“What’s his name and what does he do for a living?” she asked.
Oddly calm now, and ready to test her parents’ resolve to trust her, Lana sat up tall and spoke with the confidence and certainty born out of her love for Sly. “His name is Sly Pettit. He owns Pettit Ranch.”
Her mother’s eyebrows jumped halfway up her forehead, and for once, she seemed at a loss for words.
Equally shocked, her father opened and closed his mouth.
“He’s a wonderful man with a good heart,” Lana said. “You’ll see that when you meet him.”
Her mother frowned. “I want to trust your judgment Lana, but I’m not sure Sunday dinner is the suitable event...” At Lana’s resolute expression, she broke off.
“I look forward to our weekly dinners and would hate to miss them—but if Sly isn’t welcome, I won’t come, either.” She paused and bit her lip. “All I ask is that you give him a chance.”
After a long, uncomfortable pause, her father cleared his throat. “If you really love him, then of course he’s welcome.”
Lana glanced at her mother. “Mom?”
“I won’t lie to you, Lana—this upsets me.” She sighed. “All right, Sly is welcome at our table. But I have no idea what your cousin will think.” Her worried frown encompassed both Lana and her father.
He shook his head, then shrugged. With that, they sat back.
Lana exhaled the breath she’d been holding. “Don’t worry about Cousin Tim. I’m going to drive over to his place right nowand talk to him. In my heart, I’m convinced Sly didn’t go near his cows.”
“How can you be sure?” her mother asked.
“Because I know him. He’d never do that.” She kissed both her parents. “We’ll see you Sunday.”
Feeling several pounds lighter, she hurried to her car.
Chapter
Twenty-Eight
Traffic was light now,and Lana sped through the twilight toward the Lazy C. Convincing Cousin Tim to drop his lawsuit might be impossible, but she was determined to try. Not that she had any idea what she would say, but she’d figure it out. For the sake of her peace of mind and the future of her and Sly’s unborn child, she had to.
She passed the black-and-white Pettit Ranch sign and her heart lurched painfully. She couldn’t help wondering whether Sly was at home or if he’d gone out. What would he think if he knew where she was headed?
Cousin Tim’s ranch was a couple hundred feet ahead. With a sigh, she slowed and pulled into the driveway. It was early evening, not quite dark yet but getting there. Yet there were no house lights on. Her cousin’s truck was parked near the front door, though, which meant that he was probably at home. She pulled to a stop beside the truck and slid out of the car.
Every bit as nervous as when she’d talked to her parents, she climbed the steps and knocked at the door.
A few seconds later, her cousin answered with two bottles of beer in hand. “You sure got here fas—Lana.” His face was a mask of surprise. “What brings you out here?”
“Sorry, I should have called first, but I took a chance you’d have a few minutes to talk.” Her entire adult life, she’d never stopped by to visit her cousin. He seemed to take it in stride.
“Sure, but I’m expecting someone. Come in.”
He left the door cracked open, maybe for his company. A girlfriend no one was aware of? Interesting idea, but just now she couldn’t spare a moment to speculate. She had more important things on her mind.
“Uh, you want a beer?” her cousin asked, offering her one of the bottles.
Lana shook her head. “No, thanks.”
The entry opened into the living room. She still hadn’t decided exactly what she was going to say, but as she crossed the worn carpet, she realized that if she spoke from the heart, she couldn’t miss.
Her cousin sat down in a chair facing the door, probably to watch for his mystery guest. Lana took the armchair across from him, the one that faced the backyard. The drapes were open, and she briefly noted the fenced lawn and beyond that, rolling fields extending as for as she could see.
As soon as she settled into her seat, she got straight to the point. “I’m here to talk to you about Sly Pettit.”
