#anywhere

"Honey, there may not be a catch. I can't see the Count sending us folks who were too shady" Tove says "But it's relief she didn't lie. That.. that helsp me a lot"

"I like her but she can't run with me on her back like Sis can" CJ points out

"A problem" A nod so somber from Tove

"Well, if everybody could, would it be as special?"

CJ thinks about this VERY deeply

Dag exhales. "I just... worry."

Tove nods "me too, but I know, you have ..reasons to worry about hsi food and more" She does not bring up the details, not in front of CJ "Anyone trying ANYTHING like that with CJ would not be kept her long. I promise you that"

"But what if she does it when nobody is watching?"

"CJ's so little, he doesn't know better."

A pause. "I want to like her."

"The fact you want to reassures me. You want to be in on the other two interviews as well?" Tove says

"Two more?"

Huff. Nod.

"Two more" A nod "I think CJ deserves the best for him, whoever that is, out of the three" Her mom seems firm "I am grateful for this, Dagmar, but we both will be more at ease if we get to go over options well. I want you on the emergency contact list too. Is that okay?"

"Of course. You know I'm always here for you."

A smile "Well, you have your own life but yes"

"You gotta make the grades, gotta yeet, gota make the old folk proud..." CJ says enthustiasticly

Tove blinks at her son "CJ where did you hear that?"

"Unca Vali" CJ grins "He's funny."

A sigh from Tove, then a look at Dagmar "Clearly a Nanny is a good idea for a lot of reasons. Vali's babysitting was apprecited, but uhm.. well"

"And that gives you more freedom to do gigs and go places..."

"I don't want mom to go" A pout from CJ

"And I would take you to everyone if I could, CJ" She picks him up and says "But your father needs help, and I'm his partner. It's how i chip in. What do we Kings do?"

"Share the load!" CJ says, then sighs "Can't we share the load closenstuff?"

A chuckle from Tove and she hugs her son "Even when we're miles away, we're close. Sometimes we have to be apart, but that's okay. When we need each other really really bad, we're there.. Kings share the load, and sometimes the load is far ... but we can do it. Now, show your sister how much stronger your getting"

the toddler makes a flex motion and puts on a war face as he shows his 'bicep' "Rarr"

"See how tough he's getting?" Tove says with an utterly straight face

"Rar!" She grins, and mirrors his flex.

Clearly, one bicep is bigger than the other

but Tove says "my gosh, it's like twins here with you two"

CJ laughs , not in mockery but joy

"Tiny mountain!" She scoops CJ up into a hug.

"Big Storm" He hugs her back

There is a sound of a camera being used. Tove has mad mother reflexes for moments like this.

"Mo-om!" She laughs.

"Mo-om" CJ joins in

"i'm not even a little sorry" Tove grins woflishly

"Can we go see the pups, Sis?" CJ ask

Then he goes on "Their eyes are OPEN"

"Sure kiddo."

"What will you two want for lunch when you get back?" Tove says

"PB & J?" Big eyes.

"with the grape jelly for me?" CJ hopes

"Yes, PB & J with each of your favorite jellies" Tove promises

"Yay. Puppies and PB&J!" CJ seems to think this is truly the best of all timelines

"Yup! Sounds like a good plan."

"It does. Bye you too" She waves. And off Brother and sister go, to see the puppies who can now see them back!

And Tove feels a flash of guilt because she knows she's gonna milk that Free Nanny like a cow in a famine

(End Scene)

The puppies were adorable, Gerd had been there watching by Gwen's side, and CJ got a lesson on puppy care.