She countered, "You're the one who leaps at every chance, and now you dare to play the accuser?"

Marcus cast the book aside and leaned in, pressing his brow to hers, whispering, "Indeed, you've got me there, Mrs. Fowler. Yet, it's your guileless gaze that undoes my restraint each time. Challenging for any man, wouldn't you agree?"

Melissa responded by tenderly caressing his cheek.

Her voice was light with jest. "Well, to become a worthy partner of Mr. Fowler, I must devote myself to work. I should claim my role in Heron swiftly, lest the dowry slips through our fingers."

Marcus met her tease with an unexpected earnestness.

He drew her close, sealing his pledge with a kiss. “Worry not.

Embrace your ambitions, honey. Post-delivery, I'll hold down the fort and rear our little ones. Should you wish, you can be the one to sustain us while chasing your dreams."

Melissa, taken aback by his words, questioned with a mix of surprise and skepticism, "Really? I can hardly believe it!"

Marcus responded with a light-hearted laugh, "What do you propose I do instead? Should I escort you to Heron myself?"

After holding his gaze for a moment, Melissa playfully nipped his chin, emphasizing each word. “Mr. Fowler, your craftiness seems to know no bounds. But don't think I'm falling for it."

Amidst their playful banter, they both knew it was all in jest.

As sleepiness crept up on her, Melissa's mind wandered to Minnie, who was nowhere to be found.

Leaning into Marcus' embrace, she asked softly, "I can't seem to drift off. Do you think it'll work, the button trick Matthew brought up?"

Marcus let out a soft laugh and replied with a hint of teasing in his tone, “Tempting as it may be, I'd wager the buttons won't help with sleep tonight. Remember, Mrs. Fowler, now is the time for rest, especially in your condition."

At his teasing admonition, Melissa could only roll her eyes once more.

Waylen and Rena arrived early in the morning, loaded with stuff.

Rena not only brought tonics for expecting mothers but also a dazzling set of ruby jewelry.

The villa looked extra festive. Matthew proudly introduced Minnie to Waylen, pointing out her tiny "buttons". “Hey, Grandpa, isn't Minnie just adorable?"

Waylen scooped up Minnie, agreeing, "Oh yeah, she's a real cutie."

Being fond of kids, Waylen took Matthew and Yvonne for a stroll.