“Ah!” Colleen brushed the loose hair from Rosie’s face, feeling again the childhood familiarity of her smile. “I won’t say a word.”

Colleen stood up straight and turned toward the group, where Gavin and Walter glanced her way but didn’t move, not one inch, as if posing for a photo. Gavin smiled, but Walter’s face appeared warped as though half of it wanted to smile while the other half was unsure.

Colleen wouldn’t make anyone participate in an awkward moment, least of all herself. She opened the back door and entered the kitchen, Rosie trailing behind wondering if Aunt Lena liked water parks and long slides.

Safe inside, with the door closed, Colleen smiled at her niece. “I love long slides like you do. But I have to help with the secret party, too. Okay?”

“Do you think it will be Grandy’s last party?”

“What?” Colleen’s voice pitched high and Rosie stepped back at the change in tone.

“I heard Mommy say that to Daddy. That maybe it was his last party, and she wants it to be so perfectly perfect. It’s not his last, right?”

“Oh, Rosie, I don’t think so. Your mom just wants things to be good for this one. I know one thing for sure—it is his last sixtieth birthday!” Inside Colleen seethed at her sister’s carelessness. Yes, careless, that was what Hallie was. With hearts and sisterhood and love.

Rosie nodded and jumped up and down on her tiptoes, reaching for something unseen. “Someday I’ll be tall as you, right?”

“Most likely taller,” Colleen said and bent to face Rosie.

“Because I want to look like you.” She touched the edge of Colleen’s shorts, pulled on a loose thread. “I hope I do.”

“Oh, sweetie.” Colleen sat on a kitchen chair and faced Rosie. “You are going to be beautiful in your own way. Your own Rosie way.”

“You think so?” Rosie pulled her shoulders back, stood taller.

“You already are.”

The footsteps and voices of Gavin, Walter and Sadie drew closer and Colleen kissed Rosie’s cheek and escaped to her bedroom, closing the door as quietly as she could.

Shane’s voice joined them; he’d arrived to pick up Dad. And although she couldn’t hear the words, what was important were the sounds. Sounds of family. Laughter. Cross talk. Doors opening and closing.