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, she was sound asleep before she even undressed.
****
Michael opened the door to the drug store, and headed to the back. Usually Heidi waited for him when he opened up, clutching the breakfast for the day. He smiled. They would have the rest of their lives to share breakfast.
He whistled as he fixed coffee, the way Heidi taught him. He shook his head. Heidi. With her golden 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 hurried to the kitchen, bursting with energy for the day. He pushed the curtain aside. Heidi stood 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 pulled back.
“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, sat on the edge of the chair.
Her hands fumbled with her string purse, picking at small 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 started 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.