Page 47 of The Texan's Baby Proposal

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Marc spent the next week working at the ranch, going to see his grandmother. Only one day did he drive into Dallas and go by the office, but he was too aware that Lara was in Dallas.

He missed her in his bed at night. He missed her other times, missed her company, but nights were hell now and there was no quick, easy way to forget her.

He tried to forget her, but that was absolutely impossible. When his mother asked about her, he didn’t tell his mother that Lara had moved back to Dallas and out of his life.

He hadn’t started proceedings for the divorce. He had a great reluctance to do that and kept putting it off without really thinking about what he was doing.

One day he drove to Downly to see his mother at the restaurant at about ten in the morning because it would be quiet at that time. She was in her office and smiled when he entered.

“I’m glad you came to see me. I’ve been thinking about you and about Grandma. How’s she doing?”

“She’s doing okay. her companion that I hired to stay with her said she’s handling losing Grandpa quite well. I helped her go through his things and we got that all sorted out.”

Pilar wiped her eyes. “I miss him, but he wasn’t going to get well. He was so happy that you married. He told me.”

Marc felt a streak of guilt that Lara had already gone out of his life. “It made me happy, too, Mom. Lara liked him and he liked her. She told me she thought he was adorable, and I’m quoting her,” he said, and his mother laughed.

“Adorable? Grandpa?” She laughed again. “I never thought of him that way. When he was young, he was always a force to be reckoned with. You’re very much like him.”

“Don’t tell me that. I hope to heaven I never tell a grandson that he has to marry in a month.”

She smiled. “He knew what he was doing. It worked out, didn’t it? She’s sweet and friendly, and you’re happy and she seems happy. Actually, Marc, you’ve seemed much happier since your wedding. I think marriage is very good for you. Maybe it’s being on the ranch, too.”

“Lara told me that. She said I was happier than when I worked in town. I hadn’t really thought about it,” he said, thinking again that perhaps having Lara in his bed at night had been the real reason for his lightheartedness.

His mother grasped his hand. “You picked well, Marc. She’s a wonderful young woman. Before you married, you told me that this was a marriage of convenience and she understood that. I hope you and Lara are not separating. I am so happy you’re married and you’ll be a father to her baby just as your dad was a father to you.”

Marc felt another stab of guilt and wondered how he would ever break the news to his mother that he and Lara were divorcing now.

“Actually, Mom, Lara is very much like you. She’s driven to go to medical school, if she’s accepted, and become a doctor. If she doesn’t get in medical school, she’ll get a doctorate in chemistry. She wants to work in medical research because of losing her mother at such a young age. She feels that’s a tribute to her Mom and it will help others. That’s what drives her, just like you were driven to get this restaurant going.”

“Marc, I had to do that because I had a baby and we needed to eat and have a roof over our heads. Your dad worked hard, but his health wasn’t good.”

“I know, Mom, but you went way beyond what you had to do. I used to want you at everything I did, my ball games, my programs at school, and I felt neglected when you missed something.”

“Oh, Marc.”

“I realize now that you came to most everything. You didn’t miss the important events. And now I can understand why you worked like you did. Actually, Lara says I work hard. If I do, I got it from you. You were there for me always when it really mattered.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t have been there one hundred percent of the time. I did the best I could.”

“Which was wonderful.” He smiled at her. “You still work hard.”

“Now it’s different, Marc. It keeps me busy. I still miss your dad and I need to keep busy.”

“Lara is the same way you are. Her work is going to be her life, but then, my work is my life.”

“Well, she has a noble goal—helping others, trying to find a medical cure and doing it for her mother. For so many reasons, I’m glad you married her. Her life will be good and so will yours. And so will mine with a grandchild.” She squeezed his hand. “Marc, I can’t wait. Grandpa was so happy about your marriage. You did the right thing.”

Guilt swamped him. Even more, pain overtook him. The pain from realizing that he’d let Lara walk out of his life. For a moment it crossed his mind that he would be better off if he could get her back into it.

He thought about what his mother had said. Maybe she was right and he was looking at Lara’s dedication to her career in the wrong way. He’d never thought about her noble motives. Till now.

He looked up at his mother. “You’re a wonderful mom and I love you. And right now I better move along.”

“Tell Lara hello.”

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