Page 83 of Under Ground

Amelia leads Casey to a toy corner. Casey’s eyes are as big as saucers as she takes in the sight of all the toys that Amelia gives her free rein to play with. Everything’s perfect.

“How was your flight?” Delaney asks.

“Long. But I think we all slept for the second half of it.”

She laughs. “I can understand that. It just seems to go on forever.”

I smack my lips together. “It’s only the second time I’ve been on a plane. The first time was the flight to Auckland.”

“Really?”

I nod. “I don’t get out much.”

She shrugs. “To be honest, I never flew a lot. We’ve been back to New Zealand a couple of times since I moved here, but with Josh working locally, we haven’t flown much apart from that.”

“I’m not sure I could do too much of it.”

“I couldn’t. Especially not with kids.” She nods toward Casey. “Your daughter is gorgeous.”

“Thank you.” I beam with pride. “She slept on the flight, but I’m hoping she’ll crash out tonight.”

“Do you need somewhere to stay?” Delaney asks.

I exchange a look with Alex.

“We’re going to get a hotel for the night and start looking at places tomorrow,” he says. “I have an apartment, but we need more space for the three of us.”

Delaney shakes her head. “No way. We have plenty of room here and loads of toys for Casey to play with. Stay with us for as long as you need.”

Josh grips Alex’s shoulder. “Don’t argue. She wins every time.”

“Besides, we both know what it’s like to make the move here from New Zealand,” Pania says. “We love having extra company, and Casey’s already fitting in with the family.”

I look down at the floor where Casey’s playing with the baby. She’s been around younger kids before at day care, so she doesn’t seem to mind that Addison’s dribbling on her as she zooms a car around a mat.

I can’t help but smile at the sight.

Amelia swoops in with a glass of juice. “Here you go, Casey.”

Casey beams up at the older girl. Pania’s right—Delaney’s children have made her feel right at home. Addison gazes at Casey like she’s the second coming, and Amelia seems to like taking care of her.

As I meet Alex’s eyes, he shoots me a reassuring smile and bows his head slightly.

“Thanks. We’d love to stay,” he says.

I grasp his arm. I’d feel like a fish out of water if it wasn’t for the warm welcome we’ve received.

“How did you two meet?” Pania asks. “We had dinner with Alex one night after Reece offered him the role, and he said there was a story behind it.”

I grin. “There is. He was out for a run, and Casey claimed him.”

Her eyebrows rise. “Claimed him?”

“Casey’s father isn’t in her life. She chose Alex out of a magazine and decided he was her dad. I never thought we’d meet him in real life.”

Delaney laughs. “That’s so sweet.”

“And weird.” Pania’s lips twitch.

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