“Some women don’t like mess.”
“With Lana I think it has to do with her past. I watched her freak out by a red stain on her shoe, Mom. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Penny moved away from the stove to stand behind him. She put a supporting hand on his shoulder. “We spoilt you kids when you were growing up. Your father and I had the support of our parents when I came home pregnant at such a young age. Having children isn’t easy. There are families who are far worse off. All you can do is give Lana the love and support she needs. You love her, Kent. I’ve seen it.”
He placed a hand on top of hers. “I love you, Mom.”
“Of course you do. I’m full of wisdom. Lana’s a nice girl. She’d make a fine wife and an even better mother. You’re not getting any younger. I want to enjoy my grandbabies from you.”
“Mom, I’m forty-five.”
“And the receding hairline will come, along with the pot belly.” She tapped his shoulder.
“Dad doesn’t have any of that.”
“I know he’s got a good woman to keep him in shape. It takes two people to make a marriage work, Kent. Lana will be good for you and your health.”
Kent chuckled and paused when he saw Lana stood in the entrance of the kitchen. “I didn’t know where everyone was.”
His mother winked at him before returning to the stove. Penny knew everything about him even though he tried to hide his feelings from the woman. There was no hiding his love for Lana from his mother.
Chapter Fourteen
Lana woke up to the screams of children. It was Christmas morning, and she rolled over to see it was still dark outside. The clock on her bedside table read after five in the morning.
“Lana, is there any chance you’re still asleep?” Kent asked.
She chuckled, climbed out of bed and went to the door. He stood in a robe and slippers. His blond hair was mussed. This was the first time she’d seen him just rolled out of bed. He looked more handsome like this than in a business suit.
“Morning,” she said.
“This is ridiculous, but the kids are ready to open presents. Come on down.” He stood outside her door waiting for her. She grabbed a robe and headed out.
Everyone was in the living room camped out on the sofa. Derek was sitting by the tree. The older man rubbed his hands together as he started dishing presents out to the kids. Once they were finished and left to unwrap more presents, Derek started handing out gifts to the adults.
Lana found herself growing more excited as the event went on. When Derek handed her several packets she was speechless.
“Happy Christmas, dear,” Penny said.
She slowly unwrapped each gift marvelling at what lay before her. Penny had bought her a dress along with a new handbag and shoes. Sophie had bought her a collection of cookbooks, and others gifts ranged from clothes to books to equipment for her apartment. She smiled when she saw a gift voucher for a huge television. Lana turned to Kent.
“Nothing to do with me. My family buy whatever the hell they like.”
When a small box was handed to her, Lana’s heart jumped inside her chest. She opened the box, and there lay the ruby entwined with a serpent. The same necklace she’d admired in the jewellers.
“I saw how much you wanted it. You deserve it.”
“I don’t know what to say,” she said. The others faded into the background as she looked at him.
“No words are necessary. Put it on.”
He helped her place the necklace on. She stared down at the ruby. “This is perfect. Thank you so much.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. The sound of Derek clearing his throat interrupted them. Her gifts to Kent consisted of a pen she’d had embossed with his name, a briefcase, and a picture of his whole family in a picture frame for his desk at work.
“This is amazing, Lana,” he said, staring down at his family.
“I noticed you didn’t have many family photos. I thought this would be nice on your hard days. You’ll see them and know what you’re working toward.”
Tears were in his eyes as he gathered her up in his arms.
She gasped at the strength inside him. “You’ve got to let me go. I can’t breathe.”
Kent released her. “You’re such a special person.”
“Thank you.”
Lana didn’t say anything and waited for the rest of the adults to finish. Once all the gifts were unwrapped they went into the kitchen to eat breakfast. Lana settled on cereal while Kent had a full cooked breakfast from Penny.
She’d never experienced a Christmas so full of joy. Lana didn’t want it to end and wished she could call them her family.