“Thank you, Mommy,” Joy said with sleepy gratitude.
But the hands that offered her the cup belonged not to Hadley, but to Brady.
“Uncle Brady?” Joy’s eyes flew wide with shock, sleep vanishing instantly from her features. She grabbed her sippy cup and launched herself into Brady’s waiting arms. “I’m so excited you’re here, Uncle Brady!”
“Hello, Joy,” Brady’s warm chuckle filled the room as he gazed down at his niece with genuine affection. “Uncle Brady missed you terribly. Did you miss me too?”
“Yes!” Joy’s head bobbed up and down with wild enthusiasm.
“Good girl,” Brady murmured, his eyes finding Hadley’s face while he cradled Joy tenderly against his chest. Then his voice dropped to a gentle whisper meant just for Joy. “How would you like to come stay at my house for a few days? That way, we could spend time together every single day. What do you think?”
“Mommy?” Surprise painted Joy’s features as she twisted toward Hadley, blinking rapidly as she searched for confirmation.
“What do you think?” Hadley’s voice carried a coaxing tone as she leaned forward. “Don’t you always love playing with Uncle Brady?”
Joy adored every moment spent with Brady—he would squat beside her to observe ants marching near their tiny hills, send her soaring high on the swing, slip her forbidden lollipops when nobody watched, and surprise her with beautiful hair clips that sparkled in the light.
“So your answer came without a moment’s pause. I love Uncle Brady so much!”
“Then let’s pack up and go to Uncle Brady’s house. Sound good?”
“Yes!” Joy’s agreement burst forth with pure excitement. “When do we leave?”
“How about now?” Hadley answered, her voice steady and final.
Hadley had already stuffed their suitcases with belongings while Joy slept peacefully through her afternoon nap.
Now, Brady guided Hadley and Joy toward his home, with Melba and the housekeeper trailing behind them. Brady had established his independence from his parents years ago. He owned his own residence—a charming standalone villa that was slightly smaller than Hadley’s grand home on Jewel Avenue.
When they stepped through the front door, Melba and the housekeeper threw themselves into unpacking duties, while Brady swept Joy away on an exciting tour of her temporary new home.
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“What do you think, Joy?” he asked, his voice warm with anticipation.
“Wow, Uncle Brady, your house is gorgeous!” Joy burst out, practically vibrating with pure excitement.
“Easy there,” Hadley said, her hand finding her daughter’s shoulder to steady her enthusiasm. A smile played across her lips as she gestured toward the staircase. “Want to see your very own room?”
“Yes, Mommy!”
“Let’s head up.” Brady swept Joy into his arms with practiced ease. Hadley climbed the stairs behind them.
The room Brady had prepared for Joy had served as a guest room until now. It stood clean but sterile, lacking personality. Once Joy’s treasured belongings found their places throughout the space, the room came alive with warmth and cheerful energy.
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