The next morning, Haynes was once again waiting outside Ste''s apartment.


    Last night, he''d already confirmed with Keen that Ste was taking her to the sports club today to practice shooting.


    She wouldn''t bring Marvin just the two of them.


    Haynes, hoping for a chance to reconcile, wasn''t about to let this golden opportunity slip by.


    He''d stayed upte finishing his work, so he could arrive at her ce extra early.


    He hadn''t told Keen about his ns.


    Keen was too young to keep a secret; Haynes didn''t want her to identally mention something and prompt Ste to change her mind.


    Not long after, the apartment doors swung open and two figures—one tall, one small-stepped out.


    It was Ste and Keen.


    Relief softened Haynes''s tense expression. He was just about to approach them when a third figure appeared in the doorway-a man, tall andposed, following close behind.


    Haynes froze in ce.


    Ste and Keen didn''t even notice him.


    Keen nced back and called, "Mr. Joshua, do you really know how to shoot?"


    The manughed. "Shooting and darts aren''t so different. I''ve been practicing these past few days—shouldn''t be a problem."


    Keen, who''d been learning to shoot for a while now, brightened. "Then I want topete with you, Mr. Joshua!"


    Keen had a great impression of Joshua Gardner.


    Last time at the club, Mr. Joshua was the one who found his mom''s locket and brought him home safely.


    Afraid he''d catch cold, Joshua had even given him his own jacket.


    Keen disliked Marvin and, by extension, wasn''t fond of Mr. Connolly either.


    He hadn''t spent much time with Joshua, but he really liked him.


    Joshua grinned. "Alright, let''s have apetition. But... I won''t go easy on you."


    Keen beamed. "I don''t want any grown-ups letting me win anyway!"


    Ste turned to Joshua. "Thank you for helping out today."


    Joshua shed a warm smile. "After enjoying Ms. Cameron''s delicious breakfast, helping out is the least I can do."


    He hefted the bag in his hand.


    "Can''t just eat and run-wouldn''t feel right not to pitch in."


    Keen rarely got to stay at Ste''s ce for a few days, so she insisted on cooking instead of ordering takeout.


    That morning, Ste had woken up early to prepare a hearty breakfast for Keen.


    As it happened, Joshua had stopped by to drop something off for Abby, so Ste invited him to join them and made extra pastries.


    Ste said nothing more.


    The group headed out, only to spot Haynes standing off to the side.


    Keen stared in surprise. "Dad? What are you doing here?"


    Haynes''s face was clouded and harsh; his words, sharp.


    "What, I''m not wee? You spend one night at your mom''s and suddenly you


    don''t want to acknowledge your father?"


    Ste frowned, about to speak, but Joshua stepped forward.


    "Mr. O''Brien, no matter how upset you are, it''s not right to take it out on your child."


    exit Ste''s home


    Seeing Joshua exit


    early in the morning, the three of themughing together-Haynes could hardly stand it. They looked more like a family than he ever had with them. The scene left a bitter taste in his mouth.


    Why did Ste always attract these annoying hangers-on?


    Haynes shot Joshua a cold re. "I''m his


    doll can talk to my own


    child. You''re just an outsider this isn''t your business."


    Joshua''s good humor didn''t falter.


    don''t think that''s fair, Mr. O''Brien


    When Ms. Cameron and Keen falk,


    Miss


    Rachel always ch


    in."


    He tilted his head, smiling. "If you say I''m an outsider and have no right to step in,


    then why does Ms. Pearce get to interfere?"


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!