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.

lucky to have Vivienne's

years, he'd seen the boy mature, becoming more responsible despite his usual antics. Griffin's happiness with

been mostly staying in her room, claiming she's too tired to come out much," Godfrey explained as he

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

asking, "How did you

these days. I recognized it instantly," Griffin said, a hint of

to his frustration. Vivienne, catching on to Griffin's playful mood, remarked, "You two are quite the match-one blissfully unaware and the other too clever by half. Perfect balance." "When

at the sight of cupcakes, fried chicken, and milk tea-foods

Griffin

help but

"Yes, they're for you," she confirmed, handing Griffin a cupcake. "You can still enjoy most foods in moderation during pregnancy.

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

a well-planned scheme, smugly acknowledging the camera Leopold was likely monitoring them through. Leopold, watching from afar, couldn't help but laugh at their interaction. He appreciated Vivienne's

strawberry cheesecake, leaving

"So, have you guys found

sure yet, planning to

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, and there was no reason not to love

like a magic trick, pulling out two large bags from behind

believe such a petite person could hide those two huge bags behind

but give Vivienne a thumbs-up at that moment: Vivienne truly lived

know if it's a boy or a girl, I'd just buy a bunch of these cute little clothes for you. Make