"Can I get you anything else before dinner?" Maria asked in a soft voice that tugged right at Ariel's heartstrings.

"No, this is perfect. I just want to take it all in," Ariel appreciated. "But I would love to hear about Jayden and his family, if you have the time."

Maria burst into a laugh. "Gosh, where should I even begin? Jayden has always been such a sweet boy. Grew up in this house and has always taken into his heart the values his parents showed him. They taught him the value of loyalty, hard work, and having compassion for people."

Ariel listened with wide eyes as Maria talked. "He's...