Page 18 of Even Ground

She sighs. “I love my bed way too much for that these days.”

“It is comfortable. Do you think Josh would mind if I moved in and slept here from now on?”

Leaning over to hug me, she laughs. “That’d be a no.”

As she climbs off the bed and heads toward the en suite, I snuggle down into the pillows. “Are you sure? I don’t snore.”

“Neither does he,” she calls out.

I shrug. “It was worth a try.”

While she’s gone, I look around the room. Delaney sent me photos when she first moved here, and since then she’s really put her stamp on the decor. This room was so plain, and she hasn’t done a lot, but the addition of new bedroom furniture and a beautiful blue floral duvet with her favourite hibiscus flower is so her. And then there are the family photos plastered all over one wall.

Anyone else, and I’d envy all that she has. But I know how much she’s struggled at times because I was right there with her. I’m glad of everyone that I know, Delaney’s the one who’s fallen on her feet.

She walks back in. “Bathroom’s free.”

“Is that a hint you don’t want my morning breath?” I tease.

“God no. Especially not on my wedding day.” She grimaces, and then laughs.

I get out of bed and walk to the bathroom. My toothbrush waits for me beside the basin, and I stand in front of the mirror as I brush, my mind on tomorrow.

It was only months ago that our world was turned on its head by Josh’s arrival in our small New Zealand town. All it took was for him and Delaney to work out the misunderstanding that drove them apart six years prior, and life changed for all of us.

After finishing up and cleaning my brush, I walk back into the bedroom. Delaney’s tucked under the blankets, and I climb in beside her.

“We should get some sleep. The last thing I want are bags under my eyes tomorrow.” She rolls onto her side, facing away from me, and reaches up to turn off the lamp. Soft light from the hallway illuminates the room enough for me to see what I’m doing as I wriggle down under the blankets and rest my head on Josh’s pillow.

“Tomorrow will be amazing. You’re marrying a good one.”

“I am, aren’t I?”

We lie in the dark for a few moments, and I roll toward her.

“Delaney,” I whisper.

“What?”

“Do you remember when I told you that you were missing something after you came back from the states the first time? That you were never quite yourself after that?”

“Yes?” The bed shifts as she rolls toward me.

“It’s back. And I’m so happy to see it. You’re whole, my friend.”

She sniffs. “You’re not supposed to make me cry before I go to sleep.”

I reach out and tuck her hair behind her ear. “Only happy tears now, bestie.”

Delaney turns back over, and it’s not long before she falls asleep given the gentle snores coming from the other side of the bed. I’m not so lucky as I stare at the ceiling.

It might be Delaney’s big day tomorrow, but I think I’m more nervous than she is.

5

Pania

I smooth my maroon dress down and take a look in the mirror.

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