Page 261 of Where We Stay

Six fucking days.

And somehow, Blair hasn’t found it.

That’s impressive considering the woman can locate a missing sock like she’s been trained by the FBI.

I’m standing in the kitchen with the tiny velvet box in my hand when Aspen walks in. I shove it into my pocket, but her eyes narrow immediately.

“What are you hiding?” she asks.

“Nothing.”

Aspen plants her hands on her hips.

She looks exactly like Rory when she does that.

“You’re a bad liar, Dad.”

“I’m not lying.”

“You just put something in your pocket.” She points directly at it.

I stare at her.

She stares back.

Fucking Ashfords.

“Come here,” I tell her with a sigh.

Aspen practically runs across the kitchen. “What is it?”

“Quiet.” I glance toward the stairs. Blair is upstairs getting ready, and the last thing I need is Pen blowing this before we’ve even left the house.

Rory arrived half an hour ago under the excuse of helping Blair choose something to wear. Somehow, that didn’t raise any suspicion.

As far as Blair knows, I’m taking her to dinner.

Aspen is staying here with Rory tonight, which was easy enough to arrange considering my sister nearly tackled me when I told her I was finally proposing.

I pull the box from my pocket and open it.

Aspen gasps so loudly I immediately snap it shut.

“Pen,” I hiss.

“Sorry,” she whisper-yells.

I fight a smile. “Can you actually whisper?”

Aspen nods aggressively, so I open the box again.

Her eyes widen as she studies the oval diamond set on the delicate gold band.

“Is that for Blair?” she whispers.

“Yeah, baby girl.”

“You’re going to marry her?”