The whole room burst into laughter thanks to a single comment from little Isaiah, something nobody saw coming.
Anna pinched his tiny face, "Looks like you're going to be my ring bearer today, Juliette. Feeling nervous?"
"Not at all! I'll nail it," Juliette boasted, confident in her ability to handle such a minor task.
Anna was nearly overwhelmed by Juliette's cuteness. Vivian's kids had gradually changed her perspective on children. Smart, well-mannered, and adorable – what's not to love?
Leopold chimed in, "Who's well-mannered? Who are we talking about here?"
Juliette retorted, "What, godfather, got a problem with me being praised?"
Vivian didn't say a word, just glanced at Juliette, her sly look in Anna's arms making her shake her head in resignation. That child sure had a way with words.
"Since you're awake, go get changed, and then Vivian will do your makeup. Don't hold up Anna's wedding; there's still so much she needs to get ready," Vivian playfully ordered Juliette away.
Juliette hopped off Anna's lap, saluted Vivian, and loudly declared, "Aye, aye, captain! I'm on it!"
Anna couldn't help but laugh again. Meanwhile, Isaiah, awakened by his sister's loud declaration, sat up in bed, looking groggily at Vivian and Anna.
Vivian noticed her son awake and went over, "Had a good sleep?"
Isaiah, still half-asleep, reached for a hug from Vivian, who expertly scooped him up. It was rare for him to show such childlike behavior.
Isaiah soon woke up more fully, squirming uncomfortably in Vivian's embrace, his ears turning red.
Vivian found his embarrassment amusing; her son was just as stubborn as his father, Percival.
"Mummy, I'm awake. Can you put me down now?" Isaiah whispered.
Knowing her son's shyness, Vivian set him down without teasing and even received a polite thank you.
"Mummy, shall I get changed now?" Isaiah looked up, seeking Vivian's approval.
Vivian nodded, "Your sister's already getting ready, just head over there."
Before leaving, Isaiah approached Anna, "Happy wedding, Anna. I'll be a good ring bearer."
Anna barely had a chance to respond before he dashed off.
Vivian sighed with a smile, "He's a bit shy."
Anna reassured her it was fine.
As dawn broke, the children were fully dressed and made up. Griffin and Leopold arrived at the wedding venue, Leopold carrying a child in his arms.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Million-Dollar Heart