Being fond of kids, Waylen took Matthew and Yvonne for a stroll.
Meanwhile, Marcus was busy cooking up a storm in the kitchen, Leaving Rena and Melissa to share a heartfelt chat.
Despite Melissa already being a mom, Rena gently shared her own child-rearing wisdom.
Finally, Rena murmured, âMatthewâs off to kindergarten soon.
With the new baby coming, you might feel swamped.
But Melissa, if you want to keep working, weâve got your back.
We can help with the kids, or you can even move in with us.
â
Melissa was deeply moved.
Having heard Albertâs tales about Rena and Waylen, Melissa felt they deserved to kick back after their eventful past.
As for the baby, it was Marcus and her who truly wanted it.
There was no need to burden the elders.
Melissa whispered, âIâll quit before the baby arrives.
And about workâ¦â
Gently stroking her belly, Melissa murmured, âOnce this little oneâs off to preschool, Iâll only be thirty.
Still plenty of time for a fresh start.
â
Rena hesitated for a moment, but then broke into a gentle smile.
She murmured, âYou must really adore Marcus.
â
Melissa grinned back.
Whenever she grinned genuinely, a cute canine tooth peeked out.
Unable to resist, Rena remarked, âYou remind me so much of Edwinâs wife, Laura.
Marcus and Edwin seem to have similar tastes.
â
She continued, adding, âEdwin and Marcus are tight.
They do business together.
Youâll probably see more of Laura in the future.
Sheâs a quiet one, just like you.
Youâll get along.
â
Melissa nodded in agreement, and Rena kept the chat going for a bit before they headed downstairs for lunch together.
Just then, Shawn arrived.
He lugged in big bags filled with goodies from his hometown, some freshly dug from the ground.
Upon spotting Rena, Shawnâs eyes widened.
Heâd never seen such a high-society lady from Duefron before.
But he straightened up, not wanting to embarrass Melissa, and greeted with
smile.
âHey, Mrs.
Fowler.
I heard from my mom that Melissaâs expecting again, so I brought her some stuff.
Good for expecting moms.
â
Rena returned his smile.
âHow considerate of you!â
Scratching his head, Shawn said, âI hope sheâll like them.
I know Iâve been a bit of a hassle for Melissa.
â
Since Shawn was practically family, Rena gave him a nod of respect.
âNah, weâre all family here.
Itâs no trouble at all.
â
Waylen returned with two kids by then.
Spotting Shawn, Waylenâs mind drifted to Roger.
When Roger phoned, he spilled everything Marcus did, in tears.
Waylen felt torn.