“After we get married, Colleen and I definitely won’t be living with her,” he added with unwavering firmness.

Brady would never allow Colleen to suffer because of Noreen.

After a thoughtful pause, he continued, “I just don’t want to put Colleen in a difficult position.”

The real issue for him was Louise’s obvious disdain for Brady as Colleen’s future husband.

“Actually…” Colleen said softly, her voice carrying quiet resolve, “Brady and I have talked about it. We’re planning to bring it up formally when my mom’s birthday comes around next month.”

“Really?” Hadley’s face brightened with genuine relief. “It’s wonderful that you have a plan.”

She turned to Brady and asked thoughtfully, “Do you want me to come with you? Sometimes it’s easier for women to talk to each other.”

Noreen was unreliable, but at least Hadley could show Louise that someone from Brady’s family was actually normal and genuinely supportive.

“Well…” Brady hesitated, clearly tempted but also slightly embarrassed. “I’ll count on you then, Hadley.”

Seeing Brady’s bashful expression, Hadley felt slightly stunned, and then glanced at Colleen. The two women exchanged a knowing smile that spoke volumes.

Just then, the housekeeper appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. “Miss Pearson, dinner is ready. Would you like me to serve it now?”

“Yes, let’s eat,” Hadley replied warmly. “We can continue our conversation over dinner.”

The group moved to the dining room, where they shared their meal and easy conversation, warm laughter filling the air around them.

After dinner, Brady drove Colleen home through the quiet evening streets. Hadley took Joy upstairs, her voice bright with anticipation. “How about we take a bubble bath together, sweetheart?”

“Yay!” Joy squealed with pure delight, clapping her hands together excitedly.

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What was supposed to be a quick bath stretched into over an hour of splashing and playful giggles. Joy, having missed Hadley desperately, was reluctant to leave the warm, soapy sanctuary. Only when she was thoroughly exhausted did she finally allow Hadley to lift her from the tub and carry her to bed.

Joy rubbed her droopy eyes with tiny fists and murmured sleepily, “Goodnight, Mommy.”

“Goodnight, my darling.” Hadley settled down beside Joy, deciding to stay with her daughter for the entire night.

It wasn’t long before Joy drifted off to sleep, her gentle snores filling the quiet room.

“My little piggy,” Hadley whispered tenderly, gazing at Joy with boundless affection.

But slowly, her expression grew somber, shadows creeping across her features. Over the past five months, during each brief visit home, Joy had frequently asked about Eric, her voice filled with longing as she wondered when he would return.

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