LITMIR.BIZ

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your momma’s a lot like you, I think. She’d seen your papa celebrating and must have figured out her papa had permitted their courting. She was at that door swinging it open so fast your papa almost fell in when she opened it. She was grinning from ear to ear. I’ve never seen her look happier. Except on the day she married your papa.” Silence settled over the small group as they each absorbed the sweet memory he’d shared.

      “So you see, I know how special your papa was to your momma. And I know what a good man he was, or your papa Warren would never have let him court your momma. I watched them court and saw their relationship grow into a deep love. That’s something special. Not everybody gets to love, or be loved, like that. Your papa was always good and kind to your momma. It was obvious to me, and anyone else who took the time to notice, that your momma and papa were meant for each other.”

      Seeing her true love for Murdock had prevented Tucker from declaring his own love for Daisy back then. He had loved her so much he wanted her to be happy. Even if that happiness came from her being with Murdock. He remembered the ache in his chest that day. His heart had started to grow a protective shell as his hope of having Daisy for his wife had been extinguished.

      “Out of respect for their relationship, I promise I won’t try to take your papa’s place. But I’m your momma’s friend—have been for many long years. I came here because I care about her, and I care about you boys. Do you think you could grow to respect me as your momma’s friend and someone who cares about all of you?” Tucker waited while the boys thought. He looked at Daisy. Tears slid down her cheeks.

      “Yes, sir. I believe we can.” James answered for both twins. John nodded his agreement. “But what about Papa’s hat peg and his chair at the table?”

      “Well...” Daisy spoke for the first time since Tucker had started his story. “Since Mr. Tucker and your papa were friends, do you think Papa would be okay with letting Mr. Tucker use things that he used, since Papa’s in heaven and won’t be needing them for himself?”

      “It hurts so much that he’s never coming back, Momma.” John’s broken heart seemed to cry out for the papa he could no longer see and touch.

      “I know, John.” Daisy pulled him close. “Papa didn’t leave because he wanted to, but we know he’s safe with Jesus. He’d want us to be happy and make new friends and build new relationships. Mr. Tucker has been my friend for a long time. I’m sure your papa’s glad he’s come to help us. I think it would be okay with your papa for us to share his things with Mr. Tucker.”

      “If you’re sure,” James said.

      “I’m sure.” Daisy hugged both boys close.

      “Okay,” John added.

      Daisy stood up and patted her hair smooth. “I think it’s time for the two of you to get to bed. Tell Mr. Tucker good-night.”

      Watching the three of them go into the boys’ room, Tucker almost wished his heart hadn’t frozen over when Daisy married Murdock. But experience taught him that Daisy would never love anyone the way she had loved Murdock. His heart was better left cold, rather than warming only to be rejected yet again.

       Chapter Four

      Daisy joined Tucker in the front room after settling the boys for the night. She sat in her rocking chair near the fire. The night had cooled to a chilly temperature. Tucker sat on the other side of the fireplace in Murdock’s chair. The warm glow of a lamp cast the room in shadows.

      Her family had happily shared this small space for many years. This morning it had seemed cavernous without Murdock. Tonight it felt suddenly cramped. Tucker was a big man. His presence and person would be impossible to ignore in the confines of the room.

      “They are finally asleep. It was quite a day for them.” Daisy stared into the fire. She noticed Tucker had added more wood to it and stacked several logs on the hearth to be used during the night, if necessary. His act of kindness made her realize how bone tired she was. Carrying the load alone for almost a month had taken a toll on her body and mind.

      “It was quite a day for all of us, Daisy.” Tucker leaned forward and placed his elbows on the arms of the rocker. “You’ve got to be as exhausted as those boys.”

      “I am tired.” Daisy leaned her head back against the chair and closed her eyes while still rocking the chair. Moments later she started slightly. Tucker stood over her with a hand on her shoulder.

      “I’m sorry. I must have drifted off.” Daisy shook her head. “Please forgive me. I can make us some coffee.” She moved to get up from her chair.

      “No need.” Tucker took his hat from the peg by the door. “I enjoyed the evening with you and the boys. I’ll leave you to get some rest.”

      “Oh, I hadn’t thought. Where will you sleep?” Daisy said in a small rush. “I can fix a place for you here between the fireplace and the front door. Or you can take the bed, and I can make a pallet with the boys.” She started to chatter nervously, having only now thought about sleeping arrangements and what Tucker might expect.

      “Relax, Daisy. I’ve already fixed a place in the barn. I’ll stay there for now. You go to bed.”

      “You can’t sleep there. It’s cold, and the animals are there. It’s not right.”

      “I’ll be fine. I’ve slept with animals more times than I can count. They’ll help keep the barn warm. It’s not too cold out tonight. We’ll get something more permanent figured out soon. Now get to bed. Bolt this door after I go. I don’t want to take any chances with your safety.” Tucker opened the door. The night breeze found the opening and stirred the flame of the lamp on the table.

      “Tucker?” Daisy stopped him with a hand on his sleeve as he put his hat on.

      He turned and looked down on her with green eyes. “Yes, Daisy?”

      “Thank you for what you told the boys about their papa.”

      “Glad to do it. Their papa was a good man. They need to know I’m not trying to take his place.” He patted her hand and lifted it from his sleeve.

      “I didn’t know you’d seen all that, much less that you’d remember.” Daisy spoke quietly.

      “I remember a lot of things from back then, Daisy.” He touched her cheek with the back of his hand. “Sleep well.” Tucker stepped onto the porch and pulled the door closed behind him.

      After she slid the bolt in place, Daisy heard his boots descend the steps. The lonely strains of his whistled tune barely reached her ears.

      How could she have fallen asleep on her wedding night? Of course, it wasn’t a real wedding night, but it was still an important day for both her and Tucker. She knew his life had changed today in ways he could not have imagined. He’d never been married. He didn’t know firsthand about the responsibilities of a family. This wasn’t like signing on for a cattle drive that ended with a sale and profits. Would he be sorry when he found out that the work never ended and the goals were so long-term, they seemed illusive in the good times and unattainable during the hard times?

      * * *

      “Anybody awake in there?” Tucker called out the next morning and knocked again on the front door of the cabin.

      “We’re up.” He heard Daisy’s muffled voice. “John, open the door for Mr. Tucker.”

      The bolt slid and John pulled the heavy door open. Tucker watched in amusement at the flurry of activity inside.

      Daisy set the coffeepot on the stove. “James, run down to the smokehouse and bring me a slab of bacon. John, you get us some eggs.” She was grabbing a bowl from the shelf when James grumbled.

      She pointed a wooden spoon at the oldest twin. “We’re running late today. Skedaddle.”

      Tucker entered the cabin and took off his

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