Page 138 of Even Ground
“I know.”
It’s another fifteen minutes before either of us moves, and then we’re dressed and full of food thanks to Hana.
With the car packed up, it’s time to say goodbye.
“When do you fly out, Reece?” Hana asks.
“Tomorrow around midday.”
“I’m sad to see you go. I hope you’ve enjoyed your stay.”
I smile. “I have. I’ve been so happy here. And your daughter is such a big part of that.”
She chuckles. “It’s nice to see her with a smile on her face for a change. Not been a lot of that for a while.”
I press my lips together for a moment while I think of what to say. It’s not that often that I’m left without words.
“I love her.” It’s all there is to say.
She cups my face in her hands. “I can see that. She loves you too. Just promise me you’ll always be good to her.”
I nod. “I will.”
“She’ll follow you. I know that. And I’ll miss her, but you can give her the life she always deserved. I’m so proud of both of you.”
My heart swells, and tears prick my eyes. More than ever, I now know what family means. I thought I knew, but I’d only scraped the surface.
“You’re part of the whanau now. You take care of yourself too.”
My brow furrows, and she reaches up with her thumb, smoothing it out. “Family, Reece. You’re family now.”
The words leave a lump in my throat as I wave goodbye, and then we’re on the road.
* * *
It’s late before we finally talk about it.
I guess neither of us want to address the fact that I’m going home. If I didn’t have obligations, I’d extend my stay, but at the same time I’m not sure how fair that would be on Pania as she focuses on the last few months of her course.
“I hate that you’re going home tomorrow,” she says.
“Me too. I’m just holding onto the fact that we’ll see each other again in October. Though, that feels so far away.” I smile. “When you come to stay with me, pack the dress.”
Her brows knit. “Which one?”
“The one you made in class. The one the dragon lady didn’t want for her display.”
Pania stares at me. “Why?”
I grab hold of her hands. “Because I’m going to take you out somewhere you can wear it in LA.”
Her warm smile makes my heart sing. “I like that idea.”
“I can’t wait to show the world I’m with you.”
She does her tongue thing again, and it’s distracting as usual, but it bothers me as I know it means her brain is working overtime.
I let go of her hands and run my fingers down her cheek. “What’s going on in that head of yours?”