Page 109 of Lone Star Longing
Lacey wouldn't expect her to remember the people from town, even if Marianne had been here when her mother had been.
“No, she’s not been in town long. They’re both on the town council.”
“Oh. I had no idea your dad was so civic minded.”
Lacey didn't usually talk about her dad in their conversations, but she knew she had mentioned this. “He loves this place, and there’s a lot of work to be done. Better to help make it what he wants it to be than sit around complaining about it.”
“Well, I definitely want to come, but I’ll see what I can do. It seems that there should be an easier way to get there, but I don't know. You’re inviting your sister and brothers, aren’t you?”
“Of course, and everyone will be getting printed invitations, but I just wanted to give you a heads up. I really do want you here, Mom.”
“Sweetheart.” Her mom’s voice softened. “I will do everything in my power to get there.”
“Sofia said she’d set aside a block of rooms at the motel, if you want to come down a couple of days early.”
“Oh.” Her mother’s tone sharpened in surprise. “I guess we can do that. Maybe we’ll try to fly to San Angelo, and drive down. I’ll let you know what we decide to do.”
“Okay.” Lacey couldn’t ask any more than that. “I’ll call Tanya, Dalton and Luke to let them know.”
“Okay, but don't call them tonight. It’s already pretty late.”
Surprised by that assessment, Lacey looked at the clock. Eight thirty. Maybe that was late? She didn't think of it as late, but maybe once the babies were born, she would. Her brothers and sisters all had kids. She didn't know their schedules, so she took her mother’s word for it.
Chapter Twenty Six
LACEY FORCED HERSELFto keep her hands at her sides as Beck struggled with the diaper, getting it wedged between the practice baby’s legs. To his credit, he was as gentle with the practice baby as if it was real, didn't force the wad of plastic and padding, but when Alicia appeared at his elbow to offer assistance, the tension that had been running from his shoulders to his arms released, and the baby flipped, flying through the air to land on the floor on the other side of the table.
Beck froze in horror, as if he’d dropped an actual baby. Alicia patted his arm reassuringly before rounding the table to pick up the doll.
“You’re doing just fine.”
“I just through her baby across the room.”
“You’re too tense. Maybe sit down to do it, some place secure for both you and the baby. And you won’t have everyone watching you, making you nervous. You’ll get the hang of it.”
“If Lacey lets me try after that.”
