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And clearly upset

His dark eyes were clouded orry, his broas furrowed, and his jaas clenched “Sorry to bother you, but have you seen—”

“Daddy!” Luna ca up the hall with Hallie close behind

At the sight of his girls, the guy relaxed his shoulders and expression souys cannot just run off like that I didn’t knohere you were”

“Sorry,” Luna said contritely “I needed a new Band-Aid”

“And we didn’t want to ask you because you were already being a grouch about the couch,” Hallie added

“Hey, that rhy sister with adrouch about the couch”

I s by his expression, their father was not amused

“Please coive him space I held out my hand “I’m Winnie”

“Just like the Pooh!” Luna said

Although I was used to the joke, I felt roarm

“I’m Dex” He didn’t exactly save uessed—he had soray at his temples, and a few faint lines on his forehead But when he wasn’t frowning, his dark scruff frahtly fuller lower lip

“Nice toas he shook my hand

He gestured to the girls “These two strays are hters, Hallie and Luna”

“She knows us already, Dad,” said Hallie impatiently

“She gave me the Band-Aid” Luna showed off her knee “It’s much better than yours”

Dex rolled his eyes and looked at ain “Sorry for the intrusion”

“Not at all I’oes well If you need anything, just let me know”

“Thanks” He looked at his kids “Let’s go, girls”

“Can we go swi on his shirt

“No There’s too ether” He pushed the screen door open

“What about a ride in the truck?” Luna asked, taking his hand “You promised”

“We’ll see,” Dex answered, shepherding the “Thanks again”