Dana halted in the door way of the funeral home’s largest
viewing room and fought an urge to leave. She’d thought arriving at dinner time
would find just a few people. She faced a mob scene. Before she could retreat
the crowd moved and she stepped forward. Had half the town decided to turn this
into a social hour? From the bits of conversation she heard she didn’t think
sympathy was on people’s tongues.
Stay or leave? The debate continued as she was pushed forward.
She nearly bucked the flow when her former sister-in-law grasped her arm and
pulled her to the side.
“You have a lot of nerve showing your face here, especially
after what you did,” Patricia said. “You’re not part of the family. You might
have married him but you weren’t his friend.”
“He was my former husband and I tried to make the marriage
work.”
“Just don’t push what you’re carrying and try to get more
money than you already have.” Patricia poked Dana’s belly with her
French-tipped nails. “Unless you want to give him into my custody.”
“Him?” Dana searched for an escape. “There’s a better than
even chance the baby’s a girl since more girls are born than boys. And you know
we divorced because Randy didn’t want children.”
“Of inferior stock.” Patricia glared. “You refused his
demands and ended in the cold. Or was this a ploy for money. Really dumb of
you.”
Dana straightened her shoulders. “Or smart. During the two
years we were married Randy was seeing other women. He was an alley cat.”
“Don’t go spreading lies like that around.” Patricia’s hands
fisted. “We’re from the richest and best family in town. My father owns most of
the place. Keep your mouth shut or you’ll be sorry.”
No sorrier than she was now. Dana drew a deep breath. Her
desire for a family had kept her in a marriage that couldn’t survive. Also her
decision never to return to work as a nurse had added to her inability to walk
away.
Gooseflesh covered Dana’s arms. She tensed as if expecting a
knife in the back. The odor of alcohol on Patricia’s breath was one Dana
recognized from living with Randy.
Dana collided with someone who caught and steadied her.
“Sorry. Just be careful around Patricia,”
Rob whispered. “She’s still furious
about Randy’s marriage to you and about his latest engagement. She and Randy
were close. She believes what was his must be hers.”
Dana turned. “She won’t win.”
“But she will make trouble.” Rob leaned closer. “Have you
considered returning to the nursing home after the baby’s born? We need
nurses.”
Dana shook her head. “I’ve begun a business I believe will
grow.”
“Good luck.” He walked away.
Dana’s forehead wrinkled. How dangerous was Patricia? For a
moment she wanted to leave town. Not yet. Once the billing service had enough
clients she could leave Fern Lane
Another thought occurred. Did Patricia understand the terms
of the divorce settlement? Both Randy and his father had been adamant. Randy
had given up any claim to the coming child boy or girl.
She drew a deep breath that aggravated the pain in her back.
She spotted May and walked toward the older woman.
May hugged Dana. “You didn’t have to come. How are you
feeling? You look exhausted.”
“Ready to have this child.” She studied her former
mother-in-law. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.”
“I’m sure you’re grieving.”
May exhaled a deep breath. “No mother should lose a child
but when a child refuses to listen all is lost. Randy, well, he should have
gone for help.”
Dana pressed the older woman’s hand. “Don’t blame yourself.”
“I don’t but how I wish things had been different.”
“You have my sympathy and my thanks for the beautiful
clothes and the cradle you sent for the baby.”
“Your child will be my grandchild no matter what Robert
says. Let me know if you need anything.”
“Thank you.” Dana stepped away.
May touched Dana’s arm. “Simon’s here.”
Dana’s stomach lurched. Did she need to see him now? She had
to leave. She couldn’t talk to Simon. She had loved him. After he left she had
waited but he’d never returned. Then two years ago, she had married Randy. No
matter how much Simon had disliked his cousin, his anger toward her would be a
thousand times hotter.
What about her own anger? That night, Simon had demanded
what she hadn’t been ready to give. He had left and she’d waited. Her anger had
deepened. Finally she’d given up.
Praying for a quick and successful escape she tried to weave
between the clusters of people. Instead of forward she was pushed back toward
the coffin. She stared at her ex-husband and saw something she had forgotten.
Though Randy’s coloring was dark, facially he resembled Simon. She felt ill
when she considered the meaning. Why hadn’t she noticed before?
Her abdomen cramped. She drew a deep breath. Had labor
begun? Of all the wrong times. She had to go home for the suitcase and the
infant seat, call Madge, the doctor and a cab. With determination she threaded
her way to the door.
My Places
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