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
