Common Ground

by Wendy Smith

  Pania puts her fork down. “Wait. What? You missed that bit.”

  “Apparently the things I heard him say about me? It was a misunderstanding.” I wince. “They were lines from a movie. The movie.”

  Her mouth falls open. “Oh my God. You thought …”

  “The casting director wanted to hear him run through some of the lines. All this time. If I’d seen the damn movie, I would have known.”

  Pain crosses her features. She’s the one who held me when I cried over him, who stood by me when every pregnancy test I bought was positive, and who gave me a home when I needed it. I wouldn’t be where I am without my best friend.

  “Oh, honey. I’m so sorry.”

  I shrug. “Josh was remarkably calm about the whole thing. But I think a big part of it is that he wants me back.”

  “He said that?”

  Nodding, I pick up another potato. “He did. He’s still an amazing kisser too. That tongue of his …”

  “I hate you.” Pania laughs.

  “It’s true. I can’t help it if it’s true.”

  She grins, and I let out a long, slow breath. When I’ve finished here, I need to go and talk to him. Regardless of what happens between us, he’s entitled to see his daughter.

  The thought of them having a relationship warms my heart.

  It’s the second chance I never got with my father.

  And no matter what, my daughter deserves that opportunity.

  Eighteen

  Delaney

  My heart’s in my stomach all the way up that mountain. Seeing the house Josh has rented again just emphasises the massive gap between us. It puts my tiny rental to shame. This is the lifestyle he’s used to now. We’re worlds apart when we were once so similar.

  He opens the door before I get to it.

  “Where’s Amelia?” he asks.

  “She’s still at her friend’s place. I’ll pick her up on the way home.”

  He shoots me a smile, but it’s missing the magic it usually has. “I hope she had fun.”

  “Me too. I wanted to talk to you about her without her around.”

  He stiffens. The Adam’s apple in his throat bobs as he swallows before licking his lips. “Come in.”

  I’ve never been inside this house before, and it’s surprisingly sparse. I guess Richard doesn’t store a lot of personal stuff here, but the room Josh leads me into just has a lounge suite and a television in it.

  It’s such a lonely house; in that respect, my tiny place puts it to shame.

  I think of our wall, covered in photos and Melly’s artwork. There’s more space here than I’d know what to do with. And it’s all bare.

  “Come and sit down. Did you want a coffee?”

  I shake my head. “No thanks. I won’t be too long.”

  We sit on the couch together. His expression is filled with so much hope. “Did you think about me seeing her?”

  I nod. “I’ve not thought of anything else. And I didn’t want to keep you waiting because I know you’re not in New Zealand for long.” I’m not trying to hurt him, but the way hope gives way to a wounded look tells me I’ve hit a nerve.

  “I’ll be back, though. I can’t stay away now.”

  I hold up my palm. “I’m not trying to start anything with you. The last thing I want to do is to piss off the one person who could take my daughter from me.”

  Josh’s jaw drops. “I’d never do that to you.”

  Taking a deep breath to stop myself from tearing up, I nod. “Anyway, I’m happy for you to see Amelia. But I don’t want to just tell her upfront that you’re her father. She needs time to get to know you first.”

  He nods. “Agreed.”

  “No games, Josh. It’s going to blow her mind when she finds out her father’s some Hollywood star, and I don’t want her to get any big ideas.”

  “I understand.”

  “I know you’re busy, but if you could let me know when you have some free time, we can arrange something. Maybe you can come over for dinner.”

  His lips curl into a smile, and I can’t look because he still makes my heart flutter. Every single time.

  “I like the sound of that. I’ll check my schedule, but I think I’m good on Saturday if that’s okay.”

  “Send me a text to confirm. I’ll be at home anyway and there’s rugby on, so Melly will be in fine form.”

  His eyes meet mine. “She likes rugby?”

  “Adores it. Doesn’t really get the rules, but she likes yelling at the television.”

  Josh laughs. “Sounds like fun.”

  “Yeah, we’ll see how you feel after eighty minutes of it.” I grin.

  “I’ll be with my girls. That’s all that matters to me.”

  I take a deep breath. “Well, gotta go and pick Melly up. But let me know. I’ll cook a lamb roast or something.”

  “Now that sounds good.” The look he gives me is so intense, I’m not sure I can move anymore because I’m just a puddle on the floor.

  “Okay.”

  He walks with me to the front door. I step outside, and into the cool afternoon.

  “Thanks for coming to see me. I promise I’ll take it easy. The last thing I want to do is push you away,” he says.

  “I know you missed out on a lot of time with her. But maybe we can put some things to rights.” I shrug. “See you later.”

  “You bet.”

  It’s not until I’m halfway to get Amelia when what Josh said registers.

  I’ll be with my girls.

  Except, I’m not his girl.

  There is such a big part of me that wants to be. It’s confusing. Only yesterday, I thought our prior relationship was built on a lie. And despite how hurt I was back then, I still found myself drawn to Josh.

  Now I know the truth; there’s nothing standing in my way except my fear.

  I knew for years that I could have got his attention through the media. Melly and I could have had a life of luxury with what I could have sold my story for.

  But her life would have been turned upside down along with mine.

  Whatever happens, she comes first—then and now.

  Nineteen

  Josh

  We’re filming solidly through the week. But there’s a lot of waiting around in my trailer, and all I can think about is my upcoming visit with Delaney and Amelia. We’ll be together as a family, even just for the evening.

  This was the last thing I expected when I came here, but I couldn’t be happier. If I could only persuade Delaney that I’m serious about both my girls, and that they are my girls, then I’ll be a very happy man.

  Midway through the week, I can’t contain myself. I wanted to keep discovering Amelia to myself as the more people who know about things between us, the harder it will be to keep a lid on it. But I can trust Reece.

  “Dude. I’ve been waiting for an update.” He doesn’t even say hello, and I laugh at the way he answers the phone. “Did you see her?”

  I can’t help but grin. I’m not sure if we’ve put the past behind us completely, but we’re on the way. “I did.”

  “And …?”

  “It’s still there. The magic, I mean. She’s the woman I fell in love with, and I’m on the way there again.”

  “Why did she leave?”

  I sigh. “It was a misunderstanding. But I’m hoping we can put it all behind us now. Especially when it turns out that … we have a daughter.”

  “Wait. What?”

  I’m grinning again, but that’s what happens every time I think of Delaney and Amelia. “Delaney had a baby.”

  “Who’s Delaney?”

  “That’s Dee’s real name as it turns out. You should see her, Reece. She’s gorgeous. Both of them are.”

  “You sound happy. And that makes me happy. I hope things work out.” He blows out a breath. “I have to get going, but let me know what happens. I’m glad you found her.”

  “Me too. I still can’t believe it. Talk to you soon?”

&
nbsp; “Sure thing.”

  The call disconnects, and I’m left smiling to myself.

  Saturday can’t come fast enough.

  By the time Saturday comes around, I’m anxious to see both of them.

  I catch my breath when Amelia opens the door. She grins. “Josh.”

  “Hello, Amelia.”

  She grabs my hand and pulls me into the house and straight into the living room. My heart.

  “Hey.” Delaney walks into the living room. “I didn’t hear you at the door.”

  “I did.” Amelia beams. She’s still holding my hand and it’s giving me this tingly feeling I hope never goes away.

  “I can see that. We talked about opening the door, didn’t we?” Delaney shoots her a pointed look, but the smile on her face takes the sting away.

  “I saw it was Josh from the window.”

  Delaney meets my gaze. “She’s been waiting all day for you once I told her you were coming to dinner.”

  “Really?” I squat beside her. “I’m honoured.”

  “We don’t get a lot of visitors. Mostly Pania, and she drinks wine with Mummy.”

  Out of the mouths of babes.

  I laugh. “Wine’s good.”

  “Let’s just end this conversation and move on.” Delaney places her hands on Amelia’s shoulders. “Dinner’s nearly ready, and then the rugby will be on.”

  Amelia lets go of my hand and reaches for my face, pulling my gaze back to her. “The All Blacks are playing tonight, Josh.”

  “Are they? I’ve never watched rugby before.”

  Her small mouth forms an o. “It’s my favourite.”

  “Wait until she does the haka for you.”

  While I haven’t watched a game, I have seen a haka before. I grin at Amelia. “Really?”

  She nods. “When they do it.”

  “I can’t wait to see it.” Straightening up, I look at Delaney. “Want some help with dinner?”

  “No, it’s almost all done. I’ll just bring it in here to eat. I cooked roast lamb, so I hope you like it.”

  “Sounds great.”

  For a moment, I just watch as she leaves the room. I really need tonight to go well. The smell of the cooking food makes my mouth water, but all I care about is where we go from here.

  Amelia grabs my hand and pulls me to the couch. “I was just watching Disney. Do you like Disney movies?”

  I nod. “I’ve seen a few.”

  “My favourite is Zootopia. Mummy says we’ve seen it a million times.”

  “A million and one,” Delaney calls from the kitchen.

  Amelia giggles.

  There’s some cartoon playing on the television, but I barely pay attention as my girl climbs up beside me and watches it. She’s what I look at. Her dark hair curls like Delaney’s, and she has her mother’s delicate features. But her eyes are all mine.

  “Here we go.” Delaney carries in two plates laden with food. “I’m not really one for making everyone sit at the table. We usually sit in here and eat dinner together.”

  “I don’t want to disrupt your routine.”

  “You’re not.” She walks back to the kitchen and returns with her own plate. “Are you ready to change channels, Melly?”

  “I’m not changed yet.” Amelia pouts.

  “You’ve got plenty of time.”

  “Changed?” I ask.

  “She’s got an All Blacks shirt she wears for every game. It’s tradition.”

  “I love the All Blacks,” Amelia says it so matter-of-factly.

  “I got that.” I laugh.

  She returns to eating and again I find myself just watching her. Amelia abandons her fork and picks up each piece of potato, each floret of broccoli scooping them into her mouth. I shoot a glance at Delaney who just shakes her head and smiles.

  “I should tell her off, but she’s eating her vegetables and that’s a win,” Delaney says.

  “I’m not much of a vegetable fan either.” I sigh. “But I do what I have to do.”

  Delaney grins. “She takes after you in that regard, then.”

  After dinner, Amelia races to her room to change, and I’m left on the sofa with Delaney.

  She’s switched channels already, and the game build-up is on. But I’m not paying any attention to that either because there are so many distractions in this house. Those legs, that smile, the love in her eyes for our daughter.

  I have pangs over never being a part of this.

  Amelia comes running back in and tugs on my hand to pull me to my feet.

  “Wait. What? What’s going on?” I ask.

  “It’s the national anthem,” Delaney says. “Melly takes it very seriously.”

  I smile. “Oh, well in that case …”

  Amelia squeezes my hand as I stand. Delaney stands beside me, her hand drifting near mine. I take it, and turn my head to look into her eyes.

  I clamp my lips together as Amelia bellows out the song.

  “E Ihowa Atua. O ngā iwi mātou rā. Āta whakarangona. Me aroha noa.”

  “Melly, we don’t have to yell.” Delaney puts her finger to her lips.

  But saying that has the opposite effect as Amelia takes a deep breath.

  “Kia hua ko te pai. Kia tau tō atawhai. Manaakitia mai.”

  She turns to me. “Aotearoa.”

  I smile at her before turning to look at Delaney’s bemused expression. And despite the little girl to my left now belting out the English words of the anthem, I can’t take my eyes off her mother. She’s so quiet in Amelia’s wake, but she sings the words soft and low.

  I’m already under her spell again, and she has no idea.

  But her hand in mine leaves me thinking she’s feeling the same way.

  Watching the game is the most fun I’ve had in a long time.

  But that’s not because I’m watching the screen.

  Delaney tries to explain the rules as they play, but Amelia roars every time a try is scored, and yelps with every kick. It’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.

  She’s in my face for the whole eighty minutes, but I don’t mind at all. I’d much rather watch her.

  My daughter.

  I loved Delaney when we were together, and I know we can grow that love again. But I’m also head over heels in love with my little girl.

  Her dark curls fly as she jumps up and down in excitement, and she really does have an insane amount of energy for the entire game.

  “She’ll crash when this is over.” Delaney smiles at me.

  “I’m not surprised.” I laugh.

  “Not long to go,” Delaney murmurs.

  I spend the last few minutes, watching the clock, all the while knowing that as it ticks down, my time with these two is running out. It’s just one night, and there’ll be others, but every second I get with them is precious.

  The final whistle blows.

  “The All Blacks won.” Amelia’s eyes are wide, and her smile is the most beautiful thing I think I’ve ever seen. This is my little girl.

  “I saw, sweetheart.”

  She claps, wiggling her hips in an exuberant dance.

  “Maybe if you’re here in summer, she can introduce you to cricket,” Delaney says.

  “Cricket?”

  “We love cricket, Josh. I play at school.”

  “Do you?”

  Amelia rolls her eyes. “But it takes so long.”

  Delaney shakes her head. “You have no idea. Your school games are so short.”

  “How long does it usually take?” I ask.

  “Depends on the format, but the international games can last five days.”

  “Five days?” I gawp at her. “Why so long? How do they play that it takes five days?”

  “They play slowly.”

  I narrow my eyes at her until she breaks into a laugh. “Stop teasing me. You know I’m going to look this up.”

  “I know. It’s fine. I’m not lying.” She raises her chin, but I don’t miss the smile on her face.
/>   “Never said you were. I want to see this now.”

  “I can teach you.” Amelia cups my face and moves it to look at her.

  “Okay. That means I’ll have to come back and visit again when it’s warmer.”

  “You will, and now it’s time for bed for one tired little girl.”

  Amelia pouts, but it’s clear she’s fighting a yawn.

  “How about we go and get you into your nightie and your teeth brushed, and then Josh can read you a story.”

  Amelia stares at me. “Could you?”

  I nod. “Of course.”

  As Delaney gets up to guide Amelia out of the room, I touch her arm.

  “Thank you,” I murmur.

  “You’re welcome.” She gives me a warm smile, and my heart swells. I never thought I’d feel so fulfilled, but just being in their presence does that.

  This is my family.

  Or at least, it will be.

  “She’s ready for her story.” Delaney stands in the door of the hallway, and I walk to her. She places a hand on my chest.

  “I want to tell her.”

  “I know you do. I do too, but give her a chance to get to know you a little.”

  Nodding, I place my hand on hers. “I know. You’ve done an incredible job. She’s so much like you.”

  “I’m not sure that’s a good thing.” Delaney laughs.

  “I am. She’s not afraid of anything, is she?”

  Her lips twitch. “Very little. You’d better get in there and read her that story or she’ll riot. Second door on the left.”

  I laugh. “I’ll be back soon.”

  She lifts her hand, and I make my way up the hall.

  Amelia gives me a sleepy smile as I walk into the room.

  “Okay. What am I reading?”

  She hands me the book as I sit on the bed. “Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy.”

  “Does he live on a farm?”

  She laughs. “No. He lives in a dairy.”

  “I thought that was where cows live.”

  Amelia shakes her head. “It’s like the supermarket.”