Page 73 of Solid Ground

But if he knows I have faith in him, maybe that will give him the extra incentive to succeed.

Won’t it?

TWENTY-THREE

DECLAN

Can I really do this?

It was only a half a year ago that I was prepared to walk away completely, but Josh’s offer plagues me.

I’ve been given a chance to start my life again thanks to Zoe, but am I always going to wonder what might have been if I say no?

One thing is for sure—I don’t deserve Zoe and all the good she brings to my life, but now she’s here, the last thing I want to do is let her down.

“Declan.”

“Hi, Josh.”

His tone is warm. “I’m so glad you called. Have you given any thought to my offer?”

I scratch the back of my neck. “It’s been hard to think about anything else.”

He chuckles. “I doubt that. You’re about to have a baby. I know what that’s like.”

I can’t help but grin. While I don’t know Josh well, I can tell he’s a decent guy, and a family man to boot. I really hope that we can become friends no matter what my decision is. He’s the type of person I need to be around—someone who’s down to earth.

“There’s not long to go now. I’m not sure how Zoe puts up with me.”

That just makes Josh laugh harder. “I get it. When we had Addison, I don’t know who was more excited. Poor Delaney had to deal with all those pregnancy issues while all I could think about was holding my little girl.”

“That sounds like us. I can’t wait to be a dad.”

“It’s life-changing.” He pauses. “So, what do you think about this movie? Any questions?”

“No, it’s just … I’m still thinking about it. Zoe’s given me the go-ahead, but I have to be sure.”

“I know about your past.” He pauses. “Worried you’ll fall back into old habits?”

My throat tightens. He’s hit the nail on the head. These past few months with Zoe have been everything.

“I’m not sure I can risk it.”

He sighs. “Look, Declan. If the answer’s no, then it’s no. For what it’s worth, I understand. My family is everything to me. I’d walk away rather than lose Delaney and my girls. Whatever you decide, it’s good with me. But we do start shooting early next year, and I don’t have a leading man.”

“I understand. I’ll have an answer for you really soon.”

“This life is crazy. I never went down that path, but I do understand the temptations. Delaney was what kept me on the straight and narrow, even when we weren’t together. Thatand good friends. And I hope whatever happens, we can be that.”

I grin. “Zoe’s bestie will flip if I tell her I’m friends with you.”

Josh laughs. “Give me a call any time you need anything. Or Reece. We’re here for you and Zoe. Hell, Delaney would love to spend more time with her. She collects other New Zealanders.”

“I hope you mean that figuratively.” I chuckle.

“She likes taking Hollywood newbies under her wing. It didn’t take her long to become a pro at handling all the crazy stuff. I lucked out, and I think you did too from the sounds of it.”

Zoe’s given me the go-ahead. Josh and his crowd are supportive.

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