?Chapter 2967:


    Eric’s evenings were fully booked with appointments these days, so he hadn’t been able to spend time with Joy. He felt terrible about it.


    He made up his mind to make amends and start spending mornings with his daughter instead. He would help her prep for school and share breakfast with her. Then, he’d join Hadley to drive Joy and Locke to school.


    After leaving the children at school one morning, Hadley looked over at Eric. “I’m not going back hometer. You go ahead and drive straight to the office.”


    Eric nced at the bag she was carrying when they left home. He lifted an eyebrow and asked directly, “Are you going to Brady’s or Dr. Hayes’?”


    In Srixby, they were the only two people she truly cared about besides the Flynn family.


    “I’ll go check on Colleen.”


    Just a few days ago, Colleen had raved about the pastries at Flynn Mansion. Since the chef had just baked a fresh batch that morning, Hadley decided to bring her friend some.


    Colleen worked herself ragged and frequently skipped mealtimes. A little snack would be convenient for when she got hungry but couldn’t leave for a proper meal.


    Blinking brightly, Hadley said, “I’ve set up a n to meet her when her night shift ends, and we’ll have breakfast together then.”


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    She winked at Eric, signaling him this was girls’ time and he needed to keep out of it.


    “Got it.” Chuckling to himself, Eric understood. “I’ll drop you off at the hospital, and then I’ll head to the office. Come on; I just want to hang out with you a little longer.”


    He held her hand and lightly squeezed it. “I treasure every moment we get.”


    He’d been so busy that not only was time with Joy scarce, but seeing Hadley was also out of the question.


    “Alright then.” Hadley pretended to find him too needy and annoying with an exaggerated sigh, turning her face away.


    He didn’t miss the ghost of a smile at her lips though.


    After they pulled up to the hospital, Eric quickly walked around and opened Hadley’s car door. “Call or text me when your little ‘girls’ time’ ends and you need a ride—or anything, okay?”


    “Alright.”


    Eric passed her the bag he was holding. “Here you go…”


    Just as Hadley reached for it, her phone rang.


    It was Colleen.


    Without missing a beat, she answered. “Colleen? Are you off work?”


    “Hadley…” Colleen’s voice on the other end sounded strange. It was a weak, whimpering sound.


    “What is it?” Hadley immediately sensed something was wrong. “Are you okay? What’s with your voice?”


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