“No.” Maren glanced at Juni. “I was already awake.”
Juni looked up, crayon paused halfway through making a rainbow tail violently purple. “Colin went to talk to Uncle Kyle.”
“So I heard.” Maren crossed the room and kissed the top of Juni’s head. “Good morning, Junebug.”
“Mac brought thebigbox of crayons.”
“I see that.” She also saw the look of pride in his eyes and almost laughed.Been there.
“It has a sharpener in the back,” Juni added as she turned the box around to show Maren.
“Oh, fancy.” She winked good-naturedly at Mac.
Mac gave a solemn nod. “Only the best for official safehouse operations.”
Juni considered him. “You color good.”
“Thank you. I’ve been practicing since about five minutes ago.”
That earned him the tiniest smile, which Mac accepted like he’d just won a medal.
Maren felt a little bad for him. He really was trying, just as hard as she had right after Mira died. And Juni, who usually collected friendly adults like shiny rocks, had apparently decided Mac was acceptable but not essential.
Colinwas essential.
Maren gently set that thought on fire and walked toward the kitchen.
“I was thinking about breakfast. I’m not sure what’s here, but I can probably manage something.”
Mac was on his feet immediately. “I can help.”
“Oh, you don’t have to.”
“I know.” He set his mug down near his coloring page. “Still can.”
Juni looked up sharply. “Are you leaving, too?”
Maren caught the way his eyes flicked toward the front window before returning to Juni. “No, ma’am. I’m just going to the kitchen. You can see me from there.”
Both Maren and Juni double checked. The kitchen was central and opened to the front room. Mac would still have a view of the table, the dining room, the front door, and the windows. He was warm, yes. Easy, yes. But still a Watchdog bodyguard.
“Okay,” Juni said finally, and went back to her unicorn.
Mac’s smile returned, but it was gentler now. “Thank you kindly.”
Maren waited until they were in the kitchen before she said quietly, “You’re good at this.”
“At coloring? I’m adequate, but I appreciate your support.”
“At making her feel like she has a choice.”
His smile dimmed into something more serious. “Kids notice more than people think.”
“Yes, they do.”
Mac glanced back toward the table. Juni was now explaining something to Snoopy, low and serious, while she selected a green crayon. “She’s a great kid.”
“She is.” Maren opened the refrigerator. Eggs. Milk. Butter. Creamer. In the crisper, fresh fruit. Orange juice. The remains of the lasagna in its casserole dish. “And I’m not biased at all.”
