Page 24 of The Geography of Happiness

Like I needed reminding.“Do you have kids?”

“No.” Zach hesitated. “Well, notyet. Luke and Gil had a daughter back when they were married, but Callie was killed in a car accident a few years back and it’s taken both of them a long time to figure out how to move on after that, not that you ever really do, not completely.”

His words hit like a physical blow, and a flash of panic squeezed my heart. “Oh god. Shit. I’m so sorry.” The idea of losing Hannah was my worst fucking nightmare. I couldn’t even begin to go there.

“It’s fine,” Zach reassured me. “They’re both quite open about it.”

The meaning of his words finally sank in. “So, Luke and Gil were...”

“Married?” Zach chuckled. “Yes, indeed they were. And Holden and I were—arebest mates.” He outright laughed at whatever he saw in my expression. “Yeah, don’t even try to get your head around it. Luke and I metafterhis and Gil’s marriage was already over. I won’t say it didn’t have its awkward moments, but we got over ourselves and the four of us get alongreally well. Luke and I actually rent a cottage on the station, close by the main gate.”

“Um . . . wow.” I was pretty sure I was gawping. “That’s . . . great. Unusual, but great.”

He laughed again. “Actually, weird is the word I think you’re looking for. And to answer your earlier question, Luke and I actually have a baby on the way.” He patted his belly. “I know, I carry it well, right?”

I couldn’t help but laugh.

“It’s still early days,” he continued. “Twelve weeks, give or take. We’ve just started telling people.”

I blinked. “That’s amazing. Congratulations.”

Laughter danced in his eyes. “Thank you. A cousin of mine unexpectedly offered to be our surrogate, and although it was much earlier than we planned, she’s thirty-six and it needed to happen sooner rather than later. So, we said yes, and the little terror is due next April. And when I say little terror, I mean it. We used Luke’s swimmers and that man’s middle name is Trouble. Gil and Holden have agreed to be godparents or whatever they call them these days—pain in the necksprings to mind but that’s just me.” He laughed again and I found myself liking the guy more and more. “Man, you should see your face.”

Heat rushed into my cheeks. “Sorry. I just... well... to be honest, I don’t know what was going through my head.”

More laughter. “Don’t worry, it’s a look I’ve gotten used to whenever I tell our story. We’d give any soap opera a run for their money. Anyway, back to today. I wanted to let you know that Hannah is a delight and an absolute natural. Her dog handling skills are excellent for someone her age. She’s mentally flexible and adapts easily. That’s half the battle won right there. She’s also quicker on her feet than I expected with her elbow crutches, and she’s got great balance. She’s been dancing for a few years now, right?”

I nodded. “My best friend, Judah, used to be a professional ballet dancer before starting this dance programme for kids living with disabilities. Hannah doesn’t always need the elbow crutches. There are days, sometimes even weeks, she can manage just with her canes, but the elbow crutches give her more stability, plus she’s been needing them more and more this last year.”

Zach glanced through the window behind me. “Well, the dance training certainly shows. It’s no wonder she’s been offered such an amazing opportunity at Nolan. She’s one very focused and determined young girl.”

I snorted. “Tell me something I don’t know.”

Zach grinned. “That determination and focus mean we’ll accomplish more than I’d planned for the week, which is good news. However, I’d still recommend a one- or two-day follow-up in January just to boost her confidence ahead of the big move to Wellington.”

“Possiblemove,” I corrected. “I haven’t made a decision yet.”

Zach must’ve seen something in my expression—panic, no doubt—because he scooted closer and lowered his voice. “Listening to Hannah, it sounded like it’s already decided.”

“It’s not,” I answered firmly. “Hannah’s just choosing to ignore the fact.” I made a mental note to have another chat with my daughter.

Zach fell quiet for a moment and I could tell he was choosing his words carefully. “Well, if it helps any, from what I’ve seen and with Gabby at her side, Hannah would be more than capable of managing the mobility side of things. I know that’s not all there is to consider and I totally get that you’re worried, but I think it’s a good start.”

“Worried? Try terrified.” I blew out a long put-upon sigh. “What else has she been telling you?”

He raised a brow. “Remember I said that I’d be chatting to youbothindividually?”

I groaned. “Keep your secrets then.”

Zach chuckled. “You need to trust that I’d pass on anything I considered important for you to know. But Hannah also needs to feel free to talk with me aboutallher challenges.”

“And I’m one of theall, I take it?”

Zach’s mouth tipped up in a smile. “Does that surprise you?”

I sighed. “Not a bit.”

“Good, because I’d be more worried if shedidn’tname you as one of her challenges. It’s only natural. Kids and parents butt heads. Especially teenagers. And the impact of a parent’s opinion and views—spoken or not—can’t be over-estimated on how a kid copes with change.” He studied me for a moment. “Hannah did mention one thing I was going to check with you. She said her mum would be living close by in Wellington.”

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