Page 74 of Solid Ground

I can do this.

“I really did.” I close my eyes for a moment and take a deep breath. “I want this movie. I want to work with you. I want my career back.”

“I’m glad to hear it. What made up your mind?”

I swallow hard. “I feel like I have people on my side. Maybe that’s what I needed. I mean, I’ve always had my manager, but Zoe says Delaney said something when we saw you that’s been on my mind.”

“Oh?”

“She said that no one in your group had family here so you made your own village. I want that for me and for Zoe.”

He blows out a breath. “That sounds like Delaney. And it’s true. If you’re in LA, we will welcome you with openarms. Zoe won’t be alone. I can guarantee that. And you won’t either. We’ll give you any support you need.”

My voice cracks. “That sounds great.”

“Welcome to the family, Declan. You won’t regret it. I’ll get a contract over to your manager and you, and we’ll take it from there.”

I punch the air. Making the decision takes a huge weight off my shoulders. Whatever happens, in LA Zoe will have people around her and the support she doesn’t have in San Francisco. And I have her and our child.

Maybe this time I can have everything.

TWENTY-FOUR

ZOE

It’s earlyone evening when our child decides it’s time to evict herself.

Declan catches on pretty quickly as we’re curled up in front of the television watching one of his old movies.

“Are you timing those contractions?” he asks.

“How did you know I was having contractions?” I ask.

He leans in and nuzzles my cheek. “The way you suck in your breath. They’re about ten minutes apart.”

I bite my lip. “I wasn’t going to say anything yet. I’ve been trying to stay calm.”

“Because you think I’m going to freak out?”

“Maybe?” I tear up, and he brushes my cheeks with his fingers.

“What’s going on?”

My lips twitch while I think of an answer. Because I don’t know what’s going on. I’ve been on a roller coaster ofemotions for months. I’m not sure why the idea of being in labour is making me a nervous wreck.

“The baby’s coming,” I whisper.

He wraps his arm around my shoulders. “Let’s call the doctor and check in with her.”

One phone call later, with the contractions increasing, we leave for the hospital. I’m a hot mess by the time we make it to the delivery room. And the very first nurse who does a double take at Declan gets a taste of my wrath.

“Don’t look at him,” I yell.

Declan squeezes my hand. “Sweetheart?—”

“Don’t you sweetheart me, Declan O’Leary. I hate it when other women look at you.”

He clamps his lips together.

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