Page 85 of Solid Ground

He chuckles. “Now?”

“Daisy’s asleep. There’s no time like the present.”

His face lights up. “Are you really ready? I don’t want you to push yourself.”

“We’ve both waited long enough.” I drop my arms and slide my hand into his. “Please?”

“You don’t have to ask twice, Zoe.”

I laugh as he bends and throws me over his shoulder. He’s careful on the stairs, but once we get to the bedroom, he unceremoniously dumps me on the bed, all while I giggle.

“I love the sound of your laughter,” he says.

Propping myself up on my elbows, I raise my brows. “Is that all you love?”

“I love the taste of your pussy, too, which is what I’m about to help myself to.” He reaches for the button of my jeans, and I groan with relief as he releases the tightness around my waist and tugs my pants down.

“Why are you wearing those when you’re obviously uncomfortable?” he asks.

“I was just so happy to fit them again.”

Declan shakes his head. “Don’t push yourself. I want you to be happy—not squash your organs in some crazy effort to … I’m not sure what you were doing.”

“Feeling normal.”

“Babe, you’re not even two months post-partum. I know you want to push yourself, but I hate seeing you like this.” Heleans closer. “Besides, if you wear a dress or a skirt, I have much easier access to your pussy.”

I lick my lips. “I guess you have a point.”

“You know I do.”

“Declan?”

“Zoe?”

“Just love me.”

His expression softens. “That’s the easiest thing in the world to do.”

TWENTY-SEVEN

DECLAN

Once the movie is wrapped,Zoe, Daisy, and I get on a plane and fly to New Zealand.

Zoe’s parents have yet to meet Daisy—in person at least, and now I really am retired, I have all the time in the world.

At some point I’ll have to do some promo work for the movie, but that’s it. Unless there’s a special reason for me to show my face in public, I really am done this time.

And I couldn’t be happier.

It’s a little extreme to fly a baby first class, but my girls are getting the best of everything from now on.

This time, there’s no sign of Zoe’s parents in the yard, but as soon as the car comes to a stop, the back door of the house bursts open and Serena runs toward the car.

Zoe opens her door and gets out, embracing her mother while I get Daisy’s capsule out.

“Where is she?” Serena asks.

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