“Yes.” Likewise without letting go, Aeris flashed an arch smile in William's direction. “And you ought to call me Aeris.” “What? Why?” “’Tis my name.” “Is it?” William blinked, turned his head to study him, almost suspicious, from the corner of one eye. “But your kids call you Dani.” “That is title and endearment.” Aeris lifted one shoulder in a gesture of playful nonchalance. “They have never agreed on whether I am mother or father or older sibling, so they gave me a name which is like-but-not all three.” “Oh. So it's like... a family nickname.” “Yes, and though you are part of my
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