Page 59 of Solid Ground

After placing a kiss on his cheek, I head back up to the bedroom and sigh a little at my gown hanging on the back of the door. As I drop it over my head, the beautiful navy fabric flows over me. It’s perfect. Everything’s perfect.

The click of the door tells me Declan’s arrived, and he plants a kiss on the nape of my neck as he zips me up.

“Give me five and I’ll be ready,” he says.

“I’ll believe it when I see it.” I laugh.

When he reappears minutes later, fiddling with hiscufflinks, I catch my breath. Declan O’Leary in grey trackpants is a sight—Declan O’Leary in a tux is devastatingly gorgeous.

“I’m ready when you are,” he says.

“Any time.”

He finishes adjusting his sleeves and holds out an arm for me to take. “Let’s go, beautiful.”

By the time we get to the limo parked outside, I’m trembling, but he’s there with his hand in mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“Nervous?” he asks.

I nod.

“I’ll be with you the whole way. There’ll be a few minutes while I have some photos taken, but Nikki will be around, and she’ll be with you if I can’t.”

I draw in a deep breath. I’ve not met Nikki yet, but Declan seems to think I’ll like her. She’s been a part of his life for a long time and he says she’s practically family to him. Given his real family turned their backs on him, I’m glad he has her. Although her presence in his life sparks my interest. If I’m honest, I’m a little jealous. It’s hard not to be when Declan’s lived the life he has. But I’m it for him now—me and our baby.

I have to hold onto that.

When we arrive, Declan gets out first and then turns back, holding his hand out for me to take. Once I’m on the footpath, I smooth down my skirt, thankful that it’s full and hides my baby belly as the photographers’ flashes go off.

I know the media will find out some time that Declan has a child, but I’d like that day to be as late as possible.

My nerves aren’t helped by the fact that despite the fancy hair and makeup, I’m still feeling bloated.

“We just have to get past this first part of the red carpet and then we’ll be out of the spotlight,” he murmurs.

I squeeze his hand. “Where you lead, I follow.”

“I love you.”

I loop my arm through his, and he shepherds me through the throng of photographers, pausing every so often to smile and wave.

“You’re doing well,” he murmurs. “I just have to stop to pose for a few photos and then we’ll be inside.”

I nod.

He leads me toward a tall, blonde woman. She’s gorgeous—probably around the same age as him, and she gives me a tight smile as we approach.

“Nikki. This is Zoe. Zoe, Nikki.” Declan gives my arm a squeeze. “I’m entrusting you to Nikki’s care while I go and get these photos taken.”

“Zoe, you look lovely.” Her smile relaxes as we watch Declan walk back to the red carpet and pose.

“Thank you. So do you.”

She lowers her voice. “That dress covers your pregnancy well. I’m assuming that’s what you were aiming for?”

I nod. “I thought it best.”

“I’m surprised Declan’s decided to support you. I thought ...” When I turn toward her, her cheeks are flushed.

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