The Men Who Believed in Melanie

My dad’s phone buzzed against the linoleum counter, rattling like a nervous tooth.

When he picked up, a man’s voice tore through the receiver, tight and venomous: "I don’t give a damn who you are. Stay the hell away from my wife, Melanie."

Dad’s neck flushed instantly crimson. "Melanie is my wife!"

A dry, ugly bark of laughter came from the other end. "Like hell she is. Melanie’s living in my house, carrying my son."

Dad puffed his chest, voice cracking on the high notes. "You’re out of your mind! She’s carrying my twin boys!"