“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