Page 28 of Solid Ground

Maybe I start by reaching out to tell her I want to be involved. I want to see her belly grow with my baby, and be there to pamper her when she needs a pick-me-up.

I’ve made up my mind about my career—I could even move to be close to her.

Before I can talk myself out of it, I pick up the phone and click on her contact.

“Hello?” Her voice is thick with sleep, and I do a double take at the time. But it’s after ten in the morning—pretty early for me.

“Zoe, it’s Declan.”

She clears her throat. “I know. I have caller ID. Are you okay? Why are you calling?”

“Are you still in bed?” I don’t know why I ask—no, I do know. I want to be there with her.

“No, I made it as far as the couch this morning before feeling gross, and then I fell asleep.”

I swallow hard. There’s some vague memory from friends’ pregnancies that it’s not much fun in the early days. Probably not later on either.

Frowning, I scan my memory. Is pregnancyanyfun at all?

“I’m sorry to hear that. I was wondering if I could come and see you. I’ll fly up. We need to talk.”

She sighs. “That sounds heavy.”

“Nothing too crazy, I promise.”

“Sure.” She sounds exhausted. “I’ll text you my address because I doubt I’m leaving this couch any time soon.”

I chuckle. “Sure. Do you need me to bring anything? I’ll get there later this afternoon.”

“No, thanks. I’ve got the couch and the TV, and that’s all I need for the moment.”

“I’ll see you soon. If I can get a flight.”

Her laughter warms my heart. “You haven’t even booked anything?”

“No, I wanted to make sure you were okay with me turning up first.”

“That’s very thoughtful of you.”

I grin. Anything I can do to get points with her is a bonus. “Send me that address and I’ll keep in touch.”

As soon as we’ve disconnected the call, I dial my assistant. Most of the time he gets paid for doing nothing—I’ve never really seen the need for him, but my manager insisted. But he is useful for when I need to sort things out at the last moment.

“Declan?” He crunches in my ear.

“You answered the phone while eating?” I roll my eyes.

Joel’s quiet for a moment. If I had to guess, I’d say he’s swallowing his food. “I knew it was you.”

“I love how you just don’t care.” I laugh.

“You’re the best boss I’ve ever had. You leave me alone.”

I shake my head. “I need you to get a flight for me. LA to San Fran.”

“What date?”

“Today.”

---