Conveniently Wed

Daisy drew in a breath to calm herself. “Okay. I’ll focus.” She lifted her skirt just enough to keep from stepping on it as she climbed the steps. “But we have a lot to talk about, Tucker. And we will talk about it.” She dropped her hem and smoothed her skirt as they passed through the doorway.

“I’m sure we will, Daisy.” Tucker removed his hat and handed it to John for safekeeping during the ceremony. “I’m sure we will.” He offered her his hand, and they proceeded up the aisle.

Daisy stood beside Tucker at the altar of Pine Haven Church. She took advantage of the opportunity to study him in what must be his best shirt and trousers. The red hair had been tamed with a fresh combing. He was every inch a man—and a tall one at that. He stood a good foot taller than she did with strong shoulders and a broad chest. His boots wore a fresh shine.

James and John sat on the first bench, watching as Reverend Dismuke performed the wedding ceremony, their new hats carefully resting beside them, Tucker’s much larger hat on John’s farside. They giggled a little at first, but Tucker silenced them with a look. Daisy was surprised by how quickly he’d taken command of the boys’ behavior. She’d been prone to leniency since their father’s death. Truly things were changing today. Daisy would do her best to keep the changes at a manageable pace. The twins would need time to adjust to Tucker’s authority.

Reverend Dismuke went through the vows with great reverence, explaining the weight of the commitment of the marriage ceremony in the eyes of God.

“Tucker, wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance, in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her, in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?”

Tucker looked at her and answered, “I will.”

Daisy, in turn, promised herself to him. With each word spoken a heaviness settled on her soul. She knew she had no choice—knew she was doing the right thing. But could she find the inner strength to build a relationship with an old friend into a marriage? Her first husband had captivated her fancy, and she’d fallen deeply in love with him. Now she stood in her church before God and witnesses and pledged to give Tucker the same commitment she’d shared with Murdock. Tucker had been a dear friend. But her husband? Never had the thought crossed her mind. Daisy was surprised by how quickly the ceremony progressed. Before she realized it the reverend asked if there was a ring. Something she hadn’t thought about.

“Oh, we don’t—” Daisy shook her head, only to be stunned into silence when Tucker pulled a ring from his shirt pocket and handed it to the preacher.

“Let us pray.” Reverend Dismuke bowed his head and spoke. “Loving God, we ask You to bless this union. Help Tucker and Daisy to grow together as husband and wife. Build a strong bond between these two souls.” Daisy felt the heat rush to her face and prayed her own prayer that she hadn’t blushed as deeply as she felt. “God help these two fine young men, James and John, to bring You honor by the way they respect their momma and their new papa.” The boys both opened their eyes at this point. “And most of all, God, we thank You for bringing these folks together as a family. May they live, as this ring represents, an endless circle of love that shines with beauty and strength. Amen.”

“Amen.” Tucker and Daisy spoke softly in unison. James and John sat in silence. Peggy wiped a tear away with her handkerchief.

Reverend Dismuke returned the ring to Tucker, who reached for Daisy’s hand. She stared at him, unbelieving, as he slipped the delicate ring on her finger. Intricately carved leaves and vines wrapped around the gold band. Tucker repeated after the minister, “With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship and with all my worldly goods I thee endow.”

Reverend Dismuke finalized their commitment by saying, “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Tucker looked to Daisy, asking permission with his eyes. Feeling it would be unfair to deny Tucker this right after all he was sacrificing for her and her children, Daisy nodded her assent with the slightest tip of her head, lowered her gaze and waited. He gently took her face in his large hands and tenderly brushed a kiss across her cheek. She opened her eyes wide and thanked him from her soul without speaking a word. His smile acknowledged his understanding of her gratitude.

As the small group left the church, Reverend Dismuke pulled Tucker and Daisy aside. “Sheriff Collins has been trying to find the men who killed Murdock. He sent word of the killing to sheriffs in the neighboring counties. I’m sure he’d be glad to meet you, Tucker. He’s been concerned for the safety of your wife and the boys.”

“Thanks,” Tucker said. “I’ll stop by his office and introduce myself.”

“He’s a bit rough around the edges, but I think he’s doing all he can.”

“I’ll see if there’s anything I can do to help him.” Tucker settled his hat back on his head. “Right now, though, I’m going to take my new family to supper. Thanks, Reverend, for your time today.”

Tucker’s words rang in her head as she walked with him to the wagon. They were a family on their way to supper. Only they weren’t an ordinary family. Nothing about this day had been ordinary.

* * *

“Boys, put your hats on the rack here by the door.” Daisy noticed Tucker hung his hat up high so the twins could use the lower pegs.

“Are we really gonna eat in the hotel, Momma?” the ever-curious James wanted to know.

“She already said so, James.” John was losing patience with his brother today.

“Yes, we’re eating here. I want both of you on your best behavior,” Daisy admonished as she pulled her gloves off and tucked them into her reticule. “Papa Warren is giving us this wedding supper as a gift. I want everyone to enjoy it. So mind your manners.”

The hostess escorted them to a table set with linen and glassware. The smell of freshly baked bread filled the room.

Tucker held a chair for Daisy, signaling the twins to wait until their mother sat. When they were all seated, a young girl wearing a starched white apron over a simple brown dress offered them menus.

Daisy skimmed the choices before looking to Tucker. “Roast beef for everyone? With creamed potatoes and carrots and some of that delicious-smelling bread?”

“Sounds wonderful to me.” Tucker closed his menu. “I think this is just the kind of place your papa had in mind for our wedding supper.”

“I wish he could be here.” Daisy’s heart ached for the comfort of her father’s love. She sniffed and straightened in her chair, neatly folding her hands in her lap. Her voice went up just a notch in tone, but not volume. “But that’s not possible, so we’ll make the most of the occasion he’s provided for us. I’ll write him a letter tonight and tell him how much we appreciate his gift.” Her head was still spinning with the knowledge that she was married again. Table conversation was a great effort, but she did want to honor her father by enjoying this meal. It was a great luxury that wouldn’t likely come their way again soon.

“I’m sure he would like to know things have worked out like he hoped. Let’s send him a telegraph on the way home. Then you can write a letter with all the details, and we can post it the next time we’re in town,” Tucker suggested.

“That’s a fine idea. Then he’ll know everything is settled, and the boys and I are safe,” Daisy agreed.

The boys grew fidgety at the table, most likely in response to all the candy they’d managed to eat by sneaking pieces whenever they thought no one was looking. Now they both had empty pockets.

“Stop kicking me.” John sent James a glare.

“I’m not kicking you.” James spoke just a little louder than John.

“That’s enough.” Tucker’s voice was even, but serious. “James, stop swinging your legs under the table. John sit up straight in your chair, and you won’t be close enough for James to accidentally kick you.” The twins immediately obeyed, looking to Daisy as their eyes worked to conceal their displeasure at his command.

Daisy was again taken aback when Tucker corrected James and John. Murdock had always left the day-to-day manners and attitudes for her to deal with. She wasn’t accustomed to someone taking over her responsibilities, and she was certain she didn’t like it.

Tucker spoke again before she could decide how to address the matter with him. “I need to take care of some business before we leave town.” The young waitress approached and filled his glass with tea. “If you need anything from the general store, I can drop you there, and you can shop. I’ll pick you up when I’m finished.” The waitress circled the table to serve the boys and Daisy before leaving.

“What kind of business can you possibly have? You just arrived today,” Daisy said, picking up her glass. James had inherited his curiosity from his mother. She’d always had a deep-seated desire to know everything that was going on around her at all times. Constant observation and well-placed questions kept her from feeling uninformed. She never liked to be caught unaware.

“Just some business matters I need to handle.” Tucker answered vaguely. “I won’t be long.”

The door to the kitchen swung open as the waitress backed through it carrying a large round tray with their food. James and John sat up eagerly to watch each plate be set on the fancy table. Daisy had instructed them on the flatware, but she knew they’d be hard-pressed to muzzle their excitement over this new experience. The waitress left after placing a large basket of bread in the center of the table next to a silver dish of fresh butter.

Daisy leaned forward and reached across the corners of the square table to take the twins by the hand. They looked at one another and then at her. She raised her eyebrows toward Tucker before they reluctantly reached their other hands to him. This was the kind of reluctance she expected from her sons today. It was a wonder they’d been as agreeable as they had for much of the day. Accepting a new hat from an old friend of hers was one thing. It was another thing entirely to include the same friend in their family traditions—like prayer over a meal.

* * *

Tucker had been leaning back with one leg crossing the opposite knee before the food arrived. He’d pulled his chair closer to the table as the waitress retreated behind the still-swinging door. His hands held the edges of his chair. Looking up, he met Daisy’s gaze and saw her intent. Unfamiliar with his new family’s mealtime expectations, the cowboy turned to each boy and took the offered hand.

“Will you give thanks, Tucker?” Daisy asked.

“Hmm-hmm.” Tucker cleared his throat. He wasn’t accustomed to praying aloud. “Dear, Lord. Thank You for this bountiful supper. We thank You for Your protection and guidance. Help us all to follow You in everything we do and to be good examples of Your love. Amen.”

“Amen,” Daisy said with the boys before they all tucked into the delicious food.

“This is a fine supper. I didn’t realize how hungry I was.” Tucker put a bite of bread in his mouth.

Daisy agreed with him. “The roast is so tender. I would never have had time to cook something this nice for us tonight. Not starting so late in the day.”

He was glad to see her enjoying the meal and kept the conversation away from anything that would spoil it for her.

Careful of Daisy’s admonishment to mind their manners, the boys didn’t talk because they were too busy eating. Only after John finished the meal and put his fork down, did he speak.

“That was good!”

“I really liked it, too. But I like Momma’s best.” James joined the conversation.

“That’s very sweet of you, James. Thank you. It was a fine supper.” Daisy took her napkin from her lap and folded it neatly before laying it on the table. “Now let’s go see what we need from the general store before we head back home.” She moved to push her chair back.

“We haven’t had dessert yet.” Tucker had watched her speech and knew she was trying to set the agenda again. He knew she liked to know all the details beforehand, but he wanted to surprise her.

“Dessert?” two boys chimed in unison.

“Cake, actually.” Tucker caught the attention of the waitress by lifting one hand.

“Yes, sir? Are you ready now?” she asked as she approached the table.

“I believe we are. Thank you.”

The waitress cleared away their plates and disappeared into the kitchen.

Tucker watched Daisy as the door opened again, and the girl turned toward their table.

“It’s the most beautiful cake I’ve ever seen.” Smooth white icing with intricate layers of piping created a look of lace. “I’ve heard of the hotel’s reputation for great desserts, but never seen one.” Her face glowed with admiration for the unexpected treat.

“Would you like me to serve you, or would you prefer to cut it, ma’am?” the waitress asked while setting dessert plates on the table.

“I think we can manage, thank you.” Daisy reached for the knife and hesitated. The waitress left them. The boys were wide-eyed at the cake. Tucker sat leaning back with his arms folded across his chest, smiling.

“You did this,” she accused. “How?”

“I confess. I stopped in on my way through town and asked about a special dessert before I went to your place to propose. I thought it would make a nice ending to the day.” He was pleased by their reactions.

“What if I’d said ‘no’?” Daisy pointed the knife at him teasingly.

“Oh, I thought you’d come around to your papa’s way of seeing things.” He couldn’t stop the grin that pulled at the corners of his mouth.

“I see,” Daisy said before slicing a substantial slab of cake. “We’ll just have to see about how well you can predict my thinking in the future.” He heard the taunting tone in her statement as she passed a dessert plate to him.

Tucker smiled. “I fully expect to be challenged on a regular basis. And I expect to rise to the occasion.” Using the side of his fork, he cut off a large bite of cake and paused before putting it in his mouth. “Don’t forget I’ve known you for a long time. I know a lot about how you can be.” His smile almost became a smirk, effectively returning her challenge and making her smile.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” She cut practically identical pieces of cake for the boys. Tucker imagined equality was the only road to peace between them.

Daisy served herself, and Tucker watched her savor the sweet dessert with all the fervor of the twins. While they ate, he remembered how he’d once hoped for a strong and healthy marriage with this beautiful woman. If she’d been older, he would have told her how he felt. Before she had ever met Murdock. Now he knew that even after she had time to grieve the loss of her first husband, Murdock would always be her one true love.

Falling for Daisy all those years ago was the last time he’d risked trying to find lasting love. As a boy, he’d seen his mother never recover from the loss of his father. He also watched Daisy’s father choose to live alone after losing his wife. He wouldn’t let himself dwell on how he’d learned firsthand the power of someone’s first love. Rejection was hard to live with. It was harder to leave behind. He vowed never to put himself in that position again. He would be Daisy’s friend—but nothing more.

Chapter Three

Daisy held the edge of the seat as Tucker pulled the reins and stopped the wagon in front of the general store. James and John leaped to the dirt and assisted their mother from the wagon.

“Good job, boys. I’ll be back as soon as I’ve taken care of a few errands.” To Daisy he said, “Get whatever you need. I’ll stop in and settle up when I get back.” Tucker signaled Mack, and the wagon lurched forward.

James and John each grabbed one of Daisy’s hands and tried to pull her into the store. “Come on, Momma. We can help you shop. Mr. Tucker says we’re good shoppers. He says we got good taste.” James rattled away as usual.

Daisy resisted their pull long enough to see her wagon turn right at the corner. Tucker could be going almost anywhere. Pine Haven consisted of two intersecting streets lined with businesses that served the small, growing community. Pine Haven Church sat at the opposite end of the street Tucker had turned on, and the livery was at the other end. The general store was just shy of the main crossroads.

Standing on the porch of the general store, Daisy wondered what business Tucker could be conducting. He’d turned in the direction of the bank and the lumber mill. There was also a post office and a blacksmith in that area. Or could he be going to the livery? He’d mentioned wanting to purchase horses. They hadn’t discussed money yet. Daisy hoped he wasn’t going to take on too much without at least talking to her. She’d always known what Murdock was doing with their money. Was Tucker a man who considered their money to be his money? Did he think a woman should leave matters of business to the man? Murdock had taught Daisy how to keep the financial records for their cotton crop. She was well versed in the costs of farming, how to balance the funds to make it from one harvest to the next and how to survive lean times.

Feeling a tug on each hand, Daisy followed James and John into the store, still thinking about Tucker’s errands. For all their past friendship, there was a lot Daisy didn’t know about the man who was now her husband.

* * *

Tucker opened the door of the sheriff’s office and stepped into the dank atmosphere. The two small cells on the back wall each had a tiny window lined with bars to prevent escape. Minimal light came through the dirty front window. The smell of gun oil and dust assailed his nostrils. A man sporting a heavy mustache and several days’ growth of beard dozed behind the massive wooden desk. The tarnished star on his vest was the only clue the unkempt man was indeed the sheriff. He was of an indiscernible age somewhere between thirty and fifty. The chair creaked under his weight as he shook himself and lowered the front legs to the floor at Tucker’s appearance.

“Sheriff Collins?” Tucker extended his hand. “I’m Tucker Barlow.”

The sheriff fumbled to his feet and squinted at Tucker from beneath scraggly eyebrows. “What can I do for ya?” His face remained wrinkled as he stirred himself from sleep.

“I’m new in town. Just wanted to stop by and introduce myself. I married Daisy Mosley earlier today. I understand you’ve been searching for the men who killed her first husband.”

“Yep.” Sheriff Collins sat back in his chair. “Wanna sit? Sorry you caught me nappin’. I’ve been up late most nights trying to keep an eye on things in case those thieves head back this way.”

Tucker took the offered seat. “Have you had any success?”

“Not much to go on. The sheriffs from the counties around us haven’t been able to help me, either. Nobody’s seen nothin’. I sent out flyers and telegraphed everybody I figured would know something. Even got the Rangers lookin’ into it for us. Only know more horses were taken from a county south of here. Owners weren’t home so nobody got hurt.”

“What about clues from the Mosley farm? Did they leave any signs of who they were?”

“We know for sure there’s two of ’em. Know that from the horseshoe prints they left. Murdock’s horses was shoed here in town. Blacksmith here knew which marks was from Murdock’s horses and which ones wasn’t. Tracked ’em to the creek at the edge of the property, but lost ’em. They knew to get in the water and ride. Smart thieves, too. Murdock had some good horseflesh. I want you to know we’ve done all we could. It’s hard when nobody saw or heard what happened. The little missus was in town with her boys.”

“Will you let us know if you hear anything? I’d like to see these men brought to justice. I hate to think of them hurting other people like they did the Mosley family.” Tucker stood and put his hat back on his head.

“I’ll sure do it, Mr. Barlow. You take care out there. Don’t like them fellas being on the loose myself.” Sheriff Collins leaned the chair back and propped his feet on the desk again. “I been especially worried ’bout the missus and those cute little boys. Didn’t want no more harm to come to ’em.”

“I’ll be protecting them now. By the good Lord’s help, we’ll be fine.”

* * *

An hour later Tucker returned to the general store. Daisy stood at the porch railing, her toe tapping the boards, impatience growing by the minute. She and the boys had finished their shopping within twenty minutes. The twins’ restlessness with waiting caused her to send them across the street to the Ledford Dressmaker Shop. Milly Ledford had a son, Reilly, who was a year younger than her boys. They were playing upstairs in the Ledfords’ living quarters.

“Ahh, you’re ready. I’m glad. It’s going to be dark soon. I didn’t want to have to wait long.” Tucker pulled the large brake handle and vaulted from the wagon to the ground in front of her, smiling. “What do I need to load up?” He was looking around for her purchases. “And where are James and John?”

“Ready?” The word came out slowly. Daisy took a deep breath. “Yes, you could say we’re ready. We have been for the better part of an hour.” She indicated a small package wrapped in brown paper and tied with twine. There was also a crate with a few grocery staples. “The boys could only be still so long. I sent them across the street to play with a friend.”

“Will you get them while I go in and settle the bill?” Tucker set the crate over the side of the wagon and brushed his hands together to remove the dust.

“I’ll get them now.” Daisy descended the two front steps, pretending she didn’t see his offered hand. “But the bill is already settled.” Daisy kept walking without looking back. She disappeared inside the dress shop for the briefest moment and then returned to the wagon.

Tucker reached out a hand to help her, leaning in closely to speak softly against her golden hair so only she could hear. “I told you I’d settle the bill.”

“I already had it covered.” Caught off guard by his sudden nearness and not wanting to fall and embarrass herself, she was forced to accept his hand to climb up and take her seat.

“It’s my responsibility to provide for the family. I can pay for the things we need.” Tucker climbed into his seat and took the reins.

“I have already made provision for the things we will need until next year’s harvest. You don’t have to spend your money on us.” Daisy’s stubborn streak refused to allow her to relinquish complete responsibility for her family.

“We’re in this together now, Daisy. I know your stubbornness has helped you survive all you’ve been through. I admire your strength and spirit, but we’ve got to work together now. We can’t build a future if you refuse to let me help. I didn’t sign up to be a farmhand. I signed up to be your husband.”

Daisy sat with her back straight in stony silence. Part of her knew he was right. She finally looked at him. “I’ve had to do everything on my own since Murdock died.”

“I understand that. I’m only saying you’re not alone anymore. I’m here to help.”

The boys sprinted out of the dress shop, yelling their goodbyes to Reilly and Mrs. Ledford, before jumping into the back of the wagon.

“Whoa, there, boys. Be careful. Your momma has her packages back there. And there’s a crate of mine that I don’t want you to get hurt on.” Tucker admonished the twins and released the brake. Once again he took the lead in instructing the boys.

“What did you get, Mr. Tucker?” James couldn’t resist being nosy.

“Just some things I’ll be needing at the house, James, nothing for you to concern yourself about. You boys have a seat. I’m going to press Mack to get us home before dark. Hang on.” With a crack of the reins they were soon leaving town in the distance.

The sun was just visible on the horizon when Tucker turned the wagon onto the lane that led to their cabin. The boys had again fallen asleep. This time they’d covered their faces with the new hats. Daisy smiled at their attempts to appear grown as she roused them before Tucker had a chance to speak.