Then she faced Eric and said quietly, “Thank you, Eric.”
“That’s alright.” Eric straightened up, clearly pleased.
As Ernest watched him, he let out a quiet sigh and slowly shook his head. He couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for the man.
It had taken Eric so much just to find a reason to be near Hadley again. And even then, he had nearly been turned away.
“Let’s all get in the car,” Ernest said.
One by one, they moved toward their respective vehicles and climbed in. Just as Eric reached the door, he suddenly stopped and turned his head. His gaze cut through the crowd like a blade and landed squarely on Zane.
Zane felt a chill creep up his spine.
People always talked about a woman’s sixth sense. But men had instincts too, especially when it came to rivalry.
And right now, Eric was radiating pure hostility.
Colleen caught the tension and nudged Zane lightly. “Zane, aren’t you getting in?”
“Oh. Yeah.” Zane blinked, breaking eye contact. “Let’s get moving.”
Soon after, the car came to a stop. They had arrived at Dracnesse Town.
Melba stepped out, cradling Joy in her arms. The little girl remained fast asleep.
“Oh dear…” Melba whispered, adjusting her hold.
“She’s getting heavy, isn’t she?” Hadley chuckled and reached out. “Let me take her.”
At this age, kids grew fast, and Joy was no exception. She was getting heavier by the day.
“I’ll manage,” Melba assured her with a smile. “You may be younger, but I’m stronger.”
Even so, the climb ahead wasn’t easy. Carrying Joy all the way up the mountain would be no small feat.
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“I can—” Eric’s voice came from just a few steps away. He had been watching the scene. Now, he stepped forward, hand outstretched. “Give her to me.”
Someone else had already beaten him to it and stepped forward.
It was Zane.
He hadn’t meant to challenge Eric or anything. He simply happened to be standing closer to Hadley and hadn’t noticed Eric trying to help.
Zane turned to Melba and held out his hands. “I’ll carry her. I’m a man, and I’ve got the strength for it.”
“Well…” Melba glanced at Hadley, uncertain.
Hadley hesitated, her cheeks flushing faintly. “No, that’s all right…”
“Why not?” Zane gave her a crooked smile. “Don’t you trust me? You think I can’t manage a sleeping child?”
Then, more gently, he added, “Didn’t Colleen mention I have a daughter? She’s older than Joy now, but I carried her like this all the time. I’ve had plenty of practice.”
As he spoke, he opened his arms again and looked at Melba. “Let me carry her. It’s a steep walk up the mountain and it’s going to be a hassle. But I promise I won’t wake her.”
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