Page 57 of Solid Ground

“Yes, sweetheart?”

“Did you know when you do that, the baby settles. It’s like you have the magic touch.”

I chuckle, kissing her bare shoulder. “She knows her daddy already.”

“She?”

“We’re having a girl.”

Zoe laughs softly. “So confident.”

“A father knows.”

“You’re so full of it.”

I nuzzle her behind her ear, and she sighs. “Maybe, but don’t tell our daughter.”

“Only three months until we find out for real. Our baby is modest. Unlike you.”

Laughter bursts from me, and she grunts, rolling onto her back before I help her to get to her other side. “I asked for that,” I smirk.

“You can’t help yourself. I’m beginning to think you’d give up clothing if you could.”

Her blue eyes twinkle with mischief. I’m so crazy about her. To think I could have missed all this if she hadn’t fallen pregnant.

When I say nothing, her brow furrows.

“I really love you. You know that, right?” I say. Her eyes fill with tears, and I know I’ve said the wrong thing.

“What did you do?” she asks.

“Shit. Nothing. I just meant that I really love you. And I know things were weird at first, but I’m glad you’re pregnant. I’m glad it brought us together, and I’m so stupidly happy—more than I’ve ever been.”

A smile shifts her lips.

“I just hope I’m making you happy.”

She nods. “These past months have been wonderful. I love you so much.”

Her lips, just begging to be kissed, twitch. I smile before claiming them with my own, pouring my love into her. Being with Zoe has made me realise just how much I’ve been missing all my life—it’s always been about the surface and not what’s underneath.

What I have with Zoe is real.

The kiss deepens, and when I finally let her up for air, a wicked grin appearson her face.

“Uh-oh. What’s that for?” I ask.

“Now you’ve woken me up, and you’re already naked, so …”

SEVENTEEN

ZOE

Tonight’sthe night of Declan’s premiere, and my stomach is a bundle of nerves.

I sit on the bed, and open my laptop to call Caitlin.

We’ve kept in touch with Zoom, but it’s not the same. Declan’s good company, but there are times when I really need my best friend.

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