A rapid thump-thump-thump filled the room. “You’re hearing your baby’s heartbeat.”
Overcome with emotion, Lana reached for Sly’s hand.
He grasped on, a concerned expression on his face. “That sounds too fast.”
“Not at all,” the ob-gyn assured him. “At this stage, one-hundred-sixty beats per minute is normal for a fetus.”
“Good to know.” He blew out a relieved breath and squeezed Lana’s hand.
For the first time ever, they were listening to their baby’s heartbeat, sharing the awesome, unforgettable moment together. A look of pure awe passed between them.
“Do either of you have questions?” Dr. Valentine asked when she finished the exam.
Sly had a few she answered before she reached for the door. “Nice meeting you, Sly. I’ll see you again in a month, Lana. Be sure to stop at the front desk and schedule your appointment.”
When they were alone in the little room, he reached for her hand again and cleared his throat. “Now it’s real.”
The wonder on his face and tender huskiness of his voice meant more than Lana could say.
Something had shifted in him, and she was now certain that he was 100 percent on board with the baby.
She realized then that she loved him.
Chapter
Twenty-Two
As Sly andLana headed into the parking garage, feelings he didn’t understand crowded his chest once again. They scared him but were too powerful to push away.
Time to cut and run.
He opened his mouth to say he needed to get back to work, but something else came out instead. “Would you like to see my ranch? I’d really like to show you around.”
Astounded at himself, he shut his big mouth. His home was his private refuge, the place where he could let go and be himself. Over the years a few women he’d dated had come to the ranch—at their own invitation, not his. But this was different. Lana was carrying his child. She ought to see the place.
While he was reeling from the implications of his offer, she dazzled him with a smile that almost brought him to his knees.
“I’d love that. Tell me when and I’ll put it on the calendar.”
He checked his watch. It was just after five. Mrs. Rutland would be on her way home and his men should be finished with the afternoon chores and relaxing in their trailers for the evening. He didn’t want anyone who worked with him catching sight of Lana and getting ideas.
“How about now?” He’d give her a quick tour, then send her on her way. “Why don’t you follow me in your car.”
“Okay. But I should warn you—I haven’t eaten in several hours, and this baby likes me to stay well fed.” Laughing softly, she laid her palm over her belly. “In other words, I’m going to need food pretty soon.”
Her laughter was contagious, and he chuckled. “Not a problem. My housekeeper makes dinner before she leaves for the day. It should be ready to heat up.”
What the hell? Had he really just invited her to dinner?
“You have a cook? Lucky you.”
“She cleans, too, and don’t I know how lucky I am. Mrs. Rutland is the best.”
Lana’s happy expression faded. “There is one little problem—you live next door to Cousin Tim.”
Sly frowned. “Have you ever been to the Lazy C Ranch?”
“Not since I was thirteen and he was a newlywed.”
