"Good," they said in unison. The younger Corbie startled to hear it, and the older Corbie laughed. "You trust him?" the latter asked.

Corbie made a gesture that was part a shrug, part a nod before she let go of Jackson's hand.

So it was wide open for the older Corbie to pass him the little girl in her arms. "This is Bonnie. I'd tell her to say hi, but she hasn't quite managed words yet. Or walking, but she's working on that one." Even through the confidence in her words, though, she didn't immediately take her hands away. Not until she was sure he wouldn't drop her. "Just for a little bit." There was the first little waver of uncertainty, of a question. She looked up at him with those same large blue eyes.