A Prescription for Love (24 page)

Instead of wallowing in pain, she removed her suitcase from the closet floor and began stuffing things into it. Halfway through, she sat on the edge of the bed and removed the paper Clarence had handed her, then read the damaging words once more.

How could she even be sure the letter wasn’t a pack of lies? Her shoulders slumped. Even if he’d made the entire thing up, it made no difference. Gloria would speak with the newspapers. By the time anyone bothered to check on the story’s truthfulness, all the damage would have been done to Senator Cochran’s name. And that wonderful family of loving people she’d spent the day with.

She lay back on the bed and closed her eyes. Visions of the dining room table at Paul’s birthday party floated before her once again. Tori and Jesse exchanging glances that told of their love. She smiled, remembering Ellie arguing so heatedly with Rachel over some point near and dear to the woman’s heart.

Michael with his family. Michael. How could she ever face him tomorrow and tell him she was marrying Clarence? He must never know how upset she was. No matter how difficult this would be, she had to convince him of her lie.

He’ll never believe you.

She rose and fumbled in her purse for her soggy handkerchief. Maybe she could leave him a note.

Coward.

Heidi splashed her face with the cool water from the china bowl on her dresser. She gazed in the mirror above the bowl. No wonder Mrs. Wilson had viewed her with skepticism. Red swollen eyes peered back at her. She dipped the linen cloth into the water and lay back on the bed, draping the cloth over her eyes.

She needed to steel herself for seeing Michael tomorrow morning. What would his reaction be? Would he beg her to change her mind? Or let her go, angry and bitter at another rejection?

Despite the ache in her heart, exhaustion overcame her and she was sound asleep before she even undressed.

Michael opened the door to the pharmacy and headed to the back. Usually he heard Heidi fussing in the small kitchen with their breakfast. He smiled. They would have the rest of their lives to share breakfast.

He whistled as he fixed coffee the way Heidi had taught him. He shook his head. Heidi. With her golden red curls, blue eyes, and stubborn little chin. Would their daughters look like her? Never would he have thought he would be proposing marriage again. After the hurt inflicted by Alice eight years ago, he’d been adamant never to expose himself once more to the pain of betrayal.

The sound of the front door closing caught his attention. Heidi’s steps were slow, faltering. His brow furrowed. Usually she came through the back door, bursting with energy for the day. He pushed the curtain aside. Heidi lingered in the aisle, halfway between him and the door.

“Heidi?” He started toward her. “Is something wrong?”

She shook her head, then held her arm up, palm out, to stop him as he grew closer. Her face pale, deep dark circles marred the tender skin under her eyes. Eyes that shimmered with tears.

His brow furrowed. “Honey, what’s the matter?”

“Can we go in the back and talk?”

“Sure. Come on.” He attempted to hold her hand, but she moved away.

“Don’t.” She hugged her middle.

He moved to the back area, holding the curtain for her. “Can I take your coat?”

She shook her head, then huddled on the edge of the chair.

Her hands fumbled with her string purse, picking at thin threads. She glanced at him, then at her lap again. Finally, she took a deep breath. “I have something to say.”

Michael pulled out a chair and sat. Something dreadful had happened to Heidi. Even during her worst asthma attacks, she’d not been this pale. Her nervousness transferred to him and his heart sped up. Once more he reached out to her, but she pressed back into the chair. As if afraid of his touch.

“Sweetheart, what’s the matter? Whatever the problem, we can face it together. Talk to me.”

She chewed her lip and stared at the ceiling. “I’m leaving.”

“All right. Are you not feeling well? Don’t think you can work today?”

“I, ah . . .” She cleared her throat. “I’m leaving Guthrie.” When he didn’t respond, she added, “Today.”

“Is something wrong with your papa? I know your mother is fine, because I just left her.”

“My parents are fine.”

Only the ticking of the clock broke the silence as they stared at each other. Michael’s heart pounded as panic seized him. “What is it, Heidi?”

“I’m going back to Oklahoma City.” Her voice faltered.

“And?”

She raised her chin and fixed him with a stare. “I’m marrying Clarence.”

Chapter 22

All the air left Michael’s lungs in a rush. His stomach clenched and he shook his head to clear his hearing.

“Did I hear you say you’re marrying Clarence?”

Heidi nodded.

His jaw tightened. “Is this a joke?”

She shook her head.

He reached for her, but she pulled away and stood. “I have to leave now.”

“Do you honestly think you can walk in here, make this crazy announcement, and then leave?” He shoved his chair back and leaned against the counter, arms crossed.

“What happened last night?”

She shrugged. “Nothing.”

If possible, Heidi grew even paler. The dark circles under her eyes resembled dual black eyes.

“I don’t understand. Can you please explain to me why you allowed me to make love to you, then decided to marry someone else?” His voice rose at the last few words.

She lifted her chin, although he caught tears shimmering in her eyes. “It’s for the best.”

“How do you figure that?” He barely got the words out, all the liquid in his mouth having dried up.

“My parents were right. My time here was merely an adventure, but now I need to do the right thing.”

“And marrying that lecher is doing the right thing? For whom?”

She shook her head, her lips in a tight line.

He ran his fingers through his hair and paced. “What did he say to you?”

“Not much.”

He moved in front of her, then rested his hands on her shoulders. “Heidi, you’re lying, but I can’t figure out why.”

Heidi shrugged his hands away and backed up. “I’m not lying. After having supper with Clarence last night, I realized the life he and my parents planned suits me better.”

Michael edged her chin up with his knuckle. “Look me in the eye and tell me this is what you really want.”

Her throat worked for a moment, before she whispered through cracked lips, “This is what I really want.”

He wrapped his arms around her, placed his lips on her temple, and whispered, “What about us?”

Heidi eased away from him and fumbled with her scarf. “There is no ‘us,’ Michael. I’m engaged to Clarence, and I’ve never made a secret of it. I’m returning to Oklahoma City, today, to plan my wedding.” She looked up at him, her chin trembling. “My adventure is over.”

Before he could say another word, she whipped the curtain aside, then left.

Heidi covered her mouth with shaky fingers as she raced to the door, tears coursing down her cheeks. Her tears turned to sobs as she yanked the door open and fled to the street. She charged blindly down the boardwalk, not even aware which direction she took.

She’d hurt him. The pain and misery in his eyes would torture her forever. The same eyes that had darkened with passion when they’d made love. The eyes that had regarded her with warmth and caring. But she’d had no choice. Those same eyes would turn to coldness and disgust if she didn’t marry Clarence and the letter ruining Michael’s family arrived at the newspaper offices.

After wandering around for a while, she took note of her surroundings. Her tears had ceased, but the ache deep in her chest had not. As if an invisible string connected them, she’d been drawn to Michael’s house. The yellow and white clapboard house seemed to mock her, reminding her she would never be its mistress. She followed the stone path from the street to his front door.

Heidi ran her hand lovingly over the white rocking chair on the porch as she approached the door. Before she could change her mind, she banged the knocker. Within a minute, her mother opened the door, drying her hands on a blue-flowered towel.

“Heidi! Oh my dear. I’m so glad you’re here. Papa’s been beside himself since Mrs. Wilson told him you had gone to work, but weren’t at the store when he searched there for you.”

“Papa went to the store?”

“Yes. Michael said you’d quit and left right after he’d opened.” Her mother clutched Heidi’s forearms and looked in her eyes. “Where have you been?”

Heidi shrugged and stepped into the house. Papa came from the direction of the kitchen, concern written on his face. “Are you all right, sweetheart?”

“Yes. I’m fine.” She attempted a bright smile and addressed her mother. “Did Papa tell you the good news?”

Mother slid her arm around her shoulders and walked her to the kitchen. “He told me you’ve decided to leave Guthrie and marry Clarence.”

“Yes. That’s right.” Her lips trembled, and she swallowed.

“Can we have some tea?” her mother asked.

Stay here and have tea in Michael’s house? In the house she’d dreamt of living in? Where she’d hoped to experience Michael loving her again and again? The thought of trying to swallow anything, even tea, caused her stomach to lurch.

“No. I would prefer to pick up my things from Mrs. Wilson’s and take the train as soon as possible.”

Her parents cast a glance at each other, her mother’s mouth in a tight line, her papa’s brows furrowed.

“Heidi, I think we should discuss your decision.” Her mother took her hand, a gentle smile on her lips.

“No.” Heidi pulled her hand away. “My mind is made up, and I want to leave now.”

Mother sighed and smoothed the hair back from her forehead. “All right, dear. I’m all packed. Your papa can place my things in the buggy and we’ll get your belongings from Mrs. Wilson’s before we head to the train station.”

Heidi nodded once, then turned on her heel and left the house. She climbed into the buggy she hadn’t noticed parked in front of the house when she’d arrived and leaned her head back, wiping the tears trickling from her already swollen eyes.

“Something is not right.” Mary shook her head as she watched Heidi flee the house. “The girl is an emotional wreck, and looks like anything but a happy bride.”

“I’m afraid I must agree with you, my dear.” Harold took his wife’s hand, and drew her into his arms. “Do you suppose I’ve been too heavy-handed with her?”

Mary leaned back, and searched his face. “No more than usual. But yes, maybe a bit heavy-handed.”

He released her and dragged his hand down his face. “I always thought I knew what was best for my family. My father raised me that way, and I never questioned a man’s duty to protect and guide.” Harold cupped her face. “When you left me, I thought my heart would stop beating. But your anger led me to reexamine some things. To start thinking about your feelings, and Heidi’s.” He sighed. “Maybe I don’t always know what’s best.” He raised his eyebrows when Mary snorted.

“Being away from you also gave me time to think,” she said, raising her chin. “I do have a brain, you know.”

“I never doubted that, my love.” He smiled at her.

“I’ve been very happy married to you, and we’ve had many good years together. But lately I have felt restless, as if I needed more.” She moved to smooth the towel she held, then placed it over a towel rack. “I think Heidi breaking free made me realize we’ve both become too dependent on you.”

“That’s what a man is for.”

“Yes, I know, dear. But over the years I’ve let you make all of my decisions. Even when I disagreed.” She smiled sadly. “You see, I was raised the same way. My father decided everything, and Mother never questioned him.”

“What are you saying?”

“Oh, nothing to concern yourself with. I’ve had my bit of rebellion. Maybe when we get home, I’ll do some volunteer work, something to give my life more purpose.”

Once more he drew her into his arms. “Your life has plenty of purpose. You’re a wonderful mother and incredible wife. My wife.”

She regarded him from under half-lidded eyes. “Perhaps I’ll go to one of those women’s rights meetings Heidi attended.”

“Mary, if it makes you happy, then do some volunteer work, and, heaven help me, go to the meetings.”

“Maybe you would go with me?”

“Don’t push your luck, my dear.” He kissed her forehead. “Just don’t ever leave me again. Now let’s see to our daughter.”

Clarence ran his fingers through his hair and paced in front of Gloria. A pile of suitcases sat alongside one long bench in the train station. A line of passengers snaked its way around the building as trains entered and left on a fifteen-minute schedule.

Gloria grabbed his hand as he strode by. “Darling, do calm yourself. She said she would be here. Believe me, I’ve seen the way she looks at Michael. She would allow nothing to harm him or his family.”

“I will be calm when I see the little twit climb on the train to Oklahoma City.” His head jerked as another carriage entered the unloading area of the station. He squinted against the sun and inhaled deeply. “Here they are now. I will see you tonight at your apartment.” He strode away from Gloria and pushed open the wooden and glass doors. He snarled at the man who attempted to enter at the same time.

“Mr. Lester, Mrs. Lester, good afternoon.” He smiled and took Mrs. Lester’s hand after he approached the buggy. “I trust you’re having a good day?”

Mrs. Lester yanked her hand back and issued him a tight smile. “Yes. Just fine, Clarence.”

He turned to Heidi. “My dear, I’m so thrilled to see you.” She ignored his outstretched hand and alighted by herself, shaking out her skirts.

Clarence leaned toward her and kissed her on the cheek. Heidi backed away. If the girl didn’t keep up appearances, her parents would begin to notice. He glared at her and moved his lips close to her ear. “Senator Cochran.”

Heidi’s eyes grew wide and she chewed her lip, then gave him a slight smile. He took her arm in his and muttered from the side of his mouth, “Much better.”

The two couples boarded the train after Mr. Lester supervised the loading of their luggage. He and Mr. Lester settled in a double seat, facing Mrs. Lester and Heidi. His fiancée immediately laid her head back, and closed her eyes. Mrs. Lester studied him, as if to read something in his face.