Read an Excerpt
Pine Haven, Texas
October 1879
Daisy Mosley pulled back both hammers on the shotgun, lowered the barrel onto the windowsill and aimed at the center of the rider's chest. No stranger had been down the lane since her husband, Murdock, had been killed by horse thieves three weeks earlier. Daisy was determined that no harm would come to James and John. She could hear the eight-year-old twins shushing each other as they scurried under her bed in the far corner of the cabin.
Watching carefully, she followed the rider's slow approach with her gun. Very tall and broad with a straight back, a worn Stetson and red hair, he was definitely not a local. His mount was the prettiest pinto she'd ever seen. He was almost close enough for her to shoot when he stopped. He leaned forward in the saddle, his face still shielded by the Stetson.
"Daisy Marie, 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 with great effort. "Think about it. Who'd ever marry me? I'm too old and set in my ways. You and I are friends. We'll be good for each other. I'll help you with the boys and the farm. You'll keep me from being a lonely 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.
