“Do I look pretty?”
“Yeah.” Hadley joined her daughter, smiling warmly.
“You’re stunning. There isn’t a princess in any storybook who could outshine you.” She bent down to Joy’s level, meeting her eyes.
Taking Joy’s small hand in hers, Hadley asked gently, “Do you know who picked out this dress for you, baby?”
Joy tipped her head thoughtfully.
“You did.”
“No.” Hadley chuckled and shook her head, pointing at the wardrobe.
“You forgot? The one I got for you is still hanging over there.”
“Right.” Joy’s brow crinkled.
“Then who picked this one?”
Hadley leaned closer and whispered to Joy, “It was your dad.”
At once, Joy’s cheerful expression faded, and her nose scrunched up.
“Joy.” Hadley noticed her daughter’s mood shift but kept her tone soft.
“He’s downstairs right now.”
After a pause, Hadley continued, choosing her words carefully.
“You really love your new dress, don’t you? What if we go downstairs together and thank Dad for it?”
She waited, letting Joy decide on her own.
Joy stood there, thinking for a moment before quietly agreeing.
“Okay.”
“Good girl.” Hadley’s smile grew.
“That’s my polite little princess.”
With that, she straightened up, keeping Joy’s hand in hers as they headed out together.
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“Come on.”
Down the stairs they went, side by side, sharing a sweet and gentle moment. Eric stood near the stairs, listening for every step. He leaned forward, hope flickering in his eyes.
At first, he assumed it was only Hadley making her way down. He wondered if Joy would choose to come along. But after a moment, he realized—those footsteps sounded like more than one person.
Soon, he caught the faint sounds of conversation drifting down.
“Careful now, is your dress too long?”
“It’s fine, Mommy. I’m holding it up.”
“You’re so clever, Joy!”
Eric’s heart gave a jump. Joy was with her? Did that mean Joy actually wanted to see him?
His pulse sped up, breath coming a little faster.
Hadley and Joy soon appeared at the stair landing, hand in hand. Eric straightened, watching the tiny blue princess trailing Hadley. Joy had changed into the new princess dress he had just brought her!
Eric held his breath, waiting as they drew closer. Hadley offered him a small, reassuring smile.
“The dress looks wonderful on her. Joy loves it and wants to thank you herself.”
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