing, she released them and tussled each head with one hand. “Now I’m going to get ready for our trip to town. I need you boys to get washed up and put on your Sunday best.” She rose from the chair and smoothed her skirt. “I certainly can’t get married looking like this.” She shooed them both outside to the well.

The twins brought water in and then dressed in their room. Satisfied with their appearance, she sent them to wait on the porch.

Daisy freshened up using the washbasin and mirror behind the screen in the corner of the cabin. Murdock had given her the screen as a gift, wanting her to have some privacy in the cabin full of males. She stood back to stare at her reflection. The lost weight from the pain and stress of the past three weeks did nothing to improve her appearance. Dark brown eyes looked hollow and bruised in her slightly freckled face. The gentle wave of her blond hair pulled tendrils loose from the pins she’d pushed in this morning before attempting to do the chores of two people. The weeks without him had worn her down more than she’d realized.

Daisy knew marrying Tucker would be the easiest solution to her problems, but she wondered if she could muster the strength to go through with the wedding. She still ached for Murdock.

Tucker was a good man and a good friend. Could she be patient while he adjusted to marriage? He’d never answered to anyone except a boss. Would he be willing to work alongside her? Or would his natural tendency to take charge make her more defensive of her boys and the farm?

Lord, I’m trusting You and Papa now. I am starting to think this is Your plan for my life. Help me get it right.

Taking a deep breath, Daisy went to the chest at the foot of the bed she and Murdock had shared and lifted the lid. She pulled out her best dress and, lifting it by the shoulders, let the breeze catch it as it floated onto the bed. Smoothing the soft, sea-green cotton, she thought about the last time she’d worn it. She and Murdock had gone to the spring social at church. They had strolled by the river, arm in arm, laughing and talking, while the boys played ball with their friends in the churchyard. Murdock had bought the dress for her birthday and told her to be happy on the days she wore it.

A tear slid down her cheek as she knew in her heart he’d want her to have a happy future. She would have wanted him to move on with his life if the situation had been reversed. However, knowing she should move forward was easier than actually taking the steps to do it.

Daisy wiped her face with the back of her hand. “I will not cry in the dress bought to make me happy.” And then she put it on. Could she take the joy of her past into a future that offered contentment, but not true love?

The heaviness of Tucker’s boots sounded on the porch steps as she took a final look in the mirror. Her hand trembled as she reached up to touch the delicate white lace collar at her neck—and then she saw it. Her wedding band.

Daisy’s knees buckled, and she collapsed to sit on the side of the bed. She held her hand out to look at the ring. The plain gold band had been there so long it was like a part of her. Murdock had given it to her on their first anniversary. The scratches and worn places testified to the hard work and commitment of their relationship. Spinning it on her finger and rubbing the cool smoothness of it, she blew out a determined breath and pulled the ring from her hand. She went to the chest and found the small velvet bag the ring had come in. She kissed the ring and slid it inside. With the pull of the drawstring she tied her past into a bow and lovingly placed it in the chest before lowering the lid.

Digging deep inside for energy she wasn’t sure she had, Daisy pushed against the closed chest to stand. With her shoulders back and head held high, she straightened the ribbons of the bow that held her Sunday hat in place. Numbness froze her countenance in resignation. Her father’s letter was tucked inside her small reticule for comfort as she journeyed forward into the day’s events.

Sunlight sliced into the cabin when she opened the front door.

* * *

James and John sat on the front steps, looking into the fields. Tucker leaned against the porch railing staring at the door. He stood to his full height as Daisy joined them on the porch. Hat in hand he smiled at her.

“Miss Daisy, you look lovely.” He took a step closer to her and hesitated, turning the Stetson in his hands. “I took the liberty of hitching my horse to your wagon for the trip into town.”

With a curt nod in his direction, Daisy said, “Thank you, Tucker,” before turning to her sons. “Well, boys, let’s go. Hop up into the back of the wagon.” Daisy set the boys into motion with her no-nonsense tone. Hands in his pockets, James kicked at the dirt as he walked. John scampered ahead of his brother and vaulted into the wagon.

Daisy cautioned her eldest. “James, mind your manners and do as you’re told.”

His “Yes, ma’am” was muttered so quietly Tucker almost couldn’t hear it. Tucker walked down the steps ahead of her and turned to offer his hand as she followed. He didn’t meet her gaze. He took her small gloved hand in his calloused one and assisted her down the steps. She immediately withdrew it when her feet touched the ground. He watched her twist the drawstrings on her reticule around her fingers as they slowly walked to the wagon.

Again Tucker offered a hand to steady her as she climbed into the wagon. Again she permitted only the briefest of contact and settled into the seat while he walked in front of his horse to climb up beside her. He was a bit surprised by how quickly she’d agreed to marry him. When it was all said and done, he was a friend from so far in her past she had not recognized him when he rode onto her land a mere hour ago.

Grabbing the reins and sending the horse forward, he said, “I’ll see about getting a couple of horses next week. We’ll need them for working the farm. Mack here is more for riding than pulling a wagon. He’s a ranch horse.”

Daisy kept her eyes straight ahead and her voice low so James and John wouldn’t hear her above the sounds of the wagon on the narrow lane leading to the main road. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to keep to the topic of the day. We can talk about such business later. I don’t want to remind the boys of the loss of their papa and our horses.”

“Good idea.” Tucker matched her volume. “I’m sorry I brought it up.”

“It’s not a problem,” she said between taut lips. “It’s just that so much is happening today. I don’t want to add to the weight of all that’s already on their minds. They’ve had a rough go of it.”

“I understand.” He turned the wagon onto the main road and signaled his horse to pick up speed as they headed toward town. They traveled in silence for a few minutes.

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to be married in the church, not the parsonage.” Daisy began to rattle off details for the afternoon’s agenda. “We can have a nice supper at the local hotel. It’s a very impressive establishment for a town as small as Pine Haven. The food is very good. I’d also like to stop in at the general store. The boys haven’t had a treat in a long time. I think this is just the occasion for it.”

“Whoa, Daisy. Seems like you’ve got this all planned out in your head already. Mind if I interject some thoughts?”

“Interject away.” She lifted her arm in a sweeping gesture. “It’s not like any of this was my idea in the first place. I was just trying to make the most of it.”

“Oh, good. That’ll help.” Tucker kept his eyes on the road ahead. “Sarcasm will be just the right spice to add to today. Keep it up and James will be back to kicking dirt by the time we get to town.” He grinned to let her know he was teasing her the way he had when she was a teenager. He turned and winked at her. He saw the corners of her mouth tug into a smile before he looked back to the road.

“You always had a knack for getting me out of a mood.” She settled her hands in her lap again and looked up into the bright sky, appearing to relax for the first time since he’d ridden onto the farm just after lunch. She took in a deep breath and let it out in a whoosh. The boys had curled up on the hay in the back of the wagon and fallen asleep in the sunshine. Their clothes would be wrinkled, but he was glad to see they’d settled down.

“How are you, Daisy? Really?”

“I’m better now. Not over it by any means, but better. Working the farm will take the stress out of you if you let it.” The underlying sadness in her voice revealed the true depth of her pain.

“If you ever need to talk about it, I’ll listen.”

Daisy put one gloved hand on his arm and he felt her gaze on him as he drove. “I remember many times when you did just that. Thank you, Tucker.” She cleared her throat. “Not just for being a friend who’s willing to listen, but for everything. I know what a sacrifice it is for you to give up your life to help me and the boys.”

“Don’t you worry about that for one minute. I’m sorry those little fellows lost their papa. I know what it’s like to grow up without a father. You might remember mine was gone before I was old enough to know much about him. Tuberculosis took him the winter I turned five. I want to be to your sons what your father has been to me.” He tried without success to cover the gravel in his tone. She gave his arm a slight squeeze of comfort, and he continued. “I also hope to be there for you in a way my momma needed when she was trying to raise me alone. It was a hard life. One I hope to spare you from.” He cleared his throat and snapped the reins, effectively ending the conversation. “Get up, Mack. We need to get to town.”

His mother had done her best but life without a father had been difficult.

Daisy’s dad had raised his daughters with the help of a housekeeper who came during the daytime. Mr. Warren had made it seem so simple. Tucker knew that wasn’t true. Parenting was a difficult job for two parents. It was more than double the work when one parent was left to do the task alone.

He knew Daisy was strong. She’d managed to care for her boys and the farm since her husband’s death. The spiritual comfort of God and those precious boys had probably bolstered her courage. But she couldn’t survive on courage alone.

He stole a glance at her. He knew in his heart that she still loved the man in the grave at the top of the hill behind her cabin. Tucker had been her friend all those years ago. He’d come here as her friend. Would she ever see him as more that?

Chapter Two

Tucker pulled the wagon to a stop and set the brake in front of the general store. He called to the boys. “James and John, come with me. How would you like some candy?” Sleepiness evaporated at the promise of the treat, and the boys tumbled from the wagon.

Walking to the side of the wagon, Tucker offered his hand to Daisy. She moved to accept his help, and he could see she was surprised when he grabbed her by the waist and set her on the ground. He wondered if it was because he lifted her. Did he make her skittish? He’d have to be careful not to make her uncomfortable.

Tucker leaned close so the boys wouldn’t hear. “Do you want a few minutes to speak to the pastor before I come to the church? I can take the boys into the store and meet you later.” He knew she must be overwhelmed with the day’s events. He could see the strain on her face ease at his suggestion.

“Thank you.” Daisy gave him a slight smile. “I’ll go there now and meet you at the parsonage in a half hour. That should give me plenty of time.”

“Are you okay with all of this?” Mr. Warren had insisted the wedding take place on the day of his arrival, but Tucker was concerned about Daisy’s peace of mind.

She didn’t look at him when she answered. “Papa’s right. This really is for the best.” Was she trying to reassure him or convince herself?

“I think so, too, but I could get a room in town and stay for a few days. If that would make you more comfortable.” It would delay his start on the work he needed to do at the farm, but if it helped Daisy, he could make that small sacrifice.

“No. Thank you, but that won’t be necessary.” She shook her head, and he saw the resignation in her eyes. “There’s no need to spend money on a hotel when you’d just be coming to the farm in a few days.”

The sadness of her circumstances struck him anew. Thinking of the weight she must be under had been a driving force in his agreement to this arrangement. Her face was thin and pale. She lacked the vitality that was such a part of her personality. The sooner her life was settled, the sooner she could start to heal from her pain.

Tucker knew her sons would help to heal her heart. He hoped he could give her mind rest from the pressure of running the farm alone.

“I’ll meet you in a few minutes, then.” He nodded and looked over his shoulder to see the boys staring into the large storefront window.

“The boys can show you the way.” Daisy turned, and the heels of her shoes clicked a rhythm on the boarded sidewalk as she hurried away.

Tucker watched her go, thanking God for the opportunity to have her in his life. In the years after she’d left her father’s ranch, Tucker had kept busy with work. He’d focused on being a successful rancher and put all thoughts of love out of his mind.

He knew in his heart Daisy would never love him as she’d loved Murdock. And he certainly wasn’t interested in being a second-best husband. But he did hope her friendship would fill the aching loneliness he suffered.

* * *

“Daisy, what a lovely surprise!” Peggy greeted Daisy and ushered her into the parsonage. “David, come into the parlor. Daisy Mosley is here.” Peggy offered Daisy one of the two chairs by the front window. “Sit down and tell me how you’re doing.” Peggy sat in the other chair.

“I’m doing better. As a matter of fact, that’s why I’ve come to town today. I have news.” Daisy was interrupted when Reverend Dismuke entered the room.

“Mrs. Mosley, to what do we owe the honor of your visit?”

“I was just about to tell Peggy. I’ve received a letter from my father.”

“Does he want you to move back home?” Peggy asked anxiously.

“No.” Daisy looked from Peggy to Reverend Dismuke. “He sent Tucker Barlow. Tucker came to work for him when I was still in school. He’s been a dear friend to me and my sisters.”

“That’s seems a sound idea,” the reverend approved. “You’ll be needing a man’s help with the farm.”

“And the boys,” Peggy added.

Daisy bit her lower lip before continuing. “Papa wants me to marry Tucker. He doesn’t think it would be proper for a Christian woman to have a man on her property unless they’ve been wed. He wants to protect the boys and me from gossip.”

“Also a wise consideration,” Reverend Dismuke agreed. “People can be cruel. Children are especially vulnerable to be hurt.”

“What about you? Are you okay with this idea?” Peggy asked.

“I won’t lie and tell you it’ll be easy. I miss Murdock terribly.” Daisy reached and covered Peggy’s hand with one of her own. “But I don’t think I have a choice. Papa’s right about the boys needing a father in their lives. There’s also the question of the land.”

“You can own the land now. There’s a new law,” Peggy offered.

“It’s not been tested. I can’t risk losing everything Murdock worked so hard to give to James and John.”

“But what about...love?” Peggy wanted to know. “You can’t just marry someone to save the farm. You’ve got to consider your heart, as well.”

“Tucker’s a good man. And my father picked him. Besides, there’s more to think about than love.” Daisy tried to hide the uncertainty in her voice.

“Mrs. Mosley, may I speak frankly?” Reverend Dismuke asked.

“Of course. I trust your counsel.” Daisy waited for his next words.

“As the shepherd of this flock I’ve seen many women go through what you’re facing. Their husbands die or are killed suddenly, leaving them as widows with land and children. Many with little or no money. I have yet to see one survive without help. This is not the kind of country a woman alone can conquer safely. What if you find a way to handle everything about the farm and the boys, and then one day those thieves come back?”

“David! Don’t frighten her!” Peggy gasped.

“I’m not trying to frighten her,” he assured, “but I saw Sheriff Collins yesterday, and he still hasn’t had any success in tracking down Murdock’s killers.”

Peggy clicked her tongue in disapproval. “I’m not sure why we trust that man to protect this county.”

“He’s a good sheriff, Peggy. He’s just not much for decorum,” Reverend Dismuke disagreed.

“Well, he always looks as if he’s just rolled out of bed,” Peggy insisted. “How do we know he’s done all that can be done to find those thieves?”

“I’ve talked with him at length, and I assure you he’s doing his job. It’s just not an easy one.” To Daisy he said, “I’m sorry. I know this is very difficult for you.”

“I’ve wished a thousand times that I’d been home that day. Maybe I could have saved him.” Daisy’s remorse was palpable.

“Oh, Daisy, you can’t torture yourself like that. You and the boys could have been hurt—or worse—if you’d been there,” Peggy lamented.

“My wife is right. God was protecting you and your sons that day. I don’t pretend to understand all He does or why, but I know He had a purpose for you to be spared.” They all sat in silence for a moment.

Daisy couldn’t bear the thought of those murderous thieves returning and harming her sons. She hoped each day to hear news of their capture. Would she always have one eye on the lane while she worked? Would she be able to let the boys return to school? She wondered if they’d ever be safe again.

Reverend Dismuke was the first to speak. “I think you should accept Mr. Barlow’s offer of marriage.”

Daisy nodded her agreement. She hadn’t been able to save Murdock, but at least she could protect his sons.

“Are you sure, Daisy?” Peggy leaned over and grasped both of Daisy’s hands.

“I’ve prayed, Peggy, and I feel this is what the Lord would have me do.” The resolve in Daisy’s voice won her friend’s agreement.

“Okay, then.” Peggy sat back up straight and smoothed her dress. “Well, when do we meet this Mr. Barlow, and when is the wedding?” Peggy asked.

A knock sounded at the door.

“Now. And now,” Daisy sputtered with a laugh.

“What?” Peggy exclaimed.

“I’ll answer that. You calm down,” Reverend Dismuke teased his wife as he went to the door.

Both ladies stood as Tucker and the twins entered the room. The boys stood on either side of Tucker, making an obvious effort to stand at their full height, so much so that their small necks stretched to achieve full advantage of their stature. Small grins tugged at their matching faces, but she saw the restraint to prevent pride from bursting forth. Then she noticed the reason for this new posture. Tucker stood, hat in hand, and each boy had a smaller, though very similar hat, held in the exact way. John stole a look at Tucker to confirm he had the stance correct.

James could hold his peace no longer. “Momma! How do you like our hats? Mr. Tucker helped us pick ’em out!” He offered her a closer look without moving from Tucker’s side. “These are real Stetsons just like Mr. Tucker’s! Only they’re different ’cause everyone can make his Stetson how he wants. I like mine with the brim down, like Mr. Tucker. John likes his with the top pushed in just so. They’re great, aren’t they Momma?”

“That’s very nice, James.” Daisy touched the felt brim. “What about yours, John?” She moved to stand in front of the youngest twin.

“I like mine just fine, Momma. They were expensive, but Mr. Tucker said we needed them.” He didn’t meet her gaze. John was always cautious, and a matter was never settled for him as quickly as it was for James.

Daisy turned to Tucker, tilting her head to see into his eyes. She saw the mirth there. He was enjoying the happiness of her sons. She was grateful to see them excited. They hadn’t had a treat in a long time, and certainly nothing so grand.

“Need them?” She raised her eyebrows and waited for an explanation from Tucker. Surely he understood they didn’t have that kind of money.

Tucker stretched his neck to pronounce his height and tilted his head to one side ever so slightly. “Yes, ma’am. Every working farmer needs a good hat. These young men are no exception. It wouldn’t be proper for me to expect them to work without the tools they need.” His barely suppressed grin reminded her of the twins forced restraint. They’d only met a few hours ago, and already these males were forming an alliance she was certain she’d have to confront on a regular basis.

Looking from one to the other she addressed all three at once. “Well, I see you had a successful trip to the general store. Now it’s time for us to go to the church.”

Everyone made their way to the front door and down the steps to walk toward the church. Daisy looped her arm in Tucker’s, easing back into the friendship they’d shared for years. In a voice for his ears only, she leaned in and said, “When I said they could have a treat, I meant something like a piece of candy or fruit. I don’t know how you thought we could afford something like that.”

“Oh, they got candy, too.”

Daisy looked ahead to see both boys pulling a handful of candy from their pockets to compare.

“In the future we need to talk about things like this before they happen. And why are they calling you Mr. Tucker?” Daisy almost sounded as if she was scolding Tucker.

Leaning closer to her, without losing his grin, Tucker spoke. “There are a lot of things we’ll talk about in the future, but buying those hats was my decision, and I stand by it. And they’re calling me Mr. Tucker because I prefer it to Mr. Barlow. We’re going to be family in just a few minutes.”

“Well...” she interrupted.

He held up his free hand. “Well, nothing. You said you wanted us to stay focused on the events of today. We’ll talk about other things later, but right now...” Tucker gestured to the door of the small church that John held open for them. The others had walked ahead and were already inside. “Right now, we’re going to a wedding. And I think we both need to concentrate on that.” His fingers brushed the length of her jawline, and he smiled.