VALERIA

I immediately walked toward the bed, my heart tightening in my chest, but I sighed in relief when I saw him open his bright blue eyes, very much alive and well.

"Thank you so much, Miss Valeria, for helping me at the park," he said in a soft, polite child's voice that melted my heart.

The saddest part of all, given my possible infertility, was that I had always loved pups.

"You're welcome, little Edward. I just did what anyone would have done," I replied, sitting on the edge of the bed.