“Okay.” Joy nodded with drowsy compliance, allowing Hadley to lift her and change her clothes.

While dressing Joy, Hadley placed urgent calls, rousing Tamara and the household.

By the time they descended the stairs, Tamara stood ready and waiting. Elissa had awakened to the noise as well, her face creased with worry. “Is Joy sick?”

“She has a fever,” Hadley confirmed, her brow furrowed with concern. “Nothing too high, but still…”

“I’m coming with you…”

“That’s not necessary.” Hadley gently declined. “You have work tomorrow, and Tamara and Melba will be with me—I have plenty of support. Get some rest. I’ll call if we need anything.”

“Alright then.” Elissa didn’t press the matter, following them to the door to see them off.

She watched them leave, sending up a silent prayer for Joy’s recovery.

At the hospital.

In the hospital parking lot, Hadley emerged from the car with Joy cradled protectively in her arms.

“Hadley, Joy!” The familiar voice called out across the lot.

Eric had just stepped from his vehicle and was hurrying toward them. Phillips and Thurston followed close behind—Thurston being Joy’s primary attending physician.

Hadley’s questioning gaze immediately found Tamara.

“I called Mr. Scott,” Tamara admitted with an apologetic nod. “I figured that since Joy is Dr. Nixon’s patient, Mr. Scott could arrange for him to come.”

The logic was sound.

Convincing Dr. Nixon to come to the hospital at this ungodly hour was far beyond Hadley’s influence.

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Tamara’s voice carried genuine regret. “I should have asked your permission first…”

“It’s perfectly fine.” Hadley shook her head gratefully. “Actually, I should be thanking you.”

Tamara’s quick thinking in contacting Eric had brought Dr. Nixon here. Having Joy’s doctor present brought Hadley immense relief.

“Joy!” Eric’s voice carried both urgency and tenderness.

Within moments of their brief exchange, Eric had closed the distance between them, his arms extending toward Joy.

“Let me carry her!” His eyes held desperate earnestness as he silently pleaded for Hadley’s trust.

“Alright.” After a moment’s hesitation, Hadley loosened her protective grip and transferred Joy into his waiting arms.

“Hey there, sweetheart,” he whispered.

While cradling his daughter, tears gathered in Eric’s eyes, quickly saturating his dark lashes. He pressed gentle kisses to Joy’s forehead. “Daddy’s here now. Does Joy feel sick?”

Joy remained unable to respond. Illness had drained her energy completely, leaving her drowsy and barely conscious.

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