Читать книгу Conveniently Wed - Angel Moore - Страница 10

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.

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.