I collapse onto my stomach, and he falls in a heap on top of me. All I can do is laugh.

He joins in, rolling off me and pulling me onto my side. “I love you, Delaney. You’re nuts, but I love you.”

“Love you too.” I sigh.

He nuzzles my neck. “I have something else I need to tell you.”

“What is it?” I’m still breathless, and in one of those moods where I could do this all night.

“My parents are visiting next week.”

Total mood killer.

Forty-Six

Delaney

The thought of Josh’s parents visiting fills me with anxiety.

Maybe it’s because of my own relationship, or lack thereof, with my parents.

But they’ve been patient and given us a chance to settle into life together before coming to visit. And Amelia’s owed a chance to get to know them.

That thought doesn’t quell the nausea I’m feeling as Josh picks them up from the airport.

Amelia’s excited. She knows Pania’s mother as her Kuia who helped raise her at the start. But she’s never had anything to do with my mother.

I suck in a deep breath when I hear voices.

Josh appears in the doorway, a big smile on his face. I rise from the couch, and he walks over to me, taking my hand in his. Into the room walks a short, dark-haired woman, and a tall man who I recognise as Josh’s father. It’s easy to see where Josh gets his looks from.

“Delaney, this is my mom, Rosalyn.”

I draw in a nervous breath. “Hi, Rosalyn.”

She smiles. “Hello, Delaney. You’re even prettier than your photos.”

I blush. I’m in love with this woman already.

“And this is my dad, Cal.”

Josh’s father steps forward, a huge smile on his face. It’s okay. I know they’re happy to see me, but it’s Amelia they’re really anxious to meet.

“Hi.” I nod toward them. “And this is Amelia.”

I turn my head, but she’s not on the couch anymore. “Ouch.” A sharp pinch to my thigh makes me look down. She’s hiding behind my leg, her head peeking out around my skirt.

Josh laughs. “It’s not like you to be shy.”

“This is a really big deal for her.” I bend, scooping her into my arms. This takes me back. When she was three, she went through a really shy phase, and as she did then, she buries her face in my neck.

“Of course it is,” Rosalyn says. Enchantment’s written all over her face. “Why don’t we sit on the couch together?”

“Is that okay, Melly?” I ask.

She nods, and I take a seat, placing her beside me.

Rosalyn sits on the other side of her. “I’ve brought you a present.”

Melly’s eyes widen.