“Could we not talk about her anymore?”
Dani’s eyes narrowed a fraction, and she gave him a canny look. “You can tell me about it, Sly. I’m a great listener, and I won’t say anything to anyone.”
He agreed with her on the listening part but wasn’t about to say squat about his situation. The pregnancy was new and tenuous, and he was still feeling sucker-punched. Plus, as true-blue and good a listener as Dani was, she’d never been able to keep secrets for long. God knew who she’d spill the news to. Plus, she and Lana were friends. Whatever he said to Dani might get back to her. He wasn’t taking any chances. “I sure am hungry tonight.” He refilled his plate and began to eat.
His sister looked confused and genuinely concerned. “I don’t understand why you won’t talk about Lana.”
He frowned. “Why are you so vested in the idea of her and me in a relationship?”
“Because she’s wonderful and so are you. You two should be together.”
Sometimes his sister drove him crazy. “I don’t need a matchmaker,” he growled before returning to his meal.
“Jeez, you’re touchy. All right, let’s talk about the weather. It’s been pretty nice lately. After the winter we had, you and the rest of the ranchers around here must be pretty happy, especially with the decent rainfall and sunshine this spring. And let’s see, there was an article in yesterday’s paper about local tourism. This year it should be up again, for the third year in a row.
“Oh, and starting a week from Friday, the mall will host a huge Memorial Day weekend sale. I’m planning to call she-who-you-do-not-want-me-to-mention and invite her and her best friend, Kate, to go shopping with me. Fascinating stuff, huh?”
“As long as you three don’t talk about me.” Sly kept his eyes on his rapidly emptying plate.
“I can’t promise you that. Wow, you polished off that second helping fast. Going for thirds?”
He shook his head and decided to call it an early night. “Come on, I’ll give you a hand cleaning up.”
While he helped his sister with the dishes, his thoughts circled back to Lana. She’d mentioned a doctor’s appointment tomorrow. He wanted to know what the doctor said, and how Lana was feeling. That morning sickness stuff seemed brutal. He decided to call her tomorrow evening and find out.
“—for ice cream,” Dani was saying. “I’m in the mood for some Rocky Road. Let’s go to Lannigan’s Ice Creamery and get ourselves a couple of cones.”
The ice creamery was one of Sly’s favorites. As tempted as he was, he was ready for solitude. He shook his head. “I’m beat, and tomorrow’s another busy day.”
“I have to get to bed early, too, but it’s such a warm, beautiful evening, and I have my heart set on Rocky Road ice cream. I need the sugar hit, and by your long face, so do you.”
“Another time.” He handed her a ten-dollar bill. “Get yourself a treat on me.”
She refused the money. “All right, I’ll go by myself and enjoy my ice cream without you. But I sure hope you cheer up soon. You’re a lot more fun when you’re in a good mood. My gut feeling tells me this has something to do with Lana.”
“Yeah? Well, my gut is telling me it’s full.” He patted his belly.
“Ha-ha. I’m serious about this. If you’d just quit fighting yourself and accept she’s the right woman for you, your life would be so much better.”
“Thank you, Dr. Dani.”
His sister bowed from the waist. “Anytime. I hope you’re listening to me. Work things out with her.”
He wasn’t sure that was possible. Lana was pregnant, and the baby was his, he reminded himself for what felt like the millionth time.
What the hell was he supposed to do now?
A few hours after her ob-gyn appointment, Lana relaxed at home with a book on pregnancy. Her intention was to devour every word, but she was so elated, so excited, she could barely concentrate.
What a shame she couldn’t share the joy with Sly. She hadn’t heard a word from him since she’d revealed her pregnancy and figured he was still coming to grips with the idea.
Over the past few days, she’d realized that no matter where life took either of them, she wanted him to be part of their child’s life. Of course, that choice was his, and she wouldn’t pressure him.
Suddenly her cell phone rang. Sly Pettit, the screen said. Although her heart bumped happily, she also worried what he might say. She answered cautiously. “Hi, Sly.”
“Hey,” he said, in the deep voice that usually made her hum inside.
Tonight though, she was too nervous. She caught her breath and waited.
