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“Star,” she says quickly

“Star Brandon and her daughter Caic, pulls a sucker out of his pocket The little girl takes it and sht, and a little dimple is in her cheek

“She’s a cutie,” Walt says, giving her arht tap

Touching his shoulder, I pull him aside and lower otten some threats No one is to come near these two”

He’s immediately serious “I’ll alert the other dooruys, postmen”

I give his shoulder a squeeze, and the level of appreciation I feel for hiood man, Walt I confess, I miss you”

“Ahh, you traded up, Mr A” He laughs in his warm, scratchy voice “How’s Miss Jones and your little look-alike?”

I can’t help the wince of pain at his question, and he see’s okay”

Patting his shoulder I nod and s back the thickness inwill be fine, Walt” It will be fine

Mariska is at Stuart’s place, and the minute she hears us arrive, she’s atsome filmy, red handkerchief-print dress, but she’s pulled an oversized, drab-grey fisherman’s sweater on top of it It falls off one shoulder, and with her loose, broaves pulled in a high ponytail, I don’t kno she does it She actuallyhappier than I’ve seen him in my life

“Drop off your stuff and co

“Okay!” Star’s tension seehtly

“Do you think Cammie will coirl, who’s sucking a pacifier now and still clutching her limp bunny

Star and her daughter share those huge doe-eyes “I don’t know” Her irl on her hip

“Let’s see” Mariska holds out her hands with cheerful confidence “Cammie! Come here, baby! Come with Aunt Mare Mare!”