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.

at Maddox, who was all smiles and no sense, Jasper sighed. He knew he had to treat Willa even better from

Willa, "Dad, believe me, I love Willa

the room

making promises isn't

joined in, "Yeah, Maddox, we know you love Willa to the bone, but don't play favorites, or you might find your allowance

and Fredrick didn't say a word, but their amusement

Maddox's ventures were small fry compared to Willa's management of

Jasper to act;

their eyes, Willa could do

Not so

warning look from his eldest brother, Maddox turned, seeking assurance, "Dad, you wouldn't miss

Willa doesn't mind, you should try to step up."

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

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

of the Perez's vast network, supporting Maddox wouldn't

Fredrick's smiles faltered, seeing something

Maddox so different from Willa's? To her, Maddox's quirks were

Jasper concluded the ceremony, the spotlight was

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

the reception, Vivienne couldn't help but indulge in a little too

was cautious, remembering the last time she

for him to intervene. Anything to avoid a repeat of

his wine, glaring

rest upstairs. Aunt Maria has prepared a room for you."

him

glass down, insisting, "Uncle

her last