Angel Moore - Conveniently Wed

“Not much to go on. The sheriffs from the counties around us haven’t been able to help me, either. Nobody’s seen nothin’. I sent out flyers and telegraphed everybody I figured would know something. Even got the Rangers lookin’ into it for us. Only know more horses were taken from a county south of here. Owners weren’t home so nobody got hurt.”

“What about clues from the Mosley farm? Did they leave any signs of who they were?”

“We know for sure there’s two of ’em. Know that from the horseshoe prints they left. Murdock’s horses was shoed here in town. Blacksmith here knew which marks was from Murdock’s horses and which ones wasn’t. Tracked ’em to the creek at the edge of the property, but lost ’em. They knew to get in the water and ride. Smart thieves, too. Murdock had some good horseflesh. I want you to know we’ve done all we could. It’s hard when nobody saw or heard what happened. The little missus was in town with her boys.”

“Will you let us know if you hear anything? I’d like to see these men brought to justice. I hate to think of them hurting other people like they did the Mosley family.” Tucker stood and put his hat back on his head.

“I’ll sure do it, Mr. Barlow. You take care out there. Don’t like them fellas being on the loose myself.” Sheriff Collins leaned the chair back and propped his feet on the desk again. “I been especially worried ’bout the missus and those cute little boys. Didn’t want no more harm to come to ’em.”

“I’ll be protecting them now. By the good Lord’s help, we’ll be fine.”

* * *

An hour later Tucker returned to the general store. Daisy stood at the porch railing, her toe tapping the boards, impatience growing by the minute. She and the boys had finished their shopping within twenty minutes. The twins’ restlessness with waiting caused her to send them across the street to the Ledford Dressmaker Shop. Milly Ledford had a son, Reilly, who was a year younger than her boys. They were playing upstairs in the Ledfords’ living quarters.

“Ahh, you’re ready. I’m glad. It’s going to be dark soon. I didn’t want to have to wait long.” Tucker pulled the large brake handle and vaulted from the wagon to the ground in front of her, smiling. “What do I need to load up?” He was looking around for her purchases. “And where are James and John?”

“Ready?” The word came out slowly. Daisy took a deep breath. “Yes, you could say we’re ready. We have been for the better part of an hour.” She indicated a small package wrapped in brown paper and tied with twine. There was also a crate with a few grocery staples. “The boys could only be still so long. I sent them across the street to play with a friend.”

“Will you get them while I go in and settle the bill?” Tucker set the crate over the side of the wagon and brushed his hands together to remove the dust.

“I’ll get them now.” Daisy descended the two front steps, pretending she didn’t see his offered hand. “But the bill is already settled.” Daisy kept walking without looking back. She disappeared inside the dress shop for the briefest moment and then returned to the wagon.

Tucker reached out a hand to help her, leaning in closely to speak softly against her golden hair so only she could hear. “I told you I’d settle the bill.”

“I already had it covered.” Caught off guard by his sudden nearness and not wanting to fall and embarrass herself, she was forced to accept his hand to climb up and take her seat.

“It’s my responsibility to provide for the family. I can pay for the things we need.” Tucker climbed into his seat and took the reins.

“I have already made provision for the things we will need until next year’s harvest. You don’t have to spend your money on us.” Daisy’s stubborn streak refused to allow her to relinquish complete responsibility for her family.

“We’re in this together now, Daisy. I know your stubbornness has helped you survive all you’ve been through. I admire your strength and spirit, but we’ve got to work together now. We can’t build a future if you refuse to let me help. I didn’t sign up to be a farmhand. I signed up to be your husband.”

Daisy sat with her back straight in stony silence. Part of her knew he was right. She finally looked at him. “I’ve had to do everything on my own since Murdock died.”

“I understand that. I’m only saying you’re not alone anymore. I’m here to help.”

The boys sprinted out of the dress shop, yelling their goodbyes to Reilly and Mrs. Ledford, before jumping into the back of the wagon.

“Whoa, there, boys. Be careful. Your momma has her packages back there. And there’s a crate of mine that I don’t want you to get hurt on.” Tucker admonished the twins and released the brake. Once again he took the lead in instructing the boys.

“What did you get, Mr. Tucker?” James couldn’t resist being nosy.

“Just some things I’ll be needing at the house, James, nothing for you to concern yourself about. You boys have a seat. I’m going to press Mack to get us home before dark. Hang on.” With a crack of the reins they were soon leaving town in the distance.

The sun was just visible on the horizon when Tucker turned the wagon onto the lane that led to their cabin. The boys had again fallen asleep. This time they’d covered their faces with the new hats. Daisy smiled at their attempts to appear grown as she roused them before Tucker had a chance to speak.

“James and John, we’re home. I need you to wake up and help with the wagon.”

Sleepy boys in rumpled clothes leaned over the back of the seat to collapse on Daisy’s shoulders. “Momma, do we have to help? I’m tired.” James buried his head in her sleeve.

“Yes, you do. Mr. Tucker is tired, too. He’s been traveling for several days. You can help with the wagon and see to the animals. Then you can go to bed. If you hurry, I’ll have milk and another piece of cake waiting for a snack.”

Everyone carried something into the house when the wagon came to a stop. The waitress had boxed the remainder of the cake before they left the restaurant, and Tucker had stowed it safely under Daisy’s seat.

“Boys, I’ll unhitch the wagon while you see to your regular nightly chores. Let’s see who can get to the cake the fastest.” Tucker challenged the twins, who responded more for the cake than the challenge. He laughed when they stirred up a trail of dust in the evening twilight as they ran to check their animals.

Tucker turned to Daisy as she moved to close the door from inside the cabin. “I’ll be a few minutes. I’d like another slice of cake, too. After the boys are in bed, I’d appreciate it if you and I could visit for a bit.”

Daisy stood in the doorway framed in the glow of the lamp she’d lit on the table behind her. “Okay. We certainly have a lot of catching up to do.” She closed the door softly. Leaning her forehead against the door, she heard him whistling a happy tune as he stepped off the porch.

* * *

Icing on the tip of John’s nose let Tucker know the boys started eating their cake before he finished his chores. James was putting his empty plate and cup in the dishpan on the cabinet under the front window. Tucker hung his hat on the highest peg inside the front door.

“That’s papa’s peg,” James spouted. “No one hangs their hat there but my papa.”

Tucker stood still, assessing the situation. Daisy turned from where she was stoking the fire and put the poker aside.

“James. Be quiet,” Daisy cautioned her eldest.

“But it’s Papa’s peg. Not Mr. Tucker’s. He can’t take Papa’s place.” The youngster was working himself into a panic. His breathing was starting to come in short rasps, and his shoulders started to shake.