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"Some things."

"Not all of them."

"No," he says. "Not all of them."

I smile despite myself. That part, at least, feels honest.

We leave the restaurant later and walk farther into the village. Ross keeps pace beside me instead of slightly ahead, which is such a small thing that I almost laugh at myself for noticing it. Then he stops in front of a shop window and tilts his head slightly as he studies something inside. The movement hits me so quickly that I lose the thread of whatever I was about to say.

Wells does that. Exactly that. He tilts his head the same way when he's trying to decide whether something is worth his attention.

Ross looks over.

"What?"

I realize I've been staring.

"Nothing," I say.

His expression changes. Not suspicious. Concerned.

"Blaire."

"I'm fine."

He studies me for another second, then lets it go. That matters too. The old Ross would have pushed until I gave him an answer.

We continue walking. A few minutes later, he says something about one of the buildings, and when I disagree with him, one eyebrow lifts in that familiar way.

Miles.

The resemblance is different this time, but just as sharp. I look away before Ross can catch me staring again. This is becoming harder. Not because I don't know who he is. Because I do. I know the way he thinks now. I know the way he moves through a room, the way he goes quiet when he's listening, the way his face changes when he's amused but trying not to show it. And I know those same pieces in my sons.

We walk back toward the car slowly, and I keep hearing Chloe's voice in my head. You're sitting across from their father. The thought doesn't feel abstract anymore.

Ross opens the passenger door for me, and before I get in, I look at him. He pauses.

"What is it?" he asks.

For one reckless second, I think about telling him. Not everything. Just enough to begin. My mouth opens, but nothing comes.

Ross waits.

I shake my head.

"I was just thinking," I say.

"About?"

I look toward the village behind him.

"About how different this feels."

Ross doesn't move.

"Different from before?"

"Yes."