âLet me give you a ride,â offered Lyndon.
âNo need,â Tilda declined decisively, cradling Sheldon as she made her way to her car.
Sheldon, resting his head on Tildaâs shoulder, waved goodbye to Lyndon.
âBye, Dad!â he called out, eliciting a grin from Lyndon as he returned the wave.
As Tilda settled into the car, Karina couldnât resist teasing Lyndon.
âIt seems Like youâre not quite playing your cards right in the game of love.
â
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Lyndon arched an eyebrow in curiosity.
âOh? And howâs that?â he inquired.
Karina offered her advice with a knowing smile.
âWell, remember, what women say isnât always what they mean.
A ânoâ might actually be a âyesâ,â she explained.
âAnd youâve got to be bold and assertive.
For instance, you should have insisted on driving Tilda home earlier.
Women will yearn for care.
Even if she protests initially, sheâll appreciate the gesture once she sees how much you care.
â
Her words carried a logical and persuasive tone.
Lyndon chuckled at Karinaâs advice.
âI never would have guessed that you are a love guru.
â
Karina waved off the compliment modestly.
âOh, you flatter me.
Iâve just read too many romantic novels.
â
As Carlow admired Karinaâs delicate face, he couldnât help but offer a compliment.
âA word to the wise is enough.
Truly, Karina, your insights are remarkable,â he praised softly, his voice carrying a hint of huskiness that set it apart from Barlowâs magnetic tone yet possessed its own mature charm.
Her name from his lips stirred something within Karina, causing an inexplicable flutter in her heart.
She adjusted her coat, clearing her throat before gently rebuffing him.
âWeâre not close.
Please, we are not on a first-name basis.
â
âBut didnât we agree at Haleighâs to address each other by name?â
Carlow appeared puzzled.
âand whatâs my name?â Karina questioned.
âKarina,â Carlow replied without hesitation.
Karina couldnât help but roll her eyes.
âDid you happen to forget my last name?â she quipped, curious as to why he didnât address her with her last name.
Carlowâs gaze held steady as he responded, âForgetting your last name isnât significant.
Remembering who you are is what truly matters.
â
His tone was playful yet profound, causing Karina to pause momentarily, feeling a sense of déja vu.
It was as if she was conversing with Barlow himself.
Observing the exchange, Rosalynn raised her eyebrows, recognizing a familiar tone and expression in Carlowâs demeanor.