Well, he’d moved at least, but he was still gaping down at her like a frog to a fly and she wanted to reach up and flick his nose so that he might actually have something to be startled at rather than look at her. Unfortunately both her hands were occupied with their purchases for the day and keeping Marigold close; nose flicking would have to wait. Fatigue, however, was not the best ally in the moment and she huffed a sigh. “Yes, I’m quite alright,” She repeated in a short tone, stepping back once more only to hear a small, sharp squeak emit from behind her; she’d accidentally trod on her daughter’s toe.

“Mamaaaa, that huurt!”

Shit. She grimaced before tearing her gaze away from the tall man. “I’m so sorry, darlin’.” Avery glanced down at Marigold who had skittered as far away as she could, which only resulted in her moving in a small arc seeing as her mother was currently holding her hand with a vice-like grip. Shooting another look at the man, she turned away and crouched down to Marigold’s level murmuring platitudes to her and promising sweets as recompense.

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