CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTEEN – SETTING UP A DATE

As soon as she hit send, a mix of excitement and anxiety washed over her. Was she making the right decision? Before she could dwell on it further, Kayla's voice called out from the other room. "Mommy! I'm hungry!" Deonna smiled, pushing her worries aside for the moment. "Coming, sweetie!" Later that afternoon, Deonna and Kayla met Marcus at the park. He had set up a charming picnic blanket under a shady tree, complete with a wicker basket full of treats. "Wow, you really went all out," Deonna said, impressed. Marcus grinned. "Well, I wanted to make it special for both of you." As they settled onto the blanket, Kayla immediately reached for a bright red apple. "Can I have this, Mommy?" "Of course, sweetheart. What do we say to Marcus for bringing such yummy food?" Kayla turned to Marcus with a shy smile. "Thank you, Mr. Marcus." Marcus chuckled. "You're very welcome, Kayla. And please, just call me Marcus." As they ate and chatted, Deonna found herself relaxing. Marcus was gre