Page 61 of Solid Ground

Josh chuckles. “But she’s very good at adopting new people and taking them under her wing. I promise Zoe’s in good hands.”

“I have no doubt that she is.” His eyes twinkle with mischief. “Zo, I think we’ve found our people.”

“Once I heard where you were from, I knew I had to introduce you,” Jessie says. “I just came back from New Zealand recently.” Pain shoots across her expression.

“Oh, I think I heard about that. That was where you were …”

“Stabbed.” She nods. “But I’m recovering and that woman is behind bars.” She seems to be trying to force a smile. “I’ve got to go and talk to a few more people, but I’ll leave you in Delaney’s capable hands.”

She takes the arm of a man standing nearby and guides him away from us.

I don’t miss Delaney’s worried look before she shifts her gaze to me and smiles.

“I hear you’re pregnant. Let’s get you off your feet.” Delaney leads me to a booth, and I sink into the large comfortable seat.

“Ohhh, that’s better.”

She sits beside me. “Oh, I remember those days. At least you can sit down when you’re watching the movie at a premiere.”

Pania and Lana slide into the other side of the booth.

“Jessie not joining us?” I ask.

Delaney exchanges a look with Pania that I can’t read.

“I hope she will, but our friendship is very new and pretty fragile. I think she feels more comfortable with Josh and Pania’s other half, Reece.”

“Oh.”

Delaney spots a waitress and waves to get her attention. “Let’s get some drinks and chat. It’s so nice to meet you.”

“It’s nice to meet you too. I have to admit this is all a little overwhelming.”

Her smile is so genuine and kind, I really do feel like I’ve landed on my feet here. “I get it. It took me some time to adjust to this life. But I think once you make friends, it’s a lot easier.”

After we order drinks, she leans back in her seat. “Let’s get some gossip in before the boys finish talking shop.”

“Is that what they’re doing?”

She shrugs. “I assume so. That’s the only reason Josh comes to these things. He’d much rather be at home with me and the kids.”

The drinks arrive, and I take a long sip of lemonade.

“So, spill the beans. How did you two get together?” Delaney takes a sip of her drink.

“Well …” My cheeks burn, but these are good people. I’m at ease with them already which has to be a good sign—apart from Caitlin, it’s been tough to click with people here. “We met in Vegas.”

Her eyes widen. “Ooh, we want to do a girls’ weekend there, but haven’t got to it yet.”

“Do it. Just don’t get too drunk like my bestie did. We were supposed to be having fun over two nights, but she wentoverboard the first night and was out for the count for most of the time. Declan rescued us.”

“Rescued you?” Pania asks.

I nod. “After he helped get her back to the hotel room, we … uhh …. got to know each other.”

“Oh.” She leans back in her chair. “Good for you, girl. He’s gorgeous.”

“So are your men. I feel like I fell into a man-candy store.”

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