Conveniently Wed

“It’s important for them to remember their papa. And to feel like they can be like him. I’m glad to do it. Thanks for agreeing and letting them have the bandanas.”

“They were just in the drawer. I didn’t know what to do with them.” Daisy put both hands on the cabinet and dropped her head to her chest, eyes closed, fighting back tears. Tucker came to stand behind her and put his hands on her shoulders.

“It’ll get easier. I promise. I know it’s hard right now. But you’re doing the right things. You’re letting them talk about their papa and reassuring them that he’s with the Lord.” His strong hands began to gently knead the tightness of her muscles. Daisy pulled her head to one shoulder and then the next trying to relax away her stress. Then suddenly she shrugged both shoulders to her ears and pulled away from Tucker. She went to stand on the other side of the room, putting the table between them. A shiver ran down her spine and she rubbed her arms to stop the tingling.

“I’m sorry. I just can’t relax right now. I’m so tense all the time. I feel so much pressure to make sure the farm is a success and the twins are taken care of, and now I’m so obligated to you for all you’re doing.” She raised a hand to each temple and rubbed her fingers in small circles in an effort to release the pain.

“I’m the one who’s sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, Daisy. Please forgive me.” Tucker made no move toward her. He actually took a step back.

“It’s not that. I just hate that my emotions go from such grief and sadness one minute, to joy at seeing something make James or John smile the next.” She picked up the remaining plates from the table and moved toward the dishpan. Tucker moved to the door, giving her plenty of space.

“You said you had something we needed to talk about.” Daisy put the dishes in the water and began to work without looking at him. She heard him take his hat from the peg and knew he was spinning it in his hands. Daisy had noticed he often did this when he was choosing his words carefully.

“I’m getting the stalls ready for new horses. I know you said we’d have to talk about it later, but I feel we need to get things back on track as soon as possible.”

“Okay. If you think that’s best.” She began stacking the clean dishes on the shelves above the cabinet. “We can go to the bank the next time we’re in town and get the money out. I don’t keep much money here. Murdock never thought it was a good idea to keep cash around. I finally understood why on the day he was robbed and killed. Those men took a lot of things from us, but most of our money was safe in the bank.” A tear ran down her cheek. Turning her back to Tucker, she caught it with the dish towel and sniffed. Raising up to her full height, Daisy pivoted to face him again. It surprised her to see that anger virtually oozed from every fiber of the man. His red hair seemed aflame on his scalp. His nostrils flared, and he took deep breaths. She couldn’t ever remember seeing him so mad. Not even the day she shot him when her papa was teaching her to shoot.

“I will pay for the horses.” Tucker rammed his hat on his head. “And if those murderous thieves ever come near here again, I’ll see that they pay, too.” The force of the slamming door caused it to bounce open again as she watched him stomp across the yard. It took a moment for her to realize she was holding her breath.

Daisy hadn’t meant to upset him. Her papa was right. Being married to each other was definitely going to be a major adjustment for both of them. She knew he was just being friendly when he touched her, but she wasn’t ready to be touched. It was too soon. And she couldn’t let him pay for those horses. The farm expenses were her responsibility. And that temper!

Help us, Lord, or this is going to be a rough road.

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