The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne watched the kids engrossed in their homework, enjoying the peace of the moment, when her phone interrupted the silence. Glancing at the caller ID, she saw it was Griffin calling. "What's got you calling me out of the blue?" Griffin made a face, even though Vivienne couldn't see it. "What do you mean, Viv? I've been wanting to call you for ages, but Leopold mentioned you were tied up with things. I figured I'd wait a bit before reaching out. Didn't expect you to miss me this much!" "How's the pregnancy treating you?"

"Boring! It's unbearably boring!"

Griffin couldn't help but vent, "You have no idea. When you were pregnant, you weren't monitored this closely, right? My dad and Leopold act like I'll miscarry if I so much as step off the bed. It's really frustrating. I finally got a moment to myself to call and vent, or I swear I'd go stir-crazy."

Vivienne wasn't surprised. The Martinez family was protective, especially since Griffin was their only daughter.

Trying to offer some comfort, Vivienne said, "They're just looking out for you, you know. Pregnancy can be tough, and they don't want anything happening to you."

Griffin didn't quite see it that way, given how bored she was.

"Hey, Viv, are you busy? If not, fancy a stroll or something? I'm dying of boredom here, and you have no idea!"

Vivienne glanced at the diligently studying kids. There wasn't much keeping her home, so she decided to keep Griffin company and get some fresh air herself.

With that thought, she agreed and headed out, grabbing her things.

Driving to Griffin's place, Vivienne stopped by a mall to pick up some of Griffin's recent cravings-cupcakes from her favorite bakery.

Godfrey greeted Vivienne warmly when she arrived.

"Here to see Griffin? Thanks for making the trip," Godfrey Martinez said, offering Vivienne a warm smile. He had grown quite fond of her, appreciating her comforting presence.

to

But over the years, he'd seen the boy mature, becoming more responsible despite his usual antics. Griffin's happiness with him made it easier for Godfrey to accept Leopold

she's too tired to come out much," Godfrey explained as he led

as Vivienne was about to knock, Griffin's voice called out from inside,

Vivienne entered, asking, "How did you know it was

smell is super sharp these days. I recognized it instantly," Griffin said, a

to his frustration. Vivienne, catching on to Griffin's playful mood, remarked, "You

cupcakes, fried chicken, and milk tea-foods she hadn't indulged in for

these all for me?" Griffin asked, her eyes sparkling

help but

be heartbroken if she said no. "Yes, they're for you," she confirmed, handing Griffin a cupcake. "You can still enjoy most foods in moderation during pregnancy. It's

moved on to the topic of going out, suggesting short, frequent walks for both Griffin's and the baby's benefit, with a caution to stop immediately if she felt unwell. Vivienne knew what Griffin needed to hear and went through the pregnancy dos and don'ts, much

Leopold was likely monitoring them through.

finished her strawberry cheesecake, leaving Griffin astonished at how quickly it

asked, "So, have you guys found out if it's a boy or a girl

yet,

boy or a girl," Griffin had firmly decided against letting the doctor reveal the gender early on. To her, the gender didn't matter; this was her child,

magic trick, pulling out two

a petite person could hide those two huge

had marveled at it many times before, she couldn't help but give Vivienne a thumbs-up at that moment: Vivienne truly lived up to her reputation! Vivienne laughed it off, "Oh, it's nothing

of these cute little clothes for you. Make