At the baggage claim, Jesse pulled one of their suitcases off the carousel with a dramatic groan. “If either of you packed bricks, I’m tossing them into the ocean,” he joked, earning a playful shove from Alina.

They had finally arrived in Alicante, a calm coastal city far from their usual busy lives.

The villa Jesse booked was stunning, modern yet cozy, with two separate apartments under one roof. One for him, the other for Aiden and Alina.

“Goodnight. I’m sleepy,” Jesse ...