Page 77 of Solid Ground

“I wondered if you might want to join me for a drink in my trailer.”

Maybe I never got entangled with a co-star, but I have been known to share a drink with one.

Zoe deserves better.

It’s tempting—the drink, not the woman, but I know what I have waiting for me at home.

“Ahh, darlin’, you don’t want to mess up your career like I did. Stay off the drink. Don’t do drugs,” I say.

Her expression drops. “Ithought …”

“I’m sober and plan on staying that way. I’ve just become a father, and that means more to me than any drink ever will.”

She falters but recovers quickly. “You could still visit me in my trailer …”

I shake my head. “Thanks for the invite, but I’ll be sticking to my own.”

“Declan.”

Turning toward the sound of the very welcome voice, I grin. “Josh. I didn’t know you’d be coming to set.”

He beams, holding out his hand, and I shake it. “Had to be here for the first day. To be honest, you’ll see me a lot. Reece and I are very involved in all our productions.” He nods toward Hadley. “Hadley, it’s good to see you again.”

“Oh, you too.” She flutters her eyelashes, and I bite down a smile.

“How’s Delaney?” I ask Josh.

His eyes light up. “She’s good. Been asking after Zoe. We’ll have to get together one weekend now you’re back here. I’ll give you Delaney’s number and maybe Zoe can give her a call?”

I fist-bump him. “That’d be great. Zoe’s climbing the walls a bit and still settling in.”

He chuckles. “Oh, I can just see Delaney and her friends helping her. I assume the baby’s keeping you busy.”

“She’s sleeping well, but Zoe’s tired.”

Josh claps me on the shoulder. “She needs support. We’ll sort that out.”

“Thanks, Josh.”

“You’re part of our family now.”

His words warm my heart. All this time, I never thoughtI’d be a part of anything—I’ve always been a bit of a lone wolf. But now, no matter what, I’ve found friends.

And best of all, Zoe has too.

The house echoeswith baby cries, and I sigh as I walk into the living room.

Where are they?

I follow the sound until I reach the kitchen where Zoe paces back and forward, patting Daisy’s back. Her eyes are closed, and it’s clear she hasn’t had a good day.

“Babe? You okay?”

Her eyes flick open. “I think she just needs to burp, but it’s not happening.”

“Let me take her. You lie down.”

She shakes her head. “I’m fine.”

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