The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

In the hospital room, Karen leaned back against the headboard. Truth be told, she was more than capable of getting out of bed and walking around. Her robust health made it a non-issue, but with Jasper and her brothers' watchful eyes glued on her, not to mention Willa's gentle smile nearby, she found herself staying put.

Jasper's eyes shimmered with moisture, "Sasha, thank God you're awake. I've been so worried! How are you feeling? Hungry for anything? I'll have the cook whip up your childhood favorite dish in no time!" Maddox examined Karen's arm as if verifying her realness, "Sasha, pinch me. I need to know I'm not dreaming."

Karen chuckled, "You all worry too much. I was just knocked out, nothing serious. I'm actually itching to stretch my legs; lying in bed all day is making me feel like a couch potato!"

Willa suggested to Jasper, "Maybe we should help Sasha get up and move around a bit. It's not good to stay in bed for too long."

Jasper, unable to argue with Karen's wishes, reluctantly agreed.

Maddox, brimming with excitement, leaned in, "Sasha, you won't believe what you've missed. The biggest news is that Percival and Vivienne eloped! But don't worry, we made sure everything was set for their wedding. We were all waiting for you to wake up!"

Arthur interjected, "Hold on! Vivienne and I haven't had our big day yet. They can't beat us to the punch!" He was relieved he made it back in time, unable to bear the thought of Percival winning Vivienne's hand so soon. "Percival hasn't gotten past me yet!"

Percival, overhearing as he entered, knew he had to step up his game. After all, marrying Vivienne was his unwavering intention.

Vivienne, cheeks still flushed from emotion, stepped in to see Karen, supported by Willa, moving around the room, doing light stretches. She seemed in good spirits, her complexion rosy. Vivienne softly uttered, "Mom."

Karen turned with a smile, "Come here and give me a hug. Have you lost weight? I've missed you so much!"

Vivienne was speechless. It was all too surreal!

of Vivienne. She's been

"Well, aren't you going to come over here and give me a hug? Or do

only to be met with a playful slap on the head from

been denying your father? He's the man I chose, and without him, you wouldn't be here. Dare to deny him

to defuse the tension, "Hey, there's no need for that. If Vivienne's having trouble accepting me, I understand. I've been absent, and I'll make it up to her." Vivienne gave him a look that

is between me and

the sentiment, leaving

with a

better but unable to resist, stepped

two decades to have your father back. And now you're acting

never said

could only

your mother for

her ear red and sore, pulled away, "Stop with the drama,

be then? Strawberry

save his life!" Vivienne retorted without missing a beat, prompting a swift defense from

"How would you know? I bet I can outcook Percival

in the family

Arthur a glare, "This is between