Page 90 of Under Ground

Delaney’s smile is reassuring. I really like this woman. I’m a little envious that she has it so together. I’m not sure I could ever be like her.

“It is, but you can do it. You’re smart and I know how hard it is being a single mother. I was lucky I had Pania and her family. You did it all yourself. That’s something to be proud of.” She tilts her head. “I always said it takes a village, and we’ll be your village.”

“You have no idea how much I appreciate that.” I draw in a big breath.

She shrugs. “I think I might. I know what it’s like to be kicked out by your parents when you’re pregnant. It’s so scary facing something that big alone. And then the move here is just as terrifying.”

I lean back. “I had no idea.”

“We have a lot more in common than you probably realise.”

Maybe that’s why I’ve felt such an affinity with Delaney since I got here. She’s such a good human being, and fun to be around, but she’s also well grounded. She’s very much the one in charge of her household, and her husband has nothing but respect for her. I’m so glad I get to spend this time with her.

“Thanks for all your help. I have a feeling this won’t be the only road bump.”

She lets out a sigh and cocks her head. “I’ll tell you now, it won’t be. And I’m not sure Alex will know how to navigate some things. But he has Josh and Reece, and you have me. Pania’s still pretty new to it, too, but she has her own way of dealing with issues.”

“Pania said you were like a mother hen. I can see what she means.” I grin.

Delaney laughs. “She would. I guess I’ve always been that way. But I learned it from Pania’s mother. She stepped in when my mother wouldn’t, and I’ve never forgotten that.”

Addison lets out a squawk.

“Okay, madam. Was the nappy change not enough for you?” Delaney scoops up the baby and in a heartbeat, she’s got her feeding at her breast.

The sight gives me pangs. It’s too soon to think about starting a family with Alex, but I want that. I want a baby with a supportive father—not one who leaves me to deal with the punches all by myself.

I want Casey to have siblings.

I’ll always put them first and not let anything get in the way of that. I’ll never turn my back on any children I have—unlike my own parents.

For the first time in a long time, I see a future for myself.

And I like it.

* * *

It’s later in the afternoon when Josh and Alex return.

The Facebook message still plays on my mind. After everything that happened back home, it’s not exactly what I’d hoped for from my fresh start.

It makes me sad that there are people out there so bitter that they’d take the time to track me down and do that just because Alex loves me.

Josh smiles at me as he walks into the room—Alex right behind him. Delaney beams at his approach, and he reaches her chair, bending to kiss her.

Alex sits on the couch beside me and grasps my chin, pulling my gaze to his. “What’s wrong?”

“What makes you think anything’s wrong?”

He pecks me on the lips. “I know that unhappy look.”

“I got this message on Facebook. It was horrible.”

He frowns. “What kind of message?”

“Telling me what an awful person I am and how you’ll work it out for yourself and dump me one day.” I sigh. “Only with more swear words.”

“What the fuck?” He explodes.

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