Melba looked once more at Hadley, who smiled and nodded this time.

“Then we’ll have to trouble you, Zane,” Hadley said.

“That’s no trouble at all,” he replied, smiling as he took Joy into his arms.

Hadley grabbed the blanket and carefully tucked it around Joy.

Zane adjusted the blanket with one hand and cradled Joy with the other. He made sure she was snug and warm, leaving only her peaceful little face visible.

“You’re really good at this,” Hadley remarked as she watched him. “Didn’t think you had this domestic side.”

“Of course.” Zane gave a small nod. “It’s not always easy, but I think it’s something men should learn to do. Raising kids isn’t just a mother’s job.” He looked at her, and his voice softened slightly. “It’s tough for women, especially doing it alone. Mothers… they’re incredible.”

Something in Zane’s tone, in the way he held Joy so gently, made Hadley wonder if he was thinking about his own daughter just then.

“Zane, your daughter isn’t with you. You must miss her a lot,” Hadley said softly.

Zane paused for a moment, then nodded slowly. “I do. But she’s a big girl now. She can look after herself.”

They walked slowly uphill, the gravel crunching beneath their feet as their conversation carried on.

Meanwhile, Eric trailed behind, watching in silence.

At first, his feelings were tangled. But as the minutes passed, those emotions shifted.

Hadley’s soft laughter. Zane’s quiet attentiveness. The way he carried Joy so naturally. From behind, they looked like a family. Anyone who didn’t know better would think so.

Eric’s chest tightened, and bitter jealousy churned in his gut. Zane was just Colleen’s cousin. But was he really, at this point?

Zane carried Joy with steady arms the entire way up the mountain. She stayed sound asleep, not stirring even once.

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When they reached the top, the Jenkins family had already gathered near the gravesite.

“Hadley,” Brady called out as he approached. “It’s about time. You can go first.”

As agreed, Hadley would offer the first bouquet of flowers. ?s s find?novel.net

“Alright.” Hadley stepped forward beside Brady and stopped in front of the graves.

The moment her eyes landed on the carved names—her grandfather’s and her mother’s—her composure slipped. Tears welled up and spilled down her cheeks.

“Grandpa… Mom… I’m here. I’ve come to reunite you with Grandma.”

“Hadley.” Brady handed her the bouquet.

“Humph.” Noreen, standing a short distance away with her arms crossed, snorted. “I don’t care what her excuse is. I’m her elder, and I should be the first to do this. How could she toss tradition aside and—”

“That’s enough!” Cade snapped, his eyes blazing as he turned on his wife. “Just shut up!”

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