The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Danielle twirled around in the garden, his face illuminated by the soft glow of the moonlight. He reached out his hands, trying to catch the light, a big grin spreading across his face.

Karen and Arthur, from a little distance away, watched the scene unfold with tender smiles. Seeing Danielle so happy warmed their hearts.

As the evening drew to a close and the fireflies began to dwindle, a tired Danielle wobbled over to Karen, his little legs barely keeping up. In his sweet, childlike voice, he reached out his hands and said, "Auntie Karen, uppy please?"

Karen's heart melted at the request, vivid memories of her own daughter, Vivienne, asking for the same thing when she was younger. With a gentle smile, she scooped Danielle into her arms. "It's getting late, sweetie. Your family is waiting in the hall. The fireflies have all gone to bed; maybe we should too."

Danielle's soft hands gently touched Karen's face. "Thank you, Auntie Karen, for showing me the fireflies. Can we play together again?"

How could Karen resist such a request? "Of course, but it's past your bedtime. You need to get some sleep so you can grow big and strong. Otherwise, you won't be able to hold even a small shovel!" Danielle nodded obediently, his admiration for Karen evident.

Upon entering the hall, Karen was greeted by two of the Wright family's staff, who were visibly relieved to see Danielle safe and sound.

"Master Danielle, you had us worried sick wandering off like that," one of them scolded gently.

been informed, sir. The

Karen reassured them, "Little champ, I'll leave you in their good hands. Don't make your

set down, he reassured the staff, "Don't worry, I had a lot of fun with Auntie Karen. We saw fireflies...

puzzled glances but were relieved to see him unharmed and

for looking after our young master. We'd be in a world of

thanks needed. It's late; you better

left, Danielle waved goodbye, "Auntie Karen, I'll come

waved back, her heart

my daughter's coming-of-age celebration. It's been a

is the future matriarch of the Linklater family. A perfect match for the War God himself, though I wonder who would win if

laughter and

way to Karen. Yorick, with pride in his eyes, announced, "Karen is the chosen partner for Arthur and an

Karen's true mentorship under him at

biological daughter, Sasha Perez! Lost to us years ago, but now

woman of such caliber needed no family name to stand out. Yet, the revelation