Page 34 of Solid Ground

And from the look in his eyes, I don’t think it’s one-sided.

NINE

ZOE

All morningI’ve been unsure if I have morning sickness or just butterflies over Declan moving in.

We know nothing about each other.

It’s weird. When I first told him about the baby, I was sure he was going to run a mile. The way he assumed that I was after his money or whatever had made me mad, but this turnaround has me second guessing everything.

He’s been gone a week, and although he’s kept in touch, the idea of him being here all the time makes my stomach twist.

My room has an en-suite, so we have a fair bit of private space, but we’ll still be sharing the rest of the apartment.

I have yet to tell my parents what’s happening.

They don’t even know I’m pregnant.

But I shove all that aside when there’s a knock on the door and I have no doubt about who’s on the other side.

I take a deep breath and open the door.

He’s so effortlessly handsome. In black jeans and a white collared shirt, he stands in my doorway and smiles. “Hi.”

“Hi,” I squeak, and his grin widens.

“It’s okay, Zoe. I know this is weird.”

I take a step back. “It is. Come in.”

This isn’t the first time he’s been here, but this time he’s looking around as if he’s never seen the place. I guess there wasn’t much reason to take in the scenery before.

I lead him down the hallway toward his room.

“Your apartment’s even bigger than I’d thought.”

That’s it. That’s all he says.

I bought a two-bedroom apartment because I liked having the extra space, and I figured I could always get a roommate if I wanted company.

And now I’m glad I’ve got the extra space for Declan.

“Thanks.” I lead him into the spare room. “This is your room.”

“We’re not sharing?” He smirks, and I roll my eyes as he drops his suitcase on the bed. His laughter makes me smile. “I’m pulling your leg. I have no expectations. I’m just glad you’re going to let me into my child’s life.”

“I’m still surprised you want to be a part of it.”

He frowns, but then huffs out a breath and shrugs. “If I’m honest with myself,I’msurprised. A few years ago, things might have been different, but …”

My eyebrows rise. “But?”

He places his hands on my shoulders. “I’ve just reached a point in my life where I need a fresh start. I like you, Zoe. And the idea of becoming a father doesn’t scare me as much as it would have done in the past.”

I cock my head. “But your first reaction …”

“Old habits. I’ve dealt with pregnancy claims before, and none of them were mine.”

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