The Brides of Chance Collection Part 93

"How are you going to manage a pup on your five-day, cross-country train trek?" Logan drummed his fingers against one of the new walls.

"Might be a bit of a problem," Bryce admitted.

"You could stay through the winter." Logan got the words out in a rush.

"I've been away from the ranch for six months already. You want me to sleep out in the barn through a mountain winter?"

"I have it on good authority that this is a mighty fine barn! You could use the tack room so the smell won't get to you. We both know that the animals will put off enough heat to keep the place warm."

"For the sake of a little dog?" Bryce shook his head. "You can feed the thing without me."

"I was thinking you might have other reasons to stay." Logan waggled his brows. "I saw you eating lunch with Daisy the other day. She's a fine woman."

"Yes, she is." Bryce set to work again and avoided his brother's piercing gaze. "But that doesn't amount to a hill o' beans. She's dead set on rebuilding the home and life she and her son lost. Even if I stayed the winter, I would eventually go back to Chance Ranch. Daisy's already lost too much to give up anything more."

"I see you've given this some thought, but did you think about all she stands to gain? You two seem to enjoy each other's company, and you get on well with Jamie."

"He's a great kid." Bryce chewed the inside of his cheek. "But I can't leave Chance Ranch shorthanded this winter to pursue a woman who has other plans."

"Are you so sure she wouldn't give up those plans?"

"She's a good friend, Logan, but she's a mother first," Bryce tried to explain. "Jamie's welfare is the only thing she's interested in."

"So how come she smiles at you like that and brings you water and makes sure we have something for dessert every night, if it's not because she likes you and noticed your sweet tooth?"

"She's a thoughtful woman." Bryce tried not to let Logan's words sink in. False hopes never made a man anything but wrong.

"Hattie's of the opinion that Daisy's thinking, all right." Logan paused meaningfully. "On you."

"You talked to Hattie about this?" Bryce practically bellowed the words.

"She brought up how much time Daisy spent with you while we were gone," Logan said casually, "and we've both kept an eye on the pair of you. Hattie thinks you two have something, and I agree."

Could that be true? Is Daisy interested in me the way I'm attracted to her? There were those times when we touched-she seemed fl.u.s.tered. Could there be room enough in her heart for a new husband? I care for Jamie a great deal, and I'd treat him as my own son. Would Daisy be willing to come with me to California?

"I can see the questions rolling about in your head, Bryce." Logan stared at him long and hard. "Are you willing to give up a winter to find the answers?"

Daisy looked up as Bryce entered the cabin. The determined set of his jaw as he strode across the room sent a chill down her spine. She rested her lacework in her lap and waited. Whatever it was he had to say, it must be important. Could something be wrong with the new barn? Then he stopped in front of her.

"Daisy Thales, I've made a decision." The intensity of his gaze stirred something deep within her.

"What is it, Bryce?"

"I'm staying through the winter."

What? No! How am I going to guard my heart against this man iff 'n I cain't be sh.o.r.e he's leavin'? We'll be s...o...b..und more often than not. He'll be here every time I turn around. What would make him change his mind? Why is he telling me and not Miz Willow and Hattie? What is he waiting for me to say?

Her breath caught at a possible answer. He...he wouldn't be staying for me? Yes, I'm attracted to him-but does he feel the same way? About me? Plump, plain me with a son by another man? Only one way to find out.

"What made you change yore mind?" She tried to keep her voice steady and light but failed miserably.

"You." He stepped forward and took her hand in his. Heat coursed through her fingers. "My mind's made up; I plan to court you, Daisy."

"Me?" The word came out as a squeak. She shook her head in disbelief, and his grip tightened as though he wouldn't let go.

"Don't say anything now. It's beginning stages yet, but I figured you deserved fair warning." He gave her palm a final squeeze. "Good night."

Daisy watched, dumbfounded, as he left. She stared down at her hand, still tingling from the warmth of his. She leaned back before she registered Hattie and Miz Willow staring avidly. At least Jamie's already fast asleep!

She opened her mouth, realized she had no idea what to say, and cleared her throat instead. I cain't believe it. I got no choice but to believe it. I don't even have time to work it through in my head 'cuz the man didn't have the sense G.o.d gave a flea. He tromped in, made his declaration in front of Miz Willow and Hattie, and took off. What am I supposed to say?

"Well?" Hattie prompted, leaning forward in antic.i.p.ation.

"Well, what?" Daisy picked up a piece of lacework to keep her hands busy.

"Put that st.i.tchin' down, missy," Miz Willow ordered. "You've got some thinking to do, and yore gonna need some wise counsel."

I ain't ready for counsel, Daisy rebelled. I don't know what to say! How cain you not see that?

"Daisy?" Hattie caught her attention. "Do you not have any thoughts on what Bryce jist said?"

"I've got too many," Daisy moaned, burying her face in her hands. "And not a-one of 'em makes a lick of sense!"

"Then let's make sense out of it," Hattie declared firmly. "Now, puttin' aside the fact that Bryce surprised you, we have to remember that it's what he said that's important. Not the time or way he chose to say it."

"He could've spoke to me in private," Daisy muttered. At least then I'd have my wits about me before I had to talk it over.

"That probably would've been best," Miz Willow agreed. Her blue eyes crinkled with amus.e.m.e.nt. "But then Hattie and I would've been left out of the fun!"

"Never you mind 'bout that." Hattie swatted away Miz Willow's entertained cackle. "We ain't gonna tell anybody yore business, Daisy. What's important is whether or not yore interested in that buck." She eyed Daisy shrewdly. "I think you are, but yore the only one as knows for sh.o.r.e."

"I-I might," Daisy admitted. "But he's so different from Peter."

"As well he should be." Miz Willow resumed rocking. "Iff 'n he was too much like yore first husband, you'd be comparin' 'em all the time. Bryce is his own man. If you want him, you want him for who he is, not who he cain't never be."

Daisy nodded slowly. Peter would always be her first love, but that was the way he was frozen in her thoughts. She'd married at fifteen, been widowed a scant year later. Peter had never even seen his eighteenth year. How could she ever compare her childhood sweetheart with a strong, steady man like Bryce?

"Could you love him?" Hattie got to the heart of the matter. "If not, then nothin' else need be considered."

"I'm not sh.o.r.e." Daisy bit her lip. Could I spend the rest of my life with Bryce Chance?

"But yore not willing to say no," Miz Willow observed. "There's something in that. For what it's worth, I say let Bryce Chance court you. He's a strong man dedicated to the Lord. Comes from good stock, takes you to be more'n jist a pretty face, and he's good with little Jamie."

"I'll sleep on it," Daisy decided. It was all she could commit to at this point.

"You need to pray on it." Hattie walked over and wrapped her in a hug. "Give it to G.o.d."

Give it to G.o.d. Hattie's words echoed in Daisy's mind later that night as she tried vainly to sleep. I've been on my own for so long. How cain I give up somethin' this important?

Chapter 15.

Bryce stared at the ceiling, unable to sleep. What made me go in there and burst out with a declaration like that? I should've waited for a better time. No, how would I have known it was a better time? I had something to say. Best to be out with it.

He recalled the expressions on Daisy's face: surprise, followed by a kind of heat deep within her eyes, only to be extinguished by confusion. But not disgust or outrage. She feels something, but neither one of us knows what it is yet. I hope that by declaring my interest, I've made it easier for her to trust me. What do I do now? Wait for her response?

Bryce shook his head in frustration. He'd put himself out there, and she could leave him twisting in the wind for as long as she needed to. Why did it all have to be so difficult?

Lord, I've prayed about my feelings for Daisy. I've thought long and hard about what to do. When Logan pa.s.sed on the word that she might return my interest, I took it as a sign that I should go after what I wanted. What I still want. You know the desire in my heart. If it is a mistake, if this is not the path You want me to take, let Daisy tell me soon enough for me to leave before winter. I know she's spent the past five years standing on her own, but You and I both know she doesn't have to. Whether or not You intend for her to be my wife, I ask that You work in her heart and remind her that she's never alone. You are always with us. In Your holy name. Amen.

Having cast his cares upon the Lord, Bryce finally closed his eyes. Whatever the outcome of his decision tonight, he was sure he'd need to be well rested to face what lay ahead.

He awoke the next morning refreshed. After milking the cows-there were two dairy cows now in the extended barn-he headed for the cabin. He knocked lightly at the door, waiting for the go-ahead to step inside.

"Come on in." Miz Willow's voice came through the door, slightly m.u.f.fled.

Bryce entered and set the milk on the table. Daisy stood before the stove, her back to him. It wasn't the welcome he'd hoped for, but he'd known Daisy might refuse him. Still, he took a deep breath before greeting her.

"Good morning, Daisy." He stepped close, lingering beside her a moment before picking up Jamie.

"Mornin'," Daisy spoke softly, but he heard it.

"Jamie and I'll go gather eggs. We'll be back soon." He left, only realizing when he got to the barn that he'd left the basket inside. He improvised, grabbing a spare bucket from the wall.

"Wun," Jamie counted, placing the first egg carefully in the bucket. "Two." He reached in as far as he could. "Tree!"

"That's right!" Bryce affirmed. "Three. Now you've got one more. Do you remember what number that is?"

"Umm..." Jamie scrunched his face in concentration.

"How old are you, Jamie?" Bryce s.h.i.+fted the egg pail to hang on the arm holding the boy. He held up his left hand and splayed four fingers. "This many, right?"

"Yes." Jamie nodded and reached out to tap the fingers. "Wun, two, tree..." He paused and looked at the last digit in consternation.

Bryce waited. If Jamie couldn't remember, he'd admit it. Sometimes all it took was an extra minute, so no sense rus.h.i.+ng it. Jamie was a smart kid.

"Four!" Jamie burst out the number in excitement. "Four eggs, me four." He pointed to himself proudly.

"Exactly!" That was enough for today. The boy could count to ten, but there was no sense pus.h.i.+ng it. As Jamie's hands grew less steady, Bryce helped him gather the rest of the eggs.

They carried the eggs back inside. Logan and Hattie were up and moving around. Suddenly, the cabin seemed too crowded. Bryce tried to catch Daisy's attention, but she kept busy until they sat down for breakfast. As Logan said grace, Bryce silently offered a prayer of his own.

Father, forgive me my impatience. Perhaps she needs time to think it over. I'm asking her to consider me as a husband, to decide whether she could move to California if the answer is yes. That's a lot to expect her to answer after one night's thought and prayer. But, Lord, I don't want to wait. Just seeing her and not knowing if this is as close as we can ever be is tearing me up. Give me patience and forbearance, Lord. Amen.

Daisy waited until Hattie and Miz Willow were checking their stock of yarbs and medicines for winter, then crouched down beside Jamie.

"Yore doin' real good with yore letters, Jamie. Mama wants you to keep practicing for a while. I'll be back in a little bit, understand?"

"Mm-hmm."

Daisy planted a quick kiss atop his golden head and slipped out of the cabin. She'd hardly taken three steps when Miz Willow's voice stopped her.

"C'mere and give an ole woman some of yore time," the healer instructed as she hobbled out of the house and took a seat on the porch.

Stifling a groan, Daisy sat down next to her.

"Now I know I ain't the person yore fixin' to talk with," Miz Willow began, "and I riled you the last time we spoke in private."

Daisy sat silently, not denying her words, but refusing to let Miz Willow know how angry she'd been.

"But I seen you all mornin' thinkin' so hard it's a wonder you got anythin' done." The old woman held up her gnarled hands. "Not that I'm sayin' yore not a fine worker. Truth is, you've been a big holp 'round here, and I should have thanked you afore now."

"Yore kind enough to let me and my son stay in yore home." Daisy softened. "It's the least I cain do to see after a few ch.o.r.es."

"You've a good heart, Daisy Thales." Miz Willow tapped her cane on the porch. "I'd never say otherwise. But it's yore hard head we need to talk about." Daisy's back stiffened at the words, but the old woman plowed on ahead. "Try as I might, I cain't walk in yore shoes, Daisy. Bryce Chance is, as I said afore, a strong man of G.o.d, a fine provider, and a man who knows you better'n any other and wants to take care of you and yore son. I tried to wrap my mind around it, but I jist cain't seem to find the hitch. What're you caught on that I don't see?"

Miz Willow's voice had become tender, and she reached out to put an age-spotted hand atop Daisy's. The healer was trying to understand, and maybe voicing her fears would help Daisy allay them.

"First, it came as such a surprise, I couldn't see straight." Daisy tried to explain. "I've already married and lost the only man I ever loved. I didn't plan on loving another. Doesn't it disrespect Peter's memory?"

"I don't think so." Miz Willow shook her head. "Yore not lookin' to replace yore childhood sweetheart, Daisy. You didn't set out to nab a husband. G.o.d put a fine man in yore path, and it does no discredit to Peter to find a husband for yoreself and a pa for young Jamie. The Bible even talks about how young widows should remarry.

"First Timothy, chapter five, talks all about honorin' widows," Miz Willow added. " *I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children....' "

"That holps a bit," Daisy admitted, breathing a little easier. "But that's jist part of it. I don't know if I cain love another man as a husband, and I don't want to encourage Bryce without cause."

"Sounds to me like yore putting the cart afore the mule, Daisy. He's taken a liking to you and yore boy. Yore not averse to him. He ain't popped the question yet, only said he wants to court you. Courtin's all 'bout findin' out whether or not you suit."

"Mayhap that's true. It's so different from afore. Peter and I growed up together, had a friends.h.i.+p that deepened and turned to love. It all came so natural." Daisy looked down at her hands. "Now it seems so forced. It's all up in the air with so many questions and no answers, and ev'rybody around is privy to the whole thing. What if he stays, and it don't work out? What will people think?"

"Why are you worried 'bout what goes on in the minds of others? Fretting 'bout yore standin' with others 'stead of wanting to foller G.o.d's will for yore life is a sure sign summat's sore wrong in yore heart and soul." Miz Willow stood up. "Would you rather not take the path G.o.d has put before you, not open yoreself to the chance of love, for the sake of avoiding a few gossips? If so, you don't deserve a man like Bryce Chance." She turned to go back inside. "Think on it, Daisy. Be sh.o.r.e you have the right reasons behind yore decision."

Cain't she see that's 'zactly what I'm tryin' to do? Talking with her don't make this any easier. The only person I should be talkin' this over with is Bryce. I don't know what I'll say, but we'll have to come to some sort of decision.

She hurried to the barn and eased the door open, checking to see if Bryce was tending to one of the animals as he did so often. Not seeing him, she made her way farther back, to the older half of the barn.

"He's not here." Logan's voice made her jump.

"You gave me a fright!" Daisy put a hand over her heart.

"Didn't mean to." Logan put down an empty water bucket beside a full trough and leaned against a post. "But like I said, Bryce isn't here."