Page 95 of Even Ground

I nod. “I did. She’s beautiful. Just as beautiful as you.”

She smiles as she twirls and then falls onto the couch beside me.

I hold open my arm and she snuggles into my side. Planting a kiss on the top of her head, I smile. “You’re so lucky. You have a mom and dad who love you very much, and now a new baby sister who’ll grow up and be able to play with you.” I swallow hard.

“And Gran and Poppa. I have them too.”

I nod. “Yes, you do.”

“And you and Pania. I haven’t seen Pania in a long time.” She pouts, and my heart melts at the sight.

“You and me both. I bet you miss her.”

Amelia nods. “She used to be at the diner with Mummy all the time.”

“Maybe we could talk to her and see if she’d come for a visit.”

Her mouth falls open. “Can we?”

“I can’t see why not. I’m sure she’s missing you too.”

“I spoke to Pania last night,” Delaney says. “It’s nearly the end of term and she’ll be visiting her mum. But I’m wondering if we could persuade her to come here for Christmas.”

Amelia punches the air. “Please. She can read Hairy Maclary to Addison.”

I look back at Addison and smile, thinking of the time I stood in the doorway and heard the whole story as told by Pania. And how much Amelia loved it.

I’m in love with Pania.

I wanted to be a man she could be proud of, and a man who would love her the rest of her life. Two years ago, I wasn’t that man.

Now I am.

I want to be with her when I tell her how I feel. This isn’t something I want to do over the phone or Skype or any other medium.

I need to see her.

* * *

Two days later, I’m boarding a plane to New Zealand. It’s surreal. I’ve never done anything quite this spontaneous, and I’ve done a lot of dumb stuff in my life.

I lean back in the seat and close my eyes. I’m not a fan of long-haul flights, but this one I’ll happily take on.

All I can do is hope that at the other end is a woman who wants me as much as I want her.

22

Reece

By the time we touch down in Auckland, my nerves are all on edge. I’m still not even sure what I’m doing despite planning this for two days. All I can think about is how Pania will react.

I’ve flown across the world to lay my heart on the line, and for all I know she could still reject me.

Once I’ve cleared customs, grabbed my bags and walked out of the airport, I pause outside to text her to find out where she is. It’s early afternoon here, and I’ll find a hotel for the meantime if I have to.

As soon as I turn my phone on, a dozen missed calls come up on screen.

Sara.

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