?Chapter 1191:


    “Really?”


    “Really.”


    “Joy,” Hadley called gently and reached for her daughter. “Come on. Let’s get you something to eat.”


    After a brief pause, Hadley turned to Eric and asked, “Have you eaten? Would you like to join us?”


    Eric felt a sudden stir in his chest. He swallowed hard and answered,


    “Sure.”


    “Yay! Please carry me!” Joy stretched her arms out to him right away.


    “Humph.” Hadley raised a brow and pretended to be annoyed. “You really like him, don’t you? Alright, go on then. Let him carry you.” She looked over at Brady. “Come on. Time for breakfast.”


    Breakfast was quite the spread.


    Even though it was morning, a pot of warm soup sat on the table. Melba had kept it simmering for hours well before dawn. A bone marrow transnt was no small procedure. Eating well and keeping up their strength was more important than ever.


    Hadleydled the soup, starting with Joy, then Brady. Finally, she set a bowl down in front of Eric.


    Eric blinked, a little surprised. Soup for him, too? He hadn’t expected it.


    He figured Melba hadn’t prepared extra since he hadn’t visited in days.


    He shook his head. “Just give it to Joy…”


    “Don’t worry,” Hadley said with a soft smile. “She has plenty. This one’s mine… but you need it more than I do, so go ahead and have it.” She was giving him her portion.


    Eric stared at herposed expression. He swallowed hard and responded in a hoarse voice, “Alright. Thank you.”


    He lowered his head. The steam rising from the bowl misted his eyes.


    He knew she was just being kind and showing gratitude.


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    But the warmth in her voice… the quiet care in that small gesture… It stirred something deep within him. His heart beat faster. A rush of emotions flooded his chest.


    The day of the surgery arrived right on schedule.


    Eric showed up early.


    Meanwhile, Joy was already awake. The moment she saw him, her eyes lit up, and she leapt into his arms. “You’re here!”


    “Of course I am.” Eric held her close and breathed in her familiar, sweet scent. “Today’s a big day for you.”


    “Well…” Joy mumbled, her voice muffled against his shoulder.


    “What’s wrong?” Eric gently stroked her head, sensing her fear, and whispered, “Don’t be scared, Joy. Just follow the nurse, take a little nap in there, and when you wake up, everything will be over.”


    Joy lifted her head and blinked. “Will you wait outside for me?”


    Eric nodded at once. “Of course. I’ll be right outside the whole time. I promise.”


    Just then, Hadley stepped into the room.


    “Mommy!” Joy wriggled out of Eric’s arms and ran straight to Hadley.


    “Hey.” Hadley caught her with augh, a little caught off guard. “What’s this? Even with Eric here, you stille running to me? That’s new!”


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