hing my daughter in pain.”
Michael stood and ran his fingers through his hair. “Why didn’t she come to me with it, when Clarence first threatened her?”
“Heidi didn’t want to destroy your uncle, and his family.”
His eyes widened. “What?”
“She believed if this information got out to the newspapers, the Senator’s reputation would be ruined, his career over, and you and the rest of the family would grow to hate her.”
“I don’t believe it. Foolish girl.” Despite everything, he almost laughed. Heidi trying to protect him, and his family. He thought back to his first encounter with her. How she gripped the ‘Help Wanted’ sign in her hands.
His nervous little Heidi had grown into a woman who not only learned to take care of herself, but was willing to sacrifice the rest of her life for him. If he wasn’t so angry with her, he’d almost understand her rationale.
Mrs. Lester brought him out of his musing. “All right, now you know. What do you plan to do?”
Excitement shot through him. Heidi loved him, and he could claim her for his own after all. The dreams he’d beat to death in the past month resurrected themselves. A plan. He needed a plan. “Right now I’m leaving John in charge of the store-God help me-and I’m going to Uncle Jesse’s house.”
“Michael, she gets married tomorrow.” Mrs. Lester chewed on her lip.
“Don’t worry, once I talk to my family, I’ll be on the next train to Oklahoma City. What time did you say the wedding was?”
She gathered her things, and stuffed them into her purse. “Eleven o’clock at the First Methodist Church on Rockwell.”
He reached out and covered her hand. “I’ll need that piece of paper. And don’t worry, I’ll be there in plenty of time. Nothing will stop me.”
“I’m so glad. My heart broke every time I looked at Heidi, seeing her so miserable. Should I tell her tonight she can forget about the wedding tomorrow?”
He shook his head. “No. I want to tell her. Most likely, she’ll not believe Jesse doesn’t care about scandal unless she hears the words from my mouth.” He winked at her. “I’ve noticed her stubborn little chin.”
Mrs. Lester hugged him. “I’ve missed you so much.”
He rested his hand on her lower back and moved her toward the doorway. “Can I drive you to the train station?”
“That would be wonderful. I told Mr. Lester I would be gone all afternoon. Heidi’s busy today with the final fitting on her wedding gown, and I don’t want to be so late she wonders where I’ve been.”
After giving directives to his employee, along with the key to lock up, he joined Mrs. Lester at the front door.
She tucked her arm in his as they headed toward the buggy parked at the livery. “You’re a good man, Michael Henderson. And very good for my daughter. I’m counting on you to save her from herself.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
“Where’s Mother?” Heidi entered the dining room to find three places set, but only Papa sitting there.
“Making final wedding arrangements.” He stood and pulled Heidi’s chair back.
“Still?” Her eyebrows rose, as she settled in her seat, and unfolded the snowy white napkin.
“Not to worry. Your mother told me earlier she may not be back in time for dinner.” He patted Heidi’s hand. “The mother of the bride has a lot of responsibilities.”
A young maid entered, carrying a platter of roast beef she placed on the table. While Heidi and her papa helped themselves to the meat, the maid returned with a tray containing a bowl of mashed potatoes, a pitcher of thick, dark gravy, and a bowl of carrots, dripping with butter. After studying the table, the young girl left, closing the door behind her.
“Is that little bit all you’re eating?” Papa frowned as he eyed Heidi’s plate with one small piece of beef, and a few carrots.
“I’m not hungry.”
He sat back, his fork and knife fisted in his hands. “I’ll be very glad when this wedding is over, and you regain your appetite. You’ve lost too much weight, Heidi.” He nodded in the direction of the small white pitcher. “Here, add some gravy.”
The smell of the gravy turned her stomach. Her morning sickness had relocated to the evening. Rather, the evening time now added to her morning sickness. “No, thank you.” She placed her hand over her plate to block the gravy.