“Hey buddy.” I blow raspberries on his cheek, and he giggles. Rory is a perfect blend of his parents with adorable little dimples. Rowan and Diesel got married two months ago, and I hope they’ll try for baby number two soon. Grandma Bishop hasn’t stopped reminding them.

“Is Elle here?” Rowan asks.

I look around. “I don’t see her yet, but…” My eyes widen when they land on Dr. Wallen, her boss. “Oh my God,” I mutter quietly, and Rowan’s gaze follows mine.

“I thought you said he was bringing a date?” Rowan whispers, taking Rory from my arms when he starts to fuss.

“I-I assumed he was…” I have to pick up my jaw from the floor at the little girl’s hand he’s holding. “He asked to bring someone.”

“Elle’s gonna be so mad at you.” Rowan chuckles.

Kenzie comes over to us, and we fill her in. “Wow.” She eyes Connor up and down. “He’s somehow hotter now.”

“Kenzie, ew. He’s way too old for you anyway.” I scoff.

“Really? You gonna talk to me about age?”

I roll my eyes. “Shut up. I better text Elle and warn her.”

“Too late,” Kenzie mutters, staring at the front door.

“Shit.”

Elle walks in with a man I’ve never seen before, and he’s dressed in black slacks and a sleek black button-up shirt. He’s tall, with broad shoulders, and fit. He looks like a guy her mom would set her up with. Perhaps he’s a doctor from the hospital Aunt Emily works at, but nevertheless, things are about to get awkward.

“Maize…” Gavin comes to my side and brushes my elbow.

“I saw,” I say before he can speak. “Is that his…daughter?”

“Yeah, Olivia. She’s six. He shares custody with his ex-wife,” he informs me.

Well, fuck.

Elle spots us and walks over with a bright, friendly smile. “Hey, guys.” We exchange a hug.

“Hey, who’s your date?” I ask.

“This is Stephen. He’s a doctor and works with my mom.”

Nailed it.

“Hi, Stephen, nice to meet you.” I shake his hand. “I’m Maize, Elle’s cousin.”

“A pleasure to meet y’all.”

He shakes Kenzie’s, then Rowan’s, and Gavin’s hand next.

“You have a lovely home. Elizabeth’s informed me it was recently built.”

Elizabeth? I nearly cringe at the way he uses her full name, considering none of us do.

“Yes, well, it’s been a few months, but it took some time to finish. Plus, the Bishops love any reason for a party.” I chuckle because it’s true.

I turn to Elle, and my eyes widen. “Can I talk to you for a quick sec?”

“Uh—sure.” Just as we’re about to walk off, Connor comes over with a pointed glare as he holds his daughter’s hand.