"Really?" Kiana asked again, relieved. "Jeslyn's in a cute dress. But I've got Minnie! And... Mom, will she come often?”

Melissa smiled. "I think so!"

Kiana beamed. "Dad's cooking! He said if you don't wake up, no treat tonight!"

Melissa was speechless. Marcus should not have said certain things to their daughter!

She freshened up and headed downstairs.

Albert had brought Jeslyn. Maybe he'd talked to her as Jeslyn wasn't keen on taking Minnie anymore. She proudly announced, “I'll have my own dog soon!"

Kiana made a face.

The adults focused on their conversation. Melissa discussed business with Albert.

Soon, Marcus laid out the dishes.

As they prepared to eat, a white BMW pulled up at the gate. Out stepped Jessie, carrying flowers for Melissa and toys for the kids.

Surprised and puzzled, Melissa greeted Jessie in the hallway.

It wasn't that she didn't want to see Jessie, she just didn't understand why she had showed up out of the blue.

Plus, Albert was still around!

They hadn't crossed paths in two or three years.

Marcus, bringing out the last dish, grinned at his wife. "I invited her. What's up? You two are besties, aren't you?"

Melissa was at a loss for words.

She glanced at Albert. He seemed composed but Melissa, who had been his confidant for years, sensed his tension. She knew he was struggling to keep his feelings in check.

After all, his eyes betrayed him.

Melissa sighed softly, rising to greet Jessie, feeling almost ashamed to meet her friend's shocked gaze.

Flowers scattered on the floor.