Between Heaven and Texas by Marie Bostwick Read Free Book Online Page B

finances, swearing that his worthless son wouldn’t get a dime of his money until he was dead and buried. Since Noodie looked to be in pretty good health, that might take some time. Until then, Jack Benny was supposed to be working at the ranch to help support his family. Mary Dell couldn’t remember the last time he put in a full week’s work, but he had no compunction about taking a full share of the profits.
    That was something else they couldn’t talk about. Mary Dell knew Lydia Dale was embarrassed by her husband’s shiftless ways and hated accepting money that he’d done so little to earn, but what else could she do? She had two little children to support. Mary Dell didn’t blame her or resent her. Lydia Dale deserved more from life than she’d been given.
    After sucking in her breath and zipping up her jeans, Mary Dell came out from behind the screen and sat down on a metal side chair. The doctor scribbled something on a pad of paper.
    â€œI don’t think you’re going to need it,” she said, tearing the top sheet off the pad and handing it to Mary Dell, “but here’s a prescription just in case. If the pain is severe or the bleeding gets worse, call me. Take it easy for a week or so, and no driving today. Is somebody coming to pick you up?”
    â€œLydia Dale will be here as soon as her meeting lets out.”
    â€œGood. And tell Donny to keep his hands off you for a few days. Or maybe I should be saying that to you instead?” the doctor asked with a wink. “Your aunt recently gave me a very informative lecture about the Tudmore clan’s Fatal Flaw. Velvet is quite a character.”
    Mary Dell grinned at the mention of her aunt. “Well, she’s got a lot of theories, but I think she’s right about the Fatal Flaw. I don’t know why, but every now and then, Donny starts looking like Robert Redford and Paul Newman all rolled into one.”
    The doctor laughed. “That’s no fatal flaw; that’s biology, nature’s way of making sure the human race goes on. And thank heaven for it, or I’d be out of business.”
    She got up from her chair and slipped Mary Dell’s file into a rack near the door. “Speaking of business, how is Lydia Dale feeling? She should be over the nausea soon, but if not, tell her to call the office.”
    Mary Dell’s eyes went wide. “Nausea? You mean Lydia Dale is . . .”
    Dr. Brownback covered her mouth with her hand. When she removed it, her smile was replaced by a stricken expression. “She’s your sister, so I—I assumed she’d told you by now. I shouldn’t have said anything. I’m so sorry.”
    â€œIt’s all right,” Mary Dell said. “She was probably trying to spare my feelings.” She attempted a smile.
    Mary Dell wanted a baby so badly, but three doctors and five miscarriages after her first, no one seemed to be able to explain or solve the problem.
    Lydia Dale, on the other hand, could use her husband’s toothbrush and get pregnant—at least that’s how it seemed. Mary Dell was certain that this baby was a surprise, perhaps even an accident. It was so unfair. Why should Lydia Dale so easily be granted the thing Mary Dell wanted most? But then again, maybe Lydia Dale had the same sort of questions. Maybe she wondered why Mary Dell should have so easily and unexpectedly found what Lydia Dale wanted most: the love of a good man.
    Mary Dell got to her feet and slipped the strap of her purse over her shoulder. She would not be jealous of her sister.
    Dr. Brownback opened the door for Mary Dell. “I’m really very sorry,” she repeated. “It was a stupid mistake. Please tell Lydia Dale that I’m going to call her later. If she wants to find another doctor, I completely understand. And if she wants to file a complaint with the medical board . . .”
    Mary Dell rolled her eyes. “Oh, for