*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 knots of stress still bunching my shoulders. With each deep breath of that salty ocean air, I could feel my brain finally starting to unwind from all the nonstop adrenaline and worry.
It had been one hell of a roller coaster ride just getting to this point. First, the total freakout when Shelby vanished, with Dad damn near working himself into an early grave trying to find her. I had to be the responsible one for once, keeping it together for the twins while the rest of the family lost their minds.