David was an uncle. Ethan most closely resembled a cousin or a brother. Victor was really more like a shadow that flitted in and out, circled around Elani and Zoë and Elisha toward the edge of her life.

Julien... was certainly nothing like any of them. Certainly was nothing like family.

Her lips press briefly together, eyes flicking toward the window. There wasn't a good word to put to what made him so special, after all; wasn't a good way to sum up what made him so completely important to her existence.

"...I can't imagine they've particular fears of Julien having romantic intentions."

Toward a thirteen-year-old.