Not wanting to speak, she kept her mouth shut and nodded.
“Do I get a say in this?”
She’d expected a negative reaction, and his was brutal. The shuttered expression on his face and cold look of betrayal in his eyes hurt unbearably. Somehow, she managed to keep her back straight and her chin up. “If you don’t want to be involved, I understand.” She bit back a sob. “I wasn’t going to say anything until I met with my doctor. In case...you know.” She couldn’t even say the words. “But I’m certain I’m pregnant.”
His expression was unreadable, but his terse nod spoke volumes. “When is your appointment?”
“Tuesday after work.” Her plan was to leave the daycare early.
He blew out a heavy breath. “I can’t believe this has happened. I always use condoms. Always. I wish to hell I’d used them that night.”
Yes, the pregnancy had been unplanned, but Lana was thrilled about it—even if Sly felt the opposite. She couldn’t stop a bitter smile. “As I recall, you were in too much of a hurry to stop for protection.”
“Because we’re both clean and you assured me you couldn’t get pregnant.” Once again, he scrubbed his hands over his face. “If I’d suspected this could happen, I would’ve taken the extra few minutes.”
“And you think I wouldn’t have? I didn’t plan to get pregnant that night, Sly, but I won’t lie—I’m aching for this baby, and I’m beyond grateful that I have a chance to be a mom. I’m also sorry it happened this way, with neither of us having a say in what we wanted.”
“That’s something, at least.” He rolled his shoulders as if they were too tight. “I need time to think.”
Kate had mentioned the same thing the night she’d come over. Lana nodded.
With an odd, humorless smile, he stood. “I guess Sophie won’t be coming over next weekend after all.”
Lana hadn’t thought that far ahead. “Probably not. I really am sorry for springing this on you.”
“At least you told me.”
She started to get up, but he gestured for her to stay put.
“I can let myself out. I’ll be in touch.”
Hugging her waist, she stared at the empty fireplace until the door clicked shut behind him.
Determined to push her troubles from her mind and keep the pregnancy from her family for a while, Lana pulled to a stop in front of her parents’ house for Sunday dinner. Hoping to stave off any nausea, she’d gobbled a few crackers on the drive over. So far, so good.
It was a beautiful May day, the late-afternoon sun still high and warm, and she couldn’t help but feel lighthearted. Not ready to endure lectures or scrutiny from her mother just yet, she headed around to the backyard.
As usual, her dad and brother-in-law, Eric, stood in front of the smoking grill. “Hey, guys,” Lana said as she reached them. “Something sure smells wonderful.”
Eric grinned. “Grandpa Jake’s ribs always do.”
The family recipe had been developed by their grandfather decades ago. “Fourth of July ribs in May?” Lana licked her lips. “What’s the occasion?”
Instead of answering, Eric glanced at her dad to reply. “Hello, favorite oldest daughter,” he said and tapped his cheek for a kiss. “You’re looking especially pretty today.”
She smiled. “I’d better be your favorite oldest daughter, seeing as I’m the only one fitting the label. So, you like my new spring dress. Thanks, Dad.”
Connor and Emma noticed her, shrieked, and came running.
“What are you two up to today?” she asked after hugging them.
“We’re playing hide-and-seek, but Emma always jumps up and shows me where she’s hiding.” Connor rolled his eyes. “Will you play with us, Lana?”
“Sure, but how about a little later? I want to visit with Grandpa and your dad. Then I’m pretty sure Grandma and your mom would appreciate my help with dinner.”
“That reminds me,” Lana’s father said. “Your mother booked us a trip next weekend. We’re driving to Helena to visit Aunt Jessica, so no family dinner next week.”
“Okay,” Lana said, hiding her relief. Keeping the pregnancy a secret wasn’t going to be easy, and she could use the break from seeing her family for a week.
