Too Late, Mr. Billionaire: You Can't Afford Me by Thedora Birnir

Chapter :

Catching her meaning, Eric let out a warm laugh 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 become 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 explain 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.”

Eric’s brow

head, and then flung herself into his arms, whispering, “Dad went away for work. Mom said we wait until he comes

had been

patted his

“Don’t worry, Joy. I’m not sad.” How could he be? His

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 clutched her tummy and scampered off. “Mommy, I need to use

gave her daughter’s head a fond pat. At her age, Joy could handle the bathroom

on a sec, Eric!” Joy called

source of stories:

his eyes lingering on Hadley with a knowing,

“What? Is there

did you tell Joy?” Eric asked, sidestepping

“What?” Hadley frowned, lost.

his voice dropping to a whisper near her ear, “That you’re waiting for Joy’s dad to come back?” Joy’s dad—that