“Heidi!” A warm, familiar voice echoed from the parlor, causing Heidi’s heart to speed up. Before she caught her breath, strong arms engulfed her, rocking her back and forth.
Ellie leaned back and regarded her, her gaze roaming over Heidi’s face. “I’m sorry, honey, but you look like hell.”
Tears sprang to Ellie’s eyes, her humiliation complete when they spilled over the lids and ran down her cheeks. “Ellie.” She quickly wiped her eyes. “What in heaven’s name are you doing here?”
Ellie linked her arm through hers. “I came for a visit. I understand you’re getting married?”
Heidi glanced in her mother’s direction, who looked as surprised as Heidi felt. Recovering her hostess skills, the older woman turned to Ellie. “You must be Michael’s sister.”
“Yes, ma’am,” she smiled. “His baby sister, to be exact.”
Papa had joined them from the parlor where he had apparently been keeping Ellie company.
“Michael talked a lot about you when I kept house for him.” Mother waved in the direction of the parlor. “Won’t you visit in here? And you must stay for dinner.” She turned to Papa. “Tell Cook to prepare something special for our guest.”
“Already done, my dear.” Papa patted her hand.
Ellie turned to Heidi. “Actually, I hoped we could stroll a bit. I’ve only been to Oklahoma City a few times, and I think I’d like to see a little of the town.”
Mother shooed them toward the door. “You girls go on and have a nice walk. The fresh air will work up your appetites.”
“I have no problem with my appetite.” Ellie smiled, then glanced at Heidi, her eyes narrowed. “However, my friend here could use a few pounds.”
The two women walked down the steps, into the late afternoon sunshine, arm in arm. Only a few houses away Ellie began her attack. “What’s going on here, Heidi?”
Heidi inhaled deeply. “What do you mean?”
“Michael’s been so miserable and grouchy, even Tori can’t stand him. He won’t talk to anyone beyond saying you came back here to marry Clarence.”
Before Heidi could respond, Ellie dragged her across the street, to continue in the opposite direction. “And now I arrive here, expecting to see the happy bride, and, frankly, Heidi, you look miserable.”
Heidi had regained some of her composure at finding Ellie Henderson, of all people, standing in her parlor. “Well, thank you for all the compliments.”
“Ah, I’m sorry.” She stopped, and turned to her. “I’m really worried about Michael. I’ve never seen him so despondent. And now I’ve seen you, and I’m more confused than ever.”
Heidi shook her head. “Don’t, Ellie. There’s no secret here. I’m afraid you’ve wasted your time.” She took her arm again, and moved her forward. “It’s really very simple. I’ve been engaged to Clarence for quite some time, and I needed to come home to plan my wedding.”
Ellie slowed them down, her eyebrows disappearing under her bangs. “Are you going to stand there and tell me you have no feelings for my brother?” She held up her hand. “No wait. Before you lie to me,” Ellie narrowed her eyes, “remember I saw you and Michael together.”
Heidi shook her head. “You didn’t see anything, Ellie. Please, leave it alone.” She hugged her closer, and continued. “I must admit I’m very happy to see you, though. Tell me about your family, how is everyone?”
Ellie reluctantly began a recitation of Cochran and Henderson news. Warmth spread through Heidi when she imagined all the goings on Ellie related. How she missed Guthrie, and Ellie’s family. But nowhere near as much as she missed Michael. Oh God. She brought her fist to her chest. The ache resurfaced, stronger than ever.
They walked for a couple of hours, Heidi pointing out various sights in the city. Eventually, they wound their way back to the house in time for dinner.
Despite the Lesters’ and Heidi’s pleas to spend the night, Ellie requested they drive her to the train station, where she waved goodbye before climbing the steps of the eight o’clock train back to Guthrie.
****
An hour after the train had departed, a light tap on Heidi’s bedroom door interrupted her as she stood in front of the mirror and ran a brush through her unruly blonde curls.
Mother entered, and laid the cup of hot chocolate on the white wood table next to Heidi’s bed, then settled on the soft mattress. “How nice of Ellie to come for a visit.”
Heidi narrowed her eyes and glanced sideways at her mother, after dropping the brush on the dresser. “Yes. It was.”
“Quite a surprise, actually.” Mother fussed with a thread on the bedspread.
Heidi settled next to her, sitting cross legged. “A surprise, certainly.”