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I stand up and start stor down the beach to Phoenix with Liesel hot on my heels

“Langston,” Liesel warns fro she’s the reason Phoenix is here

“They love her She loves them We can’t keep them apart; it’s not fair”

I growl and then start down the beach again without speaking to Liesel She continues to follow afterstupid

“Mom, have you met our other mom?” Rose asks Phoenix

“I have She’s pretty awesome, isn’t she?” Phoenix asks Rose

“She is! I’rabs Atlas’ hands and jumps up and down He just rolls his eyes at her

Phoenix stands and nods a thank you to Liesel before she turns to look atat the kids, I say, “Atlas, Rose, how about you race back to the house?”

“Are you going to race us?” Atlas asks

“Us adults will race after you”

The kids take off

I stare Phoenix down “I’ this for them, not for you”

“Of course,” Phoenix answers

“If you hurt the—I will kill you, your brothers, and anyone you’ve ever met Do you understand?”

“I won’t hurt them I would never hurt them”