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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 (#ulink_fe26e732-d785-58e7-a04b-f6a1315e87b7)
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.
“James and John, we’re home. I need you to wake up and help with the wagon.”
Sleepy boys in rumpled clothes leaned over the back of the seat to collapse on Daisy’s shoulders. “Momma, do we have to help? I’m tired.” James buried his head in her sleeve.
“Yes, you do. Mr. Tucker is tired, too. He’s been traveling for several days. You can help with the wagon and see to the animals. Then you can go to bed. If you hurry, I’ll have milk and another piece of cake waiting for a snack.”
Everyone carried something into the house when the wagon came to a stop. The waitress had boxed the remainder of the cake before they left the restaurant, and Tucker had stowed it safely under Daisy’s seat.
“Boys, I’ll unhitch the wagon while you see to your regular nightly chores. Let’s see who can get to the cake the fastest.” Tucker challenged the twins, who responded more for the cake than the challenge. He laughed when they stirred up a trail of dust in the evening twilight as they ran to check their animals.
Tucker turned to Daisy as she moved to close the door from inside the cabin. “I’ll be a few minutes. I’d like another slice of cake, too. After the boys are in bed, I’d appreciate it if you and I could visit for a bit.”
Daisy stood in the doorway framed in the glow of the lamp she’d lit on the table behind her. “Okay. We certainly have a lot of catching up to do.” She closed the door softly. Leaning her forehead against the door, she heard him whistling a happy tune as he stepped off the porch.
* * *
Icing on the tip of John’s nose let Tucker know the boys started eating their cake before he finished his chores. James was putting his empty plate and cup in the dishpan on the cabinet under the front window. Tucker hung his hat on the highest peg inside the front door.
“That’s papa’s peg,” James spouted. “No one hangs their hat there but my papa.”
Tucker stood still, assessing the situation. Daisy turned from where she was stoking the fire and put the poker aside.
“James. Be quiet,” Daisy cautioned her eldest.
“But it’s Papa’s peg. Not Mr. Tucker’s. He can’t take Papa’s place.” The youngster was working himself into a panic. His breathing was starting to come in short rasps, and his shoulders started to shake.
“James, I’m not trying to take your papa’s place.” Tucker said, as Daisy put an arm around James’s shoulder.
John started to whimper at the table. He put his head down on crossed arms and began to cry in earnest.
“Oh, boys, don’t cry. Tucker is here to help us. Not to take your papa’s place.” Daisy steered James to the table and sat on the bench between them, gently rocking with an arm of comfort around each son.
Tucker sat at the head of the table. “Your momma’s right. I’m not here to take anyone’s place. Only to help.”
“But now you’re sitting in Papa’s chair,” James wailed. “And you whispered in Momma’s ear while we were in town. You’re doing all the things our papa did!” John continued to weep, but didn’t say anything. Daisy looked at Tucker over the tops of their small heads. He saw the pain in her eyes.
“Look at me, boys.” Tucker’s tone was gentle, but firm. Two blond heads tilted upward. Tears still flowed, but they were silent now. “No one can take your papa’s place. He was a fine man.” James sniffed loudly and wiped his face with the sleeve of his nightshirt. “I knew your papa. I met him years ago when he started courting your momma.” John dried his eyes. Tucker had their complete attention.
“You did?” This quiet question came from John.
“I did.” Tucker nodded. “I remember the first day he came to see your papa Warren and ask if he could come calling on your momma. He was tall and lean. A handsome young fellow, about twice your age, I’d say.” The twins sat up to listen. Daisy’s arms fell to her sides, and her eyes misted over as he continued telling his story.
“He was wiry, but strong. Went right up the front steps, took off his hat and rapped with the knocker. Your momma came to the door, all shy and sweet. Her hair was down and full of curls. She was wearing a blue dress the color of the sky in springtime. Her eyes sparkled, and her face went all pretty and pink when she saw it was your papa on the porch.” Daisy’s eyes widened in wonder. Tucker knew she’d been unaware he’d stood just inside the barn door watching the events unfold that day. She only had eyes for Murdock then.
“Really? Tell us more!” James was intrigued.
“Well, I couldn’t hear what he said, but I saw your momma go inside and come back with your papa Warren. He walked outside, and him and your papa took a walk down by a stream that runs by your momma’s old home place. They were only gone a few minutes. I could see your momma peeking through the parlor curtains trying to see what they were doing. She was trying to be all sneaky and hide, but I could see her. She never has been much for waitin’ and seein’. She always wants to know what’s happening right when it’s going on.”
Daisy’s mouth dropped open as if to refute him, but closed when he met her stare and raised his eyebrows. The twins chuckled. Tucker figured they knew this firsthand, but that no one had ever described her like this.
“What happened next?” John asked quietly.
“Seems like I remember your papa whooping out loud and slapping his hat against his leg. Then he turned and started to trot up the hill back to the house. But he stopped real sudden like and hollered down the bank at your papa Warren. ‘Thank you, sir!’ he said. Then he broke out in a run and took the porch steps two at a time. You would’ve thought the knocker was gonna break right off the hinge the way he beat on that door.” Everyone laughed at that.
“What did Momma do?” James interrupted, again showing his inherited impatience.
“James, your momma’s a lot like you, I think. She’d seen your papa celebrating and must have figured out her papa had permitted their courting. She was at that door swinging it open so fast your papa almost fell in when she opened it. She was grinning from ear to ear. I’ve never seen her look happier. Except on the day she married your papa.” Silence settled over the small group as they each absorbed the sweet memory he’d shared.
“So you see, I know how special your papa was to your momma. And I know what a good man he was, or your papa Warren would never have let him court your momma. I watched them court and saw their relationship grow into a deep love. That’s something special. Not everybody gets to love, or be loved, like that. Your papa was always good and kind to your momma. It was obvious to me, and anyone else who took the time to notice, that your momma and papa were meant for each other.”
Seeing her true love for Murdock had prevented Tucker from declaring his own love for Daisy back then. He had loved her so much he wanted her to be happy. Even if that happiness came from her being with Murdock. He remembered the ache in his chest that day. His heart had started to grow a protective shell as his hope of having Daisy for his wife had been extinguished.
“Out of respect for their relationship, I promise I won’t try to take your papa’s place. But I’m your momma’s friend—have been for many long years. I came here because I care about her, and I care about you boys. Do you think you could grow to respect me as your momma’s friend and someone who cares about all of you?” Tucker waited while the boys thought. He looked at Daisy. Tears slid down her cheeks.
