Always Dakota - Debbie Macomber [88]
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Matt buried his face in his hands. Margaret was having his baby and this should be the happiest moment of his life, but whatever glimmers of joy he experienced were tainted by Sheryl. Dear God, could he have screwed up any worse?
Things didn’t look much better in the morning. Matt thanked Bob and Merrily, left the room key on the counter and headed toward his truck. Part of him wanted to escape. Change his name, move to a different town, start all over again. The thought was tempting, but he knew running was a coward’s trick. Besides, it wouldn’t solve a damn thing.
On his way out of town, he drove past the old church, same as he always did, went a block farther, then abruptly stepped on the brake. He skidded to a stop.
That he’d even consider talking to the minister was evidence of how deep his troubles went. Just as fast as he’d braked, he put the truck in Reverse and turned around. He parked outside the church, suddenly besieged by second thoughts. He sat in his vehicle while he weighed the idea of spilling his guts to a man he figured would likely condemn him—despite Buffalo Bob’s claim to the contrary.
He might have changed his mind and driven on if Pastor Dawson hadn’t walked out of the church that very moment. Figuring he had nothing to lose, Matt climbed from his truck.
“Pastor Dawson?” he called.
Larry Dawson turned around. “Good to see you, Matt,” he said warmly. “What can I do for you?”
“Do you have a few minutes?” he asked.
“Of course. Come inside. I’ll ask Joyce to bring us some coffee.”
Like a schoolboy headed into the principal’s office, Matt followed the minister. A few minutes later, he was sitting in a comfortable chair, a mug of hot coffee in his hand.
To his relief, the pastor didn’t drill him with questions. Matt needed a few minutes of silence and false starts to dredge up the courage to tell him about Sheryl. He was sick at heart by the time he finished.
“Go on, say it,” Matt murmured.
“That you’re a fool?” Larry Dawson asked, then surprised him by laughing. “Why would I call you a fool when you’ve already done that half a dozen times yourself?”
“I don’t know what to do,” Matt confessed, leaning forward and bracing his elbows on his knees. “Margaret isn’t speaking to me…hell, I don’t blame her. I try to think how I’d react if I learned she was pregnant with another man’s child.” He closed his eyes, unable to bear the thought. Yet that was the very thing he’d done to her. The relationship with Sheryl had taken place before he married Margaret, but somehow that didn’t make it hurt any less—especially since his dishonesty had left her feeling so betrayed.
“First thing you need to do is get yourself an attorney,” Pastor Dawson said with the authority of a man who’d advised countless others. “You have legal rights, too. I suspect you’re correct in guessing that Sheryl did intentionally plan the pregnancy. From everything you’ve said, it looks like she’ll try to use the child as a means of controlling you. As much as possible, don’t let it happen.”
Matt nodded. That had been his own thought, but he’d felt too helpless and confused to think clearly. An attorney was necessary and he wondered why he hadn’t considered hiring one sooner.
“Another thing. Don’t let Sheryl drive a wedge between you and Margaret. If you’re thinking about moving out, don’t.”
“I am,” Matt confessed. “Every time Margaret deigns to speak to me, she lets it be known that she wants me out of her life.” For the first time in days he managed a small if genuine smile. “My wife has her own way of expressing her wishes.”
Larry Dawson’s look grew intense. “If you love her the way you claim, then it’s time you proved it.”
“I’d do anything to make this right with Margaret,” Matt told him, feeling the