Page 30 of How to Hide Your Angel Kid

Pinks’ face wasnotgrowing hotter.

“You too, cart. You did great.” Galent grabbed the shopping cart’s handle and patted its side; it shivered and rolled closer to Galent’s leg.

“It likes you,” Pinks said, scooping Zarrie back into his arms. “You should give it a name.”

As they began the brisk walk home, Galent gave Pinks a sideways glance. “Naming it means we’re keeping it around.”

“I saidyou,notwe.”

Galent huffed. “Are you trying to make it sad, Pinks? Are you that cruel?”

“It likesyou.”

“I’m fairly sure it likes you, too. You kept it around while I was a statue, didn’t you?”

Pinks scowled, needing to get in the last word. “It’s not coming into the house with us.”

“Do you want someone to kidnap our cart and use it as bait?”

Pinks hesitated. Kidnappers were dangerous. Who knew what they’d do to an innocent cart? “Fine. I guess it can come in with us. But it’s not allowed near Zarrie.”

“That’s reasonable.”

Even though the threat had been neutralized, Pinks couldn’t help glancing around, jumping at every new sound. The last time he’d been alone with Zarrie, he’d been kidnapped.

“Hey, we’ll be fine. You’re safe.” Galent squeezed his shoulder.

“Only if you don’t get stuck as a statue.”

“Cart here is a superhero,” Galent said proudly. “It’ll roll in to rescue you every time.”

“You can’t call it Cart,” Pinks spluttered.

“You said I can call it anything I want. What about SuperCart?”

Pinks opened and closed his mouth. “That’s a terrible name.”

Galent’s smile was only too smug. “Youname it, then.”

“Limesicart,” Pinks said. When Galent raised his eyebrows, Pinks explained, “Like limesicle, but a cart. It was the first word to pop into my mind.”

“You’re no better,” the giant said, pleased.

“Uh, no! I’m way better than you!”

“Of course. And I think we should speed up our journey home.” Galent swept Pinks into a bridal carry and began to run.

Pinks squawked. “It’s so high up here!”

“Close your eyes, then.”

The trees and buildings flew past them. Galent was taking big strides,fast,and Pinks could only huddle against his broad, solid chest. By the time they made it back to the safehouse, Galent wasn’t even panting. He deposited Pinks and Zarrie gently at the door, then lifted the cart onto the porch and kicked the dirt off its wheels. Galent ran his hands over the cart to make sure it was unhurt.

“It’s like you’ve been waiting to have your very own pet all your life,” Pinks blurted.

Galent grinned. “What can I say? Being around you makes me want to care for things.”

“Sweet talker.”

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