Page 144 of Even Ground

I laugh. “I’m not sure about that.”

She grabs my hands. “Oh, let’s do something fun. Let our hair down. It’s been forever. I haven’t had a night out since before Addison was born, and I’d love to just hang out with you. Do you remember Melly’s friend Maria?”

“Lorenzo’s granddaughter?”

Delaney nods. “Her mum babysat Melly before. I’m sure Laura would take care of the kids while we had a night out. I’ll call her today and see what we can arrange.” She lets go of me and picks up the coat hanger. “I can’t believe your tutor didn’t put this on display. It’s beautiful.”

I shrug. “What can I say—she hates me.” I bite my lip. “Should have seen her when Reece turned up though.” I clasp my hands together and press them against my cheek. “Oh, Mr Evans. How wonderful to see you.”

Delaney laughs when I flutter my eyelashes.

“And then he was somehow polite and rude to her all at the same time. I wish I could master that.”

She places her hand on my arm. “I’ve always loved the way you are. You don’t need to be like Reece or anyone else. You’re uniquely you. And you’ve always had my back.” Addison’s wail comes over the baby monitor, and Delaney squeezes my arm. “Sounds like I’m being summoned. I’ll just change her and bring her to the living room and you can play after she’s fed.”

“I’ll make some more coffee.”

Delaney grins. “See, you always know what I need.”

I spend a lazy day drinking and eating with Delaney, and spending time playing with Addison until it’s time to pick up Melly from school.

It’s a little after four when Josh and Reece come home, and Delaney pounces on Josh the second he walks in the door.

“We need a place to go. I’ve got a babysitter all sorted whenever we need to go.”

Josh glances at Reece. “Where are we going?”

Delaney grasps her husband’s arm. “Well, I’ll tell you what we’re wearing and you can find somewhere. You know this city so much better than me, and your name will get us in anywhere.”

“You’re my wife. It’s your name too.”

She smiles. “Yes, but you making the call will make all the difference.”

“You just want to dress up and not worry about the details.”

She pats him on the chest. “That’s right.”

Josh kisses her temple. “Leave it with me.”

After dinner, I take care of Melly’s bedtime while Delaney takes care of Addison. Even from the along the hallway, I can hear Josh making calls, and it makes me smile as he does what he can to make his wife happy.

Delaney’s already back in the living room when I get there, and she waves at me to sit next to her on the couch. She pulls me down beside her. “Josh has something to tell us.”

I look at Josh, sitting in a chair opposite. “What’s going on?”

“I called Gabby. She’s involved in a charity for under privileged children, and I remembered seeing something about a gala night.” He takes a deep breath. “So for a donation, I got a table. It’s a red-carpet event.”

Delaney’s eyes widen. “Oh, you are so getting laid tonight.”

“It might not be the best table because we’re late to the party, but it’s tomorrow night and formal dress.”

“Do we need to go and buy new shoes for this?” Reece asks.

Josh glares at him. “Smart ass.”

I look between them. “So Gabby will be there too?”

He nods. “Yes, and Delaney’s favourite shopping partner, Antonio.”