Page 46 of Even Ground

Grimacing at the thought of the length of my flight home, I open my eyes again. Reece is standing over Amelia, pressing some buttons on the in-flight display. “There you go. Now you can see how close we are to your parents.”

Melly sits up and claps as Reece returns to his seat.

“Now she might stop asking you how much longer there is.”

* * *

It seems to take forever to get off the plane, but before too long, we’re heading out to meet Josh and Delaney.

Delaney’s right at the front of a small crowd, waiting. She opens her arms, and Melly tugs her hand out of mine before running at her mother.

It brings tears to my eyes to see them reunited as Delaney lifts Melly up and buries her face in her neck.

“Pania.” Josh pecks me on the cheek. “How was your flight?”

“Long, but comfortable. Little Miss has been anxious to see Delaney. And you.”

He chuckles. “It’s okay. I’m not offended if she’s been asking for her mom and not me. I’ll still get to tuck her into bed tonight.”

“She’s had a lot of fun this week. The zoo, the movies, Lorenzo’s.”

“You went to Lorenzo’s?”

I nod. “I can see why you love it there. The food was amazing.”

He grins. “It is. And you and Reece have been spending some time together, I hear.”

My cheeks give me away. I feel it. I know it. And Josh confirms it as he casts his gaze over my face and presses his lips together.

“Enough said.” He looks over my shoulder. “Reece. Good to see you, man.”

Reece walks past to shake hands with Josh, pulling him into a hug. I draw a deep breath as the now familiar scent of sandalwood washes over me.

“Good to see you too. How’s the honeymoon going?”

“Great. We’ve had a wonderful time, but we missed all of you. I’m glad you’re all here.”

“I bet you’re not,” I say. “Pretty sure there’s only one of us you really missed.”

Josh laughs.

“Daddy.” Melly reaches for him, and he takes her from Delaney to hug her tight while Delaney greets Cal and Ros.

“Let’s get the luggage and get out of here. The limo’s right outside.”

He drops Melly back down to the ground, and she takes Delaney’s hand while we walk over to the luggage claim.

And after we’ve grabbed our bags, Josh takes hold of the handles of my luggage trolley.

“What are you doing?” I raise an eyebrow.

“Being a gentleman. Reece can’t do it, he’s got his own crap to push.”

I laugh and take a step back.

“You could have pushed my trolley.” Reece calls as we walk away.

“She’s better looking.” Josh winks at me, and I laugh.

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