Takoda, who had settled on the floor near the table with her sandwiches, watched them with interest.
"Mother, can I feed Cooper too?"
Dakota looked at her. "You can help him with his water if he needs it."
Takoda nodded enthusiastically. "I can do that."
Sera and Dimitri had taken seats near the window, their own plates in their laps. Sera watched the family with a warm expression, while Dimitri occasionally glanced toward Dakota and the children, a quiet smile on his face.
"How are the sandwiches?" Dakota asked Takoda.
"Good!" Takoda answered around a mouthful.
"Chew before you speak, sweetheart. If you don't, you might end up choking."
Takoda nodded and chewed more carefully, though she continued to watch Cooper with obvious interest. Every few bites, she would ask if he needed water or if he wanted her to fetch something for him. Cooper answered her questions patiently, though his attention remained mostly on the food Dakota was offering him.
