It’s none of your business.
He blew out a breath. Maybe he intended to quell his growing feelings, but he could help Heidi become strong enough to break her engagement. There would be any number of men more than willing to marry her, and provide her with the life she deserved. Now, if he could control the sense of loss that thought triggered, his world would once again be set to right.
Lonely.
The sun shining on her blonde curls turned her hair to spun gold. Her huge blue eyes took in everything as they rode through town, and then the outskirts. This section of town held the more established homes, populated with the wealthier residents of Guthrie. Home after home slid by, with tall white columns, and deep covered porches wrapping around the front and sides of the residences.
In a matter of minutes Senator and Mrs. Jesse Cochran’s home came into view. Similar to the other houses on the street, a covered drive on one side provided shelter for loading and unloading passengers from buggies. Classical columns and a spindle balustrade decorated the porch.
“Here we are.” Michael stopped the buggy and hopped down to help Heidi. The side door immediately burst open and Ellie stepped out and flung herself into his arms.
“Whoa, girl, you almost knocked me off my feet.” He hugged her close, still amazed chubby, freckle-faced, little Ellie had grown into such a lovely woman.
“I haven’t seen you in so long.” She leaned back and studied his face. “What in heaven’s name happened to you?”
For the second time, he dismissed voiced concerns.
After a moment of shaking her head, she said “You missed the last two family dinners, Michael Henderson.”
Her eyes grew wide, and her mouth became a perfect circle as she noticed Heidi standing a little behind him.
“Who’s this?”
Michael drew Heidi forward. “Miss Heidi
Lester, my new employee.”
Ellie continued to stare at the two of them, and then her lips turned up into a sly smile. “Indeed? Your employee, Michael?”
He felt his face flush, and wished anyone but Ellie had been the first to greet them. Not known for her tact, he didn’t want to embarrass Heidi.
“Yes. My employee.” He took both women’s arms and headed toward the door.
Ellie pulled her arm free. “You haven’t even properly introduced us, big brother.”
“Sorry.” He turned to Heidi. “May I present my sister, Ellie Henderson. High School History teacher, and champion of Women’s Rights.”
Ellie held out her hand, and Heidi hesitated before taking it.
“How long have you worked for my brother?”
“Not long. A bit more than a week.” Her voice came out breathless and Michael gave her a sharp look. Did her nerves trouble her, or was she about to have an asthma attack? If anyone could cause Heidi to lose her breath, Ellie-with all her energy-could do just that.
Tori and Priscilla worked diligently on peeling mounds of carrots and potatoes at the table in the large, sunny kitchen. Steam rose from pots boiling on the huge stove, clouding the windows. Tori glanced up, and dropped she knife she held. “Michael!”
She raced around the table and threw herself into his arms.
“My goodness, such a greeting from my womenfolk.” He grinned at her.
Tori tapped him on the arm. “You missed the last two family dinners.” Then she shoved him back, and regarded him with narrowed eyes. “Were you in a fight?”
His jaw tightened as he again waved off any explanation. No surprise at the shocked reaction from his family, since he didn’t have a reputation for participating in bar brawls.
Stepping aside, he pulled Heidi forward. “Tori, this is Miss Heidi Lester. I’ve hired her to replace Mrs. O’Reilly.” He turned to Heidi. “My aunt, Tori Cochran.”
Tori opened her arms wide and Michael nudged Heidi forward. Tori hugged her, giving Michael a questioning look over the girl’s shoulder. She leaned back and held both of Heidi’s hands. “We’re so happy to have you, Heidi. Welcome to our home.” She pointed to his cousin. “That is my daughter, Priscilla. Paul, the birthday boy, is out with his father doing whatever men do when their sons turn twelve.” She grinned. “Priscilla’s twin, Henry, is closeted in his room, most likely with his nose buried in a book, and Benjamin is around here somewhere.” She glanced around, as if expecting the child to pop up any minute.
Heidi glanced back at Michael, her brows furrowed.