odger's stern look softened as he turned to Grace.

dd rush of emotion that

felt as if winter's chill had brushed up against a warm sunbea

t voice, she asked, "Grace, Mr. Holden is

er tone was soft, but her question was direct. "A

aughter had meant little to him; he agreed only to satisfy his wife's hopes. For

es-the same eyes that reminded him of his wife-he

oth unwavering and kind. "Never. From this moment forwar

hed over her. She trusted that when Rodger g

e Miller family watched in shock as she headed toward t

e overlooked. She would be cherished and p

ncertainty flickered across th

sibility of caring for Grace see

le. Grace's fiery spirit might soon see her returned t

..

made their way to th

nees. Inside, she carried just a handful of clothes, a

blue, her p

n encrypted message. "So, Ms. Fowler set you up with a

simple res

quickly followed up. "The Holdens have their own set of complicati

e said nothing,

peared. "Anyway, reach out if you need anyth

ack everything I gave to the Millers. If th

, she had poured her efforts into helping them.

ed through the line, bubbling with excitement. "Sweetheart, is our daughter with you?

r, Rodger's lips curved into a gentle smile. "Yes

dless stretches of highway, finally sl

the Holden family. Only the city's most influential and w

a prize, the Holdens' home boasted sweeping gardens and a

ling this neighborhood home, though such

Grace peered through the window, taking in the esta

n her door. He guided her along winding garden pa

the Holden family had already gath

the place of honor. Though she spoke not a word

ce, and pearls glimmered at her ears-Ethel

nd son. The youngest, Eliana, now lived overseas with her husband. Beside Ethel stoo

r, Grace," Rodger said w

hush swept ov

r head and met their gazes. Not a hi

air of quiet confidence, striking e

had expected a timid girl fresh from the orphanage,

tly around Grace, her voice trembling with happiness. "Grace, I never imagined we would be brou

spered every night, hoping Grace would be fr

ent of iris perfume and felt a wave of comfort. For