*Shelby*

The salty scent of the ocean breeze wafted through the open windows as I stood in the sunlit kitchen, feeling the warmth of the wooden floor beneath my bare feet. Michael and I were discussing our plans for a beach barbecue to welcome Lauren to the resort.

We hadn't seen her in much too long, and I wanted her to feel comfortable around us. The twins had been laid down for their afternoon nap, allowing us a moment of peace as the radio played soft melodies in ...