The most important things in life required the most concentration, which was why this decision was one that could not be rushed. Not now. Not under any circumstances. It required every last ounce of his concentration. It required . . .

"Stop it, birdie," he chided, his head snapping to the left where the big guy stood. Behind him, bright colours became a river of shelves, and the overhead music sang happily to an upbeat tune. The cozy little alcove they'd stumbled into, spacious but compact enough that just the two of them filled it up, was home to the most amazing stuffed critters. He wanted them all, but he...