Melissa walked over, pulled back the covers, and snuggled into his arms. Looking down at her, he asked softly, "You still holding onto this. Are you thinking about taking the offer?"

She quipped, "Yeah, I'm all in!"

He kissed her and inquired, "What about us and our little one if you leave?"

She just smiled and said nothing.

After a moment of silence, Marcus suddenly spoke up again. “Hey, don't stress. If you want to take it, go for it! Bring some pals along. I'll fly out every weekend to see you. And when you're ready to quit, we'll tie the knot."

To her surprise, he was all for her taking the offer.

But she kept her plan to herself, letting him believe she still fancied working in Heron.

It felt kind of nice to have a little control over him.

Feeling content, Melissa snuggled into bed and pulled him close. “I'm beat!"

Marcus joined her, gazing at her sleepy face. "Melissa, I'm serious! I mean it. If you're set on going, I'm behind you all the way."

She switched off the light and planted a soft kiss on his cheek in the dark. "I know."

As soon as they snuggled in bed, Albert rang.

Marcus declined his call three times.

Finally, unable to ignore it any longer, Marcus picked up, grumbling to Melissa, "I take back what I said! That old geezer just won't stop unless he's making trouble for everyone!"

On the other end, Albert's voice was frosty. "Marcus, I'm only forty!

I'm not ancient!"

Marcus chuckled. “Mr. Waston, you're aware you're forty too, right?

Then you should be old enough to know it's not cool to ring someone up in the dead of night! It's late, what's on your mind?"

Albert hesitated before querying, "Is Jessie heading overseas? Did she spill the beans about where she's headed? How Long's she planning to be away?"

With a faint smirk, Marcus replied, "Mr. Waston, shouldn't you be snuggled up next to your missus and kid? Why you so curious about a gal you've left high and dry? Who are you to be asking these questions anyway?"