“You’re family. Of course, I’d do this for you,” Ernest said. “Since Joy’s been working hard with her lessons, she’ll be able to start in Locke’s class when the term begins.”

Hadley hesitated. “Are you sure that’s okay? Will she be able to keep up?”

“It should work out,” Ernest assured her. “If Joy falls behind, I’ll make sure she gets the extra help she needs. Having Locke with her will help her settle in quicker, and that’s what matters most.”

Joy had never set foot in a classroom before because of her health, so adjusting to school life would be a big transition.

Neither of them was focused on grades at the moment. Joy’s happiness and well-being always came first.

“Alright, I’ll follow your lead, Ernest,” Hadley said, her trust evident.

“I’ll have my people watch over them, just to be safe,” Ernest promised again.

That night, with Hadley and Joy visiting, Flynn Mansion finally buzzed with the feeling of real family. Laughter from Joy and Locke echoed throughout the house. The two ran from the toy room to the garden, never tiring, their excitement leaving the adults both amused and baffled.

When evening settled in, Hadley decided it was time to take Joy home.

“Mommy…” Joy protested, her face scrunched in disappointment. “Can’t we stay a little longer?”

Locke chimed in, echoing her sentiment. “Aunt Hadley, I want Joy to stay too!”

Hadley could only smile at their pleading, unsure how to respond.

“Hadley.” Ernest stepped in, his voice gentle. “It’s not often they get to see each other these days. Let them enjoy it.”

He gestured upstairs, offering a solution. “It’s late anyway. Why don’t you both spend the night here?”

As luck would have it, the weekend had just begun. With two days off ahead, the children could make the most of their time together. Ernest thought the extra bonding would do them good.

He continued in a warm, convincing tone, “Your room’s always ready. The staff takes care of it every day. Everything you and Joy need is here. Didn’t you say you’d let me look after you both? Stay the night, alright?”

? ? .

With Ernest insisting so sincerely, Hadley found it impossible to turn him down.

“Alright,” Hadley agreed. “I just didn’t bring a change of clothes for Joy.”

“That’s no trouble at all.” Ernest couldn’t hide his amusement. “After her bath, she can borrow some of Locke’s pajamas.”

“Yeah!” Locke’s face lit up at the idea. “Joy can pick any of my pajamas she likes!”

“Thank you, Locke,” Joy replied, her voice as sweet as honey.

Ernest shot Locke an exaggerated look before turning to Joy with a gentle promise. “Later, I’ll have some new dresses brought over for you. When you wake up tomorrow, there will be plenty of beautiful outfits waiting. How does that sound?”

Joy’s eyes sparkled with delight. “That sounds wonderful! Thank you, Uncle Ernest! You’re the best!”

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