Blair tickled Nolan’s side as they walked to the car. “Come on, buddy. Just one hint. Tell me what we’re doing.”

Nolan shook his head. “Mommy told me I’m not allowed to say.”

And since when do you actually listen? Blair thought to herself. “But it’s my birthday weekend, and I’m sad because you’re keeping a secret from me. Please tell me.” Blair pushed her bottom lip out in an exaggerated frown.

Nolan looked at Erin, who was walking far enough ahead of them not to hear their conversation, then looked back at Blair. “Okay. I tell you.” His eyes went wide, but his smile went even wider. “We going to a carnival. There’s rides and games and it’s like a big arcade.” When he said big, he motioned with his hands dramatically. “And we love arcades. Right, Bear?”

“That’s right, buddy, we do.” The truth was, carnivals were one of Blair’s favorite things, but she didn’t remember ever sharing that with Erin. She scooped a giggling Nolan into her arms and ran with him to catch up to her. “Did I tell you how much I like carnivals? Because I don’t remember having that conversation.”

Erin looked confused at first, but when the realization hit her, the look of confusion became one of annoyance. “Really, Nolan? You promised me you wouldn’t tell.”

“Bear was sad.”

“Manipulating my son, huh?” Erin looked at Blair and shook her head. It was clear she was trying to keep a straight face, but she cracked a smile within seconds.

Blair shrugged. “I decided to go for the easier target.”

Erin smiled even wider now. “You don’t fight fair. To answer your question, though, you never told me you liked carnivals. I just made an educated guess and really hoped I was right.”

“Well, you must be very smart, because you’re exactly right. I fu-” When Blair remembered that Nolan was in her arms, she stopped herself. “Freaking love carnivals. They’re literally one of my favorite things.”

“And there’s rides,” Nolan said excitedly.

“ Some  rides,” Erin said, giving Blair the impression they had this conversation before. “The little ones that you can do by yourself. Mommy doesn’t do rides that aren’t permanently attached to the ground.”

Blair laughed and tickled Nolan’s side once again. “Lucky for you, little dude, Blair does.”

“Yay, Bear! Rides! Rides! Rides!”