The Marshal Takes A Bride

by Sylvia McDaniel

  “Calm down. I thought of that. And I’ve talked Sarah into taking on the doctor’s responsibilities for the next two months.” He paused, lifted his hat and ran his hand through his hair. “My biggest concern is that Doc Wilson won’t be back to work, that he’ll go straight into retirement. Or even worse, Sarah says he’s still not out of the woods.”

  “That bad, huh?”

  Tucker gazed at his brother, his hat pushed back on his head. “Yep. So I coerced Sarah into staying for two months, and then either the doctor will be back or I’m supposed to have someone else lined up to take her place.”

  “You scared me for a moment. I know we could get a midwife, but I want a doctor to deliver my son.”

  “You’re awfully damn certain this is a boy.”

  “Of course.”

  “What are you going to do if it’s a girl?”

  “We’re having a boy.”

  “You’re pathetic,” Tucker said, shaking his head. “So could this woman trouble have anything to do with the doctor?” Travis asked, as the bartender set their beers in front of them “Our matchmaking mother.”

  “What’s she done now?” Travis asked, sipping from his beer.

  Tucker glanced at his brother, resisting the urge to accuse him of being stupid. Couldn’t he see the problem that Sarah’s staying in town presented?

  “Mother is going to see Sarah’s extended visit as her golden opportunity. That fate has given her a chance to bring us together.”

  Travis started laughing.

  Tucker glared at his older brother. He wasn’t trying to be a comedian. He needed his brother to defend him. Hell, he needed all the help he could get to win this battle with their mother.

  “I’m sorry for laughing. But you are so right. She’s going to jump on this like a bass on a June bug,” he finally said.

  “It’s not funny. The city needs a doctor. Hell, your own wife needs a doctor, but I’m scared to death that mother is going to run Sarah off with her antics.

  I’m telling you this woman won’t put up with our mother’s interfering.”

  “Then, there’s nothing to worry about.”

  “That’s easy for you to say. You’re not the one she’s trying to saddle with a wife. She’s already gotten you leg-shackled.”

  “You know I didn’t think anyone besides myself could be so stubborn when it came to settling down. But you’re more bullheaded than a bull at branding time.” Travis shook his head, a silly smile on his face. “The more you resist, the more Mother is going to hone in on your fears. You better throw her off track somehow or you’re looking square in the face at a speeding locomotive, and you’re tied to the railroad track.”

  “Thanks! But if I act interested in another woman, then she’d just turn her attention to that lady. Then I’ll still have the same troubles, except it won’t be with the good doctor.”

  “What about Sarah?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, what if Sarah had someone else she was interested in?” Travis asked.

  Tucker stopped for a moment, taken aback by the question. Someone started to play the piano in the background, and he blocked the tune from his mind.

  Maybe someone else for Sarah was the solution. Maybe it would at least derail Eugenia’s train for a little while.

  Sarah with another man...

  It didn’t have to be anyone that would be permanent Just long enough to keep Eugenia from trying to throw them together.

  “You know, Travis, you might be on to something here.” He sipped from his beer. “What if I introduced Sarah to someone else? They could have dinner, and maybe she would fall for him, and the mystery man might even convince her to marry him and stay here.”

  “Now you’re carrying this a little far. Isn’t Sarah the woman that you kept reminiscing about? Isn’t she the one you told me about?” Travis asked.

  “Yes, but we’re just good friends. She knows I’m not interested in forever. I need her attached to someone. . .

  “Why can’t you promise her forever?” Travis asked, eyes questioning.

  “Because I don’t want to be tied down to anyone. Not Sarah or any other female I know,” Tucker said, with as much determination as he felt.

  “Tucker, I’m here to tell you that settling down with Rose has been the best thing that ever happened to me.”

  “Well, I don’t want to get married. I want to see the rest of the world, find out what’s over the next ridge of mountains, and see how other people live. I’ve only been home since Father died. It’s time I left again.”

  Travis nodded. “You’re right, you don’t need to settle down if that’s the way you feel. It’s just a shame though, since I think in your case Mother just might be right. But it’s your life, and I’m not about to interfere.”

  “Thank you! Sarah is not the only female in town, and when I need companionship, I know where to find it.”

  Though Tucker would never admit it to his brother, there had never been a woman he enjoyed being with quite like the good doctor. Their one night together had frightened him so badly, he had run as soon as Sarah fell asleep. But he reminded himself again that they could never be.

  Travis shook his head. “It’s not the same and you know it.”

  “Maybe not, but it offers relief without all the promises and commitments for tomorrow.”

  “So what are you going to do about Mother?” Travis asked, sighing.

  “I’m going to warn Sarah about Mother. Then I’m going to explain to her how it would be beneficial for her to meet an eligible suitor while she’s visiting,” he said, thinking what an awkward meeting this could be.

  Oh, by the way, would you like to be courted by some men I know? If the good doctor didn’t throw him out on his ear, he would be lucky.

  “Do you think she’ll be very receptive to the idea?”

  “I don’t know. Our friendship has been strained since she came back into town. It’s just not the same as it was when we were in Tombstone.”

  Travis glanced at his brother, his forehead furrowed in a frown. “Why do you think that is?”

  Tucker sighed and looked away from his brother. His fingers did a tap dance on his beer mug. “Friendship is a strange thing. Sometimes the least little thing can change it forever.”

  Travis sighed, and held up his hand. “Don’t tell me. There are some things that are better left unknown.”

  ***

  Sarah chased Lucas around her grandfather’s suite, his excited giggles making her feel warm and fuzzy. No matter how busy her schedule became, she always made sure she spent time with her son every day and attempted to tuck him into bed each night.

  A knock sounded on the door, and she wondered who would be calling this early in the morning. “Who is it?”

  “It’s Tucker,” he replied.

  She reached up and checked her hair, pinched her cheeks and smoothed her skirt. When she realized what she was doing, she frowned. Why was she primping for this man? He couldn’t care less how she looked. And no, it didn’t bother her.

  Crossing the room, she opened the door and gazed at the man she had tried to forget all these years. He stood with his arm braced against the door frame, the tin star twinkling on his chest. His golden brown eyes met and held her gaze, until Lucas ran to the open portal.

  “Hi.”

  He greeted his father, a big smile on his baby sweet face. His eyes, so much like his father’s, twinkled at Tucker.

  Sarah felt her heart swell, and she wondered how long she had before someone realized the truth. How long before someone recognized the likeness of father and son. Or was she the only one who could see the resemblance?

  “Well, hello there, young man,” Tucker said, then raised his eyes back to Sarah.

  His gaze was warm as he took in the sight of her morning gown. “I thought that you would be at the doc’s this morning, but you weren’t there.”

  “I haven’t left yet. I was playing with Lucas while G
randfather took care of some business. Later he’s going to take Lucas for a ride in the buggy, and then I’ll go down,” she said, her voice deliberately restrained. She could not afford to let herself get too closely involved with Tucker for any reason.

  “That’s nice. I guess your grandfather is enjoying spending some time with the boy,” he said.

  “Yes,” Sarah replied. “So why are you looking for me?”

  “Can I come in?”

  “Of course.”

  Tucker stepped into the room from the hallway, his hat held loosely in his hand. He strolled across the hardwood floor, his gaze nervously scanning his surroundings.

  “Have a seat,” she invited.

  “Thanks, I think I will,” he said, sitting down on the sofa.

  “So what’s wrong?” she asked, noting how nervous he appeared.

  He cleared his throat and twirled his hat in his hands. “Uh, we need to talk.”

  Sarah sat down across from Tucker. “Okay.” “Remember how I kept complaining about my mother and her matchmaking shenanigans the other day?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, I wanted to warn you, I think she’s trying to put us together.” He took a deep breath and slowly released it. “One of the reasons my mother sent you that telegram was to bring you home to marry me.” Sarah’s heart skipped a beat, and then she laughed, the sound strained. It was a wonder Tucker was still in Fort Worth. It was a wonder he hadn’t bolted for his horse the moment he realized what his mother was up to.

  “She doesn’t know you very well, does she?” Sarah said. “Even I know better.”

  “I’ve told her over and over that we’re just friends, but she refuses to listen.” His hat was becoming misshapen in his nervous grasp. “We’ve been friends since we were kids. Nothing’s changed that. But we both know we could never marry.”

  Did he really believe their friendship hadn’t changed? Did he think he could just crawl into her bed, dizzy her with his incredible lovemaking, leave in the middle of the night, and still be good friends the next time they saw each other? God, he was a stubborn, foolish man.

  That one night had changed her life forever, and if he would let himself, he would know how much it meant. But he refused to acknowledge to anyone the importance of that night. “Of course we’re just friends,” she said, feeling like a liar. How could they ever be just friends when they had a child together? A child he knew nothing about a child he was too blind to recognize.

  She shook her head, trying to rid herself of the unjustified anger that always seemed to be present when she thought of Tucker. She was being illogical, but she couldn’t help it. She saw Tucker everywhere in Lucas, and that frightened her. From the color of his eyes to the sound of his laughter and even his persistent nature, he reminded her of his father.

  Lucas giggled and handed Tucker his favorite toy, a wooden soldier. He took the toy from Lucas and, much to the child’s delight, acted as though he was playing with it.

  The child grabbed the toy back and ran across the room giggling.

  Tucker watched him and smiled. “I’ve been thinking about you staying in town and how my mother is going to react to this news.”

  Sarah almost laughed, but refrained. He had left her grandfather’s hotel room so upset the other day over the telegram his mother had sent her. He had repeated over and over that she was up to her matchmaking shenanigans once again. Now Sarah understood.

  “With you remaining in Fort Worth, she’s going to do everything in her power to find someway to arrange for us to be together,” he said anxiously.

  “Why?” Sarah asked.

  “Because she’s desperate to get me married.”

  “That can only happen if we let it. And we both know it’s not going to happen.” Sarah couldn’t help but wince inside. The thought of her and Tucker married, together with Lucas, was heart wrenching. But there was no second chance, and she could not give her heart to Tucker a second time.

  “My mother is determined, Sarah.”

  “I’m not afraid of your mother, Tucker.”

  “I know. But she’s a strong-minded woman who has succeeded with my other two brothers.” He paused. “Actually, I have an idea that might just throw her plans awry.”

  “What’s that?” Sarah asked.

  She watched as he sighed and glanced down before lifting his eyes back to hers. “I thought that maybe you might consider seeing someone while you were here. You know, maybe do some courting, and consider staying permanently. I could help you.”

  “What?” she asked, stunned at the sudden turn in the conversation. Was he offering to help her find a husband? “Are you suggesting that I court other men just to keep your mother from pestering you?”

  “Well, it would solve the problem, but...”

  “Are you suggesting that I let you help me find a husband?”

  Tucker grimaced and shrugged his shoulders. “Kind of.”

  He was offering to help her find a husband when for so long he had been the man she dreamed of. She almost burst out laughing at the absurdness of his suggestion.

  Only she felt like hitting him even more.

  She watched as he shifted uncomfortably on the sofa. “I know it seems kind of forward of me, but you might find someone from here that you’d be interested in marrying.”

  “No,” she said emphatically, suddenly almost angry that he was so blind. “I’m not interested in courting. I’m not interested in staying in Fort Worth. I have my son; I don’t need a man.”

  Tucker nodded. “I know. I just thought that maybe you’d want the boy to have a father.”

  Lucas had a father. He had a father who was an idiot...a total and complete ass to think of suggesting that he help her find a husband.

  “Absolutely not.”

  “Well, I just thought that maybe if there was someone else you were interested in, Mother would leave us both alone.”

  “I’m not going to rearrange my life just because your mother doesn’t know the meaning of the word ‘no.’ I’ll deal with her directly”

  “You’re sure?” he questioned.

  “No doubt”

  “All right, I just wanted to warn you. If you change your mind...”

  “I won’t!”

  He sat on the couch, watching Lucas play with the toy soldier. Finally he looked up and gazed at her. “So how’s the doctor been doing?”

  “He’s about the same. At least yesterday he seemed to improve a little. I really need to get over there,” she said, suddenly anxious for Tucker to leave.

  Tucker stood. “Okay, I’ll be going then, but if you need me, you know where I’m at.”

  “Yes. I know.”

  Tucker went to the door, and as he stood there, Sarah couldn’t help but remember images from their night together the feel of his muscles beneath her hands, the way his skin glowed, the strength of his embrace and the power of his kiss. She stared at his lips, remembering the way they had felt covering her own, making their way to her breasts...

  She closed her eyes for just a brief moment.

  “I don’t know how to tell you to be prepared, but I know Mother is going to try something.”

  “I’ll handle it,” she said quickly. All she knew was that he had left her in the middle of the night. Even knowing that he probably left every woman that way, so as not to face her in the morning, it still hurt. Somehow she had imagined that what they had shared was different.

  “We wouldn’t even be having this conversation if it weren’t for my mother. I don’t plan on ever marrying, but if I was going to marry anyone, you’d be my first choice.”

  She glanced up at him, and for a moment she felt the urge to put her lips on his—kiss him once again, find out if her memories were really as good as she envisioned—then permanently shut the door on her memories and forget her experience with Tucker.

  “Don’t flatter yourself. You’re not a marrying kind of man, and I’m not getting involved with anyone like you ever a
gain,” she said. “Are we clear on this subject now?”

  He grinned. “That’s one of the things I’ve always admired about you, Sarah. You know your own mind, and you’re not afraid to speak it.”

  The smile she had summoned felt as if it would crack from the strain. “Get out of here,” she said playfully, though she meant every word. “You’re a man full of false promises, and I don’t want to hear them.”

  “No, I never make promises, Sarah.” He tipped his hat and walked out the door. “Especially ones I can’t deliver on.”

  Sarah closed the portal and leaned against the wood. Yes, he was right; he had never made her any promises. God, how could she spend two months in the same town with this man without letting her feelings slip? And his mother. She surely didn’t need Eugenia nosing around and finding out the truth.

  She laughed. He'd asked her to see other men! What a homecoming!

  ***

  Sarah heard the knocking on the doctor’s office door, but was checking her patient’s wounds. She hurried through the hallway connecting the house and the office and heard the voice she had been dreading.

  “Yoo-hoo, is anyone here?” Eugenia called.

  “Hello, Mrs. Burnett, how are you?” Sarah asked, as she strolled into the office area. “I’m sorry I didn’t get to the door, but I was changing the doctor’s bandages.”

  “I’m fine, dear. I must say you are looking lovely. I haven’t seen you since you left for that fancy college you insisted on attending back east.”

  “That was a long time ago.”

  “Yes, it was, but I’m so happy that you’re here and that you’re replacing Doc Wilson.” Eugenia took a breath and paused. “I’m really worried about him. How is he?”

  “He’s seems to be improving a little bit each day. It’s just going to take time.” Sarah smiled at the older woman’s ploy. “But I’m not replacing him. I’m just filling in until he’s strong enough to resume his duties or the town finds someone else.”

  Eugenia shook her head. “Whatever you say, dear. Tucker told me that the two of you have been getting reacquainted. I’m so glad to hear that. Since you’ve been back in Fort Worth, I’ve noticed some nice changes in him, and I’m hoping that’s because of you.”