"No way!" Lillian cried. "That crown's mine! I won fair and square!"

Hayden smiled, soothing her. "You did win, Princess Lillian. Kyle and Dylan have to keep their promise."

Lillian nodded fiercely. "Yes!"

Jeremy, watching nearby, exchanged a knowing glance with Hayden. He almost rolled his eyes – a familiar father-son exchange. Hayden continued, gently guiding Lillian, "Is keeping promises important?"

"Yes," Lillian insisted, her face serious. "They can't break their promise! I won the crown!"

Hayden beamed. "Exactly! So, you need to keep your promises too, okay?"

Jeremy gave Hayden a look. Hayden held his ground; the lesson was too important. Lillian, suddenly understanding, thought, Is Daddy talking about me? Her earlier attempts to back out stung. "Next time Kev has to keep his promise!" she declared.

Hayden nodded. "Of course! Everyone keeps their promises."

Lillian, finally calmed, nodded resolutely. How long this lesson would last was anyone's guess. Jeremy had needed repeated lessons, escalating from tears to tantrums to grounding. Repetition was key.

Stacey, having waited downstairs, crept upstairs. Kevin followed. "Let's be quiet," she whispered.

"Okay," he murmured. They tiptoed.

On the second floor, they saw Lillian and Jeremy emerge, Hayden behind them. Jeremy rushed to Stacey, his eyes bright. Stacey watched Lillian; her red eyes were gone. Did Hayden really calm her down? she marveled. He's incredible!

Hayden chuckled. "Let's go for a walk?"

"Yes!" Lillian exclaimed. Stacey saw the newfound closeness between father and daughter.

"Me too!" Kevin piped up.

Stacey smiled at Jeremy. "Jeremy, do you want to come?"

Jeremy blushed, struggling to speak. Stacey knelt, gently encouraging, "Say, 'I want…'"

Jeremy glanced at her lips, his fists clenched. Stacey smiled. "It's okay to make mistakes."

Hayden watched, hopeful. Jeremy took a deep breath, whispering, "Wa…"

"Want," Hayden corrected softly. Jeremy tried again. "Want!"

Stacey hugged him. "You did it! You're amazing!"

"Let's go for a walk," Stacey said, smiling. Everyone was happy. They walked, eventually reaching the playground, letting the children play.

Silence settled over Stacey and Hayden. Finally, Hayden broke it. "Mr. Fraley wants to visit Zentiscape for Christmas."

Stacey relaxed. "I've drafted the plans. I'll send them."

"Okay," Hayden said, smiling. Then, he sighed. "But will it disrupt your family's Christmas?"

Stacey shook her head. "No, it'll just be livelier!"

Hayden nodded. "True. Speaking of which… will you come to my place?"

Stacey's brows furrowed. Hayden chuckled. "You have to come."

Stacey laughed. Was he teasing me? "Well, my parents and I did visit Hoggard Manor once…"