“Heidi, if you insist on continuing with this wedding tomorrow, you’re making a horrible mistake. It’s a decision you will have to live with the rest of your life. You’ll present your husband with a child he didn’t father.” She shook her head. “I don’t know I even trust him to not harm you or the baby when he finds out.”
Her mother spun on her heel and paced. “We have to let your papa know what kind of a man he is. I’m sure he had no idea Clarence is this evil.”
“Mother, promise me you won’t tell Papa.” Heidi licked her dry lips.
Her mother cupped Heidi’s chin. “I don’t know if I can promise that.”
“Please. You can’t tell him,” Heidi begged.
Her mother opened her mouth to speak, and Heidi held up her hand. “Please?”
The two women studied each other for a few moments. Mother and daughter, each determined to protect their loved one. Heidi’s hand rested on her belly. Her mother’s gaze followed the movement. She raised her chin. “All right. I promise I won’t tell your papa.”
Heidi blew out the breath she held. “Thank you.”
/> Mother headed to the door. “You need to dress. You have a final fitting at the dressmakers, and then you’ll have to rest this afternoon. Tomorrow’s a big day.”
“Are you going with me to the dressmaker?”
“No, dear, Mrs. Manfred will pick you up in her buggy. I’ve made arrangements to see the hotel manager to consult with him one more time on the wedding breakfast tomorrow. Make my excuses to Clarence’s mother.”
Heidi frowned. “I thought you finished all the arrangements.”
Her mother pulled the door open, and turned to Heidi with a bright smile. “Just a few more things to attend to. I’ll see you tonight.”
****
Mary Lester moved the parlor curtain aside a few inches with her finger, and peeked at Heidi as she climbed into Mrs. Manfred’s buggy. Once they were on their way to the dressmaker, Mary strode down the hallway, and knocked softly on the library door.
“Come in.” Her husband’s deep voice filtered through the door.
Mary tugged on her gloves as she approached Harold’s desk where he added numbers in a long column. “I’m going out for the rest of the day, dear.”
Eyebrows raised, he regarded her. “More wedding plans?”
“Yes. I’ll be quite some time, I may not even return in time for dinner. If not, don’t wait for me.” She snapped the pearl button at the bottom of the beige leather gloves and kissed him on the head.
“Wait.” He grabbed her arm as she turned to go. “Do you want me to accompany you? I don’t like you being gone until dark.”
She brushed lint off her wool suit jacket. “No need, dear. I’ll be fine.”
“How will you get to town? Shall I drive you, and pick you up?” He leaned back in his chair, tapping his lips with a pencil.
“Not necessary, dear. I can drive the buggy myself.”
“Well if you’re sure.” He gave her a warm smile, then returned to his figures before the door even clicked shut.
Mary checked the mirror in the front hall, adjusted her hat, and set off to do battle for her daughter’s happiness.
****
Michael fished in his vest pocket for his watch and checked one more time. Twenty-four hours from now Heidi would be out of his reach forever. He stopped mixing a prescription, and gazed into space. Should he have made the trip to Oklahoma City, and begged her to change her mind?
No. She’d made it clear what she wanted.
Ha. You didn’t believe it when she said it, and you don’t believe it now. Maybe so, but there’s no other explanation.
He rolled his neck to release the tension. That didn’t work, and nothing would until he came to grips with what would happen tomorrow.