Always Dakota - Debbie Macomber [85]
“I hate you!” she cried vehemently. “I can’t believe I could ever have loved you.”
“Margaret, please…”
Shaking her head wildly, she burst into sobs and raced toward the house.
Matt hurried after her, not knowing what he’d say or do if he happened to catch her. He didn’t have a chance to find out. Margaret got to the porch first and slammed the door in his face.
Resting his head against the screen, he bent over, balancing his hands on his knees as he exhaled. His head swam, and he was beginning to feel sick to his stomach. Sick enough to step off the porch and heave into the bushes. It wasn’t long before he lost what remained of his lunch, plus the whiskey.
Wiping his mouth, he walked over to where Margaret had dumped his clothes. He crouched down to pick up a shirt. The door opened and he glanced up, hoping it was Margaret.
Sadie stood on the porch, hands on her broad hips. “Quite the mess you’ve gotten yourself into.”
He straightened. “Is Margaret okay?”
“No, but there’s nothing you can do now.”
Even with all the evidence to the contrary, he had to say it. “Despite what she thinks or what anyone says, I love her.”
“You have a fine way of showing it.”
“I never touched another woman after we were married.” Sheryl had tried to tempt him, had kissed him, but he’d wanted nothing to do with her. He’d always known what a conniving bitch she was. Why had he ever gotten involved? What an idiot! He kicked at his clothes, disgusted with himself.
Sadie snickered.
“Go ahead and say it,” he yelled. “You never approved of me. The old man didn’t either.”
“You don’t deserve her.”
Matt hauled what clothes he could to the bed of his pickup, throwing them inside.
“You running?” Sadie taunted.
“No. Like I said, I love my wife and by God, I’m going to fight to save this marriage.”
“So you’re leaving?”
“She kicked me out.”
“There’s always the bunkhouse.”
Matt hadn’t thought of that and appreciated the suggestion. He nodded. “Thanks.”
“You’ve accomplished quite a feat, Matt Eilers,” the housekeeper commented as he grabbed another bundle of mud-caked clothes.
Frowning, he looked in her direction. “What makes you say that?”
“You’ve managed to get two women pregnant at the same time.”
Because his head was reeling and his heart was aching, it took him a moment to understand. Shock raced through him. “Margaret’s pregnant?”
“Two women at once. You must be real proud of yourself.” With that, she returned to the house.
Matt heard her turn the bolt, locking him out.
Curled up tightly in the middle of the bed, Margaret wrapped her arms around her middle and stared at the wall. Sleep was out of the question. Every time she thought about the letter that had arrived in the mail—a letter addressed to them both—the pain started all over again. Sheryl hadn’t missed a trick. She was after Matt—and Margaret’s money.
After spending several minutes sorting through the legal jargon, she’d realized it was a paternity suit against Matt. Not only was Sheryl Decker looking for child support, she sought income to cover her expenses during the pregnancy, plus all medical costs. Seeing that Matt had married a wealthy woman, the amount Sheryl’s attorney requested was a substantial sum.
Margaret wasn’t stupid. She tallied up the numbers and figured out that she and Matt weren’t married yet when he’d slept with Sheryl. But that didn’t make the pain any less. He’d fooled around before the wedding, and she couldn’t trust that the affair hadn’t continued afterward. He’d lied to her! Hadn’t he claimed that he’d never slept with Sheryl?
Margaret felt like an idiot. How she’d loved him, wanted him. All the years she’d wasted pining for him. She’d been willing to do anything to get Matt to notice her. All the work and effort she’d put into changing her appearance had been for him. Why? So he could devastate her? Betray her trust? He’d humiliated her, publicly humiliated her! Margaret didn’t know how she’d show her face in town again.
Dear heaven, she had no idea what to do.
The tears came in earnest