“See, there really is one.”

“Yes.” Hadley couldn’t help but laugh, caught between amusement and disbelief. She realized that when a father got involved, things tended to take on a life of their own.

“I swear.” Eric knelt, gaze warm and full of promise.

“As soon as it’s ready, it’ll be sent straight to you. Does that sound good?”

This time, Joy nodded right away.

“Okay. Thank you.”

“Anything for you, my little princess.”

Hearing her gentle reply made Eric’s heart swell with happiness. Having such a sweet little girl as his daughter felt like a dream come true. He silently vowed to give her the world, no matter what it took.

Hadley checked the time. It seemed about right.

She looked at Eric.

“Joy should be getting ready for bed now.”

“Oh. Okay.” Eric felt oddly at peace tonight.

“Alright, kiddo, I’ve got to head out. But I’ll come see you tomorrow, alright?” He gave her a little wave.

“Sleep tight, Joy.”

Joy pouted, her reply barely more than a whisper.

“Goodnight. Bye-bye.”

In that moment, Eric’s eyes stung, and before he could stop it, a tear slipped free. A second later, he wiped it away and managed a soft reply.

“Bye-bye, Joy.”

Hadley bent down and lifted Joy into her arms.

“Come on. Time for bed.” Pretending not to see his tear, she gave a faint smile.

M?г? ? l?l?.

“I still need to read her a bedtime story, so I won’t see you out. Take care.”

“Alright.”

Hadley turned and carried Joy upstairs.

Eric didn’t move. He just stood there, watching them disappear onto the second floor.

Upstairs, Joy rested her head against her mother’s shoulder.

“Mommy?”

“Hmm… what’s up?”

The little girl’s cheek pressed close as she asked, shy and uncertain, “Daddy said he’s coming tomorrow. Is that true?”

Hadley smiled.

“Well… if you’re a good girl and sleep tight tonight, you’ll find out in the morning.”

“Okay.”

Holding her daughter close, Hadley let out a small, quiet sigh. Joy missed her father more than she let on. She hadn’t called him “Daddy,” but the moment they said goodbye, she was already looking forward to the next time.

Later, after reading her daughter a story and tucking her in, Hadley sat with her phone for a while. Then she typed out a message to Eric: “Are you sure you can come by tomorrow? You promised Joy. If you can’t make it, she’ll be really disappointed. I know you’re busy, but it would mean a lot if you could drop by before she falls asleep, like today.”

There was no immediate response.

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