The weekend arrived with its promise of leisure.
Hadley’s invitation brought Elissa and Locke to the familiar comfort of Jewel Avenue.
“Hello, Aunt Hadley.” Locke’s polite greeting rang out the moment they crossed the threshold. “Is Joy upstairs? I’ll go look for her.”
“Hello, Locke.” Hadley’s hand found the boy’s head in an affectionate gesture. “Go on up. Joy’s been counting the minutes until you arrived.”
She pivoted toward the housekeeper with practiced ease. “Please bring the kids some water and a selection of snacks—nothing elaborate.”
“Of course, Miss Pearson.”
With the children occupied, Hadley guided Elissa toward the plush living room sofa and said, “I’m not in the mood for venturing out today. Let’s just stay in, unwind, and catch up.”
The recent days had drained her energy with their constant demands and endless errands.
“That sounds perfect.” Elissa’s agreement came with visible relief. “Besides, this heat is unbearable. I have no desire to venture into that furnace.”
“What’s troubling you?” Hadley’s perceptive gaze searched Elissa’s features. Sadness wasn’t written in her expression, but a peculiar lethargy seemed to weigh her down.
“Is something bothering you?” Hadley held back from mentioning Linda, uncertain whether Elissa had learned about that situation yet.
“Am I that transparent?” Elissa reached for a throw pillow, clutching it against her chest like armor, and released a weary sigh. “Well… it looks like I’m getting married.”
Hadley’s breath caught for a moment as the words registered, and then understanding dawned across her features. “Has Ernest proposed to you?”
“Well, he didn’t get down on one knee with a ring or anything.” Elissa’s head moved in gentle denial before her expression brightened toward Hadley. “He told me his grandmother finally gave us her blessing, and it’s entirely thanks to you. Apparently, you worked some kind of miracle.”
“Oh, hardly…” Hadley’s modest smile accompanied a dismissive gesture. “Grandma did summon me for a conversation that day, but I suspect her decision was already formed. She simply needed someone to validate what her heart was already telling her.”
“Even so, my gratitude toward you runs deep.” Sincerity colored every word Elissa spoke.
“Hmm?” Hadley’s eyebrow arched as intrigue sparked in her eyes. “But I’m puzzled—why don’t you seem happier about this?”
Elissa seemed oblivious to Linda’s situation… Perhaps the matter wasn’t as grave as it had appeared? After all, Hadley had caught only fragments of conversation that day, leaving gaps in her understanding.
“I don’t appear unhappy, do I?” Elissa paused to consider her demeanor. “I suppose I feel somewhat adrift… The reality hasn’t quite sunk in yet. Am I truly about to walk down the aisle again?”
Her words accompanied the gentle clasp of Hadley’s hand in hers. “Tell me honestly—do you believe this marriage will bring me the happiness I’ve been searching for?”
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