Page 102 of Under Ground

He winces. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

“And now you’ve ruined it. I was so excited about this, Alex. All this time I’ve had this hobby, and now someone has seen my talent and thinks I should do something with it.” I take two steps away before he grabs my arm.

“I’m sorry.”

I tear up. “Are you?”

He closes his eyes for a moment. “I’m on edge with everything that’s going on. And you are talented—so insanely talented. I’m so sorry for how I reacted, Lana.”

Blinking back the tears, I sniff. “I felt awkward about it when she suggested it, but I love this so much. I just wanted you to be as happy as I am.”

He takes a step forward. “I am. And I need to talk to Josh about taking some time out so we can get our banking sorted and start looking at houses of our own.”

“Really?”

Alex nods. “It won’t be in this neighbourhood, but …”

I throw my arms around his neck and hold on tight. He presses a kiss to my ear.

“I love you, Lana. I don’t know how things are going to go in the future, but right now, we’re in a good position and I want to make the most of it.”

Leaning my head against his, I close my eyes. “It was good until your mother’s announcement.”

He gently dislodges my arms from around his neck. “It was. I’m stressed and not being fair on you. I’m so proud of you, and Delaney’s right. You could start a business with your art, and now is the time to do it—while everything else is going good. Plus, having Delaney backing you will help, the Carter name opens a lot of doors in this town.”

“I never thought of that.”

Alex kisses me on the nose. “Let’s go to bed and I’ll talk to Josh tomorrow. We should get our finances sorted before Christmas so you can go shopping. I’m sure you’re dying to.”

I grin. “This is going to be the best Christmas ever.”

“Our first as a family.” And then he kisses me, and any concerns go flying out of my head.

At least for today.

27

Lana

Christmas isn’t the family event I’d hoped for. In the back of my head, I’d pictured some big reunion between Alex and Reece, brought together by the spirit of Christmas. But as it turns out, Reece has some place he goes, and this is the first year he’s shared it with Pania.

But not Alex.

Alex assures me that the movie has gone well despite this rift—once they’re on set, Reece plays his scenes to perfection.

Outside of that, they have no relationship.

I’m also tired and cranky. I haven’t felt so awful since I had chickenpox, and I know that’s not why I’m unwell.

It’s almost a relief that Reece is away. It’s like a weight has been lifted on the Carter household, and with him not coming back until after New Year, Alex has a week of just not having to worry about their relationship.

Not that it’ll last for long.

By the New Year, I’m still not feeling that great when I realise that in all the time I’ve been here, I haven’t had to buy any sanitary products. I haven’t bought my own groceries in all that time, so it’s bypassed me, and I’ve had so many distractions that I can’t believe I didn’t notice.

But then again, I didn’t have to worry about pregnancy until I met Alex after being celibate for so long.

Oops.

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