Citizen Daisy by Deb Stover

Author:Deb Stover
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: ePublishing Works!
Published: 2012-01-26T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6

By twilight, Daisy was frantic. Where were they? What had happened? Who'd won the card game?

Who'd won her?

Not that she would allow herself to be won, of course. Unless she wanted to be won...

"Oh, Jack." She returned to stir the stew she'd had simmering all day, but the sound of boots scraping on the steps made her dart to the door. With the spoon still clutched in her fist, she stood in the doorway, watching her father remove his muddy boots.

Alone.

"Papa?" She held her breath, waiting.

"Well, you was right about Randall." Papa dropped his boots on the stoop and patted her on the shoulder as he passed.

"Tried to cheat right there in front of God and everybody."

"So... what happened?" More importantly, where was Jack? "Did they cancel the foolish game?"

"Nope." Papa padded to the pot of stew and lifted the lid. "Rabbit?"

"Chicken." Daisy's breath snagged on her frustration and she battled for her next breath. "Papa, please tell me what happened."

"The sheriff took over and dealt the next hand—winner take all."

"All?" She folded her arms in front of her and narrowed her eyes. "I told you I—"

"I know, and I don't reckon anybody is fool enough to believe you'd up and marry a fella just because of a card game."

Her father grinned as he washed up in the basin.

"That's not what you said earlier." Daisy dished up two bowls of stew, wishing she needed three. Was Papa going to make her come right out and ask about Jack?

"I know, but I weren't sure 'bout Randall then." Hank tucked his napkin under his chin and reached for the bread basket. "I wouldn't let that cheat marry you now for anythin'. The only reason I let them durned fools have this game was to save face. I reckoned it might be the only way..." His face flushed crimson and he looked away as Daisy dropped onto the bench across from him.

"The only way to marry me off?" she finished, keeping her voice carefully controlled. "Papa..."

He reached across the table and patted her hand. "I'm sorry, daughter." He heaved a heavy sigh. "It's my duty to see you cared for after I'm gone."

"You're not going anywhere." Unshed tears burned her eyes. "And I'm glad you don't want me to marry Adam Randall." Daisy picked up her spoon, forcing what she hoped was an expression of disinterest. "Who won the hand the sheriff dealt?"

Hank chuckled and broke a hunk of bread in half, dunking it in the rich stew. "McCullough won with a pair of threes.

Purdiest thing I ever seen."

"He won?" She glanced at the door. "Where is he?"

"At the hotel." Hank shoveled stew into his mouth. "You're one fine cook, Daisy Mae."

Daisy ignored the compliment. "Why is he at the hotel?" Obviously she wouldn't get any information without asking outright. "Why didn't he come back with you?"

"He won the hotel."

Daisy's spoon hit the table with a clatter, splattering stew on her apron. "I thought..." She shook her head, making no effort to retrieve her spoon.

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