"Well, you can feel free to show me any time," Tasha responded easily. "Generally by taking me out for naughty ice cream when I'm supposed to be maintaining peak fitness," she added with a wink. "I really appreciate you, too. I know you'd do the same for me. That sort of honesty from people like Deirdre and Stephie helped me to be the person I am today."

Mara made Spectre giggle, both by being cute and tickling his nose. He adored her so much, and loved to see her bond with such a sweet girl as Kait. Already, Mara was making wonderful friends, and it set Spectre's heart very much at ease. He knew that, despite everything she'd been through, Mara would be happy. And everyone around her would do everything they could to preserve that.