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***
James lets Fran sleep this go around. Lord knows she needs it.
He cradles Cali close, soothing her tiny whimpers as he carefully keeps the bottle tilted for her. Her eyes flutter sleepily, just like his do.
His exhausted smile drops instantly when that familiar frigid air cuts across his skin.
Cliff looks down at him, and James instinctively holds Cali closer, as if Cliff was going to snatch her away.
“Go away.”
The simple words hit Cliff like a punch, and he frowns, but he does as he’s told.
James tries not to get his tears on Cali’s cheeks.
***