"They'll be okay," Dad said comfortably, dropping back to stroll beside Ghastly as they made their way downstairs. He didn't say how He knew it (which was obvious) or why He thought so (because that was equally obvious) or even how it was going to happen (and that could have been any way at all).

He didn't lead the way to the waiting room where Valkyrie would inevitably be; rather, He walked by Ghastly's side, just as He had the whole afternoon. "Reckon she liked you," He added, grinning at the sorcerer. "Reckon he did too. Good of you to give 'im somethin' for contact."

As if, as far as He was concerned, Ghastly could still have declined. Could still have objected, despite Dad suggesting it and even actively pointing Ghastly out as a source of help. They reached the elevator and Dad prodded the button; at once the doors opened, the elevator empty, for them to step in.