Page 70 of Solid Ground

Brian nods. “Heard a lot about you.” We’ve not spoken before—I think Zoe’s kept a distance between us until we could meet in person.

“All good, I hope.” I know I’m baiting him. Her parents have the Internet. He’ll have looked me up.

He tilts his head. “Zoe’s happy and that’s what matters to me.”

She very clearly has a close relationship with her parents—one I can’t relate to.

But I hope I can forge a good relationship with them.

I have to, for Zoe’s sake.

TWENTY-ONE

DECLAN

It’s beenyears since I’ve felt so at peace.

We’ve spent the past two weeks with Zoe’s parents, and she’s relished her time here. It’s been hard to find time to be intimate, but I do at least get to sleep with her in my arms.

Although she’s more and more restless at night, finding it harder to rest.

We have to make a decision and soon about where we’re having this baby. All her care has been in the US to date, but if she chooses to stay here, then we’ll need to start making new arrangements.

Things have been amicable with Zoe’s parents. Her mother’s lovely and welcoming, but her father’s kept his distance. Knowing our trip here may be coming to an end, it’s time to ask him the question that’s been burning in my gut since we arrived here.

Something changed in me the minute Zoe told me she was pregnant. She had no reason to trust me given my past,but she let me in, and she’s changed my life. It’s not just about the pregnancy anymore.

I want to spend the rest of my life loving her.

And I want to do this properly, which means swallowing any fear and talking to her father. I doubt he’ll be happy if I whisk her away and marry her without his approval. He’s seen how devoted I am to her, and I can only hope that stands me in good stead with him.

He’s in his beloved garden again when I find him. His smile is tight, as every smile he’s given me since I’ve arrived has been.

“Brian? I wondered if I could have a word.”

He gives me a short, sharp nod.

“I’ll be talking to Zoe today about her choice where to have the baby. I’ve told her I don’t mind which country, but if we’re going back to the US, we’ll have to go back now before she can’t travel. So, I wanted to talk to you about our future.”

His right eye twitches. “Your future.”

“I want to spend the rest of my life with her. If she’ll have me.”

He frowns and drops his gaze to the ground a moment before fixing it back on me. “I’m not sure I like you, but I also don’t know you. What I do know is that you’re closer to my age than you are my daughter’s, and that makes me uncomfortable.”

I nod. “I understand.”

He pauses, grounding the toe of his show in the gravel. “She’s also a grown woman who makes her own decisions. And I see the way you take care of her. If she’s happy, then I’m happy. But I warn you, if you hurt her, you’ll have me toanswer to.” His gaze hits mine—that intense blue he shares with Zoe, and I nod again.

“I’ll always do my best to protect her. And our child.”

“Her mother and I miss her. Zoe always was too independent for our liking.” He chuckles. “But she went out and made a name for herself, and we couldn’t be more proud. It’s hard to let go.”

I grip his shoulder. “I swear to you that I’ll do right by her.”

He nods slowly. “Just be sure you do. She’s got a big heart, and if you break it, I’ll come after you.”

“I’d expect nothing less.” I pause and brace myself. “I’m glad we’re here. I want to marry your daughter. She has no idea yet—the pregnancy has been hard on her, but if she wants me, I’ll spend the rest of my life making her happy.”

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