Page 35 of Solid Ground

“And you think mine is?”

He drops his hands. “I messed up when you told me. But I’ve been down this track before. No one’s ever told me they don’t need me though. They’ve never told me just out of courtesy. It’s always been about money or fame. You’re the real deal.”

I swallow hard. “We can always do a paternity test if it makes you feel better. After the baby’s born.”

“Let’s see what the next few months bring and cross that bridge when we get there.” His smile is reassuring, which is weirdly what I need. He has the ability to do so much damage to me. If he takes me to court for custody, I don’t know what would happen.

I’m lucky I can afford good lawyers, but I want us to at least be friendly, and that can’t happen if there’s a court battle.

For now, I tuck that to the back of my mind. Lucky it’s easy to keep the peace with Declan. I wouldn’t want to deal with the fallout if we disagreed.

“I’ll … I’ll leave you to unpack and settle in. I’ve got an en suite attached to my room, so the main bathroom is all yours.”

Before he says anything else, I turn and head down the hall. There are a million thoughts jostling for position in my head, and not all of them are positive. But having Declan here is good. It’s better my baby has a father interested in their well-being than an absentee one.

He leaves me unsettled. I’m not sure I can ever get usedto that calm presence he projects. I don’t even know this guy. What am I doing inviting him to live with me?

“I’ll cook dinner,” he calls out as he walks into the living room behind me.

“I …” I’m not sure what I expected, but it wasn’t that.

He chuckles. “Bet you thought I couldn’t cook.”

I shake my head. “I hadn’t really thought about it at all.”

“I’ve been looking after myself for years. Go and put your feet up. I’ve got this.”

For a moment, I just stare at him.

“Zoe.” He places his hands on my shoulders. “Let me take care of you.”

“This wasn’t part of the deal.”

He shrugs. “There weren’t really any specifics discussed. It makes sense to me. If you’re okay, the baby’s okay.”

I blink rapidly, unable to process any thoughts.

“Go,” he says gently.

“But—”

“We still need to talk about rent, but in the meantime, I’ve got to pay my way somehow.” He plants a kiss on my forehead. What’s with that? I’m a goner for forehead kisses. They cross any wall I try and put up.

He’s being sweet.

It’s not fair.

By the time I open my mouth again, he’s already in the kitchen, opening cupboards and pulling out ingredients.

With a shake of my head, I make my way to the couch and pick up the remote control, turning on the television and scrolling through channels.

“Do you have any allergies?” he calls out.

I press more buttons on the remote. “No.”

“Good. I know these are your groceries, but if I go shopping, then I know I can get anything.”

My throat tightens. I get that he wants to be involved with the baby, but this is a lot. He’s been here five minutes, and I’m already feeling pampered. I’m not sure I want this to stop.

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