Everything had been set up all for Joy’s sake.

“You’ll have a room that looks just like this one. I made sure we could bring all your favorite toys with us.”

“I see.” Satisfaction showed in Joy’s nod as she listened, her eyes flicking toward the front door. “But Daddy’s always so busy. We’re moving today… So how are we supposed to go without him?”

For her, a move only made sense if everyone was together.

“Joy…” The question caught Hadley off guard. Her heart skipped as she searched for the right words.

“Joy!” From the doorway, a voice sounded. A tall silhouette appeared—Eric had come home.

“Daddy!” No hesitation crossed Joy’s face. She dashed to him, arms wide. “You’re back!”

“Hi!” Eric dropped to one knee and wrapped her in a tight hug, breathing in the familiar scent of his daughter, not wanting that moment to end.

“That’s wonderful. You came home,” said Joy, clinging to his neck and beaming at her mother. “Mommy, Daddy’s here. Now we can leave together!”

Eric met his daughter’s hopeful eyes and then glanced at Hadley, who stood nearby with her usual poise.

Catching his gaze, Hadley offered him a soft smile. “You made it.”

A quiet nod came from Eric, his smile matching hers. “I’m here. Let’s get going.”

“Okay.”

On the road, their convoy of vehicles formed an orderly procession, all headed for the villa on Jewel Avenue.

Melba had already reached the house and waited by the front door, ready to welcome them inside.

As soon as the cars pulled up, everyone got busy carrying luggage and arranging things in the new house.

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Because there were so many helping hands, the unpacking finished quickly.

By the time the clock neared eleven, everything was in its proper place. Eric checked his watch and then set Joy down gently on the sofa. Turning to Hadley, he spoke up. “It’s about time for me to head out.”

“Alright,” Hadley responded, rising from her seat. “I’ll walk you out.”

“Me too! I want to go with Daddy!” Joy hopped down from the sofa, grabbing her father’s hand and skipping ahead toward the doorway.

“Daddy, I know work keeps you busy. Let me walk you out, okay? Please don’t push yourself too hard…” She glanced up, her voice hopeful. “Will you come home tonight for dinner with Mommy and me?”

Upon hearing her question, Eric’s face went rigid for a second. His eyes darted to Hadley, and he saw the same tense look in her eyes.

There was no avoiding the truth now.

“Listen to me, Joy,” said Eric, his voice gentle. He knelt to Joy’s level, keeping her small hand secure in his own. “I’m sorry, sweetheart, but I won’t be coming back tonight for dinner.”

“Why not?” A puzzled frown replaced Joy’s earlier smile. Her big eyes were shining with disappointment. “You’re always at work. I don’t like it when you’re gone.”

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