LITMIR.BIZ

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put that gun down before you hurt somebody.”

      “Who are you?” Daisy didn’t flinch. “And how do you know my name?”

      The stranger chuckled. “You know who I am. Have for years. And you know I don’t trust you with a gun. Not after what happened when your papa was trying to teach you to shoot.”

      “Oh, my goodness!” In one swift movement, Daisy lowered the gun, released the hammers and put it in the rack over the mantel. “Boys, come meet Tucker Barlow!” she called to her sons as she unbolted the door and raced across the porch, barely skimming the steps.

      Tucker dismounted just in time to brace against the impact of Daisy throwing herself into his arms. She remembered fondly that, even though she carried quite a lot of momentum for such a petite lady, she was no match for his strength. Not many could stand against the power of her exuberance. He lifted her and swung her around in a circle before setting her on the dusty ground. He held her hands, and she leaned back to look up at him.

      “Daisy, you are a sight. And what kind of welcome was that for you to think about shooting me before I even met these fine-looking men you’ve got here?”

      James and John stood behind their mother, timid of the big stranger.

      Daisy withdrew her hands from Tucker’s and turned to the twins. “James, John, meet Mr. Barlow. Mr. Barlow, these are my sons.”

      “Strong Bible names. Glad to meet you both.” He held out a hand for James to shake and then turned to John. “I’m glad you’ve got that freckle over your lip, John. Otherwise, I might never know who I was talking to.”

      John ducked his head shyly. “It’s a birthmark. Momma said God put it there so she wouldn’t mix us up when we were babies.”

      James spoke up. “If he didn’t have it, we could trick people and trade places and stuff.”

      Daisy chuckled. “They look alike, but it doesn’t take long to find out how different they are.” She smiled at Tucker. “Boys, Mr. Barlow works for Papa Warren. He was a good friend to me when I was a girl. I haven’t seen him since I moved here when me and your papa got married over ten years ago.”

      Looking directly at the young boys, Tucker said, “You don’t need to call me Mr. Barlow. We’re gonna be working side by side as men. You can call me Tucker.”

      “What are you talking about, Tucker?” Daisy rested her hands on the boys’ shoulders as they flanked her and watched the giant stranger.

      Tucker removed his hat and lowered his gaze to the ground reverently. “Your father felt it was for the best—given the circumstances and all.”

      The excitement of having a visitor gave way to sadness as her little family remembered their fresh grief. Daisy appreciated Tucker’s respect of Murdock’s memory.

      “Boys, why don’t you go fetch a cool drink of water from the well while me and your momma talk in private?”

      Daisy nudged the twins toward the side yard and looked into Tucker’s face, shading her eyes against the sun with one hand. She didn’t remember him being so tall. “What are you talking about, ‘Papa says it’s for the best’?”

      “Now, Daisy, just hear me out.” The tapping of her toe rustled the hem of her skirt. She wasn’t in the mood to be patient—not that she ever was.

      “I’m waiting...” Her words provoked Tucker to explain.

      “Your father came to me the day he got your telegraph about Murdock’s murder. He was so concerned about you and the boys. He wanted to know how you were holding up under such a tragic loss. Would the men who killed Murdock come back and harm you or the boys? Would you lose your land? He was beside himself.” Tucker paused as if choosing his next words carefully. “We talked for a long time that night.” Tucker stopped and drew in a deep breath.

      “And...” Daisy’s toes still tapped, and now she folded her arms across her chest, anticipating she wouldn’t like the next part of the conversation.

      Tucker looked at the hat in his hands and smoothed the brim. “And...” His mouth set in a firm line, and his eyes raised to meet her stare. “We think it would be best for you and the boys if you and I get married.” His words spilled out in a rush.

      Daisy shook her head and turned one ear toward him with her brows wrinkled in confusion. “Who thinks what for who?”

      * * *

      Tucker could hear the disbelief in her voice. Thinking she might take it better when she realized it was her father’s idea, he emphasized Mr. Warren’s perspective.

      “Your father—and I’ve come to agree with him—thinks it would be best if you and I get married. Today.”

      “Wait just one minute. I’m not following your train of thought. Why would you think this?” Daisy said, sounding befuddled.

      “Not just me,” Tucker reiterated. “Me and your father. We both know a lot about what you’re facing now. Your father lost your mother and had to raise you girls alone. He knows the pain you’re in. And my father passed away when I was young. I know how the boys are feeling.” Tucker maintained a calm demeanor. He knew how quickly Daisy could go from confused to angry or indignant. Many times he’d seen her jump from one emotion to another.

      “Just because you think you know what I’m feeling doesn’t mean I need to marry you.” Daisy’s voice rose a bit.

      “It’s not just about that, Daisy. You’ve got two sons to raise. You’ll need help with that.”

      Tucker proceeded with caution, trying not to set her off before she understood his motive. “You’ve got the farm, too. It’s too much to do alone. I remember what my mother went through after my father died. She worked herself to death. Those boys need you.” He couldn’t imagine Daisy suffering as his mother had. He’d been too young to save his mother. But he wouldn’t risk this woman—who he’d once hoped would love him—falling to the same fate.

      Daisy lowered her arms and clenched her fists at her sides. “I am managing this farm just fine. And my boys are okay, too. They’ve just been through a lot, that’s all.” Her words couldn’t hide the concern in her voice, which revealed how badly she must want to believe what she was saying. Tucker knew she wasn’t convinced. “I don’t know who put this fool notion in your head, but marriage is not what I need right now.” She stopped and thought for a moment. “And why would you want to marry me in the first place?”

      “It’s not a fool notion. Your father and I talked and prayed about this before I decided to come. I’d have been here a couple of weeks ago, but it took time to tie up some business in East River.” With a grin and imploring gaze he added, “We’ve always been friends. We get along and understand one another. That’s what you need now.” He’d given up on love a long time ago. At thirty-one he knew his chance at being anyone’s true love was behind him. His youthful efforts to love and be loved had taught him well. This chance at marriage to a good friend would give him comfort from the loneliness he’d known for so long.

      Daisy unclenched her fists and reached her hands to his. She went up on her tiptoes and placed a small kiss on his cheek. “Oh, Tucker. Thank you.” She spoke sweetly near his ear. “You’re such a dear friend.” She released his hands and backed away. “But I disagree with you and Papa.”

      Tucker saw the resigned strength in her eyes. She’d always plowed full steam ahead into whatever she set her mind to do. No doubt she was determined to survive and take care of James and John by herself.

      “Daisy, we’re concerned about you and the boys. It’s too much—”

      She cut him off, her tone indignant. “Did you and Papa think you could just come here and tell me what to do like I’m still a child? I’m a grown woman with responsibilities.”

      “I want to help with those responsibilities.” Tucker kept his voice calm

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