After they played and laughed, Melba came over to remind them. “Joy, it’s time for your bath and bed.”
Eric pressed a kiss to Joy’s forehead. “Off you go, kiddo.”
He passed her to Melba, and Hadley turned to him with a smile, holding out her hand. “Give me your hand. Palm up.”
Eric complied, curious.
She dropped a peach pit into his hand. “This one’s yours.”
“I get one too?” Eric’s brow arched, amused.
“Of course.” Hadley’s smile widened. “You said you never played with these as a kid, right? Same rules as Joy—no blowing it at night, or you’ll wake the whole house.”
With that, she walked ahead.
Eric stared at the pit, closing his fingers around it, a quiet warmth settling in his chest.
“Wait for me!” he called, jogging to catch her in a few quick strides.
Two days later, Eric had a follow-up appointment.
Hadley, fresh from filming, arrived just as he had finished his checkup. They met with the doctor together.
After reviewing the results, the doctor said, “The shadow hasn’t increased in size.”
Hadley frowned, confused. “What does that mean exactly?”
“It’s hard to say,” the doctor admitted, shaking his head. “It might indicate the treatment’s working, or the condition could simply be stable for now.” The ambiguity weighed on Hadley.
Eric, sensing her unease, gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
“Don’t worry too much,” the doctor added. “These things take time. Keep up with the precautions in your daily life. As for treatment, we’ll make a slight adjustment to the medication.”
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“Thank you,” Eric said.
As they left the doctor’s office, Hadley felt disoriented, her mind racing.
Eric held her hand, giving it another gentle press.
She snapped out of her daze and gripped his arm. Her thoughts were a jumble, but she managed to say, “Let’s not dwell on it too much. We’ll stick to the doctor’s plan and keep going.”
“I know,” Eric said, his smile steady. “With you and Joy in my life, I’m too busy living to worry.”
“Okay,” Hadley said, her throat tight, but her lips curving into a faint smile. “Let’s head home.”
On the drive back, Eric broached a new topic. “About telling Joy who I really am… Have you thought about when to do it?” The truth would need to come out eventually.
Hadley’s brow furrowed, her hesitation clear. “I’m still not sure how to approach it. She’s never had a father since birth.”
“How do I explain to her that her parents were apart all these years and that her dad never once visited? She’s so young—how could she grasp that?” It was a valid concern.
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