A Cowboy for Christmas (Mills & Boon Love Inspired Historical) (Wyoming Legacy - Book 5)

by Lacy Williams

  “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.

  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 onto the bench they had helped their father build.

  “Boys, we need to talk.” She wasn’t sure exactly what to tell them first. “We’ve all been through a lot in the last few weeks. You have been such good boys. And you know I’d do anything in the world for you.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” they answered in unison.

  She took her father’s letter from the pocket of her skirt. “You know how happy your papa was when you did something he asked you to do?” They both nodded, then looked at each other curiously before turning back to her and crossing their arms on the table in front of them. Matching brows drew together to join mirrored frowns.

  “This is a letter from Papa Warren.” She laid the letter on the table and smoothed it with her palm. A breeze lifted the lace curtain at the window by the door, causing the pages to flutter. The air’s freshness helped her draw the breath for her next bit of news.

  “He wants me to do something that will help us keep our home and make a way for you boys to still have this land when you’re grown up—just like your papa wanted.” The lack of understanding in their eyes caused Daisy to move straight to the point.

  “I’m going to marry Mr. Barlow.”

  “Why, Momma?” There was a chorus of disbelief. “You can’t! You’re already married to Papa. You can’t marry somebody else!”

  Tears formed in her eyes, to be quickly blinked away. Daisy swallowed and reached out to the twins, inviting them into her embrace. They scrambled to her, and she wrapped them in her arms. “I know you don’t understand. I did marry your papa. He and I loved each other very much.” She pulled back and cupped one chin in each hand so James and John would see directly into her eyes. “I will always love your papa—just like you will. It hurts me as much as it hurts the two of you that he isn’t here anymore. We know he’s with Jesus.”

  Small tear-stained faces waited for her to continue. “Papa worked hard for this land. He wouldn’t want us to lose everything because he isn’t here anymore. That could happen if I don’t marry again. It doesn’t mean I don’t love your papa. It means I love him so much that I want to make sure his dreams come true for you boys.”

  James spoke. As the firstborn he usually took the lead, and John rarely objected. “How could we lose our house, Momma?” Clearly the eight-year-old didn’t understand.

  “The government controls who gets to keep a house. Ladies have problems owning land that men don’t have. It’s compl
icated, so you’re going to have to trust that Papa Warren knows best.”

  “Are you sure, Momma?” John’s concern reflected in his small face. “Can’t we keep it? It’s ours now.”

  Daisy drew the boys back into a hug and kissed both blond heads. “I wish we could, but because of the laws of the state of Texas, this is the best way. I promise.” Again she felt the press of helplessness that had threatened to overwhelm her since Murdock had been killed. It went against her stubborn nature to need someone else to rescue her.

  “Mr. Barlow is a good man,” she assured. “I’ve known him for many years. He’s a godly man, like your papa. He’ll take good care of us. He’ll teach you things I can’t. Like how to plow a field or take care of a broken wagon wheel. There’s so much you’ll need to know that only a man can teach you.”

  James and John leaned back and looked at her. “Are you sure, Momma?” James asked.

  “I’m sure, son.” Daisy smiled at them. “And you’ll grow to love him, too. He’s a respectable man.”

  The twins looked at each other in resignation and dropped their heads. Her amazement at their matching mannerisms never dimmed. “Okay, Momma. But it’s gonna take a bit for us to get used to having another man around here.” John paused. “We just got used to being the only men. Now we’ve got to train another one. He can show us how to fix wagon wheels and plow, but we’ll teach him how to take care of the farm like Papa did.”

  Laughing, she released them and tussled each head with one hand. “Now I’m going to get ready for our trip to town. I need you boys to get washed up and put on your Sunday best.” She rose from the chair and smoothed her skirt. “I certainly can’t get married looking like this.” She shooed them both outside to the well.

  The twins brought water in and then dressed in their room. Satisfied with their appearance, she sent them to wait on the porch.

  Daisy freshened up using the washbasin and mirror behind the screen in the corner of the cabin. Murdock had given her the screen as a gift, wanting her to have some privacy in the cabin full of males. She stood back to stare at her reflection. The lost weight from the pain and stress of the past three weeks did nothing to improve her appearance. Dark brown eyes looked hollow and bruised in her slightly freckled face. The gentle wave of her blond hair pulled tendrils loose from the pins she’d pushed in this morning before attempting to do the chores of two people. The weeks without him had worn her down more than she’d realized.