One Love by Lynn Emery Page B

“Can’t
recall right off hand.”
    Lanessa trusted her father’s
instincts. He had a razor sharp mind when it came to business.
“Interesting. I sort of got funny vibes from him
myself.”
    “ Of course it could just be
he out maneuvered somebody in business. Bet you could find folks
saying nasty things about me.” Alton grinned and turned to Damon.
“About your father, too, son.”
    “ Some of it’s true.” Damon
grinned back at him. “But really, Dad has a take no prisoners
attitude when it comes to business success. It’s left him with
bitter rivals, black and white. Could be the case with this
man.”
    “ Yeah, I’ve seen Oliver
Knight go after what he wants.” Alton had an expression of
admiration. “In fact twenty years ago he beat out one of his
largest competitors. It was beautiful the way he--”“
    “ Daddy, back to
Paxton-Waite.” Lanessa knew better than to let him start a long
story.
    “ Can’t imagine what they
want with land around Lake Des Allemands. But if you’re working for
‘em, you should know more than me.” Alton glanced at her. “Or is
something more on your mind?”
    “ You know so many important
people in this state. If anybody can get me insider information,
you can.” Lanessa gave him a sweet smile.
    Alton melted as he always did when his
daughters charmed him.
    “ I’ll find out what I can,
sugar.” Alton pinched her cheek with affection. “See what a joy
children are, Damon? You’ll soon find out.” He turned back to beam
at her with pride. “My girls are both treasures.”
    “ 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