He yearned to step out and approach, yet the fear of causing a disturbance kept him seated, observing from a distance.

Suddenly, Julie looked up and her gaze met Marcus' through the car window, her reaction one of shock.

She quickly scooped up Matthew and hurried back inside, as if she had seen a specter.

Matthew's protest was visible in his scrunched-up face, causing Marcus a pang of heartache.

Once inside, Julie's heart raced.