Charlie kept his peace, and Emily wasn't in a rush either, goofing around with Kya in the back, playing thumb wars as they rode along.

The moment Charlie steered the car into the retirement home's parking lot, Emily looked at him, a mix of surprise and warmth flooding her heart.

They got out of the car, and a nurse greeted them cheerfully, guiding them towards the common room. "Mr. Sullivan is in the middle of a chess game, playing quite impressively," she said with a smile.

Emily chuckled at herself, thinking, "After all those years hustling in Vegas, how could he not be?"

Of course, the nurse was oblivious to the backstory, continuing to praise Shawn Sullivan's card skills.

Emily raised an eyebrow, "They're not betting money, are they?"

"Absolutely not!" the nurse assured quickly. "We don't allow gambling here. It's just a friendly game of cards among friends, passing the time."

That put Emily at ease.

Charlie, carrying Kya on one hip and holding Emily's hand with the other, reassured her softly, "Don't worry, I've arranged for someone to look after Mr. Sullivan. You're being too cautious." Captured by his deep, comforting gaze, Emily bit her lip and nodded, "Thank you!"

a hug and playfully tapped her head, "If you

her breath, "I'm not going anywhere. What's there to worry

in, patting Emily's head, "Marry Daddy already. He's

Kya high-fived,

but

warm atmosphere welcomed them. Shawn sat in a wheelchair, deeply engrossed in a chess game with another gentleman, surrounded by a lively crowd. The room was decorated

arrival, "Mr. Sullivan, your daughter

excused himself from the game, "My daughter's here. You

nurse wheeled Shawn over,

others waved them

first thing in the new year? You're

his daughter

daughter's visiting too, but not

...

over pushing the wheelchair, greeting Shawn with a

awkwardly, "You didn't have to come all this way. I'm sure you're busy today. I'm doing just fine

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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