?Chapter 1041:


    Catching her meaning, Eric let out a warmugh and gently tweaked her nose. “Silly goose, I’m not saying I’d be your mom…”


    He swallowed, a nervous edge to his voice, and then ventured, “Joy, how about I be your dad?”


    “Dad… Dad?” Joy tipped her head, her tiny brow creasing in thought. What was happening?


    Eric’s heart skipped, a flicker of doubt creeping in. Did Joy not want him as her dad?


    “Joy, don’t you like me?” he asked softly.


    “I do!” Joy nodded earnestly, though her expression remained troubled.


    “But… my mom has to say it’s okay.”


    “Your mom, she…” Eric started, about to exin that her mother had already given her blessing, just waiting for Joy’s approval.


    But then Joy cut in, her voice small and sweet. “Mom said we have to wait for Dad.”


    What did that mean? Eric’s brow lifted. “Wait for Dad?”


    “Yeah!” Joy bobbed her head, and then flung herself into his arms, whispering, “Dad went away for work. Mom said we wait until hees back.”


    It was a passingment Hadley had made to soothe Joy’s tears when she had been crying for her father—a fleetingfort that the little girl had clung to.


    Worried Eric might feel hurt, Joy patted his chest gently. “Don’t be sad, okay?”


    Eric’s chuckle was soft as he hugged her close. “Don’t worry, Joy. I’m not sad.” How could he be? His heart was soaring.


    The door swung open, and Hadley strode in, rolling up her sleeves. “Are you two ready yet? What’s taking so long to get dressed?” Upon spotting Joy already in her outfit, nestled against Eric and murmuring quietly, Hadley’s brow furrowed. “What’s the holdup? Come on, wash up—it’s breakfast time.”


    “Okay, Mommy!” Joy clutched her tummy and scampered off. “Mommy, I need to use the bathroom!”


    “Go on, then!” Hadley gave her daughter’s head a fond pat. At her age, Joy could handle the bathroom on her own.


    “Hang on a sec, Eric!” Joy called back.


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    “No rush,” Eric replied, his eyes lingering on Hadley with a knowing, yful glint.


    Hadley blinked, puzzled. “What? Is there something on my face?”


    “What did you tell Joy?” Eric asked, sidestepping her question, a grin tugging at his lips.


    “What?” Hadley frowned, lost.


    “You told her…” Eric leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper near her ear, “That you’re waiting for Joy’s dad toe back?” Joy’s dad—that was him.


    Hadley stiffened, the memory clicking into ce. “I only said that because…”


    “All these years, you’ve been waiting for me?” Eric’s grin widened, practically glowing. “Hadley, I get it now. I know how you feel.”


    “Don’t read into it,” Hadley said, caught between amusement and exasperation. “Joy was crying for her dad, and I was just trying tofort her.”


    “Doesn’t matter.” Eric tilted his chin, a touch of smugness in his tone. “I’m her dad, and you were waiting for me.”


    “Oh, please.” Hadley rolled her eyes at his cheeky pride. “What are you so proud of? I only said it so Joy wouldn’t feel like her father ditched her.”


    Eric’s gaze darkened briefly, and he reached for her hand. “I messed up before, but not anymore. Hadley… let’s get married. I just spoke with Joy—she’s okay with it. Let’s pick a day to visit my grandmother and have her help n the wedding.”


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