LITMIR.BIZ

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bill.”

      “I already had it covered.” Caught off guard by his sudden nearness and not wanting to fall and embarrass herself, she was forced to accept his hand to climb up and take her seat.

      “It’s my responsibility to provide for the family. I can pay for the things we need.” Tucker climbed into his seat and took the reins.

      “I have already made provision for the things we will need until next year’s harvest. You don’t have to spend your money on us.” Daisy’s stubborn streak refused to allow her to relinquish complete responsibility for her family.

      “We’re in this together now, Daisy. I know your stubbornness has helped you survive all you’ve been through. I admire your strength and spirit, but we’ve got to work together now. We can’t build a future if you refuse to let me help. I didn’t sign up to be a farmhand. I signed up to be your husband.”

      Daisy sat with her back straight in stony silence. Part of her knew he was right. She finally looked at him. “I’ve had to do everything on my own since Murdock died.”

      “I understand that. I’m only saying you’re not alone anymore. I’m here to help.”

      The boys sprinted out of the dress shop, yelling their goodbyes to Reilly and Mrs. Ledford, before jumping into the back of the wagon.

      “Whoa, there, boys. Be careful. Your momma has her packages back there. And there’s a crate of mine that I don’t want you to get hurt on.” Tucker admonished the twins and released the brake. Once again he took the lead in instructing the boys.

      “What did you get, Mr. Tucker?” James couldn’t resist being nosy.

      “Just some things I’ll be needing at the house, James, nothing for you to concern yourself about. You boys have a seat. I’m going to press Mack to get us home before dark. Hang on.” With a crack of the reins they were soon leaving town in the distance.

      The sun was just visible on the horizon when Tucker turned the wagon onto the lane that led to their cabin. The boys had again fallen asleep. This time they’d covered their faces with the new hats. Daisy smiled at their attempts to appear grown as she roused them before Tucker had a chance to speak.

      “James and John, we’re home. I need you to wake up and help with the wagon.”

      Sleepy boys in rumpled clothes leaned over the back of the seat to collapse on Daisy’s shoulders. “Momma, do we have to help? I’m tired.” James buried his head in her sleeve.

      “Yes, you do. Mr. Tucker is tired, too. He’s been traveling for several days. You can help with the wagon and see to the animals. Then you can go to bed. If you hurry, I’ll have milk and another piece of cake waiting for a snack.”

      Everyone carried something into the house when the wagon came to a stop. The waitress had boxed the remainder of the cake before they left the restaurant, and Tucker had stowed it safely under Daisy’s seat.

      “Boys, I’ll unhitch the wagon while you see to your regular nightly chores. Let’s see who can get to the cake the fastest.” Tucker challenged the twins, who responded more for the cake than the challenge. He laughed when they stirred up a trail of dust in the evening twilight as they ran to check their animals.

      Tucker turned to Daisy as she moved to close the door from inside the cabin. “I’ll be a few minutes. I’d like another slice of cake, too. After the boys are in bed, I’d appreciate it if you and I could visit for a bit.”

      Daisy stood in the doorway framed in the glow of the lamp she’d lit on the table behind her. “Okay. We certainly have a lot of catching up to do.” She closed the door softly. Leaning her forehead against the door, she heard him whistling a happy tune as he stepped off the porch.

      * * *

      Icing on the tip of John’s nose let Tucker know the boys started eating their cake before he finished his chores. James was putting his empty plate and cup in the dishpan on the cabinet under the front window. Tucker hung his hat on the highest peg inside the front door.

      “That’s papa’s peg,” James spouted. “No one hangs their hat there but my papa.”

      Tucker stood still, assessing the situation. Daisy turned from where she was stoking the fire and put the poker aside.

      “James. Be quiet,” Daisy cautioned her eldest.

      “But it’s Papa’s peg. Not Mr. Tucker’s. He can’t take Papa’s place.” The youngster was working himself into a panic. His breathing was starting to come in short rasps, and his shoulders started to shake.

      “James, I’m not trying to take your papa’s place.” Tucker said, as Daisy put an arm around James’s shoulder.

      John started to whimper at the table. He put his head down on crossed arms and began to cry in earnest.

      “Oh, boys, don’t cry. Tucker is here to help us. Not to take your papa’s place.” Daisy steered James to the table and sat on the bench between them, gently rocking with an arm of comfort around each son.

      Tucker sat at the head of the table. “Your momma’s right. I’m not here to take anyone’s place. Only to help.”

      “But now you’re sitting in Papa’s chair,” James wailed. “And you whispered in Momma’s ear while we were in town. You’re doing all the things our papa did!” John continued to weep, but didn’t say anything. Daisy looked at Tucker over the tops of their small heads. He saw the pain in her eyes.

      “Look at me, boys.” Tucker’s tone was gentle, but firm. Two blond heads tilted upward. Tears still flowed, but they were silent now. “No one can take your papa’s place. He was a fine man.” James sniffed loudly and wiped his face with the sleeve of his nightshirt. “I knew your papa. I met him years ago when he started courting your momma.” John dried his eyes. Tucker had their complete attention.

      “You did?” This quiet question came from John.

      “I did.” Tucker nodded. “I remember the first day he came to see your papa Warren and ask if he could come calling on your momma. He was tall and lean. A handsome young fellow, about twice your age, I’d say.” The twins sat up to listen. Daisy’s arms fell to her sides, and her eyes misted over as he continued telling his story.

      “He was wiry, but strong. Went right up the front steps, took off his hat and rapped with the knocker. Your momma came to the door, all shy and sweet. Her hair was down and full of curls. She was wearing a blue dress the color of the sky in springtime. Her eyes sparkled, and her face went all pretty and pink when she saw it was your papa on the porch.” Daisy’s eyes widened in wonder. Tucker knew she’d been unaware he’d stood just inside the barn door watching the events unfold that day. She only had eyes for Murdock then.

      “Really? Tell us more!” James was intrigued.

      “Well, I couldn’t hear what he said, but I saw your momma go inside and come back with your papa Warren. He walked outside, and him and your papa took a walk down by a stream that runs by your momma’s old home place. They were only gone a few minutes. I could see your momma peeking through the parlor curtains trying to see what they were doing. She was trying to be all sneaky and hide, but I could see her. She never has been much for waitin’ and seein’. She always wants to know what’s happening right when it’s going on.”

      Daisy’s mouth dropped open as if to refute him, but closed when he met her stare and raised his eyebrows. The twins chuckled. Tucker figured they knew this firsthand, but that no one had ever described her like this.

      “What happened next?” John asked quietly.

      “Seems like I remember your papa whooping out loud and slapping his hat against his leg. Then he turned and started to trot up the hill back to the house. But he stopped real sudden like and hollered down the bank at your papa Warren. ‘Thank you, sir!’ he said. Then he broke out in a run and took the porch steps two at a time. You would’ve thought the knocker was gonna

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