Eric paused and then said, “I’ve got an idea that might help her warm up to me naturally. But I will need you to agree.”

Hadley turned to him, intrigued. “What’s your plan?”

“It’s just…” Eric looked straight into Hadley’s eyes—so clear, so warm, brimming with tenderness. “If we get married again, I’ll naturally become her father. As for everything that happened before, we can explain it to her when she’s older.”

Hadley paused at his words.

That… actually made sense.

Joy was still little. There was no need to burden her with things she couldn’t understand yet. If they got remarried and Joy grew up with Eric by her side, loving and protecting her, she’d come to see him as her dad. In time, she might not even remember that he wasn’t there during her earliest years.

That would be the gentlest path for her.

But remarriage? Hadley had never truly stopped to consider it—not seriously, anyway. Even with how far they had come…

“Hadley,” Eric said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze, his voice low and steady. “Would you be willing? Would you marry me?”

Her brows furrowed slightly. The question caught her off guard. She didn’t answer right away.

“Take your time. There’s no pressure at all.”

Eric could already tell what was running through her mind. He offered a gentle, comforting smile. “No rush. You don’t need to decide right now. Just take your time and let me know when you’re ready.”

Besides, he could see now that he’d rushed things a bit today. Marriage wasn’t something to take lightly. He should’ve slowed down and given her the proposal she truly deserved.

The first time they got married, it had all happened too quickly, without ceremony or care. This time, he wanted to get it right… every part of it.

Fresh content live on gα?ησvls?c?m The source of th?s content is F?nd-Novel.net

Just then, Hadley received a message notification on her phone.

Eric glanced at the screen but didn’t ask.

“It’s Elissa,” Hadley said. “Her divorce just went through today.”

“That’s good.” Eric nodded, letting out a slow breath. “It dragged on long enough.”

He tilted his head slightly. “And… how does she feel about Ernest now?”

Hadley frowned, shaking her head. “I’m not sure.”

When it came to matters of the heart, only the two people involved truly understood. Not even family or the closest friends could step in or make sense of it all.

By now, summer had fully settled over Srixby.

Outside the courthouse, Elissa and Robin stepped into the sun just after four. The light was so strong they both had to squint.

Across the street, a sleek black luxury car waited quietly. As they stepped outside, the car door opened. Ernest got out and lifted a hand in greeting.

Elissa’s face tensed the moment she saw him. What was he doing here?

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