Jared's Counterfeit Fiancee - Brenda Jackson [29]
“Mrs. Westmoreland,” Dana said as she approached the table.
“Dana, it’s good seeing you again,” the older woman said, standing and giving her a huge hug. From the first, Dana had decided that Jared’s mother was a warm, loving person. And there was so much excitement in the older woman’s voice on seeing her that no one would think they had just seen each other on Saturday, which was only three days ago.
“And it’s good seeing you, as well,” Dana responded, thinking she could get used to all the love and affection the woman generated.
Once they took their seats Mrs. Westmoreland smiled and said, “How are things going at work? Jared mentioned you’re a landscape architect. That sounds like a real interesting profession.”
Dana smiled. “It is. My parents owned a nursery so I got interested in trees, plants and shrubs fairly early in life.” She paused while the waitress gave them glasses of water and their menus. Then she continued. “A lot of people don’t understand the involvement of a landscape architect whenever a building is constructed. My job is to make sure the outside area is not only functional but also beautiful and compatible with the natural environment. “
Sarah Westmoreland nodded. A sad look then appeared in her eyes. “Jared told me about your parents’ passing. That must have been devastating for you.”
Dana nodded. “Yes, it was. I was the only child and was very close to my parents. Their deaths left me without any family.”
Sarah smiled warmly as she reached out and covered Dana’s hand. “Well, all that’s changed. Like I told you the other night, the Westmorelands are your family now and I want you to feel like a part of us.”
“Thanks.” Dana felt a deep lump in her throat. She hated deceiving Jared’s family, although she knew it was being done for a good reason. Dana looked down to study her menu. There was no way she could look at Mrs. Westmoreland right now.
“So, dear, have your heard from Jared since he’s been gone?”
Dana glanced up. At least her answer wouldn’t be a total lie. There was no reason Mrs. Westmoreland needed to know that, although Jared had called, she hadn’t actually spoken with him. “Yes, he called last night.”
“I’m sure that he’s missing you.”
Dana smiled. She doubted Jared was missing her but she definitely was missing him, although she didn’t want to. She spent her days trying not to think about him, but found herself doing it anyway.
Dana took another sip of her water and decided to shift the topic off her and Jared. “So, how have you been?” she asked the older woman.
Sarah smiled. “I’m fine. I’m sure Jared told you that I had breast cancer a few years ago and that recently the doctor found another lump. But there’s a chance it’s nothing more than fatty tissue. I’m having it removed in two weeks and then we’ll know the results. Whatever it is, I’ll deal with it. I’d be the first to admit chemo and radiation were hard on me, but if I have to go through them again, then I will. I’m a fighter, Dana. My family gives me a lot to fight for. And I’m looking forward to the day when I become a grandmother,” she said excitedly. “Jared told me that the two of you wanted children.”
Dana inwardly thought that that was a lot for Jared to have said, considering they had never discussed children, not that they really planned on having any together.
At that moment the waitress walked up to take their orders and Dana was grateful for her timely arrival. A pretended engagement was bad enough. The last thing she needed to think about was having Jared’s baby.
Six
O n Wednesday evening after feeding Tom, Dana curled up in her favorite chair to read and relax. It had been a hectic day. One of her clients had