Always Dakota - Debbie Macomber [112]
“I did think,” Margaret told him. “In fact, that’s all I’ve been doing. Now it’s time we talked.”
They checked on the cow and her calf, then washed up in the barn and headed toward the house.
Sadie met them at the back entrance, holding open the screen door. “I’ve got iced tea and chocolate chip cookies waiting for you on the front porch.”
The thoughtful gesture pleased Margaret. “I don’t know what you did to win her over, but Sadie’s certainly in your camp.”
“You honestly don’t?” He grinned. “All I ever did to win Sadie was show her how much I love you.”
With their arms around each other, they walked through the house and to the front porch, settling in the two wicker chairs that rested there. Her father often used to sit in this very spot and Margaret liked to think he was with them now.
“I do love you,” Matt told her again, “and our baby.”
“I know,” she said simply.
“If we reconcile, I feel I should warn you that it isn’t going to be easy with Sheryl.” He gave her a pained look. “My lawyer and I tried to talk sense into her, but it did no good.”
“She wants to raise your daughter herself?”
He nodded. “I suggested adoption, but she made it very clear that she intends to eke every penny out of me that she possibly can. The child is a means of holding on to me—and punishing me. For leaving her, and I think, for loving you.” Matt reached for her hand, entwining their fingers. “She assumed I’d divorce you and marry her. She figured the pregnancy would be the incentive—and she figured you for a source of cash.” He threw back his head, eyes closed. “Not once did I even consider such a plan. I swear it.”
She pressed her hand to his jaw. “I believe you.”
He opened his eyes, looked her full in the face. “I don’t know if it’s possible, but some day I’ll make all of this up to you. Maybe I can’t but I intend to try. God knows I don’t deserve a second chance, but I’m asking for one, anyway.”
They were in each other’s arms again. Margaret found it almost impossible to keep her hands off him. They hadn’t slept together in months, not since she’d learned of Sheryl’s pregnancy. He’d been the one to initiate her into the physical aspect of love, and in the process had created a need in her that only he could fill.
“We have a lot to overcome, but I love you, Matt. As long as you’re one hundred percent committed to me and our marriage, we have a chance.”
“One hundred percent.”
They kissed until Margaret heard Sadie clearing her throat behind them.
“Yes, Sadie?” she asked, her voice a mere rasp.
Matt continued to kiss the side of her neck, his hands on her shoulders, his lips moist and eager.
“Mr. Eilers has a phone call.”
“Mr. Eilers?” Matt repeated, sounding amused that Sadie would be so formal.
“Gage Sinclair has a question for you.”
“I’ll be right back,” Matt told his wife.
He left and Sadie folded her arms. “Well? Are you two back together?”
Margaret nodded.
“Good.” Her smile was brief but undeniably genuine. “This time don’t be so quick to give up.”
Margaret laughed. “I won’t.”
Seventeen
“Bob, what’s taking you so long?” Merrily called out from the back storeroom. Her husband had worked frantically doing spring cleaning and repairs. Merrily had joined him, working equally long hours.
“Coming,” he shouted brusquely from somewhere in the kitchen.
She sighed, waiting impatiently for him to move the fifty-pound flour sack so she could continue cleaning the shelves. The more involved she became in this physical labor, the better she understood why Bob had worked himself to a frazzle those first few weeks after receiving word about Axel. It did help; it distracted her and left her tired enough to sleep. And she found the resulting cleanliness and order deeply gratifying.
Now, a month since the judge’s decision, Merrily was feeling a kind of contentment. The tears didn’t come as readily or as often. Instead of focusing on her loss, which seemed overwhelming, she took an inventory of her blessings. At the top of her list was Robert Carr, her