People knew Rodney as a no-nonsense guy, always leaving behind an aura of seriousness.

He gave Melon a long, hard look. Then he asked Catalina, "Who's this bold little fella?"

Before she could answer, Melon said in a gentle tone, "I'm not bold.

Mommy calls me her little gem."

That caught Catalina off guard. She laughed. Nobody ever answered back to her dad like that before.

Smiling, she messed up Melon's hair a bit and nudged him closer to her father.

"He's the son of one of Mitchell's buddies."

Rodney's face turned thoughtful for a moment.

"He reminds me of.

Lost in her dad's sudden shift, Catalina asked, "Reminds you of who?"

Rodney just shook his head.

"Never mind. Just getting nostalgic in my old age."

Just then, a maid came over.

"Ma'am, the banquet menu needs your approval."

Catalina hesitated, worried about leaving Melon alone with her dad.

But Rodney seemed rather taken with the youngster. He chuckled.

“Get on with it. What, you think I'd snack on the kid?"

Reassured, Catalina went on her way, leaving the two of them alone.

The room echoed with silence for a bit. Then, filled with childlike wonder, Melon peppered Rodney with one question after another.

Rodney, with his formidable presence, took his time to answer every curious query from Melon.