Arden felt similarly about the mention of 'North Carolina' and 'family stuff.'

"Mama!" the little boy cried and ran towards the bed. Just when it looked like he was going to run into the bed, he jumped. Jumped far higher than any tiny child just barely out of toddlerhood should be able to jump, landing neatly on the bed next to her, and wrapping his arms around her.

"Oh, um, hello," she said, wrapping her arms around him back, because no child was going to feel unloved or unwelcome in her presence. "Definitely not expecting you, but we're both real glad to see you. What are your names?"