Page 79 of Under Ground
“Thank you,” I whisper.
“I hope everything goes well for you and Casey.”
Watching her leave eases the knot in my stomach, but it’s awkward. Gareth could still try and make my life difficult before I go, which means we need to get everything sorted and get out of here as soon as we can.
I want us both out of his reach as soon as possible.
20
Alex
I still can’t quite believe it, but we’re on our way to LA.
As a family.
Melanie’s visit got Lana moving fast on arranging everything. She and Casey had no passports, but it only took a few days to sort that out. They didn’t have a lot to pack after we sold all the household items they didn’t need.
A shipping company is taking care of the items we are sending over, and it’s just us and our suitcases on a long-haul flight across the world.
“Daddy, is Paw Patrol on here?” Casey points at the onboard entertainment screen.
“I’m not sure, sweetheart. Let’s take a look.”
Within minutes, she’s glued to the screen, headphones on, watching something that’s apparently not Paw Patrol, but will work for the trip. Or until she falls asleep.
She’s handled all of this like a pro. Casey had never been on a plane until yesterday, when we flew to Auckland. That trip took an hour. This one from Auckland to Los Angeles is twelve hours. I’m not sure what we’ll do when she inevitably gets bored, but I’m sure we’ll work it out.
As it turns out, Lana’s never been on a plane either, so this is a whole new experience for her also.
I love that I’m the one who gets to share all this with them. And that it’s just the start for us. My girls will have a chance to see the world if this upcoming movie does what I hope it does for my career.
Halfway through the flight, both of them are asleep, and I’m well on the way to joining them.
My life feels complete. I’ve got my girls and my career is going in the direction I want it to. Everything is coming together.
I rouse as the plane shudders to a halt. Casey’s already wide awake and staring at me with those big blue eyes of hers.
“You wake up, Daddy?” she asks.
I reach out and stroke her cheek. “I did. The plane just landed.”
Lana stretches. “I think we all had a good sleep. I’m not sure we’ll be any good tonight.”
“I’m always good.” I hold up my palms.
She rolls her eyes. “You are so much trouble.”
“I good too.” Casey looks between us and Lana laughs softly.
“Yes, my love. You’re always good.”
* * *
It feels like it takes forever to get off the plane, get our luggage, go through immigration, and walk out into the airport.
Lana’s eyes grow wide, and it takes a second more for me to see why.
Reece and Josh stand to the side at arrivals with a piece of cardboard that says ‘Alex and family’ on it. My heart swells at the sight. Beside Josh is a girl—she’s older than Casey by quite a bit. It must be his older daughter.