Page 84 of Solid Ground

But I’m the one he loves.

I’m the one he wants.

He’s even sexier to me now he’s a father. The nights where he cradles Daisy and sings to her as we both try and get her to sleep are the best. He never shirks any responsibilitywhen it comes to her—he’s dealt with some of the worst nappies a breastfed baby can produce.

We’re a family, and he’s not giving that up.

I’m lost in thought when the front door closes, and I jump at the sudden sound.

Declan kisses the nape of my neck and rubs his nose up to my ear. “Did my girls have a good day?”

“We did. She’s sleeping now. It’s better now you’re home, though.”

He turns me around and scans my expression. “Are you okay, Zoe?”

“No, just feeling a little insecure.”

He frowns, and wraps his arms over my shoulders. I close my eyes as he tightens his embrace. “Insecure about what?”

“If I’m not happy about my own body, why would you be? And then you’re on set with that gorgeous woman who’s very obviously interested in you.”

He lets out a frustrated sigh and plants a kiss on my neck before loosening his grip. “I loveyou, Zoe Drake. I’m not going to risk my relationship with you for anything or anyone. What I am going to do is marry you.”

My throat tightens. “Really?”

“That’s the plan. I’ve just been putting off asking because I didn’t know if you’d say yes, and the thought of you refusing me terrifies me.”

I wriggle in his grasp until he lets me go. “Why?”

“I can handle just about anything right now, but being rejected by you might just kill me.”

“Declan,” I whisper.

“Look at us. We’re such a pair. You feeling insecurebecause of my job and me knowing I’m punching above my weight being with you and worried you’ll say no if I ask you to marry me.”

I blink rapidly. “You are?”

“Baby, you’re all I’ve dreamed about since the day we met. I spent those weeks until you called me picking up the phone and putting it down dozens of times because I knew I wasn’t good enough for you.”

Tears roll down my cheeks. “I was hurt you didn’t call.”

“I’m a fool.”

“I love you,” I whisper.

“I can’t imagine my life without you. When this movie is done, so am I. I’m really retiring this time.”

When I shake my head, he grasps my chin and raises my gaze to meet his.

“I am, Zoe. There’s no way I’m doing this to you, and I’ll be going out on a high. It’s so much better than that shitty movie I was last in.”

“But—”

“No buts. I’m enjoying being back on set, but I can’t do this again. Maybe Josh can find me another job doing something else behind the scenes, but I’d also be happy being a house husband if you wanted to spread your wings.” My eyes widen, and he pecks me on the lips. “I meant work wise. You said you had to wait out your contract before starting any new projects. I want you to have the freedom to do that … if you want to.”

I throw my arms around his neck. It’s so crazy to me that in what feels like a few short months, I’ve gone from feeling the loss of my best friend’s presence and the loneliness thatcame with that to having the best, most supportive partner on the planet.

“Take me to bed.”

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