Page 93 of Solid Ground

Once again, I’m on the red carpet and five months’ pregnant.

I smooth my dress down and take a deep breath.

Declan’s presenting an award at the Oscars tonight—Best Adapted Screenplay for which Jessie and her co-writer, Adam Walton, have been nominated. They adapted Jessie’s life story for a movie about her past—Interrupted Life.

Never did I think I’d be going to the Oscars, let alone walking the red carpet. But it’s all happening tonight.

Declan walks into the room, adjusting his cufflinks as he goes. He’s such an effortlessly handsome man, but in a tux? Turns up the hot factor by a million. “You look beautiful.”

“So do you.”

He grins. Life has been a fairy tale since we moved in together. And for tonight, Pania designed my dress, and for only the second time in my life I’ve had professional hair and makeup people pampering me in my own home.

I’ve never felt better.

He pulls me into his arms. “Can I kiss you, or will it upset the makeup?”

“You’d better kiss me.”

He laughs, and plants one on me. “I love you, Zoe. I’m looking forward to taking my girl out.”

My parents are here for a visit. Declan and I have had dates with Delaney or Lana babysitting, but I know Daisy is in good hands tonight with my mother. Dad and Declan still circle each other from time to time, and the testosterone gets a bit too much, but they both love and want to protect me—one day they’ll work it out.

Delaney waves at us as we walk the red carpet, and I wave back before we join her. Josh is off posing for photos.

“This is Zoe’s first Oscar ceremony.” Declan places a kiss on my temple, and I sigh a little as he waves and then walks toward Josh.

“I remember my first. I was terrified.” Delaney sighs. “It’s all a bit overwhelming.”

“Can I ask you something?”

Delaney nods. “Sure.”

“Does this ever go away? That sick feeling in your stomach over all this attention?”

She shakes her head. “It’s the part of Josh’s life I like the least. But I do it because I’m proud of him, and I want to send a message to the world that he belongs to me.”

I grin. “I didn’t think of that.”

“You’ll be fine. Just stick with us.” Delaney clasps my hand in hers and tucks me against her side.

“I guess you’re an old hand at this.”

She smiles. “I hate it, but I’m here for Josh. That’s what I keep telling myself. Besides, Pania, Lana, and Jessie aren’t far behind us, and we’re definitely partying after this is done with. If you’d like to join us …?”

I shift my gaze to Declan, catching his eye. He winks and nods at me. “We’d love to.”

“He’s so gorgeous,” Delaney says.

“I know.” I laugh. “Josh is pretty nice eye candy too.”

Her smile lights up her whole face. “He really is. I think we’re both very lucky women.”

“Who’s lucky? Pania’s lucky.” Reece’s drawl comes from behind us.

I turn and see Reece and Pania approaching. My stomach flips. All these movie stars in one place is a bit much—even if we’re all friends now.

“Oh please, you’re the lucky one.” Pania rolls her eyes.

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