Conveniently Wed

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Chapter Five (#ulink_5f1c69db-0164-53b3-9bed-e61dc9e7d368)

Tucker entered the barn and saw the boys had finished two of the stalls. Calming himself with great restraint he said, “Good job, men. I need to ask you something.” He stood in the middle of the barn. James and John stilled their pitchforks. “Are you good fishermen?”

“We sure are!” James bragged. “We catch something every time we go!”

“Almost every time, James,” John added. “Sometimes the fish don’t bite.”

“But that’s not our fault, so I say we catch something every time. If the fish are biting, we’re bringing ’em home.” James hesitated and looked at Tucker. “Why? You want us to teach you how to fish, Mr. Tucker? We can. I just thought you might already know since you’re so old and all.” The boy spoke with youthful sincerity. On any other day Tucker would have laughed, but right now, he just needed some time alone.

“That’s a mighty fine offer, James, but not today. I may let you give me some pointers next time. For today, though, I’d like the two of you to go see if you can bring home some supper. Part of a man’s job is to put food on the table. Think you’re up for the challenge?” He looked from one boy to the other.

“Yes, sir! We can do it.” John turned to his brother. “Come on, James, let’s get our gear. I’ll race you.” Pitchforks fell to the ground as eager boys headed to the other side of the barn for poles.

“Whoa, just a minute. There’s another important thing a man does. He takes care of his tools. Put these pitchforks away, then get your gear and don’t forget to tell your momma where you’re going. Make sure she knows I’m sending you to get our supper.”

“Yes, sir!” they said in unison. Within seconds Tucker had the barn to himself. He was so angry he knew he needed to be alone. Hoping some hard work would relieve his stress, Tucker rolled up his sleeves and finished spreading straw.

Enough bad things had happened to Daisy lately without him adding to it by showing her his anger. He didn’t know why those men came and took her husband from her and the papa from those fine boys. He couldn’t bear to see her in pain. He came here because her father asked him to, but the good Lord knew no real man could stand by quietlike while a woman suffered.

Marrying Daisy was supposed to alleviate his loneliness, not confuse him. He gained a sense of accomplishment when he helped her or the twins do something. Just being on the property to protect them brought him peace. More than once last night he’d looked out the barn door and checked to be certain everything was as it should be at the cabin. It was his duty as her friend.

But watching Daisy cry tugged at the edges of his hardened heart. That was not part of his bargain with Daisy or her father. Or God. Tucker was trying to be patient and not make her uncomfortable, but he wasn’t accustomed to a woman’s tears. It was a hard thing to watch without offering comfort. Yet she rejected his attempt to comfort her when he touched her shoulders. He’d need to remember not to do that again.

And he certainly didn’t know how to deal with a woman who wanted to handle the money! His heart broke for her over all her suffering. At the same time he wanted to grab her and kiss her senseless when she wanted to take charge of everything.

Where had that thought come from? If she didn’t want him to touch her, she sure wouldn’t want him to kiss her. And he wasn’t about to open himself up to more rejection. Better to keep a safe distance. Keep things friendly. Just not too friendly.

Lord, give me patience! And I think You better hurry.

Needing to steer clear of Daisy for a while, he tackled the broken boards on the stall in the corner because he felt the need to swing a hammer. Then he moved outside and repaired the chicken coop. He even moved the outhouse.

He worked until he was exhausted, but nothing could erase the memory of a single tear trailing down her face when she turned her back on him and refused his comfort.

* * *

Supper was fish, grits and hush puppies. James and John were praised for their success. They celebrated by finishing off the rest of the cake before the boys went to bed.