*Lauren*

The sun was putting on a fiery show as it dipped toward the horizon when I finally managed to slip away from Shelby's welcome home bash. I was excited to have her back safe and our family all together again. But after all that crazy drama, I just needed a breather.

I kicked off my sandals and strolled down the empty beach, letting the warm sand squish between my toes with each step. The rhythmic lapping of the waves was calming, like it washed away the last little ...