More Than Love (NG3)

41 - Guilt

Paul Sherman saved Laney when she announced her decision to move in with Reed. When Maureen started with her in my day speech, Paul reminded his wife that her day was decades ago.

Maureen pursed her lips. "He'll never buy the cow if he gets the milk for free."

Paul frowned. "Laney's not a cow, and we both know the free milk's already been shared." Laney's hands were on her red cheeks. "Sweetheart, do you love him?"

She nodded up and down. "Yes."

"I can see he loves you. Tell your mother your long-term plans."

"Long-term plans?" It clicked. "You mean children. Reed wants a family."

Maureen conceded with the promise of grandchildren. "We need to meet his family."

"You met Davis at the gallery?" And Sasha.

Maureen shook her head. "Barely, and we haven't met his mother."

Laney signed. "You want to invite his father and his mother and stepfather?"

She held her breath, hoping her mother didn't add the three kids. Although she liked them, they wouldn't enjoy one of her mother's dinner parties. Plus, two were back at college.

"And your family."

"You mean Sky and Hari."

"Right, of course. I meant Jake and Sasha."

Laney groaned. "Mom, they all know Sasha, especially Reed's father, and Jake won't want to see Sasha."

"I'll invite them. It's proper."

Laney pleaded with her eyes, but her father stopped being helpful. His attention was on Wheel of Fortune.

"Mom, I don't think there is an etiquette for biological parents."

Laney could argue, but Maureen made up her mind. With the feeling of déjà vu, Laney called Sasha to explain her mother's plans.

Sasha sighed. "You know I support you and Reed, but driving down to sit at a table with Marnie and Jake both. Marnie is Reed's mother."

"I think she's thinking of you as mine."

"Jake doesn't need the reminder. He likes Reed. Let it be about you and Reed rather than a decision I made years ago."

Laney didn't intend to push Sasha. It would be less stressful without her. She had a unique position of being part of both her and Reed's lives, but not belonging at the same time. Boring Ron belonged more than Sasha because he was still married to Reed's mother.

Laney worried about Sasha. She and Reed hadn't seen her in three weeks. They went to Maine the previous weekend, but Sasha wasn't home.

Laney used an upbeat voice. "How was your show?"

"It was successful. I'll be busy filling orders."

"Great! Everything else okay?"

"Sweetheart, I'm fine. I missed not seeing you and Reed, but I couldn't be happier about you as a couple. It's not because you are my child. You make him happy."

"Sasha, who makes you happy?"

"You and Reed? My work?"

"What about Davis?"

Sasha sighed. "I don't know."

"Did you fight?"

"I never should have said anything about my relationship with Davis to you. It was before you and Reed, and you're in an awful position." A sob came out from Sasha. A part of Laney wanted to jump in her car.