She glanced back.
Marcus flashed a charming smile.
Blushing, she turned away, joining Matthew.
Oblivious to the tension between the adults, Matthew chattered away about the puppy.
Marcus shut the door and hopped in.
As he buckled up, he suggested softly, âLetâs go for a poodle.
â
But Melissa worried a poodle would be too big once grown.
Marcus showed Matthew a picture of a white, adorable poodle.
âLetâs pick a girl.
Sheâll be as lovely as your mom when sheâs grown.
â
Marcus was a smooth talker.
Matthew was sold on the picture-perfect poodle.
âI want her.
â
Marcus glanced at Melissa and asked, âWhat do you think?â
Melissa seethed, refusing to engage with Marcus.
His tone softened.
âWouldnât it be nice to have her play with him?
Or actually⦠How about another kid? Iâve been itching for a daughter.
â
Matthew clung to Melissa, pleading, âI want a sister.
Even Evelynâs got one.
â
âEvelynâs got Daniel as her brother.
âHeâs cute though.
â
âNo matter how cute he is, heâs still a boyâ¦â
âOh,â Matthew replied.
His eyes shifted downwards, fixating on Melissaâs belly, as if hoping a baby would pop out any second.
Melissa wished sheâd stayed home instead of tagging along with the father and son.
With a slight grin, Marcus hit the gas and told Matthew, âYouâll only get a little sister once your mom and I tie the knot officially.
â
Matthew was desperate for a sister.
âThen hurry up and get married!â
The car fell silent.
Melissa glanced out the window, avoiding the tension.
Eventuall, Marcus spoke softly.
âLetâs wait until your momâs on board with it.
â
They pulled up at the pet store.