little fellows lost their papa. I know what it’s like to grow up without a father. You might remember mine was gone before I was old enough to know much about him. Tuberculosis took him the winter I turned five. I want to be to your sons what your father has been to me.” He tried without success to cover the gravel in his tone. She gave his arm a slight squeeze of comfort, and he continued. “I also hope to be there for you in a way my momma needed when she was trying to raise me alone. It was a hard life. One I hope to spare you from.” He cleared his throat and snapped the reins, effectively ending the conversation. “Get up, Mack. We need to get to town.”
His mother had done her best but life without a father had been difficult.
Daisy’s dad had raised his daughters with the help of a housekeeper who came during the daytime. Mr. Warren had made it seem so simple. Tucker knew that wasn’t true. Parenting was a difficult job for two parents. It was more than double the work when one parent was left to do the task alone.
He knew Daisy was strong. She’d managed to care for her boys and the farm since her husband’s death. The spiritual comfort of God and those precious boys had probably bolstered her courage. But she couldn’t survive on courage alone.
He stole a glance at her. He knew in his heart that she still loved the man in the grave at the top of the hill behind her cabin. Tucker had been her friend all those years ago. He’d come here as her friend. Would she ever see him as more that?
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.
