It was pushing midnight after their intercourse.

Feeling weary, Melissa headed for a bath. Meanwhile, Marcus lounged against the bed's headboard, puffing on a cigarette. As she entered, he quickly stubbed it out and motioned for her to join him.

Melissa melted into his embrace, her body relaxed.

They lay in silence for a spell, reveling in post-coital closeness.

Eventually, he ran his fingers through her soft locks and murmured, “My old man called this afternoon, asking when I'd pop the question."