Chapter 11: My one

February 17th 1984

Dear Mac,

Maddie and I are doing great down here in good old Nevada. (That's said with a looong 'A' not like you say it..'Nevahhduh!) You would think she's been born and raised here. I'm so surprised that Dani allowed me a two-month extension, but I really needed it. New York is kind of scaring me now when I think about it too much, but I will be back! I have bills to pay. I also owe the chiropractor after you made me push that old Chevy of yours on the BQE on our last date. That ain't happening again pal!

I've finally mustered the courage to read my father's diaries. I still can't come to terms with why he left, though his reasons are much more clearer. He really was deteriorating mentally and it would have caused major stress on my mother and all of us. I suppose he felt he did the right thing. I can't bring myself to tell my mother that he had been injected with the virus on top of being beaten to death. It would break her heart even more. I had a harsh few nights of crying over him and my tears have kind of run dry. I know that sounds terribly cruel, but it's the truth. Richard Forsythe chose to make himself a stranger to us for almost twenty years. You can only cry so much for strangers, right?

Mama is sure keeping us busy with all the chores. The poor woman really let the house go and my lazy brothers just ran off to college and didn't help fix it. We've been painting rooms, fences, reupholstering furniture, putting down carpets, fixing shingles, you name it, and we are doing it. Get those tight buns down here! Seriously, I find it all therapeutic and you know we all need therapy with the drama that goes on with your Cover Ups!

My mom was in love with Maddie as soon as she came off the plane, you'd think she was her own granddaughter…oops...I mean daughter…mama isn't that old! At first it was hard adjusting for Maddie, she cried every night for 'home' and her mother and friends. She even cried for you. I honestly don't think she's ever seen so much sunshine at one time. She still has that peculiar little habit of hoarding food in her pockets, even though she has plenty. She also still collects the little bits and pieces she finds and hides them in her drawers. Threads, coins, buttons, anything she can get her fingers on. A few nights I had to wake her up, when I found her asleep in the closets, the poor little thing.

She talks about you everyday, I'm getting jealous! She said I could be V.P of your fan club! That's an honor I gladly accept. Yes, we talk about that a lot and have big laughs at your expense, sorry, but we just can't help it. I'm training her to see behind the tinsel if you know what I mean. There's a nice big food court only two miles from the ranch and they have a Denny's and a Popeye's! Woo hoo! Every time we go out for a two for one grand slam breakfast or chicken basket, we think of you.

I got your last two letters, next time make sure Dani's stationary is right side up, okay? I know the busy life you lead and all, but come on! How are the photo shoots faring without me? Are they impossibly dreary? Ha, kidding. Billie's a real camera queen, but don't let Ashley fool you, and Lisa has some tricks up her sleeve as well. I miss my girls. We're Mackie's Angels and Rick is Bosley. But I told you all this on the phone. I love hearing your voice right before I go to sleep at night and I wish you were right there with me…...…oh, where was I?….got lost in deep thought for a minute!

Yes, to answer your last question, I'm still having a few nightmares, but not so often. It's all fading now. Dani told me the schedule has been hectic, another issue of 'Splendor and Beyond?' That's amazing! I thought for sure Dupree was going to run us all out of town. I feel so badly that I'm not involved in this one, a classic forties theme! I saw some of the rushes and you are smokin' hot as always. I love the side swept, tuxedo look on you, even if it is a rental! You really need to invest in two. One white, one black.

Well, I don't want to drag this letter out forever. We have work to do here. My mom is throwing a big dinner this Sunday with some of our old town friends. Help! Stanley Larson is still single and on the prowl, he's wanted to marry me since grade school. Don't worry; he's not a creep like Tom, so you wouldn't have to give him the Vulcan pinch. However, everyone has a million and one questions about my modeling, it's fun, but frustrating. You think I lived on Walton's mountain or came from The Beverly Hillbilly's town! Some of my girlfriends are dying to meet you too. No sah! I'm not letting them near you if you ever come here, especially that Cindy Fisher. She'd only want to be with you because you're famous… and then she'd run for the guy with the Camaro.

I love you, Mac, more than you may know it, please take care of yourself and don't get hurt or in any sticky situations…. remember the Lenox photo shoots and that large can of Crisco he had used. He said it reflected better than body oils? Gimme a break! I remember you were so afraid to take a hot shower afterward because you thought you would sauté! I honestly hated that 'tan in a can' look he gave you…and that choppy hair cut. Plain brown hair is just not your color. Never again, or else I'll have to save you from his Easybake oven you mancake, you!

By the way smart guy, I got your little care package with Pops' red pumps! I told you I'm a six! You're so FRESH! After I shined those bad boys up I gave them to Cindy, she LOVED them! Heheheh...I told her they came from a very special modeling shoot…and were your favorite shoes!

Okay, enough of my corny jokes, you know me, Queen Cornipica of Rome! And you, my darling, are General Cornwallis. Write me soon, or call! Maddie is getting antsy to hear from you too. The weather has been pretty cold; we could be expecting a major snowfall soon. Mama says hello and wishes you all the best.

Love always and forever,

Gretchen

-Oo-

Mac wiped the tears of laughter from his eyes and folded the stationary back into his denim shirt pocket. This was his fifth time reading the letter. When she mailed him another one the week before, it came with a care packet. She included a box of Kermit the frog stationery along with pre-printed and pre-posted envelopes, so he would never have an excuse to forget to write. Dani had a huge laugh out of that and promptly hid her own stationery. Gretchen said he would get the joke about that, and he did. In every photo shoot they took she noted there was always one image where he looked like he swallowed a fly. With each letter, phone call and joke, Mac loved Gretchen more and more.

The car service stopped at a red mailbox that looked freshly painted, with 'Forsythe' scrawled across the side in white. He gave him the fare and climbed out with his large duffel bag. He took a moment to inhale the brisk air and gaze at the clear, blue skies and mountain terrains in the distance. He looked ahead and saw a few houses dotting a large landscape with cattle and horse ranches all around. This was a beautiful place. He walked quickly; the wind was starting to nip at him. He came to the hunter green and white porch and rang the bell.

When no one answered after the third ring, Mac sighed and took a seat on the porch swing. He decided to close his eyes just for a few minutes.

Gretchen pulled up to the mailbox with the car and Maddie clamored out, rushing to get the mail and get back to the house. Tonight they were going to make brownies with caramel and chocolate chips for the dinner party. She couldn't wait to learn. She started opening the mailbox when she suddenly gasped and ran to the car.

"Gretchen! Look! There's a man on the porch! Who is it? I'm scared."

Gretchen came out and peered at him. His head was down and covered with a hat and he was bundled in a wool-denim coat.

"Maddie, I want you to wait here for me okay, I'll be right back."

"But Gretchen! What if he's…"

"Don't worry, Maddie, I got this."

Gretchen pulled out her brother's wooden baseball bat from the trunk and kept it on her side. She walked toward the porch rapidly, building into a run. When she came to the steps she screamed in surprise. She knew those legs looked very familiar, but it was the boots that did it.

Mac's head flew up and he swung backward, smashing into the wall and falling off the swing. He got up hastily and dusted his jeans. Gretchen dropped the bat and jumped into his arms, kissing him. Mac returned them, and slowly lowered her down to her feet, keeping her in a warm embrace.

"Mac, I can't believe you came here! I'm so happy now, I can scream!"

"Oooh, you already did Gretch, loud and clear." He pulled at his ears for effect.

Gretchen was overcome with emotion and seized him again, kissing him even longer, until she remembered she was outside and Maddie was watching. She pulled away from him unwillingly and he smiled at her.

"Gretchen, you look fantastic, so…alive and…"

"Pink and ruddy! I think I gained ten pounds! This wind is awful on my skin, but I love it. Come on, I left Maddie alone and she's getting worried."

She and Mac ran toward the car and Maddie ran to them. Mac lifted her high in the air and kissed her cheek.

"How's my Madison! I really missed you too!"

"Mac! Wow! You came! Gretchen said you would sometime! How long are you staying? I'm making special brownies tonight and you have to try them!"

"You know I will!"

Maddie grabbed her bag from the car and ran to the house excitably. Gretchen walked around to the car and she and Mac got in. Mac pulled her toward him and kissed her passionately.

"Gretchen…I couldn't stay away…you knew I would come, didn't you?"

"I was starting to think you weren't getting my hints…" She sighed as he ran his hands through her hair. She had to start the car and get it parked to put away all the groceries. "You came just in time to help us unpack too!"

"Hey, I'm on my vacation here, I get two weeks, provided there are no…emergencies."

"Wow, Dani is so generous to you."

"Yeah, she is, but she's also a firm believer in true love and didn't want to stand in its way. I came because I love you Gretchen. I'm sorry, I feel like you're the one who says it more than I do, but I feel it too. I love you, more than you know…don't make me croon the song, because I will."

"Oh I'm sure you will, our piano is all tuned up, I wouldn't mind a serenade."

"And don't forget our moon dance."

"I can't…. The moon looks huge out here, it will be a spectacular show." She cast a glance at the barn house. "You might want to stay in there for it."

Mac came out and put his arm around her and laughed. "Calling me an animal? Ya know what? You and I make quite a team."

"That we do. Two models caught in a web of high fashion and intrigue, seems unreal to me sometimes."

"Me too, but it's our life and I want to make the best of it with you."

Gretchen's eyes moistened and she eyed him gently. "Do you really mean that, Mac?"

Mac searched her face keenly for a moment and he answered in a loving whisper.

"Yes I do, this is not Mac Harper on a cover; this is me really telling you now. Gretchen, you're my one, no matter what happens, you're my one."

The End.