The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

"Willa, why the heck did you pinch me?" Maddox looked as innocent as a puppy caught chewing on a shoe.

Willa's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red as she glared at him. Her attempt at looking formidable, however, was undermined by an unmistakable hint of bashfulness. "Did you already forget the pep talk I gave you?" Maddox swallowed hard, nodding slightly.

That was all Willa needed to see to know they were in trouble.

Her own choice in a partner, what more could she do?

The two stood under the spotlight, basking in the warmth of everyone's well-wishes.

As the ceremony was drawing to its highlight, Jasper handed Willa a list, "Willa, this is what I gave your sister, Sasha, when she got engaged. I've prepared something similar for you. Let me know if there's anything missing." Being a father and a father-in-law, how could Jasper bear to short-change Willa?

Tears welled up in Willa's eyes as she took the list. Shaking her head, she managed, "Dad, I don't care about those things. I just want to stay by your side, always."

Jasper nodded, visibly moved, gripping Willa's hand, "You're my daughter. I'll treat you no differently. You won't miss out on anything."

Willa pressed her lips together, nodding in agreement.

Maddox, standing beside her, was so touched he was nearly in tears.

Jasper looked at him with mock disdain, "It's not your list, son. What are you crying for?"

Maddox took a deep breath, "Dad, I regret not being born your daughter. I haven't even seen half of these things."

Jasper was momentarily speechless. If it weren't for the solemnity of the occasion, he might have questioned Maddox's common sense.

Sensing Jasper's growing irritation, Maddox hastily wiped away his tear, trying to lighten the mood, "Dad, I was just trying to add a bit of humor... Please, continue."

Jasper couldn't help but roll his eyes.

He knew he had to treat Willa even

earnest, turned to Willa, "Dad, believe me, I love Willa even more than I love

sent the room into

"Maddox, making promises isn't the same as stabbing our dad in

we know you love Willa to the bone, but

say a word, but

Maddox's ventures were small fry compared to

wait for Jasper to act; they'd resolve

Willa could

Not so

brother, Maddox turned, seeking assurance, "Dad, you wouldn't

entire Perez empire at your age. Only because Willa doesn't mind, you should try to step up." Maddox felt

seeking comfort, "Honey, I'll work hard to earn more. Trust

heart wasn't in business. Touching his face, she assured him, "Sweetie, I'll take care

the helm of the Perez's vast

smiles faltered, seeing something they couldn't

from Willa's? To

ceremony, the spotlight was on

slid it onto Willa's finger. Looking up, he kissed her passionately, eliciting cheers from the

reception, Vivienne couldn't help but indulge in

remembering the last time she drank too

to intervene. Anything to avoid a repeat of

glaring at Maddox for even suggesting

the end, Luke stepped up, suggesting, "Vivienne, if you're feeling unwell, you can rest upstairs. Aunt Maria has prepared a room for

him a

her glass down, insisting, "Uncle Luke, Uncle Fredrick, I'm fine,

her last