The weight of Marcus's question hung in the air between them, and Samantha felt her mind racing through possibilities and fears in equal measure. The simple inquiry—what do you want?—carried implications that went far beyond their current location, touching on desires and dynamics they'd carefully avoided discussing for months.
Before she could formulate a response, Evangeline's voice cut through her internal debate with characteristic directness.
"Oh, for crying out loud," the older woman said with an amused shake of her head. "Look at you both, sitting there like you're about to negotiate a peace treaty instead of having dinner. Samantha, honey, you don't have to solve the mysteries of the universe right this second. The question will still be there after dessert."
Samantha felt her shoulders drop with relief she hadn't realized she was carrying. "Thank you," she said, meaning it more than the simple words could convey.
