"I will," Sherry promised earnestly. She cared a lot for Claire, and the last thing she wanted was to see Claire hurt again (though she was sure that the older woman wanted to go through recovery all over again even less). "I promise." Sherry smiled at him, and then looked momentarily hesitant, as if she were pondering a last-minute decision.

The little girl threw her arms around his big shoulders and hugged him, her heart hammered in her ribcage nervously. She only hoped Chris didn't suddenly decide to squish her like a tube of toothpaste. "I'll watch Mom until you get back."