Now it was work time for herself.
Quietly closing the connecting door between them, she kicked off her shoes and spread the paperwork out around her on the bed. No doubt Matt would want to use the study, and while she could, too, she’d be able to concentrate better in her own space.
Sunlight streamed through the window, making her sleepy. She continued to work until the warmth made her too tired to think. Perhaps she could take a quick power nap….
She shook herself awake. No, she needed to get this monthly report done. She couldn’t let herself fall asleep. She needed this time while Megan was asleep or she’d have to stay up half the night working.
But that sunlight was so warm…so…
Something touched her shoulder and her eyes flew open to see Matt standing beside the bed. The sunlight had waned and shadows now darkened the room.
“Lana, it’s almost dinnertime.”
She sat up in a rush. “What? How?”
“Don’t ask me questions I can’t answer,” he drawled.
She ignored that.
Good grief, had she really slept the afternoon away? “Where’s Megan?”
“Ruth and I have been looking after her for the last couple of hours.”
She ran her fingers through her hair. “Hours? I can’t believe I didn’t hear her crying.”
“She was fine. I came home and she was playing happily in her crib. We’ve been in the living room getting to know each other. Then Ruth helped me bathe her and give her dinner. She’ll be ready for bed soon.”
Lana had the feeling that she was rapidly becoming “surplus to requirements” where her daughter was concerned.
“You’ve been working?” Matt asked abruptly, his gaze on the various papers and files.
She swung her legs over the edge of the bed and grimaced, more at herself than not. “I was supposed to be working, but I fell asleep before I got much of anything done.”
His dark brows knitted together. “Why are you working on a weekend in the first place?”
Her lips tightened. Was it okay for him to work on a weekend and not her?
“I put my resignation in, remember? I’ve got a load of work to do before I leave.”
“Surely they could get someone else to take over?”
“Eventually, but I don’t like leaving them in the lurch.” She pushed to her feet and smoothed her knit top down over her slacks. “At least after that sleep I’ll be able to work late tonight.” “No.”
She’d been about to step into her shoes, but the comment snapped her head up. “What did you say?”
“I said no. You’ve had a busy week. I don’t want you working through the night.”
Her growing anger cooled a little at his concern.
“And Megan needs a mother who’s fit and healthy, not exhausted,” he added, undoing the momentary good feeling she’d had toward him.
So this was about Megan again, not her. She didn’t mind him being right about Megan needing a fit mother; he just wasn’t right about her.
“You seem to have forgotten that you went into work today and you’re Megan’s father. Should I be questioning your fitness?”
His eyes reflected a glimmer of surprise; then he frowned. “How much work have you got?”
She glanced at the files on the bed. “A lot.”
He remained quiet for a lengthy pause. “Okay, here’s the deal. I’ll look after Megan tomorrow if you take it easy tonight.”
Her eyes widened. “You’ll look after her?”
“I’ll take her to my parents’ place for a few hours, and then Ruth can help me when I get back. Deal?”
She thought about Matt sharing the responsibility for Megan’s well-being. She’d been so used to doing everything herself that it took a second to rethink it.
All at once it hit her how much change this marriage would make to her life. When it had been just her and Megan, she’d been fully occupied with being responsible for every aspect of her daughter’s life and juggling it with her own. Now she had no cooking, no cleaning, no food shopping, and nothing much to do each night at all. She certainly wouldn’t have to sit down and work out the bills. In fact, she’d have plenty of time to spare.
And she’d have to learn to share her daughter. Coming to terms with that would take some time.
She looked up at Matt. “I’d appreciate all that, but I’ll still need to work tonight to catch up.” Their conversation at the breakfast table came to mind. “Unless you have other plans for us tonight?” As soon as the words left her mouth she felt herself blush. “I mean, we’re not expected to go out or anything, are we?”
Derision entered his eyes. “No, we’re not expected anywhere. I’ll be going out myself after dinner anyway.”
“Oh.” Not wanting him to read her expression, she concentrated on putting on her shoes. “Then there should be no problem with me working tonight once she’s down.”
There was a moment’s silence.
“Not one,” he muttered, and left the room without waiting for her.
For a moment she sat back down on the bed, her heart constricting. Was he going to see another woman tonight? He’d said he wouldn’t have any affairs for Megan’s sake, but would he stick to that promise?
Could he?
Four
“P eekaboo!” Cesare said to the little girl sitting on his lap, and Megan giggled.
Matt watched his father in amusement. “You’re such a pushover for a pretty face, Dad.”
“How can I not be a pushover? She is so beautiful.”
Matt felt himself swell with pride. He’d never been conscious of wanting his father’s approval before, but it was a nice feeling knowing he had it now.
“He’s a softie when it comes to his family, Matt,” Isabel said, coming into the room with a small teddy bear in her hands.
“He’s not the only, Mum,” Matt said pointedly.
She smiled. “I’m allowed to spoil my granddaughter.”
Matt held up his hands. “Hey, don’t let me stop you.”
Isabel sat next to Cesare and waved the teddy bear in front of Megan’s face. Megan immediately forgot the peekaboo game and reached for the stuffed animal. Matt laughed at the affronted look on his father’s face.