Page 143 of Even Ground

I take a sip of my drink, taking my time to respond. “I don’t want to worry Reece, but I’m still a little scared of this whole thing. I love him, and I know he loves me, but now I’m here it’s all a little overwhelming.”

Delaney reaches across the bench and places her hand on mine. “You know, when I moved here, I felt the same. Josh and I were solid, but I was so miserable the first few weeks trying to work out where I fit into this crazy world.”

“What did you do?”

She leans back in her seat. “Floundered a bit before Josh and I sat down and had an honest conversation about it. For me, it was coming here and getting used to having staff and feeling like I wasn’t necessary in my own home. That was before dealing with the bright lights and the social side of it.” Delaney runs her finger around the top of her mug. “We tackled it together. Just talk to Reece. And I’m here whenever you need me.”

I reach up and run my fingers through my hair.

“You know I’m team Pania for life.”

“I know.”

She smiles. “I’m just really glad Reece brought you back to me.”

* * *

After breakfast, I place my dishes in the dishwasher and turn to Delaney. “There’s something I want to show you.”

She smiles. “What is it?”

“I’ve made a couple of project dresses over the time I’ve been studying, and Reece told me to bring one just in case I want to go out and show the world we’re together.”

Delaney clasps her hands together. “That’s beautiful. He’s putting your needs first.”

“I want to, but the thought still scares me a little.”

Her sad smile makes me frown.

“What?”

Delaney sucks on her bottom lip. “It won’t be easy. I’d do anything to protect you from what’s said about me online. But I’m here for you, and so is Josh. And Reece loves you so much. He’s been unbearable since he came back from his trip.”

I chuckle. “That bad?”

She looks everywhere but at me. “It’s been like having a moody teenager. Maybe it’s good practice for when the girls are older.”

Grasping her arms, I keep laughing until she meets my gaze and laughs too. “I’m glad he had you. I can’t imagine you made the past few weeks easy for him.”

She turns her palms up, gripping my arms. “You know it. Anything to distract him from moping.”

“I know I can always rely on you.”

“So, show me this dress.”

I lead her to our bedroom and open the wardrobe, pulling out my dark blue, sparkly gown.

Delaney gasps as I lay it on the bed.

“I made two, but this one meant the most to me.”

She brushes the blue crepe fabric with her finger tips.

“Oh, we have to go somewhere for you to wear that. Whether Reece and Josh come with us or not.”

“Really?”

She’s got a mischievous twinkle in her eye. “Oh, you bet. If you decide not to go public with Reece, you can go public with me.”

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