The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne frowned, her voice cold as she spoke, "Godfather?"

Leopold felt a chill run down his spine, swallowing hard, "Uh, Vivienne, I didn't really say anything just now. Please, don't be mad..." Her tone was calm, "Was this your idea?"

Leopold shook his head, then nodded, "The guys all wanted a shot, but I figured being the first to speak up might give me an edge." Vivienne narrowed her eyes, "Aren't you afraid of what they'll do when they find out?"

Leopold stiffened, a look of defiance on his face, "I'm not scared. I've got Griffin backing me up. If they try anything against me and the kids, I'll have Griffin send them a little surprise. Let's see who dares to mess with us then." Vivienne chuckled, looking down to see two little faces smiling up at her, hands reaching out in joy.

She noticed the smiles appeared the moment they heard Leopold's voice, raising an eyebrow, "Alright, we'll find time to officially make you their godfather." Now, it was Leopold's turn to freeze.

He glanced in the rearview mirror, stuttering, "Vivienne, you're not joking, right?"

Switching her tone, she asked, "Why, you don't want to?"

Leopold shook his head vigorously, "How could I not want to? I'm just worried about Percival waking up and finding out. He might just ship me off to Fariana Isle." Vivienne's lips curved, "What happened to your bomb-dropping resolve?"

Leopold chuckled sheepishly, "Well, that's different. Percival's the kids' real dad. If he's not on board, I wouldn't dare accept the title, not for all the tea in China." She looked down at the two children, beaming with joy.

"Don't worry. If the kids like you, Mr. Wolf won't object."

Leopold perked up at that, "Vivienne, say no more. Kids love me. I'll teach them everything I know, no secrets held back."

Vivienne just smiled.

If the kids turned out as stoic as Mr. Wolf, fine, but if they were anything like her, she hoped Leopold wouldn't come crying to back out of the deal.

But by then, it wouldn't be her decision to make.

It would be up to the kids.

They arrived at the Ellington estate.

stepped out of the car, she

out, "Vivienne's here.

baby carriers in Leopold's

with a

in quickly, it's windy. You and the babies shouldn't catch a cold." Inside, Richard was practically orbiting the children, his attention darting back and forth between them like

couldn't stop talking about how blessed he felt to see his great-grandchildren, claiming he could die

these two grow up, get married, no problem." Everyone laughed, with Richard beaming,

health then inquired, "Where's Isolde? How is

е

with guilt, "We just got back yesterday. Isolde

fell asleep at dawn.

probably still asleep."

"If her mood changes,

Cecilia was grateful.

of Isolde was delicate, and her parents hoped she could move past these shadows

at Nathan,

this, calmly bringing up, "You want to know how Mr.

medical skills. Since Percival is with you, we believe he'll wake up.

is indeed about to

Cecilia looked puzzled,

explained, "I had just given birth. It was my mother who saved Mr.

to thank her properly,

Mr. Wolf's mentor, and in a way, his mother-in-law. She'd

tell you that the people who harmed you are gone.

recalling the terrifying

deserve to live," she

weight lifted from