Irvin's POV
Barnaby looked between his mother and brother, bewilderment written across his face. "What's happening here?" he demanded, suspicion lacing his words.
"Barnaby, sweetheart, please sit," Louise urged, motioning to the velvet armchair. Her voice carried warmth, yet beneath it lay steely resolve. "There's something crucial we need to discuss."
I settled back into the couch, watching Barnaby hesitantly claim his seat. The atmosphere grew thick with unspoken tension, like storm clouds gathering overhead.
Louise folded her hands, leaning toward her son. "Barnaby, how do you feel about marriage?"
Barnaby's eyes widened, his forehead creasing. "What are you getting at?"
"Precisely what it sounds like," Louise responded evenly. "How would you feel about taking a wife? Building your own family?"
Barnaby released a shocked laugh, sinking deeper into his chair. "Mom, what brought this on?" His gaze darted to me, seeking some explanation.
