Daisy called Jocelyn and asked her to come over for a family lunch in the morning. They would be heading back to the town later that afternoon.
Jocelyn didn't want to leave Yasmine out, so she invited her to join them.
But Yasmine didn't want to intrude on a family meal, so she made up an excuse to decline the offer.
"Would you mind looking after Euston for me then?" Jocelyn asked.
The neighborhood was bustling with people returning home for the holidays, and it was a bit cumbersome to bring a child along.
Yasmine was surprised, considering it was a visit to the child’s grandparents, but she agreed happily.
"You trust me enough to leave your kid with me? I'm flattered," Yasmine said with a smile. "You're not worried I might run off with him?"
Jocelyn paused and then laughed, "No, you wouldn’t do that."
"Is that trust in me, or trust in Melvin?" Yasmine teased.
"I trust you," Jocelyn affirmed.
Holding Euston, Yasmine beamed with gratitude. "Thanks for your trust."
"It’s me who should thank you," said Jocelyn genuinely.
"You enjoy your time with your family, and I'll take great care of Euston." Yasmine replied.
"Thanks."
Jocelyn and Quinta drove off. Holding the child, Yasmine called Melvin to pick them up for an outing.
When Melvin arrived, he was puzzled. "Why did she dump the kid on you?"
"I'm clueless," admitted Yasmine. "Maybe she just wanted some quiet time with her parents."
Melvin wasn't convinced.
Without overthinking it, Yasmine suggested, "Let's hit the zoo."
"Isn't the kid sick?"
"He was better last night, no vomiting or anything. And if we stick to the indoor exhibits, we should be fine." Yasmine bundled up Euston in warm clothes, handed him over to Melvin and packed the essentials.
Watching her bustling about, Melvin couldn't help but remark, "You're so good with kids, why not have another one?"
"With whom?" Yasmine checked her bag one last time before zipping it up.
"Anyone you fancy."
Yasmine scoffed, "Forget it. I’ll just wait for you to get hitched and have kids, then I'll babysit for you."
"You might not be up for it by then."
Yasmine glared at him, "Have some ambition."
Cradling Euston, Melvin felt an uncomfortable twinge in his chest.
He couldn't imagine wanting to have a child with anyone.
Even the thought of a woman other than Jocelyn getting close to him was enough to make him feel physically ill.
At the zoo, Euston was fascinated by the animals, his eyes wide and gleeful sounds escaping his lips now and then.
Yasmine held the child, and Melvin snapped photos. When Yasmine got tired, Melvin would take over, and she sent some pictures to Jocelyn.
Jocelyn was in the kitchen helping with the cooking when her phone buzzed. She checked it immediately, worried about Euston.
The photos from Yasmine showed Melvin holding Euston, pointing out a tiger, the child's face alight with curiosity.
Melvin's gaze was tender and full of an indescribable emotion as he looked at Euston.
There were many photos, each one revealing Melvin's kind-hearted nature.
Peering over Jocelyn's shoulder at the photos, Quinta was impressed. "He's good with the baby. He'll make a great dad someday."
Jocelyn stepped away and put down her phone, "Maybe."
Perhaps it was the maturity that came with age, but everything seemed just right.
The impatience of youth had faded, and everyone had learned restraint.
After the meal, Jocelyn drove them to the train station and watched them go through the checkpoint before returning to her car.
She called Yasmine to ask where they were.
The address Yasmine gave left her stunned.
Wasn't that Melvin's old hangout spot?
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