Inside the car, Eric turned his head and asked with interest, “Joy, what kind of pastries are we getting today?”
“Sweet August’s. It’s Joy’s favorite,” Hadley answered for their daughter.
Gazing down at Joy with warmth in his eyes, Eric grinned. “Alright, we’ll head there.”
“Let’s get a bunch!” Joy chirped.
“Absolutely,” Eric replied, his voice light and cheerful. “We’re buying as many as you want!”
“Absolutely not!” Hadley’s expression turned firm as she shot Eric a warning look. “Those pastries are too sugary. Joy shouldn’t be eating too many in one go.”
“Remember what happened last time she did?” That earned her a disappointed pout from Joy.
“Oh.” In response, Eric tossed her a playful wink. “Mommy’s right, sweetheart. We don’t want another sugar overload.”
The memory of their last visit to the hospital in the middle of the night flashed in his mind—Joy had gone overboard with those snacks and paid the price. A slight scowl formed on Joy’s lips as she realized Eric wasn’t going to take her side.
Not long after, the three of them picked up pastries and enjoyed a quiet lunch out.
Once they finished eating, Joy dozed off peacefully while resting in Eric’s arms. Seeing how relaxed the little girl was, Eric turned to Hadley and said, “Let’s take her with me to the office this afternoon. You should take the chance to rest as well.”
“That sounds good,” Hadley replied, offering no resistance. There was nothing scheduled for her that day until nightfall, so she had the rest of the afternoon free.
By the time they reached the Scott Group, Eric smoothly guided the car down into the underground garage. Just as they stepped out, they spotted Gifford and Bianca emerging from a nearby vehicle, one after the other.
“Hey, Eric!” Gifford’s overly hearty chuckle filled the air, his weathered face creasing with deep lines. Though he was Eric’s older brother, the years had carved a gap wide enough to make him seem more like a father.
He shot Eric a sly, knowing grin. “Soaking up some quality family time, eh?”
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“Yeah,” Eric muttered, barely giving a nod, his mind elsewhere.
“No rush, little brother. Plenty of time for that later.” Gifford’s smile danced with a touch of mischief, hinting at some unspoken jest.
“Why waste breath on him? Let’s get moving!” Bianca snapped.
“Absolutely!”
The pair spoke in unison, their faces alight with eager anticipation.
Hadley glanced up, her brow knitting in confusion. “Are they… hinting at something?”
“Seems that way.” Eric gave a curt nod, but then shook his head. “Hard to say.” He looked down at Joy, nestled in his arms, and then gently took Hadley’s hand. “Forget it. Let’s go.”
In the serene quiet of the CEO’s office, Hadley settled Joy into the lounge for a nap. Watching them curl up together, Eric felt a warmth bloom in his chest. He softly shut the door and slipped away.
Rest was a luxury he couldn’t afford.
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