Page 22 of Even Ground

Tears spill down her cheeks, and she wraps her arms around my shoulders and hugs me tight. “Thank you. For everything,” she whispers. “All the years you were by my side and fought along with me to build the life we wanted. And now you’re following your dream, too, and I’m so happy. I just wish you were closer.”

“I’m only ever a phone call or Facetime away. And who knows? Maybe some designer will fall in love with your dress and offer me a job.”

Delaney pulls back, searching my eyes. “Would you take it?”

“When I’ve finished my course, I won’t say no. Maybe I’ll be able to pay off the student loan if I can get a decent job.”

Her smile lights up her whole face. “That works for me.”

“Besides, I need to work Mum up to that. I might not live with her, but me moving will be a really big deal.”

Delaney lets me go. “I know. I’m sorry your mum couldn’t be here.”

“I—”

Josh leans over. “Uh … are you two finished? Reece wants to make his speech.”

“Fuck Reece.” I poke my tongue out at him.

Delaney laughs. “We’ll have plenty of time to talk when we all get to Hawaii.” She claps and turns back to me. “I can’t wait. Did you know—”

“Delaney.” Josh nudges her arm, and she settles back into her seat. His grin tells me he’s not really upset with her. He’s so besotted, I don’t think she can do wrong in his eyes.

“Sorry, Reece.”

Reece just shakes his head. He catches my gaze and winks, which doesn’t help my pounding heart.

“I’m not quite sure how to follow that up, and you lot know me; I’m never short of words.” He pauses to laughter. “But from the bottom of my heart, I congratulate Josh and his beautiful bride, Delaney. And unlike Pania, I’m going to congratulate Amelia for getting her parents safely married.”

He flicks a glance at me, and I roll my eyes in return with a smile.

“Yay!” Melly applauds, and the room dissolves into laughter.

“Anyway, Josh, I wish you and Delaney all the love in the world. You two were always meant to be, and I’m just so happy to be here for your big day. Love you guys.” He raises his glass. “To Josh and Delaney.”

“Josh and Delaney.” We all raise our glasses and sip our drinks as Josh and Delaney snuggle up beside me. Their love is so heartwarming.

It really does make me wonder what I’m missing from my own life.

6

Reece

What a day.

I got to give the bride away, and stood as my best friend’s best man. And then I even got Pania to play with me.

I hold out my hand to Amelia. “May I have this dance?”

Her eyes twinkle. “Mummy, can I?”

“Of course you can,” Delaney says.

I bend and pick Amelia up, settling her on my hip. “I get to dance with the most beautiful girl here.”

“Reece.” She giggles, and I peck her on the cheek.

“It’s true. You’re the prettiest girl in the room.”

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