Martin Riley watched as Crystal Foster returned looking a bit downcast. He immediately wrapped his arms around her waist, lifting her like a child and settling onto the couch with her in his lap.
"What happened? Did the White Family mother and daughter give you a hard time today?" he asked gently.
Crystal shook her head. "No, my godparents were there today. You should've seen it; my godmother was so fierce in defending me." She buried her head in Martin's neck, her voice muffled and soft. "I just miss my dad a little."
Otto stood at the kitchen door, watching his affectionate parents with the demeanor of a little adult. He sighed, then turned back to the kitchen and tugged on the apron of the auntie who was cooking.
"Auntie, I'm hungry. Can you give me a snack? I'll eat it here."
The auntie chuckled, glancing at the loving couple in the living room before turning to slice some fruit for Otto. "Be patient, Otto. Dinner will be ready soon. Have some fruit first."
