Page 84 of Under Ground
I face-palm. “It’s a bit of both. I tried to talk her out of it, but I’m sure you know how stubborn three-year-olds are.”
Delaney nods. “Oh, believe me, I do.”
“We walked through a neighbourhood park one morning on the way to day care, and there he was, sitting on a bench. I think it was love at first sight for both Casey and him. They just clicked, and we…” My cheeks heat.
“Say no more,” Delaney reaches across and places her hand on mine. “We get it.”
“I dunno. I just found Reece annoying at the start.” Pania shrugs.
Delaney lifts her hand. “Didn’t take long for you to move on from that.”
“I still find him annoying.” She laughs.
“Now I know you ladies are talking about me.” Reece meanders into the room, his hands in his pockets.
Pania holds up one hand. “We have way better things to talk about than you.”
I slap my hand across my mouth to stop from laughing. The way these two exchange affectionate glances, it’s clear they’re crazy about each other.
Delaney stands. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ve got dinner to cook.”
“What’s for dinner?” Amelia asks.
“Mac and cheese.”
“Mac and cheese? I love mac and cheese,” Casey says.
Delaney shoots me a grin. “Do you? I do too.” She squats down beside Casey. “You know, Lana, Casey’s so sweet. I might just keep her when you do move out.”
Casey gapes at her. “You can’t keep me.”
“I can try.”
“You’ll give the kid nightmares, Delaney.” Josh laughs.
“Oh.” She looks at me wide-eyed. “I didn’t mean …”
“It’s fine.” I grin.
God, how I love it here.
22
Alex
After dinner, Josh and Reece commandeer the dishes and we move into the living room. This room is probably about as big as Lana’s old apartment, and there’s plenty of seating, but Lana and I sit together on a couch.
Delaney and Pania sit in chairs nearby.
Casey climbs up onto my lap, leans against my chest, and sighs. “Daddy, I got a sore tummy.”
I exchange a glance with Lana and stroke Casey’s hair before planting a kiss on the top of her head. “You’ve had a long day.”
She shakes her head. “No, my tummy ate too much.”
Clamping my lips together to stop myself from laughing, I meet Delaney’s gaze. “Well … Delaney’s cooking is very nice.”
Casey nods. “‘Laney’s cooking made my tummy want it.”