Bathed in soft Light, she pressed herself against him, encircling his waist with her arms.
Marcus felt his heart soften at the gesture.
He bent down, his hand resting gently on Melissaâs still-flat stomach, considering the possibility of new life.
Gazing at her lovingly, he whispered, âYouâve had quite the appetite lately.
Could it be because weâre expecting?â
Melissa, feeling a rush of embarrassment, hid her face in his embrace.
Marcus looked at her gently, a softness in his eyes.
New to the situation, he suggested with urgency, âWe should head to the hospital now!â
âThe doctors have probably finished their shifts.
Perhaps we could try tomorrow?â she proposed.
Without a word, Marcus fetched his phone and rang Sylvia.
Sylvia, her hair damp from a recent shower, was taken aback by Marcusâ sudden request on the other end.
âI need you to book me the first available slot with Duefronâs top obstetrician.
Itâs urgent,â he insisted.
Sylvia, taken aback, wondered if her boss just lost his senses.
Even though the summer air was warm, Marcus dr@ped his jacket over Melissa.
She protested, âItâs not chilly, and for all we know, I might not be pregnant.
Itâs quite the spectacle youâre making in the middle of the night if Iâm not.
â
Marcus, settling into the driverâs seat, reached across to secure her seatbelt.
He gently patted her abdomen, saying hopefully, âPerhaps not just yet.
But I have a strong feeling it wonât be long.
â
Melissaâs cheeks warmed as she replied with hesitation, âYou seem awfully eager, donât you?â
Clasping the steering wheel, Marcus fell into silence.
After a moment, he shared, âI witnessed Daniel and Scott get ushered out of the delivery room, yet I wasnât there for Matthewâs birth- I want to be there with you if we have another.
â
His words carried a solemn weight, his face etched with remorse.
Sensing the heaviness in his voice, Melissa reassured him softly, âHavenât we settled this already? Thereâs no need for guilt.
â
She rested her hand atop his, her voice a gentle murmur.
âWerenât we on our way to confirm the pregnancy? Do I need to keep reassuring you?â
Her words caught Marcus off guard, his gaze turning shadowy.
He responded not with words but with a tender ki*s, murmuring against her lips, âI love you, Melissa.
â
His yearning for another child was deeply rooted in his love for her.
He longed to rectify past regrets, to envelop her in care and devotion, to ensure she felt utterly loved.
Touched by his sincerity, Melissa felt a swell of emotion.
In a moment of raw sentiment, Marcus captured her lips, his urgency clear.
âTalk to me, please.
â