Two weeks following their private encounters at the movie theater and the park, Maybella and Mark found themselves by the lake, which held the distinction of being the oldest in the state and notably lacked surveillance cameras. It was 5:30 in the evening, and Maybella and Mark were engaging in an intimate embrace in the bed of Mark's truck—a vehicle he seldom used, chosen specifically for this occasion to demonstrate his rustic roots to Maybella. Maybella's dogs, Hank and Dash, were situated in the cab of the truck, with the left rear door open. The absence of others around them allowed Maybella to express herself vocally during their intimate interaction, a sound that was accompanied by the noticeable noise of physical contact. Her hands gripped Mark's back intently, and so engrossed were they in their passionate engagement that they failed to notice their colleague, Annie, approaching until she exclaimed in a voice tinged with shock and disbelief, "Mr. Hoffman? Maybella?" Startled, Maybella and Mark hastily sat up and adjusted their clothing. Annie continued, "Mr. Hoffman, you insisted it was unprofessional to enter into relationships with colleagues. I will ensure that both of you face consequences for this." Realizing the imminent threat to their careers, Maybella issued a warning, "You should run, Annie; you're about to become dog food." With a whistle, she summoned Hank and Dash, who promptly rose. Annie fled, but with Maybella's command, "Get her boys," Hank and Dash pursued and swiftly caught up with Annie, resulting in a fatal attack. Once the deed was done, Hank and Dash returned to the truck, and Maybella and Mark drove away from the lake. Their destination was a dog-friendly café, where Maybella attended to the task of cleaning the blood from Hank and Dash's mouths before they went inside to enjoy a meal. After dinner, they proceeded to Maybella's residence. As they entered, Charm greeted her with a meow. Maybella then fed Hank, Dash, and Charm. Choosing to extend their evening together, Maybella invited Mark to stay the night. While Maybella visited the bathroom, Mark made his way to her bedroom. It was during this time that Maybella felt an inclination to take a pregnancy test. Upon receiving a positive result, she exclaimed to herself in astonishment, "Well, I'll be doggone, I'm pregnant." She returned to the bedroom, pregnancy test in hand, and announced to Mark, "I have a surprise for you," revealing the test. Mark's face lit up with excitement as he inquired, "I'm going to be a father? How far along are you?" Maybella speculated, "I imagine two weeks since you released inside me two weeks ago" Contented, Maybella and Mark lay down beside each other, soon drifting into slumber with Hank, Dash, and Charm settled in their respective resting places.