Page 24 of Even Ground

“To new-found friendships.” Her hazel eyes sparkle.

“Pania, come and meet Gabby,” Delaney calls out.

Pania looks at me, so I nod toward them. “Go. We have the next week to spend together.”

She raises her glass again before walking over to Delaney. I try desperately not to let my eyes fall to her ass, which is typical for me. Is this day one of me trying to be a better man?

I grimace at the thought.

“Are you okay?” Josh asks from beside me.

“I’m fine. And could you not sneak up on me?”

His brows knit. “Seriously. Are you okay? Because that face you just pulled made you look constipated.”

I chuckle. “Maybe I am.”

Josh slaps me on the back. “Whatever it is, I hope you work it out of your system.”

“I’m behaving. There’s no chance of that.”

His mouth falls open, and he nods slowly as if acknowledging my meaning. “You’re doing a good job of it. Delaney tells me you only tried to talk her out of marrying me twice today.”

“Guess I’m losing my touch.”

I scan the crowd until I find Delaney. She’s with Pania and Gabby, and they’re all laughing. I smile at the sight. It must be hard to uproot your life and move half a world away, but Delaney’s making friends and settling in just fine.

“Thank you for everything today. We really appreciate it.”

Swivelling my gaze back to Josh, I hold up my fist for him to bump. He responds by bumping it, a grin on his face.

“You’re welcome. I love you guys.”

Delaney turns, sending him a dazzling smile that even makes my knees weak.

“We’re going to sneak off,” Josh murmurs.

I give him the thumbs up. “I’ve got this.”

“Mum and Dad are already upstairs with Amelia. She’s out cold.” He chuckles.

“I’m not surprised. Today was a big day.”

He blows out a breath. “Sure was. I’m going to miss her like crazy for the next week.”

I punch him lightly on the arm. “Whatever. You have the luscious Delaney to keep you occupied. Speaking of …”

Delaney and Pania walk toward us. Delaney’s smile lights up as she locks gazes with her husband. It’s a beautiful sight to see.

“We’ll see you two next week. Have fun while we’re gone.” Delaney pulls me in for a hug and pecks me on the cheek.

“I’ll show Pania around.”

Her eyes shine with happiness. “Do that. Please. Convince her when she’s finished her studies she needs to move here.”

“I’ll do my best.”

Delaney lets me go and moves onto Pania. She throws her arms around Pania’s neck and hugs her tight.

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