LITMIR.BIZ

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old man.” He smiled, hoping to break through her resistance. “And you’re too fine a Christian woman to have a man here on the farm who isn’t your husband.”

      Daisy was quiet for a moment. He saw the hesitation in her eyes as she pondered all they’d talked about.

      “Tell you what. You just read this. Then we’ll talk.” He pulled an envelope from the inside pocket of his leather vest and handed it to her. “I’ll go keep the boys occupied. You come find us when you’re ready.” He settled his hat back on his head, took the pinto by the reins and headed to the well, stirring up a path of dust as he went.

      * * *

      Daisy turned the envelope over in her hand. The wax seal was her father’s unique design. The curling vines woven together in a heart pattern represented the things her dad loved best—his three daughters, all named after flowers and whom he collectively called “Papa’s Garden.” She walked to the porch and sat on the wooden rocker Murdock had made when he’d found out they were going to have a baby.

      Daisy carefully broke the seal and removed the fragile paper. Unfolding it she braced herself for the first communication she’d received from him since his telegraph of sympathy after Murdock was killed.

      Tears spilled over her lashes as she read her father’s concern by relating it to her mother’s death. They now shared the common thread of the loss of the love of their life. His words about how prayer had helped to heal his grief gave her comfort.

      She pondered his main concern about the boys needing a man in their lives. Her eyes lit on the paragraph warning her she could lose her land in spite of the new laws assuring women in Texas could own land outright. Her heart clenched at the thought of losing everything Murdock had worked so hard to build for the future of their sons.

      The letter ended by confirming his wishes that she marry Tucker. He wanted her to do it today, so Tucker’s presence on the farm wouldn’t reflect poorly on her reputation in town. He’d given Tucker his gift to them of money for a wedding supper to share in town that afternoon. He assured her it was all for her own good.

      The sound of boots on the porch caused Daisy to look up as she finished the last line.

      Tucker leaned against the porch railing and folded his arms. Pushing his hat back so she could see his face, he asked, “Well, Daisy? What do you say?”

      “What do I say?” The chair rocked violently as she practically leaped from it. “What do I say?” Daisy stomped down the steps and across the yard in the direction of the barn. She caught a glimpse of the boys playing behind the corral.

      Emotions raced through her mind and heart. She was reacting like the schoolgirl she’d once been. She used to tromp off into the woods to be alone when her feelings were hurt or her father hadn’t let her get her way. Oh, to be that girl again and kick against the grass and head to the edge of the stream by her childhood home after being scolded for some prank she’d pulled on her sisters. Her mind took her to the times when she needed to get some emotion or event out of her system. Tucker was a shadow in the background then. Today he followed her in silence.

      Without warning Daisy turned on him. “What do I say?” She shook the letter in her hand near his face. “I haven’t even had time to process this silly idea of Papa’s, and you want to know what I say?” Just as quickly she turned and marched away.

      After going only a few feet, she stopped and stared into the sky. Her vision blurred as tears filled her eyes. Sobbing and clutching the letter to her heart, Daisy wailed, “Why, Papa? Why did Murdock have to die? I miss him so badly! And I need you here now.”

      Daisy felt Tucker’s hands settle on her shoulders. “I’m so sorry, Daisy. Your father’s health kept him from being here for you. His heart was breaking for you when I left. And no one knows why bad things happen like Murdock dying. Life isn’t fair sometimes. You’ve been through an awful lot. Taking care of the land and raising those boys...you shouldn’t have to do it alone.”

      He gently turned her around to face him. He knelt down on one knee as he held her hands in his. “Daisy, I’m asking you to do me the honor of marrying me. I promise to take care of you and James and John. I’ll do my best to be a good husband to you. Your papa asked me to come here, but I’d be obliged if you’d let me stay.” Was there an unsettledness in his expression? What would make him want to marry a grieving widow with two young sons?

      “Oh, Tucker, I can’t let you do that. You’ve got your own life to live. The boys and I will be fine.” She pulled against his grip, but he didn’t let go.

      She was reeling inside. This morning she awoke with a world of responsibilities on her and God alone. Now someone was offering a lifeline of friendship and help, but she couldn’t accept. She still loved Murdock—with every piece of her broken heart.

      “Daisy, I’m not doing this because your father asked me. I’m doing it because it’s the right thing to do. Think about the future...your boys...this land. Those boys need a man to look up to. I’m not their father, but I promise to be a good example to them. Your father is right about the land and the new laws. You don’t want everything you and Murdock worked for to be taken away.” He tugged gently on her hands and smiled up at her. “Please say yes. For the boys. For the land. For you. For me? I know we can make it work. We were good friends before. We can be again. But only if you want me here. I won’t stay if you don’t.”

      Daisy looked into Tucker’s green eyes and saw the sincerity of his offer. Many times in her youth she had found comfort in his friendship. More than once he’d rescued her from some scheme she’d thought up, either by helping her out of the dilemma she caused or by preventing her from doing something in the first place. She knew she could trust him. Four years older than her twenty-seven, she wondered if he was still as resolute as ever. Her papa said he was a great foreman because he was quick to make decisions and to handle situations. Would he try to handle her? Or her sons?

      Daisy’s mind swam with all the things she faced—twin boys to raise, running a farm, the possibility she couldn’t keep the land without a husband. She considered herself to be a strong woman, but the workload was overwhelming. She’d hoped it would ease as she adjusted to doing everything without Murdock. It hadn’t.

      She also realized the value of the sacrifice Tucker was making to give up his freedom to help her raise another man’s sons. How many times as a girl had she longed for a mother? Her father had been good to her and her sisters, but she’d ached for a woman’s nurturing touch. She didn’t want her sons to grow up without a father. Tucker was a good man. But she wanted her sons to know the value of a loving marriage. Could she grow to love Tucker as she had loved Murdock? Not now. The very idea was unfathomable. Could anyone have two chances at perfection?

      “Okay.” Daisy heard herself speak without realizing she was going to agree.

      “Okay?” Tucker tilted his head to one side, and his brow puckered. “You’re sure?”

      “Okay.” A new resolve at saying it aloud settled in her soul. “Let’s do it. Why not? I haven’t had control of anything in my life for the last month. Why should today be any different? Let’s get married.” Daisy pulled her hands free and smoothed her father’s crumpled letter. “I’m sure Reverend Dismuke will be happy to accommodate us today. He can perform the ceremony, and his wife can be our witness.”

      She headed to the house almost at a trot, beckoning to the boys as she went. Then she stopped and looked at him over her shoulder. “Are you just going to kneel there in the dirt, or are you going to go get cleaned up for your wedding? You should find everything you need in the tack room in the barn.” In an instant she was off again, picking up her skirt in both hands to keep from tripping.

      “Impetuous as ever,” Tucker called out behind her. The echo of his whistle caught the breeze and followed her up the porch steps and into the house.

      * * *

      Daisy sat at the foot of the table in the center of the small cabin. At the side of the table, James and John climbed

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