Chapter 2 #2
Lana frowned. “Then why would Mr. Pettit accuse him of such a thing?”
“God only knows, but I’m sure our cousin’s eager to tell me all about it. I suppose I’d better phone him, since he hasn’t called me.” Her father’s heavy breath indicated it would be a chore.
“Changing the subject...” Lana said. “Remember the reporter from the Prosperity Daily News who took pictures of the daycare and interviewed me back in early March? He’s going to highlight the story as the Small Business Profile of the Month. It’ll run in the paper a week from Tuesday.”
Her father beamed. “That’s terrific, honey. My daughter, the businesswoman like your old man.”
Prosperity was more than a ranching town.
Thanks to heavily wooded areas, the Ames and Missouri Rivers, Prosperity Falls and the Cascade Mountains beyond, spring and summer the town attracted thousands of outdoor enthusiasts.
Lana’s father had cashed in on those tourists with a popular recreational-equipment business that rented and sold camping, hiking, and fishing gear.
“Eric’s good at business, too,” Liz said.
Their father smiled at his son-in-law. “That goes without saying. Eric, you know I’m darn proud of you, Son.”
Eric grinned. “I do, sir.”
In full agreement, Lana nodded. “You’re the best, Eric. I never could’ve opened Tender Loving Daycare without your help. I had no idea how to remodel an old dance studio into a daycare.”
“That profile in the paper is sure to drum up business, and you’ll probably need his help again soon for a second daycare center,” her father said.
“I’ve been thinking the same thing—when the time comes.” For now, her main focus was finding a baby to adopt. But wary of setting her parents off, she wasn’t going to mention that.
“That sounds exciting.” Liz gave her a pleased look. “Any ideas where you’d put it?”
“Someplace downtown.” A ton of businesses were located there, including insurance and title companies, two banks, a library, a hospital, museums, shops, department stores, and restaurants.
“Think of all the people with kids who work in or around the downtown area. Wouldn’t it be convenient if they could drop off their children near where they work? ”
Her father nodded approvingly. “That’s a great idea.”
Everyone started talking excitedly, except for her mother, who frowned. “You’re already so busy, Lana. If you expand, you’ll only be busier. I don’t know why that social worker cleared you as a suitable mother when your daycare takes all your energy.”
So much for steering clear of any controversy. Lana rolled her eyes. “Don’t start, Mom. I’ve made my decision and I’m happy with it. Because I’m focusing on finding a baby, I’m not going to expand just now.”
“If I was pregnant and wanted to give up my baby, I’d choose a married couple,” her mother replied.
Determined to prove she’d be as good as any couple, Lana defended herself. “I’d make a great mom, and I’ll do whatever I can to convince people that I’m the best choice.”
Her mother’s lips thinned. “You have enough trouble meeting men without bringing a baby into your life.”
She just wouldn’t quit. Enough, already.
Lana sat up straighter. “I’m not dating right now, but that doesn’t mean I can’t meet men.
” She’d had no trouble with Sly... But they weren’t going to see each other again, and she refused to think about him.
“As I’ve explained at least a dozen times, this isn’t a decision I made lightly.
I’ve been contemplating adoption for a while now. ”
For nearly two years so far, in fact, after having spent four years trying to get pregnant, first the usual way, then with the help of fertility drugs.
There’d been nothing wrong with Brent. The problem lay with Lana, the fertility doctor had explained before delivering the staggering blow that their odds of having a biological baby were slim to none.
That still hurt and always would.
Longing for a baby, Lana had suggested adoption. But Brent wanted to father his own child, and a few months after learning of Lana’s inability to conceive, he’d left her for Julia.
“I’ve always wanted a houseful of kids,” she continued. “It’d be nice if I were married, but with or without a husband, I’m going to do this, and I would really appreciate your and Dad’s support.”
Her mother’s mouth tightened. “I don’t—”
To Lana’s surprise, her father cut is wife off with a warning look.
“Leave her alone, Michele. I’m not happy about this either, but arguing with Lana isn’t going to work.
She’s always been single-minded about what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it.
It’s one of the qualities that makes her a good businesswoman. ”
“I want her to be happy, Chet. If she could just get over Brent...”
“I’m right here, Mom and Dad, and FYI, I’m totally over him. Finally.”
To Lana’s amazement, she was. Sometime in the past few days she’d stopped hurting. Come to think of it, Friday evening. She marveled over how she’d changed. As recklessly as she’d behaved, the night with Sly had helped her heal.
“I’m glad to hear you say that honey,” her mother said. “Now that you’ve gotten Brent out of your system, why not make an effort and put yourself out there before you act on this crazy idea to adopt a baby by yourself.”
As much as Lana needed her mom’s support, apparently, she wasn’t going to get it tonight. Unable to bear one more negative comment, she gave up—for now. “I still have things to do to get ready for tomorrow. I’m going home.” She stood. “Thanks for dinner.”
So much for that warm, all-is-well-with-my-family feeling. She’d keep moving forward with her plan and hope that in time, her parents came around. If not, she’d go it alone.