Xandar caught up to his wife, and wrapped his arms around her small body, hiding her in his warm chest and pecking kisses in her hair, trying his best to comfort her. After a moment, he muttered, “You didn’t have a choice, Lucy.”

In a small, chopped voice, she murmured, “We could’ve waited. But then Stella…”

“Exactly. Stella wouldn't have been able to see her mother if you didn’t make Margaret cooperate. You put Stella before her mother. It’s not wrong, Lucy.”

When she got a better hold of herself, she whispered, “I know I’m just shifting blame to think this but I wish Tate had stopped me somehow.”

Xandar...