“Your wish is my command,” Eric replied, his grin irrepressible as he swept her into his arms and carried her to the cloakroom.
Hadley selected an outfit and slipped it on, then tossed a set of clothes his way. “Your turn.”
Eric complied without protest.
Once they were both presentable, Hadley started toward the door, murmuring, “I wonder if Joy’s been looking for me…”
“Hadley!” Eric’s voice stopped her, and in an instant, he wrapped her in a gentle embrace from behind, his chin resting on her shoulder. His tone grew soft, almost solemn. “You’ll stay with me always, won’t you?”
Hadley paused, caught off guard, but her reply came swiftly this time. “Yes, I will.”
She knew all too well that hesitation would only prompt Eric to ask again—and again—until he heard what he longed for. Better to be direct and enjoy a moment’s peace.
“You promised,” Eric murmured, pressing a tender kiss to her cheek. “You can’t take it back.”
A faint smile tugged at his lips as he added, “My memory’s sharper than you think, and I’ll forever remember your promise.”
Hadley swung the door open and stepped into the hallway.
“Mommy!”
Joy’s voice rang out, her small face scrunched in a pout as she glared up at Melba, who gently held her back. “See? I told you Mommy was home! But you said she wasn’t and wouldn’t even let me knock!”
Melba gave an awkward laugh. “My mistake, Joy. Sorry about that.” She released her grip. “Go to your mommy!”
“Mommy!” Joy squealed, rushing forward.
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Hadley bent down, scooping her daughter into her arms, a flush of embarrassment creeping up her cheeks in front of Melba. The staff had likely all realized she and Eric had returned earlier.
And what had they been doing, tucked away in their room with the door locked?
The answer felt painfully obvious.
Melba had probably kept Joy at bay to avoid interrupting…
Hadley’s face grew hotter at the thought.
“Joy!” Eric’s voice cut through, warm and playful as he emerged, arms outstretched with a grin. “Come here, let me hold you.”
“Yay!” Joy tilted toward him, diving into his embrace with a giggle.
At that moment, a maid approached. “Miss Pearson, should we set the table for dinner?”
“Yes, please,” Hadley replied, nodding. “We’ll be down shortly.”
“Very well.” The maid retreated. Hadley shot Eric a quick glance before leading the way downstairs.
Eric, cradling Joy, followed without a hint of the awkwardness she felt. They shared a cozy family dinner. Afterward, Eric retreated to his study to wrap up some work, leaving Hadley to spend time with Joy. When he finally descended, the living room was empty.
Melba caught his eye, smiling as she gestured toward the glass doors opening to the garden. “They’re out there.” Fresh chapters posted on findnovel.net
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