A Rancher's Honor

“That’s terrible—unless Cousin Tim actually did it,” Liz quipped. Both parents stared at her, appalled. “Well, he isn’t the nicest person.”

Their father frowned. “I don’t care, he’s family, and—”

“Family sticks together through thick and thin,” Lana, Liz and Eric replied in unison.

They meant it, too—especially when times were tough. When Brent left Lana, they’d wrapped her in so much love and warmth, they’d nearly smothered her. But now that she wanted to adopt a baby by herself... Her parents’ disapproval ruled out their support.

Liz made a face. “Just because the man is family doesn’t mean we have to like him. He’s never exactly been fond of us, either.”

“Ranching is a tough business,” her father said. “Tim inherited the Lazy C from your great-uncle Horace, and it never has been a moneymaker. That kind of stress would make anyone grouchy.”

“Living all alone on that big ranch...” Lana’s mother shook her head. “I wouldn’t like that at all.”

“He has a crew and foreman to keep him company,” Liz pointed out.

Under her breath she muttered, “They probably can’t stand him, either.” Then, in her normal voice, she said, “He could sell the ranch and find a job in the city, where he’d collect a regular paycheck,” Lana suggested.

“With acreage prices at record lows, this isn’t the smartest time to sell,” Lana’s dad said. “Besides, Cousin Tim is a rancher through and through. As bitter and rough around the edges as he is, at heart he’s a decent man. He wouldn’t poison anyone’s cows.”

Lana frowned. “Then why would Mr. Pettit accuse him of such a thing?”

“God only knows, but I’m sure Tim is eager tell me all about it. I suppose I’d better call 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 day care 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. Just like your old man.”

Prosperity wasn’t just a ranching town. Thanks to heavily wooded areas, the Ames and Missouri Rivers, Prosperity Falls and the Cascade Mountains beyond, during 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.

Lana’s father smiled at his son-in-law. “That goes without saying. Eric, you know I’m damn proud of you, son.”

Eric grinned. “I do, sir.”

“You’re the best, Eric,” Lana said. “I never could have opened Tender Loving Daycare without your help. I had no idea how to remodel an old dance studio into a day care.”

“That profile in the paper is sure to drum up business, so you’ll probably need his help again soon for a second day-care center,” her father said.

“I’ve been thinking the same thing—when the time comes.” For now, Lana’s main focus was finding a baby to adopt. But she wasn’t going to mention that. She didn’t want to set her parents off.

“That sounds exciting.” Liz gave her a pleased look. “Any ideas where you’d put it?”

“Someplace downtown.” Home to 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 Lana’s 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 day care takes all of 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 said.

Lana was determined to prove that she would be as good as any couple. “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.”

Lana’s back stiffened. Her mom just wouldn’t quit. “Just because I’m not dating right now 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, so she wasn’t going 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 ages.”

For nearly two years now, in fact, after having spent four years trying to get pregnant, first the usual way, and then with the help of fertility drugs.

There had been nothing wrong with Brent. Lana had been the problem, the fertility doctor had explained before delivering the staggering blow that their odds of having a biological child were slim to none.

That still hurt, and always would.

Longing for a child, Lana had suggested adoption. But Brent had 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 would be nice if I was 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 off her mother 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 is not afraid to go after it. It’s one of the qualities that makes her a good businesswoman.”

“I just 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.”

To Lana’s amazement, she was. Sometime in the past few days she’d stopped hurting. Come to think of it, Friday evening. Lana marveled over how she’d changed. As recklessly as she’d behaved, that night with Sly had helped her heal.

“I’m glad to hear you say that, honey,” Lana’s mother said. “Now that you’ve finally 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, 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 tonight to get ready for tomorrow. I’m going home.” Ignoring her mother’s shocked expression, she stood. “Thanks for dinner.”

So much for that warm, all-is-well-with-my-family feeling. She would keep moving forward with her plan and hope that in time, her parents would come around. If not, she’d go it alone.

* * *

“WILL YOU LOOK at that,” Sly murmured as he scanned the morning paper over breakfast on a Tuesday morning in mid-April.

Mrs. Rutland, his forty-something housekeeper, stopped working on whatever she was making for dinner to peer over his shoulder. “Ah, you’re reading the Small Business Profile of the Month. I read it earlier, while the coffee percolated. I’ve heard great things about Tender Loving Daycare, TLD for short.”

“Have you,” Sly said distractedly.

Because he recognized the owner of the business from the photo accompanying the article. It was Lana, the woman he couldn’t seem to stop thinking about. Even now, more than a week after their night together, a mere glance at her smile caused his body to stir.

Hell, just imagining her did that.