The words sobered Lana. “Have you forgotten what I said earlier? Sly doesn’t want to be a father. And don’t forget that only last Friday we decided not to see each other anymore. Then there’s the lawsuit.” She buried her face in her hands.
“Eventually the lawsuit will end,” Kate said. “Maybe Sly changed his mind and wants to keep seeing you. He just called, right?”
“Yes, and who knows why? All I know is, that decision was mutual.”
“So what? This pregnancy changes everything.”
“You’re telling me. I can’t even imagine what he’ll do when he finds out. But it definitely won’t be good.”
“You can’t be sure of that. When you discussed kids before, it was all hypothetical. This is real, Lana. A real baby the two of you made.”
“But Sly and I don’t love each other. We haven’t known each other long enough for that.”
Her bestie waved her hand in the air in a dismissive gesture. “You have the next seven or so months for that. Quit being so negative.”
“I get like this when I’m scared.”
“I know, sweetie. In your shoes, I’d be, too. But no matter what happens, I’m here for you.”
Profoundly grateful, Lana teared up. “You’re such a great friend.”
“Don’t cry, or I will, too.” Kate blinked furiously. “I’d like to open a bottle of wine and toast the pregnancy, but I guess that’s out.”
“For quite a while.” Lana nibbled her thumbnail. “Sophie’s supposed to come over on Saturday. What am I going to say to her? Sly’s coming too, to help convince her that I’m the right person to adopt her baby. I’m not sure I can handle telling either of them about this, let alone both. Then there’s Sunday dinner with my parents and Liz and Eric...” Lana groaned.
“Slow down, lady. You don’t have to reveal anything just yet. In fact, you shouldn’t. I think you should see a doctor and talk to him or her.”
Lana nodded. “I agree and will make an appointment with my gyno right away. She’ll be so surprised. Promise me you won’t say a word.”
“I swear on my grandpa’s grave.” Kate crossed her heart. “I’ll help you clean up the dinner stuff. Then, unless you want me to stick around, I’m heading home.”
“I’ll be fine, and I’ll take care of the cleanup. You’ve done enough.”
At the door, Lana hugged her friend. “Thanks for being here for me.”
“That’s what besties are for. I’ll probably be awake for a few hours yet, so if you want to talk later, call me. And thanks for letting me be the first to share in your excitement.”
As soon as the door shut behind Kate, Lana laughed out loud.
A baby!
Chapter
Fifteen
Friday afternoon,Sly took a break from his usual chores and checked his watch. Lana hadn’t returned his call from the other night, and he needed to know if she still wanted him to come over the next day. At least that was what he told himself. The truth was, they hadn’t been in touch for a week, and he missed her. He waited until he figured she was home from work before reaching for his cell phone.
“Sorry I haven’t called you back,” she said. “I’ve been waiting to hear from Sophie.”
“And?”
“Not a peep.”
She sounded different somehow, but Sly couldn’t put his finger on what had changed. Her voice, maybe. He guessed their decision not to see each other anymore had something to do with it. That and stressing about Sophie.
Wary now, he asked, “Have you changed your mind about me coming over tomorrow?”
“I hate for you to drive all the way over here if you don’t have to.”
