Chapter 74

She’d just put the bottle in a pan of warm water when she noticed the paper on the kitchen table. Had Nicholas left the grocery list there? She picked it up to place it on the refrigerator, then realized it wasn’t a list.

Dear Mary Margaret,

I’m leaving. I’m sorry to hurt you like this, but I never wanted to be a deacon. I never wanted to be a father. And the only woman I ever wanted to marry is January Stephens.

I heard through the grapevine that she’s involved with someone and may even marry him, and I can’t let that happen.

I’m going to see a lawyer about getting a divorce. I’ll make sure you and the kids have enough money to get by.

I wish you all the best, and I hope you won’t hate me, but I have to do this.

-Nicholas

Nicholas couldn’t leave her. No one in her family had ever divorced. Daddy would never forgive her.

Even worse, she wouldn’t have that protection against wanting another woman.