Love And Rodeo

8

Certainly! Here's a continuation of the scene with added emotional depth and description:

"Mom, are you okay?" Rhett asked softly, concern etching his features.

"Yes, sweetheart. I'm good now," Loretta replied, her voice carrying a mix of emotions. "How are you dealing with everything?" she added, shifting the focus to Rhett.

"Me?" Rhett's voice held a hint of surprise.

"I assume Lana was a surprise from that vindictive bitch Vanessa," Loretta continued, her tone tinged with disdain.

"Yes, well, you know her. Always has to be dramatic," Rhett remarked with a wry smile, trying to lighten the mood.

"So, how are you handling everything?" Loretta focused on Hannah, her gaze softening.

"I am perfectly happy," Hannah replied, her voice steady and filled with genuine warmth. "My daughter—excuse me, our daughter—loves us and has adjusted very well."

Loretta nodded approvingly, then turned to Hannah with a gentle smile. "Hannah, dear, help an old woman to her granddaughter," she said, extending her hand.

"Of course, Mrs. Baker," Hannah replied, moving closer to help Loretta stand up. "And you're not old," she added with a smile.

"Please, dear, call me Loretta or Letta," Loretta said, appreciating Hannah's kindness.

"Gladly," Hannah responded.

Hannah guided Loretta to the porch, her heart heavy with concern. As she returned to fetch Lana, she found the girl clinging to her like plastic wrap, her eyes wide with fear. Lana's trembling voice relayed a distressing memory—meeting Vanessa's mother, Claire, who callously suggested giving away the child. The revelation shook Hannah, but she pushed aside her own emotions to comfort Lana.

'Lana, it's okay,' Hannah whispered, her hands gentle yet firm as she tried to soothe the frightened girl.

Before Hannah could lead Lana outside, a sudden scream pierced the air, and Lana clung desperately to Heather. Sensing the escalating tension, Hannah swiftly ushered Rhett indoors before focusing on calming Lana.

"What's up, love?" Rhett asked softly as he closed the door behind him.

Hannah recounted the unsettling encounter with Claire, her voice tinged with worry. Rhett sighed in understanding and then smiled warmly at Lana, trying to reassure her with his gaze. "Let's wait here until I call for you," he said gently, sensing Lana's unease.

He stepped outside to explain the situation to his mother, Loretta. Anger etched lines on her face as she listened, her eyes reflecting a mix of concern and determination. Rhett urged her to proceed slowly and give Lana the time she needed to distinguish between Claire and herself.

Meanwhile, Hannah carried Lana out to the swing and settled beside her. The child's face was buried in her mother's neck, seeking comfort and solace. Loretta observed the scene silently, finding it endearingly sweet how Lana had already claimed Hannah as her mother.

Hannah whispered soothing words to Lana, reassuring her that Loretta was nothing like Claire. Tears and pain lingered in Lana's deep hazel eyes as she whimpered and clung closer to Hannah.