Hadley would never stoop to such behavior. She refused to humiliate him while Joy watched with innocent eyes. Even when her fury toward Eric burned hottest, Hadley had never spoken ill of him in Joy’s presence—much less now.

“Okay.” Hadley’s nod came measured and controlled. “Let’s eat.”

At her words, Eric and Joy shared a quick look, both releasing soft sighs of relief.

After lunch, duty called Eric back to work. His schedule was pressed tight with an upcoming surgery, and he had carved out these precious moments for lunch at home with Hadley and Joy.

Joy, her belly full and content, clasped Hadley’s hand as they accompanied him to the door. She waved her small hand at Eric with earnest concern. “Daddy, don’t forget to rest from all your hard work!”

Eric’s laughter bubbled up warm and genuine. “It’s fine. I don’t find it tiring.”

“It is!” Joy craned her neck to peer up at Hadley, her voice filled with conviction. “Mommy says Daddy gets super tired working so hard to take care of our family.”

Those words drew Eric’s eyes to Hadley, his expression melting with tender warmth. Hadley’s gaze skittered away from his. She had spoken those words because they were simply true, nothing more.

“I’m heading out,” Eric said, his voice thickening with emotion. “For you and Joy, I’ll keep pushing hard and bringing home what we need.”

His meaning hung crystal clear in the air—they formed a family, and families belonged together, always.

Hadley caught his meaning perfectly but offered no response. “Joy, tell Daddy goodbye.”

“Goodbye, Daddy,” Joy chirped obediently.

“Goodbye, Joy,” Eric answered, his smile radiant as he ruffled her hair. His eyes found Hadley’s face one final time, drinking in the sight before he turned to leave. “I’ll do my best to get home early tonight.”

With those words hanging in the air, Eric departed, the door clicking shut in his wake.

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Hadley gripped Joy’s small hand, her stare fixed on the sealed door while her mind wandered to distant places.

“Mommy?” Joy pulled at her sleeve, a massive yawn stretching her mouth wide. “I’m getting sleepy.”

Hadley jolted from her trance and swooped down to lift Joy into her arms. “Sleepy? Let’s go upstairs for a nap, okay?”

“Okay.” Joy’s head settled against Hadley’s shoulder as they climbed the stairs, her eyelids growing heavy until sleep claimed her completely.

After tucking Joy into bed for her nap, Hadley slipped from the room and pulled the door closed behind her. She remained in the hallway for endless minutes, lost in contemplation, before finally retrieving her phone and punching in Brady’s number. “Brady? It’s Hadley.”

Joy stirred from her nap and padded downstairs. She scrubbed at her drowsy eyes, still weighted with sleep, and spoke in a voice like honey. “Mommy, my mouth is dry. I need something to drink.”

“How about some water?” Hadley’s smile appeared gentle and automatic. “I’ll grab you some.”

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