One Love Page 9

  “I can’t wait to hold our baby in my arms,” Damon said with a soft look in his dark brown eyes.

  “Guess there will be a line waiting to spoil that baby.” Alton chuckled.

  “Say, Nessa, why don’t you ask Alex about Lake Des Allemands. His father has a camp up there.” Damon turned to her.

  “We’ve got distant cousins still in St. James Parish. The St. Romaine’s family is from down there, too,” Alton put in. “I’ll get you names.”

  That sounded familiar to Lanessa. Although she’d only met the elder St. Romaine a few times, Alex had mentioned the family ancestral property. It had never occurred to her that it could be St. James Parish.

  Clarice’s head snapped around. “Did someone mention Joe St. Romaine?”

  “Oh-oh. Watch yourself, sugar,” Alton mumbled to Lanessa. “She’s up to her matchmaking tricks. Don’t let her push you into anything.”

  “I’ve got it under control, daddy,” Lanessa whispered. They watched Clarice walk toward them.

  “I was just telling Lanessa about their property down south of Vacherie.” Alton spoke louder now that his wife standing near.

  “The St. Romaine family is as much a legend as the Knights,” Clarice said. “Almost as old as the Pellerin and Hawthorne families.”

  Damon cleared his throat and exchanged a glance with Alton. “Thanks, mom.” There was a hint of humor in his voice.

  “You’re quite welcome, dear.” Clarice seemed to have missed it. “But it’s a simple fact. Our families have reason to be proud. Yvonne should be thrilled to have our Lanessa.”

  “Mother, for goodness sakes,” Jade said from her seat on the couch.

  “Well it’s true,” Clarice said back.

  “The St. Romaine family doesn’t ‘have me’. I’m dating Alex.” Lanessa could see that Clarice was in full interfering mother mode. “Don’t start rumors.”

  “I don’t start rumors,” Clarice said sharply. “But anyone that sees you two together can tell you’re meant for each other.”

  “Clarice…” Alton’s tone was one of reproof.

  “Mother, leave them alone,” Jade added shaking a forefinger at her.

  Clarice ignored them both and glanced at Lanessa. “If I’m wrong, then say so.”

  Lanessa opened her mouth then closed it. Alex was the one man who made her feel alive with hope and joy. He could make her abandon the façade of cool sophistication it had taken her years to hone. With him she did not feel the need to be anyone other than herself. Alex wanted her for who she was, not as some trophy date. She gazed around to find three pairs of eyes watching her.

  “We’ve grown closer in the past few weeks,” Lanessa managed to get out. She cleared her throat.

  “See?” Clarice wore a look of vindication. “I told you so, Alton.”

  “Long as it’s what you want, sugar. Not what somebody else thinks should be.” Alton put an arm around Lanessa.

  “Don’t worry, daddy. I know how to duck Mother’s ‘help’ when I need to.” Lanessa laughed with him.

  “Make fun if you want. I don’t care.” Clarice waved a hand. She seemed satisfied with the results of her handiwork.

  Alton went with his wife to the kitchen to get the tray with dessert and coffee for them. Their voices faded down the hall as they continued their debate about her role in their children’s lives.

  Damon smiled at Lanessa. “Your mother and my mother are two determined women.”

  “So is Yvonne St. Romaine,” Lanessa said.

  “She’s against your relationship with Alex?” Jade asked.

  “Not that I blame her for being concerned. She doesn’t want him to be hurt again.” Lanessa could understand her feelings. She’d be just as protective of her son.

  “Still, she should realize it’s Alex’s decision. If she says anything about you…” Jade seemed ready to do battle.

  “I can take care of myself,” Lanessa cut in. “But thanks, Jade-girl.” She smiled at her.

  “Well I do have to agree with Mother, she should be happy for him.” Jade spoke in an aggressive tone as though daring the absent woman to say differently.

  “For right now, Alex seems willing to face her.” Lanessa chuckled. “As though getting a business off the ground isn’t enough, I have to face the St. Romaine dynasty.”

  “Back to your job, I’ll bet my father knows about this Paxton-Waite. I’ll let you know,” Damon said. His face lit up when Clarice came in carrying a tray. “Whoa, sour cream pound cake.” He headed off with a look of anticipation.

  “And fresh coffee,” Alton called out. He carried a tray with a pot and cups.

  “See how easily I’m abandoned?” Jade watched her husband with a fond smile. She turned to Lanessa. “Nessa, don’t let anyone keep you from happiness. I know how tough facing a disapproving mother can be. Damon’s mother was a real shelion at first.”

  Lanessa sat close to Jade. “I made a joke about it, but maybe I am taking on too much right now.”

  Jade was quick to answer her. “Nonsense. You two are going to be happy.”

  Lanessa wanted to feel the same certainty. Yet as she thought about the formidable Yvonne St. Romaine, her doubts crept back stronger.

  ***

  The reports did not show anything overtly wrong. Still Lanessa sat staring at them with a frown. There was a pattern, no that was too definite. More of a vague tide flowing just beneath the surface. For reasons she could not say, she was beginning to wonder if Dawson and Hargrove had told her everything. The land was totally unsuited for development for several obvious reasons. For one thing, environmentalists kept a close eye on any plans to disturb the habitat. They were right from all indications. Even the modest population increases for the past twenty years had stressed the delicate marshland. Not that big business typically stopped a major project for such concerns. What really made Lanessa wonder was the lack of a good transportation route to the site Paxton-Waite had chosen. They could have located closer to the gulf, which would make getting goods inland cheaper. There were several locations more suitable. Why near Pleasure Island?

  “Robyn, did you get those maps from Wildlife and Fisheries?” Lanessa called out.

  “Not yet. I’ll go by there on my way home.” Robyn came in from her office. “That was a good idea you had. I didn’t know you could get free maps.”

  “Most people don’t. Working in the state Legislature basement paid off in more ways than one.” Lanessa flipped through the pages once more. “This looks crazy. Here, what do you think?”

  “I’m not the expert.” Robyn lifted both shoulders.

  “Don’t be humble. You’re sharp as a needle.” Lanessa tapped the eraser end of her pencil on the desktop. “What do you see?”

  “Sort of like those games where you find hidden objects in a picture? I love those.” Robyn walked over and picked up a report. She read for several minutes. “Hmm.”

  “What?” Lanessa rocked back in her swivel chair.

  “This is strange. Paxton-Waite is buying land in the area but…” Robyn’s brow wrinkled.

  “Yes,” Lanessa said with a nod. “Based on news clippings for the past three years, seems they don’t need it.”

  “Especially not near Pleasure Island. Doesn’t make sense.” Robyn sat down at the small table.

  “Caine Dawson was made CEO four years ago. The corporate version of swat team leader.” Lanessa rotated her chair around in a circle as she thought out loud. “And he did his job well.”

  “Profits went up dramatically.”

  “And his popularity with employees and three top companies fell just and dramatically.” Lanessa stopped the motion of her chair. “He’s a shark.”

  “Can’t argue with success. His bonus last year was a cool million.” Robyn smacked her lips. “What a nice chunk of change.”

  “But why Louisiana?”

  Lanessa looked at Robyn. This was a process they had fallen into naturally. One would advance theories or scen
arios while the other shot them down. In this way they would eliminate the improbable using deductive reasoning.

  “This state is known for letting big industry do as they darn well please.” Robyn puckered her lips to show her distaste.

  “But the green lobby has been making headlines. They slapped politicians on their hard heads with publicity. It finally got their attention.” Lanessa was really getting into this game.

  “True, but deals still get made.” Robyn held up a folder stuffed with articles. “Big industry still wins more battles than they lose.”

  “I don’t know.” Lanessa was still not satisfied. “Paxton-Waite is a whopping target. That property isn’t the best place for the plant they want.”

  “What is it again?” Robyn shuffled through a stack of folders. She opened the one she wanted. “Copper tubing and gases for making industrial metals. Raw materials are coming from one of their many mines. Sounds pretty straightforward.”

  “Why pay extra to locate way off Highway One?” Lanessa turned her chair as Robyn walked back to the desk.

  Robyn looked at her. “The transportation costs could be worth it if they avoid a fight with residents. Truck transport is economical. And don’t forget the train lines.”

  “But the barges—”

  “Costs more. And don’t forget how folks feel about the swamps and bayous. Spills are hard to clean up.” Robyn sat down again. “Not a problem where they plan to locate.”

  Lanessa rubbed her eyes. “I must losing it. Here we get the mother of all contracts, and I start taking shots at the money man.”

  “It’s your nature to see all sides of any picture. You do it with everything.” Robyn tossed off the comment matter-of-factly as she started filing.

  “Guess it’s because I don’t like nasty surprises.” Lanessa sorted through pages organizing them.

  “Well, I don’t see any from Paxton-Waite. Besides, what corporate giant doesn’t keep secrets? Those folks are more cautious than any covert government agency.” Robyn continued to work as she spoke. “I know. I worked for one when I was in Atlanta.”

  “I’ll buy that.” Lanessa looked up. “It’s sure how I’d play in I was in Dawson’s place. Too many long hours, Robyn. That’s my problem.”

  “At least you’re going to take a few days off to relax.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.” Lanessa dropped the sheet of paper she was holding. Her mind drifted far away from Paxton-Waite.

  “Perfect time to take your first vacation in almost two years.” Robyn went back to labeling the files. “And don’t worry. I’ll keep everything humming along like well oiled engine.”

  “You’re right. In the next week or so, I’ll give Dawson his report.” Lanessa let out a long breath. “And deposit that nice check.”

  “Amen! Now take a look at this. We’ve all ready gotten a referral from of Hargrove and Dawson.” Robyn wore a wide smile. She handed Lanessa a pink phone message slip.

  “Life is sweet.” Lanessa waved it over her head.

  ***

  “Alex, your mother is trying to do what’s best for us both,” Karin said. She walked up close to him. “At least keep an open mind.”

  “I thought you had more judgment,” Alex said in a voice tight with anger.

  They stood in his mother’s living room. Yvonne had called him over to lunch with her on the pretext of discussing family business. Alex had assumed it involved a complicated transaction between his mother and her brothers. His uncles still ran the family wholesale produce company. He’d arrived to find Karin here. Yvonne had made a hasty exit leaving them alone.

  “It may seem foolish, like we’re in high school. But you wouldn’t see me otherwise,” Karin said. She did not seem contrite at all.

  “Karin—”

  “I’ll get your coffee.” Karin went to the decorative serving cart on wheels. It held a ceramic pot with small yellow flowers that matched the coffee mugs. “I know how you like it, of course.”

  Alex was on the edge of losing his temper. Her casual manner was infuriating. “Let’s get this clear, my mother does not decide who is right for me. We discussed our relationship. There’s nothing left to say.”

  “Here you are.” Karin was composed as she handed him the mug. She sat down and gazed up at him. When Alex did not sit next to her on the sofa, she sighed. “Now who’s acting childish?”

  “This isn’t a game.” Alex put the mug down on the end table.

  “I’m not playing around, Alex. I’m very serious. And there is much more to say. I love you.” Karin’s expression was hard as though she was making a claim to property that had been stolen.

  Alex turned away from her to stare out of the window. Guilt warred with his anger. Guilt won. Though he had never made promises of love or commitment, Karin had reason to believe that someday they might be together. Alex had convinced himself that Lanessa was out of his life. He’d been right, but she had never left his heart.

  Karin sat forward. “I realize you’re a little confused. After all, Lanessa Thomas is known for her… particular brand of charm. But don’t forget she’s a troubled person.”

  “Lanessa has overcome a lot to rough times. But she’s stronger than ever.”

  Alex looked out at his mother’s landscaped garden. Flowers were in full bloom. The scene reminded him of that day with Lanessa on the bayou. She is so lovely. He was only vaguely aware of Karin speaking. Her voice was like muted background noise.

  “Did you hear me?”Karin raised her voice sharply. She put her coffee mug down on the teakwood table in front of the sofa.

  “I’m sorry.” Alex came back to his surroundings. He faced Karin. “Lanessa is doing fine now.”

  “Okay, then I’ll say it outright. The woman’s an alcoholic. She is definitely not the sort of person to be around your daughters. Mrs. St. Romaine agrees with me.”

  His temper snapped like a rubber band. “Lanessa is a kind, generous person,” Alex snapped.

  “You can’t be serious, Alex.” Karin stood up and crossed to him. “This woman has lied, cheated even been in a drunk tank.”

  “That’s enough!” Alex glared at her. “I know Lanessa better than you. I don’t need you to tell me who she is.”

  Karin swallowed hard. Her expression melted into a softer one. “Baby, listen to me. Think of how good we were together. I can make you happy; give you what you really need.”

  “Which is?”

  “You need someone who really cares about you.” Karin reached out and stroked his right arm. “I miss you.”

  Alex gazed into her light brown eyes for several moments. “I care about you, Karin. Lanessa and I…”

  Yvonne came in the room. She looked at Karin’s bleak expression then at him. “Maybe we should all take a deep breath.”

  “I’m going back to the office.” Alex walked past her but stopped when she caught his arm.

  “Wait. This was my idea. Don’t blame Karin.” Yvonne held on tight. “Karin, please excuse us.”

  Karin picked up her soft leather purse and walked past him. “Alex, I’ll call you in a few days.”

  Alex was frustrated by her implacable attitude. “I don’t know how else there is to say.”

  Karin’s eyes were shiny with tears. “At least talk to me once more. That’s all I ask.”

  Alex took a deep breath and let it out. “All right.”

  “Thanks you.” His words sparked a small look of hope. Karin nodded to Yvonne then left.

  “Shame on you. Poor Karin,” Yvonne spoke up first.

  “Don’t ever pull this again!” Alex said. He paced up and down to work off his fury. He had to remember she was his mother. “Maybe you’ve forgotten I was thirty-four on my last birthday. I don’t need you to pick a woman for me.”

  “Seems obvious to me you do,” Yvonne said tartly. “And don’t raise your voice to me.”

  Alex ground his teeth to keep from shouting. “Karin and I are through. Especially after today. How
she ever thought this little scene you two cooked up—”

  “I told you, it was my idea. Karin only agreed because she’s so much in love with you.” Yvonne scowled. “I’m shocked at how insensitive you are to her. A fling with that Thomas woman is bad enough. But at least keep it quiet.”

  “It’s a lot more than a fling,” Alex said. “You’ll have to accept it.”

  Yvonne stood fuming. “Your father will have something to say about this,” she blurted out.

  “Dad is going to lecture me about women? The man who’s on his third wife?” His anger drained away as he threw back his head and laughed. “Thank you, Mother. I needed a good joke.”

  “You’re right. This is all his fault. Look what kind of example he’s set for his son.” Yvonne switched her ire easily to her ex-husband.

  “Dad has been a wonderful father and you know it. You’re both good parents. Don’t think we didn’t figure out how hard you tried to stay together for us all.” Alex and his sisters had watched them strain to hold their family intact. Both worried about the effect of a divorce on their children.

  “Well, we put you first always,” Yvonne said, her frown softened. “Which is why I’m concerned about my granddaughters.”

  “So am I. Lanessa is no threat to their well-being. You think I’d do anything to harm them?” Alex said.

  “No, not purposely. But this woman holds some kind of power over you.”

  “You mean I love her. That’s the power she has,” Alex said softly.

  “Karin is so right for you. Her family—”

  “Now I understand why Dad would care.” Alex shook his head. “Tell him to give up the dream of a merger with Roan, Inc.”

  “How will I ever face her mother? Every month it seems we’ll see each other at some luncheon. Not to mention the sorority meetings.” Yvonne put a hand to her forehead.

  “I think we’ll all survive. It’s not as if Karin and I were engaged.” Alex gave her a peck on the cheek. “Cheer up; you always wanted me to be happy. Well, I am.”