The Day I Kissed An Older Man

Lucas was relieved too. He had been genuinely concerned about Melody's health, often to the point of ensuring that Lynette prepared only the most nutritious and nourishing food for her. Realizing that her vital signs were all within normal range, his anxieties were finally eased.

Melody packed her belongings eagerly and was determined to do so without letting Lucas intervene. He watched fondly as she busied herself, though he did not realize he was looking at her that way, and neither did she.

Even though Melody was finally able to return home, Melody could not shake off her concerns about how long Thalia might stay at the Riveras. Beatrice's reassurance the previous day had served to remind her that Thalia never ended up with Lucas despite their shared history and memories. Buoyed by this thought, Melody was willing to give it a shot at winning Lucas's heart.

Beatrice's supportive words brought a smile to Melody's face, and Lucas-who caught a glimpse of it in the rearview mirror-remarked playfully, "Are you glad to leave because you no longer have to be alone with me?"

Melody looked out the window at the scenery, recalling the weather forecast with that of snow in the coming few days. Not having seen snow in almost three years, she could not help but feel a sense of anticipation.

that I didn't want to be

attempting to express something deeper, began, "But I never said I didn't want to be alone with you either. In

stopped talking abruptly as a hint of embarrassment

at him with anticipation and

remained tight-lipped, yet his silence brought delight to Melody. As long as she knew

it came to love, she

as Lucas held a soft spot for Melody, then Thalia's chances of winning his heart would be incredibly

weather. Their joy knew no bounds when they received the message that Melody was back in the pink of health and had already been discharged. They had instructed the cook to prepare Melody's

said, "Make some clam chowder for her too. It's