Keep reading with Chapter Two...

Later that afternoon, Spencer drove to St. Jude’s Hospital.

The dark clouds that had covered Portland for a week had finally cleared, leaving behind a brilliant, sunlit blue sky.

Spencer walked into Room 412, holding a giant bouquet of fresh yellow lilies—Florence’s favorite flowers.

Sitting in the armchair beside the bed was Jocelyn, holding baby Dexter, who was happily gurgling and kicking his tiny feet. Beside her sat Charlee, drawing a colorful picture of a big white house with a green lawn using crayons.

In the hospital bed, Florence was sitting up, supported by pillows. Color had returned to her pale cheeks, her heart monitor beating with a steady, strong rhythm. The doctors had declared her recovery nothing short of a medical miracle.

"Look, Grandma!" Charlee giggled, holding up her drawing. "I drew our new house!"

Spencer walked over, set the flowers on the bedside table, and kissed Florence softly on her forehead.

"How are you feeling today, Florence?" Spencer asked with a warm smile.

"I feel twenty years younger, Spencer," Florence smiled, her eyes twinkling with deep happiness. "The doctor says my heart function has improved dramatically. He thinks I might be discharged by next week."

"That's wonderful news," Spencer said, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Because your new home is officially ready."

Jocelyn looked up, surprised. "New home?"

Spencer pulled a leather folder from his coat and opened it on the tray table.

"This is the deed to the Rosewood Estate," Spencer revealed, pointing to a photograph of a beautiful, spacious historic mansion surrounded by gardens, located just ten minutes from Pinecrest Heights. "The property has five acres of land, a private medical suite for Florence, and full security. I’ve placed the house in a joint trust for Jocelyn, Charlee, and Florence."

Jocelyn gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. "Spencer... we can't accept this... it's too much!"

"It isn't enough, Jocelyn," Spencer said softly, reaching over to touch baby Dexter's tiny hand. "You risked your life to bring my son into the world. Florence survived decades of pain to protect this family’s truth. And Charlee..."

Spencer turned to the seven-year-old girl, who was watching him with wide, curious eyes.

"Charlee saved my son’s life," Spencer said, his voice thick with emotion. "She brought me back from a cold, lonely existence and reminded me what it means to be a human being."

Spencer pulled out a second legal document from his folder.

"Florence," Spencer said, looking at the matriarch. "With your permission... I would like to formally adopt Charlee as my legal daughter. I want her to carry the Warren name with pride, as a true heir to this family."

Charlee dropped her crayon, her small mouth opening in complete shock. "You... you want to be my daddy?"

Spencer knelt down beside her chair, tears glistening in his grayish-blue eyes. "If you'll have me, Charlee. I promise I will love you, protect you, and never let you be cold or lonely ever again."