Same roots, yet Brady and Astrid had grown up with entirely different principles.
He softened his expression, offering her a reassuring smile. “I know what you’re getting at. Trust me—let me handle everything. As soon as I have news, you’ll be the first to know.”
“Sounds good.”
Brady rose from the sofa and made his way toward the playroom. “Now, I need to see Joy for myself. It’s been too long—I really missed that kid.”
A light laugh escaped Hadley. “Go on, then. While you’re there, remind her to wash up. Dinner’s nearly ready. I asked the kitchen to make your favorite—beef meatballs and creamy mushroom soup.”
Grinning, Brady called out, “You always spoil me, Hadley!” With a grateful look, he headed off, eager to see Joy.
“Joy! Uncle Brady’s here to visit!”
Once dinner was over, Hadley walked Brady out.
Just as they reached the entrance, his phone rang.
A warmth spread across Brady’s face, and his voice grew gentler. “Hi, Colleen.”
Catching the shift in his tone, Hadley paused for a moment and then let a small smile appear. She quietly turned and stepped back, giving him privacy for his call.
Brady cradled his phone, his voice soft and full of warmth. “Just finished up at my sister’s place. Yes, I had dinner here tonight. You’re off now? Perfect, I’ll see you soon.”
A quick swipe ended the call, and he turned back to Hadley. “Hey, Hadley. I—”
A gentle smile played on Hadley’s lips. “Off to see Colleen?” Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n FindN0vel.net
A bashful grin tugged at his mouth as he nodded. “Yeah. She just wrapped up work, and I promised I’d head over.”
“Don’t waste time—go on, Colleen shouldn’t have to wait.”
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A hesitant pause followed. “One thing, Hadley…” Brady looked a bit embarrassed. “Colleen hasn’t had dinner. Would you mind if I brought her something from your kitchen?”
While takeout could have worked, neither of them trusted the usual greasy fare—especially with so many meals mass-produced and bland. There was simply nothing like a homemade meal.
“Absolutely, help yourself,” Hadley replied, her smile widening. “Let’s get something ready for her.”
Together, the two siblings walked back into the house.
Hadley set to work, carefully packing up dinner into containers for Colleen.
“Talk about good timing. We made a fresh batch of meatballs earlier—they’re in the freezer. All you have to do is heat them, and they’ll be just right. I also have ravioli ready. Colleen’s favorite is the mushroom and pork filling.”
Next, she reached for a container of vegetables, neatly prepped and ready to go.
“These are already washed and chopped. Just toss them in a pan for a quick stir-fry.”
A thought struck her, and she turned to Brady. “Hang on—are you even comfortable in the kitchen?”
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