Page 112 of Under Ground

“Do you want to go?” Alex asks.

“Yes. I’ve barely seen her all week with all this moving stuff going on.”

“Then, we’ll go.” He rises from the table and walks toward me.

My phone buzzes.

Delaney: Melly asked if Casey wants to stay the night. It’s okay with me if you want to pack a bag for her. Xxx

“Are you okay?” Alex asks.

I look up. “Yes. Delaney asked if Casey wanted a sleepover with Amelia.”

His devilish smile makes me twitch. “And you said …?”

“I haven’t replied yet. Do you think I should say it’s okay?”

He slips his arms around my waist. “If you don’t, I’ll do it for you.”

Alex’s hot breath makes my head swim as he nuzzles my neck.

“I’m going to say yes anyway. Casey would be so upset if I didn’t let her stay with her bestie.”

He chuckles. “Those two are close.”

“They are.”

He nibbles my earlobe. “And with her gone for the night, I can play with you.”

“You’re incorrigible.” I laugh.

He pulls away, and gazes at me with so much affection, it takes my breath away. “Only with you.”

“Casey, do you want to spend the night at Amelia’s place?” I call out.

She leaps off her chair and claps. “Can I?”

“Yes. I’ll just let Delaney know it’s okay, and we’ll go and pack a bag.”

She’s off running to her room before I even finish my sentence.

“I never thought I’d see the day that she’d be that keen to leave home for the night. Not for a few years anyway.”

Alex laughs. “I’m not complaining.”

“Neither am I.”

* * *

After dinner, the children go to bed. I doubt they’ll sleep straight away, but Amelia is pretty good at reading to Casey, and that’s still the quickest way to knock her out.

Delaney stands in the doorway, a big bowl of popcorn in her hands. “Do you hear that?”

“What?” I glance between Josh and Alex, but both of them have puzzled expressions.

“The sound of no children.”

I laugh. “Oh, is that what that is? I wasn’t sure. I don’t hear it often.”

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