Page 80 of Under Ground

“Is that Josh Carter?” Lana asks.

“Surprise.”

Her mouth falls open. “Oh my God. I knew you were working with him, but …”

“You’ve become friends with his wife. They offered to pick us up. I couldn’t say no.”

She comes to a halt, staring and gaping. But all I can do in response is smile. “You mean I get to meet Delaney today?”

“Yes, angel. We’re going to their house to relax and have dinner. Then onto the hotel.” I place my hand on her arm. “So let’s get moving and not let them think we’re weirdos.”

“Oh, I think it’s already too late for that.” She laughs.

I look back over toward Reece and Josh. They’re looking directly at us and exchanging awkward glances.

Pushing our luggage trolley, I lead my girls toward them.

Reece grins as we draw closer. “Alex. I’m guessing you didn’t tell Lana we’d be here?”

I shake my head. “It was a surprise.”

Turning, I’m bemused by Lana’s awestruck expression. There’s a part of me that’s irritated she didn’t look at me that way when we met, but then again, our meeting was more awkward than anything else.

“I’m Josh.” Josh holds out his hand.

“It’s so great to finally meet you.” I grasp it. He shakes my hand firmly, and there’s a warmth in his smile that gives me confidence. I’m so looking forward to working with him.

“You too,” Josh says. “I guess that makes you Lana.”

She nods, still wide-eyed.

Josh’s daughter steps forward and looks straight at Casey.

“Hi Casey. I’m Amelia.”

“Melia.” Casey says.

“You can call me Melly. That’s what Mummy calls me.”

“Melia.” Casey laughs.

“I think you’ve got a new nickname now.” I chuckle.

“Amelia insisted on coming. She’s been talking all day about hanging out with Casey. I know there’s an age gap, but she loves younger kids,” Josh says.

Reece holds his hands up. “Okay. Enough with the introductions. Alex, you can come with me while the girls go in Josh’s car. We both brought our cars, but Josh has a child seat in his.”

“Oh, I didn’t even think about that.” Lana blinks a bunch of times. “I mean, Casey’s got one, but it’s packed away. We planned on getting one when we got here rather than taking it on the flight.”

Josh smiles and shrugs. “We’ve got spares at home if you need one in the meantime. Delaney has everything well covered. She’s so excited that you’re coming here.”

“I’m so excited to meet her. Alex didn’t tell me you were picking us up.”

He laughs. “Delaney would never have let me live it down if we didn’t come to collect you. She would have come herself, but our baby’s teething, and last night wasn’t the easiest.”

“Oh, I know that feeling. I can’t wait to meet Delaney,” Lana says. “And Pania.”

“Let’s get going then. The cars aren’t far from here.”

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