Then the waiter provided a diversion by returning with their drinks, and she broke eye contact and took a sip of her mineral water to give herself something to do.
“Now, back to the day care center,” Matt said brusquely once they were alone. “I’ve found a suitable one not too far away.”
Suddenly Lana felt apprehensive. “You have?”
His eyes narrowed. “What’s the matter? I thought you’d be happy.”
“I am. I mean, I am, but I’m not.”
“That makes sense,” he drawled.
She grimaced. “I’m frightened for her safety, Matt. I didn’t have to worry about that before, but now it’s a real threat.”
He considered that. “I’ll make sure she’s safe, Lana.”
She let out a slow breath of relief. “I know you will.”
He held her gaze, a pleased look in his eyes. “Have you considered that she may not need to go to day care at all? She’s only little. It might be best for her to continue staying at home with Ruth on the days that you’re working. What do you think?”
That thought had occurred to her, too, but she shook her head. “No. She needs to get used to it again. Next year there’ll be just me and her and…”
“You don’t have to worry about any of that,” he said, his face closed now.
She paused a moment. Then said, “You know, Matt, I don’t say no just to be difficult. I do whatever’s good for Megan, despite what’s good for us.”
He held himself stiffly. “I appreciate that.”
Suddenly she felt sorry for him. His whole life had changed. “But I have to admit it’s been a new experience for me, sharing responsibility for her like this,” she conceded. “It takes time to get used to it.”
A friendlier look entered her eyes. “She’s our responsibility, Lana. Don’t forget that.”
His words sent a quiver of delight through her veins. He wasn’t being possessive of Megan, or arrogant toward her. He was merely acknowledging their mutual love for the most important person in their lives.
As it should be.
Lunch arrived, and Lana fought back disappointment at the interruption. She and Matt had bonded a moment ago and she liked the feeling.
If only…
What?
If only Matt could really believe she wasn’t the bad person he thought she was?
If only he didn’t need proof she hadn’t stolen the money?
If only they could end up friends for Megan’s sake?
She sighed, knowing that wasn’t possible. There was too much between them now for them ever to be friends.
They finished eating in silence, then had coffee. She drank hers down quickly, wanting to get this over and done with and get back to work. The less time spent in Matt’s company the better. She was getting too soft where he was concerned.
Matt took a last mouthful of coffee. “Right. Let’s go shopping.”
He drove them to a baby boutique that she remembered Justin mentioning. She shot him a wry look as they got out of the car.
“He recommended it, that’s all,” he defended, but she saw the humorous gleam in those dark eyes, and a soft glow filled her.
The manager came out to greet them the minute they stepped inside the store. “Mr. and Mrs. Valente,” he welcomed, and Lana shot Matt another knowing look, which he ignored this time.
The store manager knew a good sale coming and he was extremely helpful. As for Matt, he was businesslike on the outside, but she could see he was enjoying himself. He ordered a new crib, then saw something better that would turn into a bed for Megan’s future use, and ordered that one instead. He did the same with a toy box and a stroller. And he wanted to buy the biggest playpen there.
Lana saw the playpen and laughed.
“What’s so funny?” he asked as the store manager went off to see about delivery.
“You. You’re like a kid in a toy store.”
He shrugged. “Hey, it’s not every day a man gets to buy things for his daughter. Besides, we are in a toy store.”
“Enjoy it while you can. I doubt she’ll let you when she gets older.”
They shared a smile that could have deepened to something more, only her cell phone rang. It was Ruth saying Megan had a high temperature and wasn’t well.
“We’ll be right there,” she said, seeing Matt pull his shoulders back as if expecting a blow.
“Megan?” he muttered after she’d ended her call.
Lana nodded, worry already eating at her. “She’s got a temperature.”
Matt put his arm under her elbow, speaking to the store manager as he guided her to the front door. “Our daughter’s sick. I’ll get my PA to call you and arrange payment.”
“Very good, sir. I hope your daughter is okay.”
“So do I,” Matt said, his voice as rough as gravel.
Lana’s heart was in her mouth as they drove home. “She might be teething, Matt. That’s probably all it is.”
“Teething doesn’t make them sick.”
She glanced sideways at him. “How do you know that?”
“I’ve read some books about it.”
That surprised her. “A lot of doctors say that teething doesn’t make them sick, but I’ve heard it lowers a child’s resistance to picking up germs.”
“Germs?” he asked, as if she’d said a dirty word.
“Cold germs, that’s all.” She could see the grimness on Matt’s face and she felt sorry for him. The playboy was truly gone right now, and in its place was a very worried father.
“Do you have a family doctor?” he asked.
“Not really.”
His mouth tightened as he used his cell phone to call his mother, telling her the situation and shooting out instructions.
He hung up. “Mum will get our family doctor to pay a visit.”
“Good,” Lana murmured.
She usually visited the local medical center if she or Megan needed a doctor, though she wasn’t sure Matt could understand that. He had wealth and connections, and for the first time ever, she thanked God he did. She wanted the best for her daughter.
As soon as Ruth opened the door, Megan cried out to Lana, who hurried forward and took her daughter in her arms. Lana’s heart lurched at Megan’s rosy red cheeks, stained by tears. She wore only a diaper and felt hot to the touch.