James had just curled up on the couch, legs tucked beneath her and ears open for the sound of waking little boys, when the knock sounded on the door. In an instant, she was on her feet and following Josiah. Her arm snaked around him, her hand resting on his far hip.
"The boys have obviously been through a lot, and they need their rest," James reiterated, her face impassive and her tone cool. "Why don't you tell us what's going on?"
She was aware that Josiah probably hadn't encountered this side of her-- the emotionless, get-things-done, doesn't-take-shit side. Even when they'd just been player and referee, their arguments had been loud and passionate (and that had obviously been something that had carried over into their relationship). It was, however, the best way for her to handle this situation, unless it was just the two of them.