LITMIR.BIZ

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for an explanation from Tucker. Surely he understood they didn’t have that kind of money.

      Tucker stretched his neck to pronounce his height and tilted his head to one side ever so slightly. “Yes, ma’am. Every working farmer needs a good hat. These young men are no exception. It wouldn’t be proper for me to expect them to work without the tools they need.” His barely suppressed grin reminded her of the twins forced restraint. They’d only met a few hours ago, and already these males were forming an alliance she was certain she’d have to confront on a regular basis.

      Looking from one to the other she addressed all three at once. “Well, I see you had a successful trip to the general store. Now it’s time for us to go to the church.”

      Everyone made their way to the front door and down the steps to walk toward the church. Daisy looped her arm in Tucker’s, easing back into the friendship they’d shared for years. In a voice for his ears only, she leaned in and said, “When I said they could have a treat, I meant something like a piece of candy or fruit. I don’t know how you thought we could afford something like that.”

      “Oh, they got candy, too.”

      Daisy looked ahead to see both boys pulling a handful of candy from their pockets to compare.

      “In the future we need to talk about things like this before they happen. And why are they calling you Mr. Tucker?” Daisy almost sounded as if she was scolding Tucker.

      Leaning closer to her, without losing his grin, Tucker spoke. “There are a lot of things we’ll talk about in the future, but buying those hats was my decision, and I stand by it. And they’re calling me Mr. Tucker because I prefer it to Mr. Barlow. We’re going to be family in just a few minutes.”

      “Well...” she interrupted.

      He held up his free hand. “Well, nothing. You said you wanted us to stay focused on the events of today. We’ll talk about other things later, but right now...” Tucker gestured to the door of the small church that John held open for them. The others had walked ahead and were already inside. “Right now, we’re going to a wedding. And I think we both need to concentrate on that.” His fingers brushed the length of her jawline, and he smiled.

      Daisy drew in a breath to calm herself. “Okay. I’ll focus.” She lifted her skirt just enough to keep from stepping on it as she climbed the steps. “But we have a lot to talk about, Tucker. And we will talk about it.” She dropped her hem and smoothed her skirt as they passed through the doorway.

      “I’m sure we will, Daisy.” Tucker removed his hat and handed it to John for safekeeping during the ceremony. “I’m sure we will.” He offered her his hand, and they proceeded up the aisle.

      Daisy stood beside Tucker at the altar of Pine Haven Church. She took advantage of the opportunity to study him in what must be his best shirt and trousers. The red hair had been tamed with a fresh combing. He was every inch a man—and a tall one at that. He stood a good foot taller than she did with strong shoulders and a broad chest. His boots wore a fresh shine.

      James and John sat on the first bench, watching as Reverend Dismuke performed the wedding ceremony, their new hats carefully resting beside them, Tucker’s much larger hat on John’s farside. They giggled a little at first, but Tucker silenced them with a look. Daisy was surprised by how quickly he’d taken command of the boys’ behavior. She’d been prone to leniency since their father’s death. Truly things were changing today. Daisy would do her best to keep the changes at a manageable pace. The twins would need time to adjust to Tucker’s authority.

      Reverend Dismuke went through the vows with great reverence, explaining the weight of the commitment of the marriage ceremony in the eyes of God.

      “Tucker, wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance, in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her, in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?”

      Tucker looked at her and answered, “I will.”

      Daisy, in turn, promised herself to him. With each word spoken a heaviness settled on her soul. She knew she had no choice—knew she was doing the right thing. But could she find the inner strength to build a relationship with an old friend into a marriage? Her first husband had captivated her fancy, and she’d fallen deeply in love with him. Now she stood in her church before God and witnesses and pledged to give Tucker the same commitment she’d shared with Murdock. Tucker had been a dear friend. But her husband? Never had the thought crossed her mind. Daisy was surprised by how quickly the ceremony progressed. Before she realized it the reverend asked if there was a ring. Something she hadn’t thought about.

      “Oh, we don’t—” Daisy shook her head, only to be stunned into silence when Tucker pulled a ring from his shirt pocket and handed it to the preacher.

      “Let us pray.” Reverend Dismuke bowed his head and spoke. “Loving God, we ask You to bless this union. Help Tucker and Daisy to grow together as husband and wife. Build a strong bond between these two souls.” Daisy felt the heat rush to her face and prayed her own prayer that she hadn’t blushed as deeply as she felt. “God help these two fine young men, James and John, to bring You honor by the way they respect their momma and their new papa.” The boys both opened their eyes at this point. “And most of all, God, we thank You for bringing these folks together as a family. May they live, as this ring represents, an endless circle of love that shines with beauty and strength. Amen.”

      “Amen.” Tucker and Daisy spoke softly in unison. James and John sat in silence. Peggy wiped a tear away with her handkerchief.

      Reverend Dismuke returned the ring to Tucker, who reached for Daisy’s hand. She stared at him, unbelieving, as he slipped the delicate ring on her finger. Intricately carved leaves and vines wrapped around the gold band. Tucker repeated after the minister, “With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship and with all my worldly goods I thee endow.”

      Reverend Dismuke finalized their commitment by saying, “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

      Tucker looked to Daisy, asking permission with his eyes. Feeling it would be unfair to deny Tucker this right after all he was sacrificing for her and her children, Daisy nodded her assent with the slightest tip of her head, lowered her gaze and waited. He gently took her face in his large hands and tenderly brushed a kiss across her cheek. She opened her eyes wide and thanked him from her soul without speaking a word. His smile acknowledged his understanding of her gratitude.

      As the small group left the church, Reverend Dismuke pulled Tucker and Daisy aside. “Sheriff Collins has been trying to find the men who killed Murdock. He sent word of the killing to sheriffs in the neighboring counties. I’m sure he’d be glad to meet you, Tucker. He’s been concerned for the safety of your wife and the boys.”

      “Thanks,” Tucker said. “I’ll stop by his office and introduce myself.”

      “He’s a bit rough around the edges, but I think he’s doing all he can.”

      “I’ll see if there’s anything I can do to help him.” Tucker settled his hat back on his head. “Right now, though, I’m going to take my new family to supper. Thanks, Reverend, for your time today.”

      Tucker’s words rang in her head as she walked with him to the wagon. They were a family on their way to supper. Only they weren’t an ordinary family. Nothing about this day had been ordinary.

      * * *

      “Boys, put your hats on the rack here by the door.” Daisy noticed Tucker hung his hat up high so the twins could use the lower pegs.

      “Are we really gonna eat in the hotel, Momma?” the ever-curious James wanted to know.

      “She already said so, James.” John was losing patience with his brother today.

      “Yes, we’re eating here. I want both of you on your best behavior,” Daisy admonished as she pulled her gloves off and tucked them

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