The latter request didn't surprise Alex at all, but the former one did, and it showed in the way Alex's eyebrows lifted for a moment. Instinctively she wanted to argue, as she always did, but seeing that tired, smudged little face through the car window was more than enough of a convincing argument to persuade her.

"I promise." Her thumb skimmed lightly over Richard's fingers for a moment before she took her hand back and climbed into the driver's seat.

When Richard climbed into the back, he found Brooklyn studying him curiously. For a moment she'd felt a really nice feeling, like eating your favorite food ever and going to bed in your favorite pajamas with a full belly. A squishy and warm feeling. "Is Alex your girlfriend?" she whispered, leaning over as far as the seatbelt would allow and shielding her mouth with her hand.