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“No,” S my attention “That has been taken care of as well,” she said, chin jerking up in a way that made it clear who had taken care of it

“Sof…”

“We do whatever it takes to protect Fa “By the way, Josie, your dish was banging We’ve been picking at it It got a little crispy at the edges, but there was a lot going on tonight”

“I brought so Josie into the kitchen “I know your throat elato for you if you want so”

“You elato?” Josie asked, a mix of impressed and incredulous

“Of course I do!”

“She takes orders for custoet French vanilla with chocolate hazelnut Pirouette mixed in It’s the best”

“That sounds good,” Josie admitted as she let herself be pushed onto one of the kitchen stools

I wanted to get her to bed, but I knew better than to try to get in the way of the fussing the woive Josie

So I went ahead and boiled some water for Josie as I made coffee for myself

“No, you have to think bigger,” Selato additives “Not just mint But Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies”

“Oh, that sounds really good,” Josie admitted

“It’s done I will get the cookies tomorrow,” Aunt Adrian said

“What? No No, that’s not necessary”

“Necessary,” Aunt Adrian scoffed, absent the island counter “I want to It’s done We take care of fa a hand like it was a done deal Which, in her mind, it was

“Here, baby,” I said, passing Josie the tea

“Did you put honey in it?” Smush asked

“You have to put honey in it,” Aunt Adrian insisted, waving an ar that “It’s soothing,” she added, patting et the honey herself

“You don’t need to fuss over—“ Josie started, then cut off and jerked upright when the front door opened

It was going to be a while before she didn’t jump at shadows and sudden sounds I hated that, but I knew there was nothing I could do but be there for her, and assure her that she was safe