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“Absolutely nothing,” Rory adds.

Blair looks at me.

I shrug. “She’s six.”

“That explains Aspen. What’s Rory’s excuse?”

Rory places a hand over her chest. “Rude.”

I kiss Blair before she can interrogate us any further. When I pull away, she’s smiling.

“Where are we going?” she asks.

“Surprise.”

“You know I hate surprises.”

“You love my surprises.”

Blair sighs. “That is unfortunately true.”

I take her coat and help her into it while Rory collects Blair’s purse from the chair.

“I’ve got Aspen,” Rory assures her. “Don’t worry about anything.”

“Thank you.”

“Anytime, B.”

Aspen comes running over. “Have fun!”

Blair bends carefully and kisses the top of her head. “Be good for Aunt Rory.”

“I will.”

Rory raises an eyebrow. “We’ll revisit that statement later.”

I open the front door and place my hand against Blair’s back. “Come on, baby.”

Blair steps outside beside me, then turns to wave goodbye.

Aspen looks directly at me and gives me the least subtle wink I’ve ever seen in my life.

Blair freezes.

I stare at Aspen.

Aspen freezes too.

Rory grabs her by the shoulders and starts pulling her backward into the house.

“What was that?” Blair asks.

“What was what?” Aspen calls innocently.

“The wink.”

“I had something in my eye!”