“I’ve got it,” Hadley replied, pushing herself upright.

A small, satisfied smile played on Eric’s lips. Joy had worked her magic, and Hadley was ready to eat.

“Here, try this,” Eric held the spoon steady, gathering a bite before gently offering it to Hadley.

“Watch out, it’s still pretty warm,” Eric murmured.

“I can handle it myself.” Hadley extended her hand, ready to take over. She wasn’t helpless—just fighting off a mild cold.

“Okay.” Eric released his hold without protest.

All that mattered was that she was willing to eat.

With the tray now in her lap, Hadley hesitated, studying the meal with mild surprise.

“That’s gnocchi in tomato sauce,” Eric explained, a small smile playing at his lips. “Last time you weren’t feeling well, you said this was the only thing you wanted. I thought you might like it again.”

He paused a beat, and then added softly, “I made it myself—just like before.”

The words left her quiet. Hadley’s eyelashes fluttered as emotion welled up.

Eric’s voice was gentle. “Eat before it gets cold. It won’t taste as good otherwise.”

A nod was all Hadley could manage, her throat thick with feeling.

She tasted the first bite, savoring the warmth.

Eric’s encouragement came softly. “No need to rush.”

Suddenly, he seemed to remember something else. “Joy’s probably finished getting ready. I’ll go down and have breakfast with her. I’ll come back up soon to give you your medicine.”

Before stepping out, he gave her a lingering, thoughtful glance.

Hadley never once looked up from her plate.

Read new content at gαlnσνe?s?com

Warm steam rose and blurred her vision, making her eyes misty.

After a moment, she closed her eyes, grabbed a tissue, dabbed her nose, and kept eating in silence.

Later that day, Addy was due for discharge from the hospital.

Elissa had arranged for an afternoon off to be there.

Unlike her previous visit—when the place had felt deserted—this time, she found Becker and Louisa present, with their daughter Bonnie Holland in tow. By the time they arrived, Elissa was on her way to handle the discharge paperwork.

She offered a polite greeting, her tone cool and reserved. “Hello, Dad. Hello, Louisa.”

Becker acknowledged her with a brief nod. ? Find?Novel.net

“Hello.” Louisa’s face lit up with a cheerful smile as she tugged Bonnie closer. “Come on, Bonnie, say hello to your big sister.”

“Hi, Elissa.” Bonnie forced out the greeting, her expression strained. She had never made an effort to hide her feelings toward Elissa.

Catching the undercurrent, Elissa caught on right away. Indicating the doorway, she said, “I’m off to handle the paperwork. Most of the packing is done, so I’ll leave the last few things to you and Bonnie.”

“Sure, go ahead.”

.

.

.