I smile. “No Australian baristas there?”

Josh pulls up to a red light and grins at me. “There’s only one Australian barista who’s ever stolen my heart.”

“Really? She’s a bit alright then?”

“Very. I think I might just spend the rest of my life with her.”

The light turns green, and I’m glad Josh is driving because I can’t focus. I know we’re in a relationship, and plan to spend the rest of our lives together, but hearing those words still sets my heart fluttering.

It’s not a long drive, but I have no idea where we are. I only really know how to get to the school and back, and we’re a long way from the neighbourhood I stayed in last time I was here. Josh pulls into a small car park behind a building with a large sign outside that reads Lorenzo’s Pizza.

“How did you find this place?” I ask

He shoots me a sheepish look. “I got lost, and then hungry.”

I laugh. “That’s so not like you.”

Josh leans over and pecks me on the lips. “Best pizza anywhere. But then, you haven’t made me pizza yet.”

“That could be arranged.”

“I hope so. What I think we need to do is go to the grocery store tomorrow and you can stock your kitchen your way.”

I sigh. “You really do know the way to a woman’s heart.”

“Oh, I have an idea that’ll really put a smile on your face later. Come on.”

We get out of the car, and I open Melly’s door. She’s not happy until her father holds her hand and leads her toward the building. It’s a wonderful sight. She really does have him wrapped around her little finger.

The aroma of pepperoni and oregano hit me when we walk in the door, and I find myself salivating.

“Josh.” An older man with a wide smile approaches us. “It’s been a long time. And who is this?” He looks between Melly and me.

“This is my partner, Delaney, and our daughter, Amelia.” Josh turns to me. “Delaney, this is Lorenzo.”

I take the hand the man offers and he raises it to his lips. “It’s such a pleasure to meet you, Delaney.”

“You too.”

“I didn’t know you had a daughter.”

Josh grins. “It’s a long story, but here she is.”

Lorenzo lets go of my hand. “I have a spare booth down the back. Follow me.”

We weave past crowded tables to a quiet corner of the restaurant, and I slide into the large red leather seat. Josh follows, and Melly sits on his other side.

“What did you want to order?”

Josh turns to Melly. “Do you like pepperoni?”

She nods, and he turns to me. “What about you?”

“I’m happy with whatever you order. I could eat a horse right now. Everything smells so good.”